Unexpected Alliance: Rivian and Nike ACG Unveil Custom R1T Hydration Hub

In a unique collaboration, electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian has teamed up with Nike's All Conditions Gear (ACG) brand to create a highly specialized mobile hydration and snack station.

It is dubbed with the "R1T Recharge Truck," this custom Rivian R1T pickup is designed to revolutionize support for ultra-endurance trail running competitions, tackling the persistent challenges of remote aid stations.

The trail running has escalated into a seriously competitive sport, with premier events often spanning 100 miles—and even 200 miles for multi-day ultra marathons, and involving significant elevation changes.

These grueling races necessitate frequent and effective hydration and nourishment, but traditional remote aid stations frequently disappoint runners with warm drinks, melted ice, and a lack of shade.

Rivian, known for its outdoor-centric brand philosophy, partnered with Nike ACG, a specialist in trail running footwear and apparel, to address these critical issues for the upcoming Siskiyou Out Back trail running festival, particularly the Brink 100 Mile Trail Run.

This was developed in just 12 weeks by Rivian's dedicated Special Projects division, the R1T Recharge Truck is more than just a modified vehicle; it's a meticulously engineered mobile bodega.

It incorporates Küat roof and bed racks and Kammok extendable awnings as its foundational elements.

The standout feature is undoubtedly the "Slushie Station," which elegantly slides out from the truck's bed onto the open tailgate, secured by carabiners and paracord.

This station is powered by the R1T's substantial 140 kWh battery and onboard outlets, featuring two slushie machines.

One machine will dispense a unique Mango Pickle blend, formulated by Nike nutritionists to offer a distinctive taste and scent, while the other caters to more conventional tastes with a Coca Cola flavor.

Hydration extends beyond slushies, with twin coolers strategically located in the R1T’s frunk. One cooler is designated for clean ice, intended for water bottles and dispensed with supplied scoops, while the other holds ice for immediate body cooling, accessible by hand.

These coolers are equipped with enlarged drains to prevent ice from melting into a watery mess.

The Special Projects team opted against minifridges, anticipating constant ice replenishment by other support vehicles and prioritizing the power draw for the high-demand slushie machines.

A thoughtful detail for runners, the cooler handles are crafted from familiar headlamp bands.

It has nutritional support which is equally integrated, and the R1T's innovative Gear Tunnel, typically used for storage, has been cleverly repurposed into a sliding snack rack.

This rack features shelves and hooks, providing quick access to energy gels, water additives, and various snacks for runners on the go.

With the additional snack provisions are also available on shelves adjacent to the slushie machines.

Furthermore, removable storage boxes are mounted on the bed rack panels, housing essential gear such as first aid kits, blister lancing kits, and toe warmers, ensuring comprehensive runner support.

A crucial element of the Recharge Truck's design is its extensive shading system, with solid Kammock pop-out awnings are complemented by massive, perforated sail panels that extend 360 degrees around the vehicle.

These sails are constructed from Nike ACG's Radical Airflow material, a lightweight, recycled polyester fabric known for its 3D texture that creates a localized cooling effect through a venturi phenomenon.

It was designed with safety in mind, the entire structure is supported by just two posts and two guy wires each to minimize tripping hazards, with custom triangular concrete blocks serving as secure tie-downs where stakes are impractical.

For operations during early mornings and late nights—a necessity for Siskiyou races that can last over 38 hours—the truck is equipped with LED light strips along the perimeter of the sails, powered by the R1T.

These are augmented by hidden LED underglow lights beneath the vehicle's body, and a paramount design principle for the R1T Recharge Truck was ease of deployment and stowage.

Every component can be effortlessly broken down and stored entirely on or within the truck without the need for tools.

The shade structure packs into Pelican long boxes on the roof rack, the slushie machines and snack rack slide into dedicated storage, and the rear seats have been replaced with a platform and tie-downs for additional storage boxes.

This custom R1T is set to join six other Rivian vehicles, forming an "Ultimate Aid Station" to provide unparalleled support for ultra-endurance athletes.