Oct. 10, 2024, Seattle, Wash. – Astral is proud to introduce its latest GreenJacket LE in collaboration with whitewater legend Dave Fusilli. This limited edition jacket is about enjoying the river with everyone, rolling deep, and being supportive of each other’s dreams, similar to a wolf pack. Featuring motifs of wolves, waterfalls, and the “Brown Claw,” this is Astral’s 15th limited edition life jacket since 2009. The LE collection represents a unique effort to push the limits of innovation at the intersection of performance, design, and creativity alongside athletes, artists, and nonprofits.
This collaboration GreenJacket LE, available in a Demshitz Purple colorway, is inspired by Fusilli’s desire to celebrate the whitewater community, who have supported his journey and goals as a kayaker. “This LE represents my journey as a whitewater kayaker,” said Fusilli. “The wolf explains a lot about how I became the paddler I am today. I couldn’t have done it without the help and support from my pack of friends. Do not underestimate what just a little bit of help can provide for someone who is motivated.”
Fusilli adds, “The star shines on the mountains, where snow melts into the rivers that run through the valley. After such a journey, which many of us kayakers can relate to, you probably have a change in your perspective. Such great experiences may make you see things differently, which is represented by the third eye of the wolf. I think it’s so important to try to see things from the other side.”
Alaska-based artist and pilot, Meg Smith adds that “When Dave called me to design this LE, I was more than hyped! To create a meaningful piece of wearable art for a longtime friend who has done so much for a sport I love has been an honor and one of my favorite projects.” The LE is Smith’s second collaborative LE design with Astral. “I’ve always viewed Dave as being part of a Wolfpack and him being an Alpha. Demshitz always rolled in a posse. No matter when yinz have come and gone through the wolfpack, yinz are always family to him. I love that about Dave.”
The GreenJacket LE available in Demshitz Purple shares the same platform, architecture, and features as the industry-leading GreenJacket Rescue PFD. It is available online at astraldesigns.com and at select retailers.
Astral will donate 5% of online sales of its latest GreenJacket LE to RISE Erwin, a non-profit directly benefiting the rural communities at the intersection of the Nolichucky River and Appalachian Trail in Southern Appalachia that are beginning a long road to recovery after Hurricane Helene.
For more information on Astral, please visit www.astraldesigns.com.
ABOUT ASTRAL
Established in 2002, Astral designs high performance wilderness equipment created in the least toxic, lowest impact ways. Built on decades of experience and experimentation, Astral has assembled athletes, artists, and craftspeople to build the cleanest, most beautiful, and highest performing gear. Astral has significantly reduced toxic PVC foam from the PFD industry, invented breathable life jackets, won awards for their paradigm changing footwear designs, and developed the stickiest rubber ever worn on wet rock. Visit www.astraldesigns.com for more information.
