UST has been making camping and survival gear since 1936. But many outdoor enthusiasts won’t recognize the ‘new’ brand.
Formerly UST (Ultimate Survival Technologies), the brand was known for headlamps, multitools, and camp kitchen gadgets. And more often than not, its focus was on survival. Now, the Missouri-based brand takes its founders’ original passion and extends it to other outdoor activities.
The goal of the new-look ust (all lowercase) relaunch, it says, is to “increase participation, expand into new product categories, and celebrate the outdoors.” And when the ust team promised to expand its product line, they weren’t joking. Coinciding with the rebrand, ust just launched a backpacking sleeping pad, sleeping bag, family-size tent, and more.
New ust Gear
Freestyle Backpacking Sleeping Mat
In addition to ust’s slew of camp kitchen gear, the brand now has gear for sleep systems as well. This lightweight (17-ounce) sleeping pad has body-mapped baffles to increase comfort and cut weight, is packable, and comes in regular and short lengths.
See priceHighlander 2-Person Backpacking Tent
This lightweight two-person tent has a super-unique design meant to provide versatility for a variety of adventures. The three-season tent has a packed weight of 4 pounds 2 ounces (under 4-pound minimum trail weight) and a large livable space with one extra-large and one small vestibule (with an access door to reach stored gear).
The features, space, and weight make this tent comparable to a few NEMO, REI Co-op, and Big Agnes tents on the market at a competitive price.
See priceHouse Party Tent
Think large group camping excursion or summer river trip — this “party” tent could be great. The House Party tent comes in four- and six-person models, weighs under 10 pounds (9 pounds 8 ounces for the four-person tent), and incorporates large vents.
The tent has a polyester and mesh body, fully taped seams, and aluminum poles. It also has a roomy peak height of 68 inches and a 2,000mm water column rating.
See priceThe New ust
Recently, ust also moved its headquarters out of Jacksonville, Florida, up to Columbia, Missouri. The brand also plans to launch a docuseries about various people in the outdoors and an in-house podcast (a behind-the-scenes look at new gear).
“We feel incredibly lucky to have the rolling hills and hollers of the Ozark Mountains for our backyard … product testing, exploring, work, play,” wrote ust in a press release. “As a brand, our goal is to inspire and cultivate people’s love of all things outside.”
Check out ust’s rebranded site to see all of its new products.
