Article by Zack Russell
Pages
- All Reviews: Road & Trail Run Shoes, Gear & Tech By Brand
- Latest Running, Hiking, Cycling Shoes & Gear Reviews & Articles
- Reviewer Bios
- RTR German, Spanish, French, Italian, and Dutch, Polish Run Shoe & Gear Reviews
- RoadTrailRide Bike and Bike Gear Reviews
- Fastpacking/Backpacking/ Trekking/ Ski Mo Reviews and Trip Reports
- Race Reports & Racer Stories
- Privacy Policy
- About Us
- Contact Us
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
Monday, April 27, 2026
Hurricane XLT3 Closed Toe Hiking Sandal Review
Article by Dana Jennings
Hurricane XLT3 Closed Toe Hiking Sandal ($130)
Mammut Aenergy TR 2-1 Women's Running Shorts Review
Article by Maya Khanna
Mammut Aenergy TR 2-1 shorts ($99)
The Mammut Aenergy TR 2-1 shorts have a brief-style, Polyamide-Spandex blend inner-short with a recycled Polyester-Spandex outer-short.
The waistband offers a wide lip with mesh pockets, a zippered back pocket, and a drawstring for width adjustment.
The abundance of storage and performance features belie the product’s lightweight (143 g), moisture-wicking design.
True to their advertising, the Mammut Aenergy TR 2-1 shorts are an all-day product; suitable for hiking, running, or for the trend-setters among us, a beautiful blue addition to your going-out or hanging-out attire.
Pros:
It is so difficult to find women’s shorts with functional pockets – and the Aenergy TR 2-1 shorts offer both mesh and zip pockets.
The waistband of the shorts is form-fitting but does not “squeeze” at the waist.
I tested these shorts in hot weather on an eight mile run and during a nine-mile run in the rain, and experienced zero chafing.
Love the “nebla” (light blue) color, super cute without being overstated
The fabric is well-ventilated despite the “double layered” style; I tested them at 88F / 31C and was very comfortable.
Cons:
The gusset of the inner liner of the shorts could be improved with a lower-profile seam to reduce potential chaffing.
99$ is quite expensive for a pair of shorts, even a very nice pair of shorts like these. The similarly-styled On 3" Performance 2/1 Shorts, by contrast, retail for 55$-80$.
Stats:
5’5, 135 pounds. I tested a size 6 in the Mammut Aenergy TR 2-1 shorts, which fit me perfectly. Note: the Mammut size and fit guide was spot on!
The shorts weigh 143 g.
Performance
A bad case of chafing can ruin even the best of runs. As a reluctant member of the thigh-chafing-prone club, I have become very particular in my choice of shorts over the past few years. I look for breathable material, low-profile seams, inseams of a sufficient length to prevent “rubbing”, and a form-fitting style to reduce friction.
The Mammut Aenergy TR 2-1 shorts met every one of these requirements, offering remarkable comfort without compromising performance or style.
Aenergy TR 2-1 shorts shown with Aenergy Trail Belt (Review)
I tested the Mammut Aenergy TR 2-1 shorts in conditions ranging from 40F to 88F, including in the rain, on 4-12 mile runs.
Despite the “double layered” design of the TR 2-1 shorts, they were lightweight and breathable, even when water-logged in a downpour or drenched in sweat. Best of all, even when damp, the long inseam and spandex inner-short prevented thigh chafing entirely. True to its billing, the Mammut Aenergy TR 2-1 shorts are perfect for “long runs in the great outdoors.”
I was a little concerned, when I first saw the Mammut TR 2-1 shorts, that the double-layered design would be unflattering or that the inner spandex short would squeeze the skin at my waist or around my quads in an unflattering manner.
However, I need not have worried. The inner short is inconspicuous beneath the outer short, and the size 6 fits true to Mammut’s size and fit guide. The icicle-blue “nebla” color is pretty, but understated enough to pair with most tops. I love that these shorts allow me to feel both comfortable and confident, and would encourage any buyers hesitant about the “double layered” design or aesthetic to give them a try.
Finally, I would be remiss if I did not give credit to the diversity of pockets offered by the Mammut TR 2-1 shorts. I do not own another pair of running shorts that offers both mesh AND zip pockets. It can be so difficult to find women’s shorts with functional pockets, although it is difficult to imagine being an NYC-based runner without them. The TR 2-1 shorts have solved the pocket-lite gap in my running shorts collection, offering me the opportunity – for the first time – to head out the door without a running belt.
Conclusions and Recommendations:
I only have two recommendations to improve the already exceptional Mammut TR 2-1 shorts. I suggest that Mammut continue to refine the gusset of the inner liner of the shorts, which has a relatively prominent seam. For me, that seam can be a dealbreaker, especially when I consider the relatively high cost of the Mammut TR 2-1 shorts. 99$ is a lot for a single pair of shorts, especially when I consider the TR 2-1 shorts against my tried-and-true favorites like the Patagonia Strider Pro 3.5-Inch Shorts (85$, though often on sale for ~65-70$).
In the “practically perfect in every way” Mammut TR 2-1 shorts, improvements to the gusset seam within the inner spandex shorts and a lower cost-barrier might be enough to convince this cost-conscious consumer to invest in this great product ahead of long summer adventures.
Comparisons
Patagonia Strider Pro 3.5-Inch Shorts. Historically, the Patagonia Strider Pro 3.5-Inch Shorts have been my go-to running shorts for everything from racing to my daily jogs. They are comfortable, breathable, sold in neutral colors, and perform well in most conditions. My only qualm with the Strider Pro shorts is their short inseam, which can lead to thigh chafing on longer runs in hot or wet conditions. The Mammut TR 2-1 shorts addresses this issue almost entirely, for which my sanity and legs alike are grateful.
Tester Profile
Maya is a twenty-six year old multi-sport athlete with a passion for long days outside on trails and roads. Originally from Minnesota, Maya discovered her love for long-distance running at Dartmouth College, where she spent nearly every weekend hiking, running, and skiing in the White and Green Mountains. Maya has completed the Women’s Headlands Trail Half Marathon (13th), Golden Trail World Series Headlands 27K (67th), and USATF 50K Trail Championships (23rd). She is now a law student at New York University, where she is exploring road marathon training for the first time with Brooklyn Track Club. Maya plans to run her first road marathon in the fall of 2026.Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products
Kailas FUGA Air 7 Women's Running Vest Multi Tester Review – Performance like a second skin
Article by Eva Wiehe, Jana Herzgova, and Jen Schmidt
Kailas FUGA Air 7 Vest W (150€ $150)
Introduction
Eva: With the Kailas FUGA Air 7 liter Vest, FUGA is launching a trail running vest clearly designed for ambitious runners. Featuring an integrated Softflask system and the innovative ADF dial closure system, it is designed to excel during longer runs, ultra trails, and intense training sessions. And the Air is designed in both men's and women's specific fits with 5 sizes in the women's.
What’s particularly exciting is that the vest is often touted as a genuine alternative to established brands like Salomon or Inov-8—with a focus on fit, stability, and well-thought-out functionality.
Jana: Kailas isn't a name you hear every day on the trails, but when this vest landed as a testing opportunity I was genuinely curious. A 7-liter pack that looked that compact was intriguing enough on its own — but what really caught my eye was the dial closure system. Kailas calls it ADF, and it works on exactly the same principle as the BOA system many of us know from trail running shoes — twist to tighten, instant micro-adjustment, no fussing with buckles.
I wanted to see how that would actually feel and perform on a woman's body. The Fuga Air 7 is specifically designed for women with five sizes to choose from — and that last part matters more than it might seem. As far as I know, Ultimate Direction and Nathan are the only other brands making women-specific vests, but neither offers multiple sizes tailored to the female frame the way Kailas does here. Let's see if it lives up to the promise.
Pros
Extremely secure fit (feels like a “second skin”) - Eva/Jana
Innovative ADF (All-Round Dial Fit) system - Eva/Jana
Very lightweight and breathable - Eva/Jana
Many well-designed pockets - Eva/Jana
Includes soft flasks with a practical valve - Eva/Jana
High-quality materials - Eva/Jana
Compact design that feels like a minimalistic one when needed - Jana
Cons
A slight rattling sound may occur due to the stiff latches
Getting used to the system takes a little time - Eva/Jana
Almost “overengineered” for short runs
Design:
Eva:The FUGA Air 7 (€150) immediately stands out for its technical, minimalist design. Everything seems geared toward performance—lightweight, functional, and free of unnecessary frills. The 3D honeycomb mesh ensures excellent ventilation while feeling pleasantly soft against the skin.
The overall build quality is excellent: the seams are neatly finished, the materials feel durable, and the vest remains sturdy even with heavy use.
A particular highlight is the ADF system, a twist lock similar to the well-known BOA system, which integrates seamlessly into the design and takes the vest to a new level both visually and functionally.
Jana: The first thing you notice when you pick up the Fuga Air 7 is just how light it is — almost surprisingly so given how many pockets and storage options are staring back at you. The light blue colorway is beautiful, and the overall design feels clean and intentional rather than cluttered.
The 3D honeycomb mesh is soft against the skin and breathable in a way you can feel even before you head out the door. Build quality is solid — seams are neat, materials feel durable, and nothing about it feels like it was thrown together. What I really appreciated is how deceptively minimal it looks despite everything it offers.
There's even a dedicated small pocket for lip balm right on the vest, and a small drawstring pouch tucked into the lower right front pocket — attached by a string so it doesn't get lost — with a trash imprint on it so there's zero confusion mid-race or when you're sleep deprived and running on fumes.
.
That imprint also makes it faster to reach for anything else you've stashed in it besides trash. The ADF dial sits cleanly into the design and, much like the BOA system on trail shoes, feels like it belongs there rather than being bolted on as an afterthought.
Jen: The FUGA Air 7 is notably different than similarly-sized vests I’ve tried recently in three main regards: fit system, compartment design, and bottles. More on bottles in the Function section, but I’ll address the fit and compartment design here.
As Eva and Jana note, the dial-and-cord front closure is similar to BOA trail shoes, and works similarly well at locking down the fit.
In the women’s-specific fit, bottles sit high relative to other packs. As other testers noted, the Air 7 is available in five sizes, based on both circumference and cup size: without doing a direct comparison of multiple sizes in this pack, it’s hard to tell how much of a difference the many sizing options make, but the XS/A-B fit true-to-size based on shirt/bra size with no bounce. I will say that the closure system can take a bit of time to sort out and adjust (the buckles can be a bit stiff), but then it stays put. The dial also makes it quite easy to tighten the fit while running, which is a big pro as far as I’m concerned.
This is a pack for the runner who wants all of their gear partitioned into one gear item/one pocket, rather than having fewer, larger compartments. As an admittedly disorganized pack-stuffer, I can see the advantage of being more intentional. Runners who often bring bulkier layers for mountain adventures or don’t want to fiddle with seven different rear/side compartments, though, might wish for bigger pockets. Some are easier to access on the run than others - the wind jacket stuff pocket at the top is well-designed, but the one in the middle of the back (tucked up and under the logo flap) will require taking the vest off or having someone assist you.
The bottom rear compartment is large enough to hold a third 500-600 ml bottle and has a second zippered pocket inside that’s large enough for a phone.
Many of the pockets are labeled with their intended use: wind jacket, lip balm, phone, trash, etc. Personally, I’d prefer a design without the logos and labels, but others might find them useful. Most of the storage is stuff-style pockets, with only one zippered pocket (large enough for a full-sized phone) in the front and one in the back. I generally prefer zippered storage to cut down on the risk of accidentally littering or losing my gels, but 3-4 gels stayed put in each of the front bottom storage pouches. The tiny drawstring trash bag is a cute idea, and more practical for hikes or short adventures (think stopping to eat a granola bar and put away the packaging) than handling 16 gel wrappers on race day.
The cords to hold poles work surprisingly well, and my poles didn’t slide around even while running downhill.
Functionality
Eva: Despite its compact design, the vest offers a surprising amount of storage space. The pocket design is well thought out:
Front pockets for soft flasks (two included)
Zippered pocket for items such as a smartphone
Multiple stretch pockets for snacks and small items
Back pocket for additional gear or a hydration bladder
Particularly practical: Many pockets are accessible while running—a major advantage on longer runs.
The included soft flasks (approx. 500 ml) feature a flexible valve that makes drinking comfortable.
Note that this is a bite valve, so you must bite and suck at the same time to drink. This prevents leakage while running. Additionally, a hydration bladder can be integrated into the back.
Jana: Despite how compact and clean this vest looks, it holds a surprising amount — and more importantly, everything is where you'd actually want it when you're moving fast.
Front pockets for the two included 500ml soft flasks are easy to reach without breaking stride, and the stretch pockets for snacks and small items are genuinely accessible mid-run, not just in theory.
There are two zippered pockets for valuables — one up front that fits a phone comfortably, and one on the lower back for anything you need secure but don't need to reach for constantly.
A 2L bladder in the back stayed completely in place thanks to the BI-FIX system — that little retention clip that prevents it from sliding down — which worked exactly as it should throughout my runs.
The ADF dial — Kailas's own BOA-style closure — takes a few tries to figure out at first, specifically the snapping on and off to the side of the vest, but once it clicks — literally — it's fast and intuitive.
A smart touch: the middle clip of the three is orange while the other two are black, so even when you're tired and not thinking straight, you know exactly which one to attach to lock the vest properly.
Pole carry options are genuinely versatile — one pole per side at the front, both poles threaded horizontally through loops across the lower back belt-style, or a pole bag attached to the back — three different configurations, so you go with whatever you're most comfortable with.
The soft flasks deserve a mention too: the front flask pockets have small strings that serve a dual purpose — keeping the flasks secured in place, and squeezing the water up toward the valve so when you reach for a sip mid-run, you're not sucking on air. The 360-degree rotating valve has a slight tilt built in so you can drink without taking your eyes off the trail, and pulling it up with your teeth to drink and pushing it back down to lock becomes second nature surprisingly fast.
Jen: The short, wide bottle design is the third element (in addition to fit and compartments) that differentiates the FUGA Air 7 most from other vests.
When the cap is pushed in, it prevents leakage, which is very helpful when transporting a loaded pack to the trailhead. Pull up and bite the valve to drink. If you’re used to simple bite valves, it might take a minute to get used to pulling up, but I always appreciate features that prevent water from spilling out until you want it.
The angled top swivels, making it easier to access. It seems extremely difficult to remove the outer part of the bite valve for cleaning, so I’m not sure how the bottles will hold up with long-term use. Overall, the soft flasks are much more engineered than ones I’ve used in the past, but the lack of spillage is great. They won’t be cross-compatible with vests from other brands given the unique shape.
Comfort
Eva: This is where the FUGA Air 7 really shines.
Thanks to the ADF dial closure system, the vest can be adjusted with extreme precision. Even when fully loaded, it fits snugly against the body without slipping or shifting—exactly what you want on longer runs.
The fit is often described as a “second skin”—and that's pretty much spot on:
No bouncing
No rubbing
Even weight distribution
The breathable mesh also ensures proper ventilation even during intense workouts, preventing uncomfortable heat from building up.
One minor criticism: The rigid parts of the cord fasteners can occasionally rub against each other slightly—but this can usually be fixed with a few small adjustments.The breathable mesh also ensures proper ventilation even during intense workouts, preventing uncomfortable heat from building up.
One minor criticism: The rigid parts of the fasteners can occasionally rub against each other slightly—but this can usually be fixed with a few small adjustments.
Jana: This is where the Fuga Air 7 really earns its reputation. The ADF dial — Kailas's own BOA-style system — lets you dial in the fit with real precision, and once it's set, it stays set. Even fully loaded, the vest sits snug against the body without shifting or bouncing — the "second skin" description gets thrown around a lot but it genuinely applies here. No bouncing, no rubbing, no uncomfortable heat building up thanks to the breathable mesh doing its job.
Weight distributes evenly across the torso rather than pulling in any one direction, which makes a real difference on longer efforts. Once I got the right size, it fits like a glove — and honestly, it's the most versatile and comfortable vest I've ever owned.
One thing worth noting — the blue pole strings on the front of the vest, one on each side, can flap around and get annoying if you're not using them, and could even smack you in the face on the move. The fix is simple though: each string has a small hook on the plastic tightening system that clips onto the white strings nearby, keeping everything tidy and out of the way when poles aren't in use.
One other thing some runners have noted — the rigid parts of the cord fasteners can occasionally knock against each other slightly, but I didn't experience any issues with that. A small adjustment is usually all it takes if it does come up.
Jen: Not too much to add here! I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of chafing even when wearing the Air 7 without a shirt underneath. My only complaint here is what Jana notes above: there are a lot of little strings and clips that bounce around and can be annoying if not tucked in or attached to something. The price of versatility with regard to multiple pole-carrying options, I suppose.
Sizes and Fit
Eva: The Kailas Fuga Air 7 Vest is available in a total of five sizes, allowing for a very precise fit across different body types. This is a major advantage, especially for running vests, as the fit is crucial for comfort and performance.
In combination with the ADF (All-Round Dial Fit) system, the vest can be further fine-tuned. This ensures it fits snugly against the body even with varying loads, without feeling restrictive. A particularly positive feature is that the fit can be quickly adjusted while running—a quick turn of the system is all it takes.
In my case, the vest adapted very well to my body and fit snugly right away without causing any pressure points. Thanks to the various size options and flexible adjustment, the vest is suitable for both slimmer and more muscular runners.
Overall, the combination of size options and fine-tuning is a major plus and contributes significantly to the “second skin” feel.
Jana: Five sizes, sized by bust — that's it. Kailas asked the right question from the start, and the result is a vest that fit perfectly right out of the box without any guesswork or second-guessing. That alone sets it apart from most vests on the market. Combined with the ADF dial for fine-tuning, once it's on and adjusted it stays put regardless of how much you're carrying. No pressure points, no shifting, no having to stop and fiddle with it mid-run — just a quick turn of the dial if you need to make any adjustments on the go. The five size options mean it works across a wide range of body types too, whether you're on the slimmer side or more muscular — there's a size that will actually fit you rather than just sort of fit you.
Jen: As I noted above, I didn’t test multiple sizes, so can’t speak to how much of a difference the multiple size options make. That said, the size I tested fit well with no bounce or chafing. The high bottle placement relative to other vests may contribute to lower bounce as well.
Practicality and Best Uses
Eva: In practice, the FUGA Air 7 proves to be a true high-performance vest. It is particularly suitable for:
longer trail runs
ultra-trails
intense training sessions
With its combination of a stable fit and plenty of storage space, it’s ideal for anyone who wants to have everything within reach while on the go, without sacrificing comfort.
It’s almost too bulky for short, casual runs—it really shows its full potential over longer distances.
Jana: In practice the Fuga Air 7 is more versatile than it might seem at first. Yes, it shines on longer efforts — ultra distances, big mountain days, anything where you need everything within reach and can't afford to be messing with your gear. But it holds up just as well on shorter runs too, which surprised me.
The stretchy mesh fabric keeps the pockets close to the body even when lightly loaded, so nothing flops around or bounces. For unsupported efforts up to around 50 miles on non-technical terrain, there's more than enough space to carry everything you need without having to compromise.
It's one of those rare vests that genuinely works across the full range — from a quick training run to a full day in the mountains — with a precise, women-specific fit that actually feels like it was made for you.
Jen: It’s clear that a lot of intention went into the design of this vest, and I found that many of its features were more or less desirable depending on the type of activity I was doing.
The numerous relatively small compartments, drawstring trash bag, and open pockets worked best for me on hikes or easy adventure runs where I was stopping a lot and taking off the pack to sort gear or access the rear compartments.
On faster runs, I wished for more zippered front storage and fewer pockets and cords everywhere.
For cold-weather adventures where you might want a bulky layer, a vest with fewer, larger compartments might have advantages.
Conclusion
Eva: The FUGA Air 7 Vest is an extremely well-designed and high-performance trail running vest that stands out above all for its fit and stability. The ADF system clearly sets it apart from many competing models and ensures a fit that’s hard to beat, even when fully loaded. Combined with the generous storage space and thoughtful organization, it makes for a very well-rounded package. Anyone looking for a lightweight, functional, and perfectly fitting vest for longer runs or ultratrails is sure to be happy with this running vest.
For me, running and being outdoors just go hand in hand. Especially when it comes to trail running, I love the combination of movement, nature, and challenge—escaping the daily grind and heading out into the wilderness. Whether it’s a relaxed run through the woods or longer sessions with elevation gain: for me, it’s all about clearing my head while still pushing myself physically.
The FUGA Air 7 Vest fits my running style perfectly. Especially on longer runs, I appreciate the secure fit and the ability to keep everything I need right against my body without anything getting in the way or shifting around. For me, it’s exactly the kind of gear you barely notice—and that’s exactly what makes the difference when running.
Jana: The Fuga Air 7 is one of those pieces of gear you stop noticing after the first few minutes — and that's exactly the point. The fit is precise, the storage is smarter than it looks, and the ADF dial takes what we love about BOA systems on shoes and brings it to a vest in a way that actually works. At $150 it's well worth the money, especially when you consider that this is genuinely a one-vest-does-all solution. Rather than owning separate vests for short runs, long runs, and race day, this one handles all of it with confidence. For women specifically, the five-size fit system is a game changer — it's rare to find a vest that feels like it was actually designed for your body rather than just scaled down from a men's version. I'm a big fan, and if you're in the market for a trail running vest and want something that will grow with your running rather than limit it, this is it.
Jen: Given the features and quality of the Air 7 vest, $150 seems more than reasonable. That said, I would recommend it to runners based on their preferences and intended use rather than universally. I think it will work best for those who like their gear neatly organized and are carrying a lot of small things with them for hikes and runs in the 2-5 hour range. Those who like a more streamlined, minimalist aesthetic or want more zippered storage may want to consider other options. As far as fit, comfort, and intentional design, though, Kailas FUGA has created a very high-performing vest in the Air 7.
KAILAS FUGA SHOP
Kailas Fuga Air 7 Vest W (150€ $150)
All RTR reviews: HERE
Latest Reviews-Chronological Order HERE
Tester Profiles
Eva: I first heard about RTR through my running buddy Johannes and was accepted into the RTR team as a tester. Running was practically in my blood from the start. As a marathon runner for many years, my dad passed on his passion for running to me, and after some initial skepticism, I’ve since developed my own—as we call it—running high. I live in Weinheim and enjoy exploring running routes in the Odenwald or around Heidelberg. I took my first steps as a runner in Heidelberg: first as a participant in the Bambini and Altstadt runs, and most recently twice in the half marathon.
In general, I love being in nature and spend almost every free minute outdoors, whether hiking, biking, or playing with my nieces and nephews. If the weather happens to be bad, I enjoy cooking, planning my next running route, or researching the latest running shoe trends on the market. Once I’ve found something that fits, it’s time to head out and try out the new running shoes.
Jana Herzgova took up running in 2016, after a back injury. Prior to that she was a speed skater, but due to back pain and doctor's recommendation, she transitioned into running. Since then, starting with shorter ultra distance races she quickly evolved into an avid long distance and unsupported mountain runner. She also loves to take on challenges/races in arctic and subarctic climates, mainly in unsupported and semi-self supported style. She currently lives in Utah/Wyoming.
Jennifer Schmidt found trail running in her mid-20's and began dabbling on the roads a few years later. Trail 50k's are nearest and dearest to her heart, and she recently took wins at the Fourmidable 50k in 2026, and Silver State 50k and Way Too Cool 50k in 2025. These days, you can find her primarily on the trails around Auburn, CA, chasing competitive and personal goals over a variety of surfaces and distances. Depending on the season, she also competes in the USATF road and XC circuits for Sacramento Running Association's racing team, with a marathon PR of 2:41.
Europe only: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all products, even sale products