Rivian Adventure Products is the dedicated team at Rivian focused on creating and curating high-quality accessories that enhance the adventurous spirit of their vehicles and their owners. Originally, the program started because the electric vehicle manufacturer believed that exploration and enjoying the outdoors go hand-in-hand with the Rivian lifestyle. In order to address that need, they started building gear that seamlessly integrated with Rivian vehicles, helping their community pursue their passions with confidence and convenience. That message resonated with us at HEST, and when an opportunity came to collaborate on a Rivian-specific camping mattresses, we were up for the task.
With the Rivian Foamy by HEST now out in the world, we checked in with the Rivian Adventure Products team to learn a bit more about their operation and this unique camping collab.
How do you guys go about selecting gear for Rivian owners? What are some examples?
Then, of course, it's important to partner with the best. We seek out brands that are already doing incredible things in their fields. Instead of reinventing the wheel, we collaborate with these experts to create custom Rivian solutions. That's key for our next principle, which is seamless integration. We obsess over the details! Whether it's through specific shapes, colors, materials, or an overall improved user experience, the gear needs to feel like a natural extension of our vehicles.
Last, but definitely not least, is a set of shared Values. We team up with brands that align with our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and a love for the outdoors. This approach allows us to offer a curated selection of gear that complements the Rivian lifestyle.
Collaboration is key for us. When we develop gear, we start by identifying a need or opportunity to enhance the Rivian adventure experience. Then, we seek out the best partners who bring expertise in their respective fields. We work closely with them throughout the design, prototyping, and testing phases to ensure the final product meets our rigorous standards and exceeds our owners' expectations.
What was the biggest challenge on this project? How did you meet it?
This entire project presented a unique puzzle. We wanted to create a single mattress design that could be used on either side of a R1S vehicle’s rear cargo area. This meant it needed to be perfectly sized to fit comfortably while accommodating the third-row cupholder and wheel well space, no matter which way it was oriented.
To achieve this, we worked closely with HEST, sharing detailed dimensions and key features of the R1S interior. Their team was incredibly receptive and skilled at translating these requirements into a truly custom design. They even incorporated a clever pocket for small personal items! Through this close collaboration and meticulous attention to detail, we were able to overcome the dimensional challenges and create a mattress that fits seamlessly within our R1S vehicles.
How long did it take to develop from start to finish?
We've had a strong relationship with HEST for quite a while through the outdoor community. While we've been exploring ideas together for a few years, the focused development of the Rivian Foamy by HEST took about a year and a half. This included all the stages, from initial concepts and prototyping to rigorous testing and finally, bringing the mattress into production.
What are some of the details you’re most proud of and why?
We are particularly proud of a few things. For one, the custom fit is top notch. We have a mattress tailored precisely to the R1S interior, maximizing space and comfort while also giving our owners an additional pocket to hold small items like a phone while sleeping. We also love the high-quality materials. HEST uses premium foams and fabrics to ensure a restful sleep, no matter what.
It's also incredibly packable. Despite its size, the mattress folds and stores compactly, making it easy to transport and stow away in the front trunk or cargo space.
Have you gotten a chance to try it out? What are your impressions?
Absolutely! We've taken it on a variety of camping trips and it's been amazing. The comfort level is outstanding, and when combined with Rivian’s Camp Mode, it makes sleeping in the vehicle a truly luxurious experience. The quality and attention to detail shine through in every aspect. We have no doubt that HEST and Rivian owners alike will absolutely love it.
