Thursday, January 23, 2025

Reviews: Deuter Traick 9L Trail Running Vest & ShortTail III Running Belt

 Article by Mike Postaski and Renee Krusemark


Mike reviews the Deuter Traick 9L trail running vest while Renee reviews the ShortTail III running hip belt.


Deuter Traick 9L ($135)

Mike Postaski



Mike: Deuter trail running gear caught my eye originally when I saw their Ascender hybrid pack/vest. The specific feature that I noticed was the small fold out pocket used to secure poles along the front side of the vest. It was just a small feature, but I tend to have an eagle eye for new and interesting ways to stack trail running poles. 


Fast forward a bit later, and Deuter has come up with a fully trail-running specific vest - the Traick. I got a full demo at The Running Event this year and I was immediately impressed by the variety of storage pockets as well as the overall streamlined design and fit. Deuter is not really a known brand state-side, but the German company is well-established in Europe. Just walk around anywhere on the continent and you’ll likely see Deuter gear quite often. 



Features

The Traick comes in men’s and women’s specific fits. There are also two volume options - 5L and 9L. The two different volume options are essentially the same vest - the only difference being the 9L has an expandable flap of material as part of the rear outer pocket. They are virtually indistinguishable at first glance aside from labelling. 


For a full video run down of the features, check out this full demo from TRE


I won’t rehash every single detail here - instead I’ll focus on the main features that were striking to me. 

The main functional design of the Traick is the triple overlapping lower chest pocket. They clearly value organization here and the ability to stash items in separate areas. Both sides are symmetrical - featuring an outer zip pocket, a top-access pocket behind that, and then a side-access pocket further behind that one.



All three pockets overlap the same area, so it’s not the case that you have three separate large areas that you can fill up. There’s some give and take depending on where you store items, but there is material separating all three layers. 


Behind that 3-layer pocket set up, you have standard vertical flask pockets - suitable for 500ml soft flasks, or possibly larger if you don’t mind them sticking out. There are cap loops to hold the bottles up as they empty.


Moving to the rear, there is a kangaroo pocket which is accessible from both sides which passes all the way through. This is your typical jacket pocket - it’s easy to access as long as you’re decently flexible with your shoulders.


In the main rear area, there’s a large main compartment against the back, and a similarly large zippered rear compartment. The zippered compartment is the one that varies in size to accommodate more volume.


Fit 

I received a test sample in size Small which fits me perfectly.  I am 5'10"/ 179cm, 138 lbs /63kg. I tried on a medium at TRE and the front panels cinched fully so not even close for me. This sizing seems to be in line with most trail running vests. The material is lightweight, hugs the body and has an unstructured, second-skin fit, similar to the higher end Salomon models (more Sense Pro than Advanced Skin).


The material is comfortable over the light layers that I have been wearing while testing - once snugged up, there is no movement in the vest and it has a nice, body hugging fit. In that regard, it’s a good option if you sometimes need to layer a jacket on top of the vest. The mesh panels seem to allow good breathability, while the outer fabric layers are lightweight and don’t hold on to moisture. 


Performance 


If you like to have a bunch of small, separated pockets for organization - this may be the vest for you. The three lower pockets on each side up front are great for storing a variety of small items separately. You may have seen me wearing this vest in a bunch of my recent video reviews. Those pockets were great for keeping my action cam gear stored and organized - at times including camera, mini tripod, phone, plus the usual gloves/buff, and gels. 


I really like the fact that there are two zippered pockets up front. I can store my phone securely, and if I have something else I don’t want to fall out, I don’t have to worry about stuffing it in the same pocket with my phone.


That being said, these main pockets do overlap each other, so depending on how you pack them, sometimes items from one of the other pockets can make it difficult to fish things out of one of the other pockets. I don’t think this is too big of a deal though, since you can always just pick two of the pockets to use and maybe use the third for just a single item.


Given the lightweight, body-wrapping fit of the vest, I found the front bottle storage a bit too bouncy for my liking. I typically prefer hydration packs, so your preference in this area may color your opinion. For front flasks to work for me - I like them to be a bit more strapped down against my chest. The material of the vest itself here is just a bit too flexible to work for me with fully loaded bottles. Smaller bottles worked better for me, so again, this is likely a preference thing.


Speaking of hydration bladders - there’s not really a dedicated bladder-sized area against the back. The main rear opening is twice the width of a normal bladder so there’s nothing to prevent the bladder from swinging around unless you have it packed in there with other gear. At times where I didn’t have the pack fully loaded I had to use a bladder sleeve to keep the bladder somewhat stabilized.


[the storage pocket against the back is outlined by the black mesh]


There are pass-throughs on the shoulders to route the bladder hose to the front of the pack. This is good, but there are also no upper shoulder pockets. This is a miss for me as this is where typical small items are stored. There’s also no integrated bladder hanger - velcro strap or otherwise. There is a tiny loop back there and I see on their website they show how you can use one of the pole attachment straps to attach the bladder there.



Speaking of poles, the pack comes with a bundle of bungee/hook attachments, and there are points all around the vest to attach poles in the typical spots - vertically along the front, or horizontally across the lower back.


[Can be difficult to figure out where to reattach the hooks - they come off easily (not on the run)]

Another issue I do have with the vest is the front closure system. It’s a very lightweight cinch cord system where you can adjust the attachment points along the inside edge of the vest. This is all good, but the hooks to attach the cords are the same on both sides of the vest. Typically one side (usually the right) is semi-fixed, but that’s not the case here. Often when I took off the vest, the hooks would come off on both sides and it’s a bit annoying to figure out which hook goes on which side. This could be quite a pain at aid stations or any case where you need to quickly swing your vest off and back on. 


Conclusion


Overall, I find the Traick to be a solid option if you like a lighter weight, vest type fit as opposed to a more structured, semi-pack type fit. I like the pockets up front for organization, and I will likely use the vest for more light-duty gear runs. When I really need to load up more gear, I prefer a bit more structured fit and design which would accommodate a heavier load and feel more solid.


[This is a key stress point that should have more reinforcement]


All of the materials and fabrics are slick and streamlined - perhaps a bit too much so. They’ve folded over all the seams so that stitching is hidden internally, but there are certain areas where it seems like some reinforcements are needed - the top corner where the front pockets converge is a major stress point, and it looks like those seams are not as heavily stitched. I’ve compared this spot with other vests I have, and they are typically either welded or heavily stitched.



There are a few other improvements I think that could be made in next iterations. Shoulder pockets are a must for small items, they should at least figure out a way to integrate at least one. The issue with the front straps is an easy fix, which most brands accomplish by using a more secure hooking mechanism on one side. Also a more fitted bladder area and a simple hanger strap would be easy upgrades.


Comparisons 


Patagonia Slope Runner

I really like this pack because it’s so streamlined and lightweight. It works great when you need to carry a lighter load, although they say it’s designed to carry much more. I just wish it had a zipper pocket up front (there’s one on the outside upper back area). Aside from the zipper pockets, it’s very similar to the Traick vest, with a bit lower volume overall. There’s no outer main compartment - just one against the back and a larger kangaroo pocket. I’m not sure yet, but the Traick may replace my Slope Runner since it’s so similar, but with the 2 zipper pockets and a bit more rear space.


Salomon Sense Pro 10L

It almost seems like Deuter based their design on the Sense Pro vest. The pocket layout is pretty much the same - except the Sense Pro’s lower chest pockets are slightly larger, and they are a double layer rather than 3. It doesn’t make much difference though as they overlap each other anyway. The Salomon also utilizes the shoulder areas with two pockets for small items. It also has a better design for the chest cords - as one side is semi-fixed, so they don’t fall off and also they stay in the same spot. The area I noted above with the Traick where the stitching seems weak - that spot is heavily stitched and has a welded seam in the Salomon vest. Clear evidence of design iteration and testing.


UltrAspire Zygos 5.0

I love the Zygos vest for longer distances (think 100 miles and beyond). The pack has a more structured design - it feels like it can carry more weight than the light form fitting design of the Traick. Materials are thicker and heavier of course, so that’s the tradeoff, but I prefer the solid feel over longer distances. Others may prefer the lightest and closest to the body fit - in that case go with the Traick or a similar vest like the Salomon Sense Pro. The Zygos also has superior hydration bladder support. There’s a dedicated area against the back - which is fitted for the size of a standard bladder and of course has a standard bladder hanger. There’s also side body pockets and shoulder pockets. It’s generally designed better for longer distances, while I would take the Traick out for shorter/mid distance stuff closer to home.


The Traick 9L is available now

Backcountry

SHOP HERE



Deuter Shortrail III ($85) 

Renee Krusemark

Renee: Yes, the Shortrail III “hip bag” looks like a “fanny-pack,” and I was a bit skeptical about how it would perform while running. 


After testing on trail, gravel, and even treadmill (just to hit faster paces), I think it’s a great option for hydration storage for runners who haven’t had the best of luck with vest options. Vests and belts are very fit and usage specific, so I’ve included as much of my experience with the item to help runners. Deuter’s website has a great amount of information about the product, including a video that shows many of the details. 



Features

The capacity is listed at 3L and includes two zippered pockets on each side of the main, larger zipped pocket. The two side zipper pockets are a breathable mesh material. The left side pocket opening is around 5” and the right pocket opening is about 6”. Neither pocket is large enough for my iPhone 15 Pro Max. Both pockets are plenty of space for fuel options, including multiple gels or slightly larger fuel options (for reference, the Untapped syrup packs or waffles). I was able to fit small knit gloves in these side pockets too along with the fuel options. 


The main zipper component is the 1.5L bladder-compatible area. The bladder is shaped to the pocket itself, which is an asset to the performance (i.e. no bouncing). The bladder hose exits from the storage area from the right side and then loops around the belt and clips to the left side. The main/bladder pocket has another zipped compartment within it, meant for valuables. This compartment is connected to both sides of the main pocket, although the area is one big pocket. The main storage is really meant only for the bladder. I ran with my phone in the internal compartment pocket. I could fit a thin, small portable charger, needed cords, and my phone here, although for review, I ran only with my phone in this compartment. While it looks like two separate areas, it’s not as the zippered internal compartment does not create two areas. Of note, the inside has padding for comfort that prevents the bladder from irritating my back.  

The pack has two reflective details on the back along with two straps for poles. I don’t have good luck with pole holders unless they have adjustable bungee cords. I ran with my Leki Ultratrail FX.One Superlite Carbon poles and had no issue with them slipping or falling out. That said, I was reaching back to make sure they were still there. For confidence, I’d still prefer bungee cords along with these pass-through straps, but I had no issues. 


For materials, the Shortrail III is made without PFAS, uses 100% recycled PET materials, carries a bluesignⓇ product label, and is considered a ClimatePartner and Green Button certified product.  The item does have a California Proposition 65 Warning. 


Fit

The Shortrail III is a unisex, one-size-fits-all item with a trim-to-fit waist belt that can be cut down as needed. I typically wear a women’s size small, and I have not cut down the belt yet. For summer running, I will, but the excess length has not been annoying during winter when I’m wearing layers. The total length of the bag, including the storage and belt, is about 49.5”, so considering a few inches to Velcro the belt, the Shortrail III should fit waists up to around 46-47”. 


The Deuter website has a video featuring the bag on a male runner. The bag/storage sits at the curve of the lower back, which is part of the reason the bag stays in place while running (see my notes in the performance section). As a middle-aged woman runner, the belt/bag works best sitting at my natural waist rather than mid to low waisted.  


Performance


Again, I was a bit skeptical about the comfort of running with what essentially looks like a fanny pack. The storage of the pack sits right within the curve of my lower back as long as I pull the waist belt tight around my natural waist. My first outing with the Shortrail was on single track with about 250 ft of vertical per mile (small but constant ups/downs/switchbacks), and I had no issue with the pack bouncing or moving. The hose is very easy to unclip from the side and drink while running, similar to using a hose from a vest bladder in terms of ease. The mouthpiece has a tethered lid, which I might remove at some point. The nozzle is a twist to open with a bit valve, so the lid itself seems redundant, and it’s one extra step to do while drinking on the run. 

I was curious if the bag would bounce if the bladder was completely empty, so I ran strides on flat terrain with an empty bladder and only my phone. In this test, I had to adjust the tightness of the waist strap bag, as the pack shifted. To test the pack when not running with winter layers, I wore it for an 8 mile workout on the treadmill. No bladder, just my phone in the back to see if the pack would stay in place when basically empty and running decent paces without winter layers. I had no issues with the pack moving in this test. 


Conclusions


I was surprised at how well the Shortrail worked in terms of performance. I did not feel as if I was wearing a heavy “fanny-pack” bag on my waist, even when I tested during a treadmill run. 


I think the pack is a viable option in lieu of a vest and bladder. I love wearing a vest, and for races or faster efforts, my preference is to use 500ml front flasks on a tight vest and refill at aid stations quickly. Bladders are great, but I can never tell how much water I have left, and I don’t always enjoy the heaviness across my back. Refilling them can also be a pain. I’d say similar issues exist in the Shortrail III. 


For runners who need a bladder, but don’t like to carry weight on the back, the Shortrail III is a good option at $85. The pack does not offer the amount of storage you can get with a vest, but if you need 1.5L of water, a phone/charger, and a few fuel items, it works great. I do wish the compartment for the phone was a bit larger or separate from the bladder storage. Getting items out from this pocket when the bladder is filled is not quick or easy.


The Shortrail III is much better ergonomicallyfor running than a casual or hiking fanny pack. In terms of waist belts, it’s a bit difficult to compare. I have older versions of the Compressport Free Belt and the FlipBelt Classic. There’s not much comparison to other types of belts, which are tighter and better suited for fast paces and maximizing storage of several small items. I haven’t had good luck putting flasks in these belts, as they bounce and move too much for my preference. Comparitvely, at least for easier paces, the Shortrail III is a better option.  


The Shorttail III is available now

Backcountry

SHOP HERE

$55.25 Original price: $85.00 35% off



Tester Profiles

Mike Postaski currently focuses on long mountainous ultras - anywhere from 50K up to his favorite - 100M. 5'10", 138 lbs, midfoot/forefoot striker - he typically averages 70 mpw (mostly on trails), ramping up to 100+ mpw during race buildups. A recent 2:39 road marathoner, his easy running pace ranges from 7:30 - 9:00/mi. From 2022-23 Mike has won the Standhope 100M, IMTUF 100M, and Scout Mountain 100M trail ultras, winning the Scout 50M in 2024. He also set a CR of 123.74M at the Pulse Endurance Runs 24H and completed the Boise Trails Challenge on foot in 3 days 13 hours, besting the previous record by 7 hours. Mike's shoe preferences lean towards firmer, dense cushioning, and shoes with narrower profiles. He prefers extra forefoot space, especially for long ultras, and he strongly dislikes pointy toe boxes.


Renee is a former U.S. Marine journalist, which is when her enjoyment of running and writing started. She isn’t that awesome of a runner, but she tries really hard. Most of her weekly 50-60 miles take place on rural country roads in Nebraska, meaning mud, gravel, dirt, hills, and the occasional field. She has PR’s of 1:30:59 for the half marathon and 3:26:45 for the marathon.

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