POC just dropped an all-new Ultra Vest in their latest collaboration with Team Amani, and it looks like one of the best lightweight solutions we’ve seen for ultra-distance cyclists looking to carry more water, food & gear. And a key feature that follows on years of bright AVIP gear from the Swedes, the limited edition hydration vest is bright orange with reflective accents for high visibility, because if you are riding far enough to need one of these, you’ll likely be riding through the dark and maybe even a bit sleep deprived. Plus, to keep you extra safe on the bike, there’s a Team Amani edition of their great new POC Cytal, which is still the top-safety-rated road helmet in independent Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings testing.
POC x Team Amani new Ultra Vest ultra-cycling hydration vest
Once again, POC and Team Amani have paired up for a new collaboration collection meant to “channel the team’s raw energy and celebrates their deep-rooted fire and purpose”. But this time around, instead of just a new look, they also added an all-new product ideally suited to the type of long-distance and adventurous racing that Team Amani specializes in.
“The limited-edition collection is available immediately and will also be used by the team during the Migration gravel race in Kenya. This unique race has established its place in the global gravel race calendar and plays a fundamental role in bringing the best professional riders and focus to East Africa. It’s also where Amani riders finally get the chance to ride and compete on home turf.”
The POC x Amani Ultra Vest was specifically developed to give Team Amani a tool to make it easier for the riders to stay hydrated and fueled at Migration, but also at other hot, long-distance races. So its core function was to haul water and food – a pouch for a 2L hydration bladder and a total of 7 more pockets to carry as much as you could want. But it had to keep the riders cool, too, so the entire thing is made of an open mesh to max out breathability.
And of course, with long all-day and often multi-day adventure races, POC sought to boost rider safety by making them more visible, as well. That’s something we’ve seen lacking from most cycling hydration vests, so the hi-viz look is a welcome change for riders used to racing through the night.
Ultra Vest – Tech details
- light mesh construction throughout for maximum breathability
- bright orange color with reflective details for maximum day & night visibility
- 2 front zippered pockets that will fit a phone or snacks
- 2 front top-load pockets designed to securely hold soft water bottles
- 2 open side stash pockets under your arms for snacks or empty wrappers
- open-top rear pocket for a 2L hydration bladder (not included) plus hydration hose loops
- large open rear pass-through pocket to stash a jacket
- 3 adjustable elastic chest straps for secure, one-hand fit adjustment
- short length designed to not block traditional jersey pockets
- slim fit with 3 sizes available (S,M & L) for 87-104cm chest circumferences
Limited edition Team Amani Cytal MIPS helmet
What more do I have to say about the POC Cytal MIPS that I haven’t already said when I reviewed it just over two months ago? It is a lightweight, really well-ventilated road and gravel (maybe even XC?) helmet that claims to be the safest road helmet that you can buy. It’s certainly not cheap, but neither is peace of mind.
It can look pretty big on your head. It is taller than many similarly shaped aero road helmets, which helps let a lot of air flow through to cool your head. But all around it’s a great helmet with the side benefit of making you feel extra safe because of its test results. And now it comes in a cool new Amani color scheme.
The Team Amani Cytal is brown with bright hi-viz orange graphics at the rear, plus reflective logos for boosted visibility. “The brown, with its closeness to the land, was a natural choice, as was the orange, which conveys the energy and positivity of the team as a whole.”
POC x Team Amani Collection – Pricing, options & availability
The new 2025 POC x Team Amani Collection includes just two items this season. Both of which are strictly limited editions, available now directly from the POC website.
First, there’s the all-new POC x Amani Ultra Vest for $180 / 160€ in bright orange and three sizes (S-L). POC didn’t specify exactly how many are in the limited edition, but did tease that ‘regular’ edition colors will be available in the future, as well.
While their Team Amani press release did not mention it, there is already an orange version without the Amani logo for the same price available now, too.
As for the brown & orange POC X Amani Cytal, that helmet sells for $350 / 340€ and is also available now.
