Yakima Continues to Expand and Deepen its Product Offerings in 2017 to Meet a Broad Range of Consumer Needs

Inaugural Fall launch cycle includes new options for trending outdoor activities

Lake Oswego, Ore. – June 28, 2017

Yakima is doubling down on its commitment to its retailers and consumers in 2017 with a strong Fall product offering. Covering a variety of price points, from entry to premium, the new products provide gear hauling solutions for trending activities, including kayak fishing, off-roading and stand-up paddle boarding, plus seasonal snow sports products.

At the center of the Fall product launch are the OffGrid, a stylish yet rugged cargo basket; the LongArm, Yakima’s all-new truck bed extender; and the FatCat EVO, an update to the award-winning snow sports mount, the FatCat. Yakima also just launched the ShowDown, the first side-loader for both kayaks and stand-up paddle boards.

“We’re excited to be doubling our launch cycles for 2017 and beyond, and to be deepening our reach to hot market segments, from off-roading and van life to kayak fishing and stand-up paddle boarding. It provides our retailers fresh, seasonal product stories, and our consumers exciting new options to easily transport their gear,” said Joel Grabenstein, Category Director.

Fall 2017 Product Highlights

CARGO

OffGrid 

The perfect blend of function and aesthetics, the new OffGrid brings innovation and all-new features to the cargo basket category. Featuring quick-release SKS locking hardware, fully adjustable crossbars and simple, tool-free installation experience. The OffGrid is as much at home in the backcountry as it is in an urban environment, thanks to its premium aesthetics that perfectly blend toughness and sophistication. To add to its versatility, the OffGrid can double as a versatile base rack for carrying boat, bikes and skis with the addition of gear mounts. It includes a removable fairing for improved aerodynamics.

Those who need a little more space can add on the new OffGrid Extension, which adds up to 40 percent more capacity to the OffGrid. Available in two sizes (medium – additional 18”; large – additional 22”), installation of the extension is smooth and easy. Other new accessories include the OffGrid Shovel/Axe Bracket, Spare Tire Carrier, and Stretch Net.

MSRP

• OffGrid: $499 (Large), $399 (Medium)

• OffGrid Extension: $149

Available: October 2017

EasyTop

A simple, low-cost way to carry your gear when you don’t have a car with a roof rack, or just need a temporary rack. Thick structural padding protests both the vehicle roof and the cargo. The EasyTop soft rack installs in minutes, and can carry a variety of loads, including boats, boards, skis and ladders.

MSRP: $99

Available: July 2017

TRUCK

LongArm

Yakima’s all-new truck bed extender easily extends the length of any truck bed up to 4 feet. Light and strong, the aluminum hitch mounted rack is the ideal solution for hauling fishing kayaks, lumber, ladders and more. The versatile LongArm is adjustable to three load-carrying positions and rated up to 300-pound capacity in lower positions.

Launching along with the LongArm are two accessories: the LongArm Height Extension, which adds extra height to the LongArm to carry loads with a roof rack on the truck cab, and the LongArm Pad, to add extra protection for boats or other long loads.

MSRP:

LongArm: $219

LongArm Height Extension: $69

Long Arm Pad: $19

Available: August 2017

SNOW

FatCat EVO

The most aerodynamic and premium-styled snowsport mount on the market gets even “phatter” for 2017 with more room for gear, a new color option, and a T-slot hardware accessory for a super-low profile. Available in 4 & 6 ski options, the FatCat EVO features over four inches of total additional space for snowboards and today’s wider all-terrain skis, allowing all skis to each be 136 mm wide at the tips. The new HangOver™ clamp location is an optional clamp-mounting position that makes it easier to reach your skis or boards. Available in anodized silver or high-gloss black finishes.

MSRP:

• FatCat EVO 6 Black (6 skis or 4 snowboards): $279

• FatCat EVO 6 Silver (6 skis or 4 snowboards): $299

• FatCat EVO 4 Black (4 skis or 2 snowboards): $229

• SmarT-Slot Kit 2: $19

Available: August 2017

FreshTrack

A fresh take on Yakima’s mid-priced snow mount, the FreshTrack has tool-free universal rack attachments and over 5 inches of additional space for ski sized up to 120 mm each at their tips, and snowboards. It features one-button access for gloves-on operation and is fully lockable with included SKS locks. The FreshTrack is available in 6 ski (or 4 board) and 4 ski (or 2 board) sizes.

MSRP:

• FreshTrack 4: $159

• FreshTrack 6: $189

Available: August 2017

ShowDown

Setting a new standard for water-sports racks, the ShowDown is the first side-loader for both kayaks and SUPs. Featuring an easy-to-use slide-and-tilt mechanism, adventurers of every age and height can now load their kayak or boards at a more convenient, waist-high position.

The carrier is super versatile and protective, thanks to felt-covered saddles that flex to the boat shape and can be positioned for a boat’s width and hull shape. The 21 lbs ShowDown mounts easily without tools and is lockable with SKS locks. Includes all tie-downs and straps.

MSRP: $449

Available now

About Yakima

Yakima Products, Inc. is a world leader in vehicle racks and cargo solutions for a variety of consumers, from outdoor enthusiasts to car aficionados. The company’s two brands – Yakima and Prorack – offer a variety of cargo management products, including racks for bikes, boats, ski equipment and other gear, cargo boxes and bags, roof-top tents and awnings, and high performance multi-sport trailers. Yakima Products, Inc. is headquartered in Lake Oswego, Oregon. For more information, visit www.yakima.com.