Kuat’s New Rooftop Cargo Box Opens From The Back, Plus Vertical Hitch Rack Concept & More! 

Kuat has unveiled several new products at the Sea Otter event, most notably its first-ever rooftop cargo box, the Varial. Designed to appeal to outdoor enthusiasts beyond just cyclists, the Varial features a distinctive forward-opening mechanism with the hinge at the front, allowing access from both sides and the rear simultaneously. The box incorporates thoughtful details such as air inlets to reduce noise at speed, internal tie-down points, and quick-mount hardware compatible with most crossbars. Made in the USA from durable UV-capped ABS with a sleek, rivet-free exterior, the Varial offers 18 cubic feet of storage and fits skis up to 195 cm, with pricing starting at $1,289 and availability expected in October 2026. In addition to the Varial, Kuat introduced the updated Pivot v3 swing-away adapter, which builds on the success of its predecessors by enhancing stability and rigidity. The new model features a redesigned safety pin closure system inspired by the heavier-duty Pivot XD, and a reinforced hitch tube for greater durability. Supporting up to 250 pounds and available in driver- or passenger-side configurations, the Pivot v3 is aimed at everyday users transporting lighter bikes on paved roads. It is priced at $549 and is due to ship from June, offering a more accessible alternative to the Pivot XD, which caters to heavier loads and off-road use. Perhaps the most intriguing reveal was Kuat’s Drop In vertical hitch rack concept, a prototype designed to carry up to six bikes vertically by securing wheels rather than frames. Suitable for a wide range of bike types including road, gravel, mountain, and children’s bikes, the Drop In accommodates wheel sizes from 20 to 32 inches and tyres up to 2.5 inches wide, with an accessory planned for fat tyres up to 5 inches. The rack boasts a 250-pound capacity and a maximum wheelbase of 1,350mm, weighing approximately 95 pounds itself. Although still in development, the Drop In appears close to production and is slated for release in spring 2027. Kuat’s latest innovations demonstrate a clear focus on combining functionality with refined design, catering to the diverse needs of outdoor and cycling enthusiasts. The Varial rooftop box expands the brand’s reach into general outdoor gear transport, while the Pivot v3 and Drop In rack continue to evolve Kuat’s reputation for robust, user-friendly bike-carrying solutions. These products collectively underline Kuat’s commitment to innovation and quality, promising to enhance convenience and versatility for riders and adventurers alike in the coming years.