BINGHAMTON, N.Y. - - August 16, 2001 - - Specially built for Eric Simonson's latest research expedition to Mt. Everest, the Eureka! 5th Season EXO has proven itself in the extreme conditions experienced on the world's highest peaks. The design, manufactured for the climbers of the 2001 Mallory & Irvine Research Expedition, has also influenced other 2002 product offerings from Eureka!

The 5th Season EXO, designed with guidance from Mt. Everest mountaineers, will now be available to the public. With components like a 13 mm, 7000 series anodized aluminum exoskeleton frame connected with super-tough gated carabiners, the 5th Season EXO is weather-proof, sturdy and easy to set up in even the harshest conditions. The tent is designed with a compact footprint for pitching on narrow ledges, achieved by suspending the tent body by swivel clips from the inside of the wrap-around shell. The body can be detached to allow the shell to be used alone, or to distribute the carry weight between climbers. The 5th Season EXO has an MSRP of $659.99.

For 2002, Eureka! is introducing several new tents that incorporate designs and components from the 5th Season EXO. Eureka! has incorporated the super-fast external frame into the new Zeus EXO single-wall tent, and an updated version of the popular Mountain Pass series (now called the Mountain Pass EXO). The frame system uses gated carabiners to attach the fly to the poles, allowing set-up in one easy step.

The Mountain Pass EXO series also has the wrap-around shell that covers the tent body at all times to prevent the interior of the tent from ever being exposed to the elements. Swivel clips link the tent to the shell for simultaneous or independent use, adding versatility to this three-season shelter.

Johnson Outdoors Inc. encompasses some of the best known brands in the sporting goods business including: Airguide(R), Camp Trails(R), Carlisle TM, Dimension(R), Escape, Eureka! (R), Extrasport(R), Jack WolfskinTM, Leisure Life Limited TM, Minn Kota(R), Mitchell(R), Necky, Old Town TM, Ocean Kayak TM, Silva(R), Scubapro(R).and Uwatec. Headquartered in Sturtevant, WI, Johnson Outdoors Inc. has a long, rich tradition of creating innovative products for the outdoor industry.

— Posted by Ari Cheren, MountainZone.com Staff