First launched in the Cascades in 1971, the UCO (pronounced “you-co”) brand makes utility products for campers and backpackers – best known for the iconic Original Candle Lantern, and now including innovative LED lighting, the original Stormproof Matches, Sweetfire Strikeable Firestarters and cool little portable grills. UCO is a division of Industrial Revolution, Inc., a Seattle-based company that manufactures and distributes outdoor products.
UCO Gear is expanding its headlamp offerings with powerful new models they say will reduce waste, increase performance and make their products available to more consumers.
The models Air, Vapor+ and X+ break down the price barriers that rechargeable lithium-ion headlamps historically have had. Offering these headlamps with out-of-box rechargeable capabilities at $34.99, $49.99 and $59.99 makes these products more accessible and ultimately will save a lot of alkaline batteries from ending up in the landfill.
“We’ve spent the last three years researching what our customers want and need in a headlamp, and were surprised to find there were no headlamps on the market that seamlessly integrated high-output lamps with high-end performance straps,” said Peter Pontano, Industrial Revolution’s Marketing and Product Development Manager. “This line fills a gap in the headlamp space that the big guys aren’t addressing — strap performance. We all have the same resources when it comes to LEDS and power supplies. It’s a level playing field when you look at max lumen output. Where we differentiate ourselves is the Precision Fit & X-Act Fit straps. Our design and manufacturing teams bring a combined 40 years experience in making technical, performance straps in the action sports industry. We’ve leveraged this expertise to solve an actual problem with all headlamps and to create straps that don’t slip, don’t constrict and won’t stretch out over time.”
“The new Precision Fit straps bring our expertise in stitched laminate construction to the headlamps space with performance materials like Lycra and neoprene that offer an unmatched fit, together with our flexible hinge design and the versatility of the Hybrid Power Source,” Pontano said.
The most powerful of the new headlamps, the X series features 5 “Super Bright” LED bulbs with a water resistant IPX4 rating. Use the intuitive infinity dial to easily transition between lighting modes of flood, spot and red night vision, up to 300 lumens. The X-ACT Fit™ strap system provides micro-adjustment for a perfectly custom fit that won’t stretch out. The X+ includes an integrated Hybrid Power Source that allows it to run off a rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack (included), or 3 AAA batteries like the X. Both X+ and X headlamps come with a protective case for travel. MSRP: $69.99/X+, $59.99/X
The Vapor series represents the pinnacle of fit and lighting control for UCO. This headlamp utilizes UCO’s Precision Fit strap with a customizable, stitched neoprene strap available in multiple colorways. Crank your light up to 300 lumens with easy to use Infinity Dial adjustment and red LED options. Like the X+, the Vapor+ features an integrated Hybrid Power Source that runs off a rechargeable Li-Ion battery pack (included), or 3 AAA batteries. MSRP: $49.99/Vapor+, $39.99/Vapor
The AIR headlamp is the most budget-friendly new model, as well as one of the lightest, thinnest options on the market. It includes a Super Bright LED bulb that offers up to 150 lumens as well as a red night vision mode, and is powered by an internal, rechargeable Li-Ion battery. The Precision Fit strap is a highly adjustable, fully stitched neoprene strap that won’t slip, won’t constrict and won’t stretch out over time. Available in five colorways. MSRP: $34.99
The new line will hit the market in October and they are working with a popular subscription box brand to do a special launch at that time, so stay tuned.