Ultra runners and overlanders may move at very different speeds, but they share one thing in common: the further you get from civilization, the more preparation and self-sufficiency matter.
That philosophy is at the heart of a new collaboration between Rivian and Nike ACG (All Conditions Gear). Together, the two brands created the “Ultimate Aid Station,” an off-grid support ecosystem designed to bring critical services to some of the most remote sections of ultra-marathon race courses.
The concept debuted at the Siskiyou Out Back (SOB) Trail Race in Ashland, Oregon, where runners tackle rugged terrain high above the Rogue Valley while facing heat, fatigue, and the challenges that come with pushing beyond 100 miles on foot.
Bringing Support Where It Matters Most
Nearly 30 percent of runners fail to finish 100-mile races, often because support becomes harder to access in the most remote sections of the course.
At the center of the Ultimate Aid Station sat the custom-built R1T Recharge Truck, a purpose-built collaboration between Rivian and Nike ACG designed to serve as the primary hub for hydration, nutrition, and recovery while leveraging Rivian’s onboard power, innovative storage solutions, and off-grid capability.
And yes, it featured a built-in slushie machine.
Integrated directly into the bed and powered by the truck itself, the system dispensed antioxidant- and electrolyte-infused ACG-orange slushies designed to help runners lower core temperatures and keep moving through some of the toughest miles of the race.
The truck’s Gear Tunnel transformed into a slide-out nutrition station stocked with energy gels and quick-access fuel, while a custom frunk insert kept ice frozen and ready for hydration pack refills. Overhead, a Nike ACG Radical AirFlow canopy provided shade and integrated lighting while showcasing the same technical materials found throughout the brand’s outdoor apparel line.
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More Than Just a Slushie Machine
The integrated slushie machine may have grabbed the headlines, but some of the most interesting details were the thoughtful modifications that transformed the R1T into a purpose-built support vehicle.
For overlanders, many of the ideas probably felt familiar. The awning system created immediate shade, the frunk became cold storage, and the bed and Gear Tunnel evolved into purpose-built support infrastructure. It felt less like a concept vehicle and more like a glimpse at how EV platforms can become highly specialized mobile base camps.
Looking at the truck, it is easy to imagine similar applications in the overland world. A race support vehicle today could just as easily become a trailhead coffee bar, remote photography platform, mobile workshop, or backcountry command center tomorrow.
As a fan of both brands, what stood out most was how authentic the collaboration felt. Rivian brought vehicle innovation and adventure-ready capability, while Nike ACG contributed decades of athlete insight and technical outdoor design. It is exactly the kind of partnership I hope to see more of in the outdoor and overland space, where thoughtful modifications, technical innovation, and a shared passion for adventure come together to help people go further.
