Description
- Recommended Use:
The Traverse is built for long-distance trail running, ultramarathons, fastpacking, and high-output mountain adventures where lightweight performance and large gear capacity are essential.
Details:
• Lightweight, breathable wrap-around fit ensures a low-profile, bounce-free ride over long distances.
• Durable, abrasion-resistant fabrics with moisture-wicking mesh panels keep skin cool and dry.
• MaxO2 adjustable sternum system with vertical slide adjustment provides a custom, secure fit without impeding breathing.
• Plush micro-fiber edges offer a soft, non-abrasive feel against skin and clothing.
• Sweat-proof webbing stays light and comfortable even when wet.
• Large rear stash pocket with compression allows for quick storage and load management on the move.
• Externally accessible, insulated reservoir sleeve for fast and easy refills during races or training.
• Symmetrical dual bottle pockets feature special compression stitching and cord locks for secure hydration storage.
• Two large side pockets extend toward the rear for massive capacity with built-in compression toggles.
• Two zippered top shoulder pockets for easy-access storage of small essentials.
• Dual zippered front layered pockets with padding, air mesh, and a sweat-proof liner protect gear and improve carrying comfort.
• Pole quiver compatible on both sides for versatile pole-carry options.
• Quiet, easy-grip zipper pulls designed for quick access without bounce.
• Safety bar tacking at critical stress points for added durability under heavy loads.
• Available in three sizes for a perfect fit: Small, Medium, and Large.
Fit: Unisex
Size(s): XS (30″-34″), SM (33″-37″), MD (36″-40″), LG (39″-43″), XL (42″-46″)
Color: Pinyon Green
Hydration: Not Included
Bottle Compatible (not included): UltraFlask 550 Hybrid Bottle, Softflask 300, 500, 800, Human 20 Bottle, Reservoir
Capacity: 18-22 Liters (Capacity increases with pack size)
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott (verified owner) –
The Traverse is the ideal vest for 200+ mile races, lengthy unsupported outings and light fastpacks. It has enough space to comfortably accommodate race required gear or ultralight overnight equipment. No more over-stuffing or playing Tetris with lower volume vests. Even at full capacity, running with the highly durable Traverse feels comfortable thanks to the intelligent suspension design and the pocket design allows for easy access to all your essentials.
Thomas Murray (verified owner) –
I absolutely love this vest. It has so much room in it and is easy to get things in and out. The capacity for a bladder along with four bottles on the exterior is amazing. Went out loaded up with over 6 liters of water and the design is so good it hardly felt like I was carrying any water at all. Great phone and charger storage up front, extra storage up top, and the side storage is easy to get to. I’m not a petite runner – 6’ 0” and 240lbs and there are some vests where the on-the-go side storage is hard to maneuver. Not with this one! Highly, highly recommend.
Martin Schneekloth –
I’ve put this pack through its paces and it has been my favorite for all my big mountain alpine races that require significant amount of mandatory gear. It’s also been perfect for long solo adventures requiring lots of supplies to be carried along. It’s (nearly) limitless in its ability to carry various amount of fluids and containers, 2 bottles in the front, two large bottles in the sides and even a hydration reservoir in the back plus lots of stretchy storage room for your gear. Yet, this +20L capacity pack rides like a small hydration pack, ie no shifting while running or straining of your shoulders or lower back. Absolutely love this pack!!!
Bob Gentile –
Love the pack it perfectly wraps around and no heavy feeling on your shoulders- definitely built for long haul. Thanks for making an amazing vest! 200’s are hard enough good to not worry about my vest now!!
Jason (verified owner) –
I’ve had the Traverse for less than a week and it’s already become my favorite pack for longer events. Thoughtfully designed, solidly constructed and ready for many miles. Many storage options for fluid and plenty of space for loads of gear. I plan to use the Traverse during the non-stop, 450km Tor des Glaciers in the Italian Alps in September.
mdysert –
LOVE IT! Sorry, this is long…
I got this specifically for the 2027 Mingus Traverse 80 mile race from Jerome to Sedona (my longest distance). It’s probably more pack than I need with aid stations, but there aren’t any of those on training runs. I normally wear an XS in Solomon ADV SKin 12 which I love, but it’s not big enough! I run in the Sedona area and have worn this pack on 100 degree days. Is it a little warm? Ask me in the winter — everything is warm to wear in 100 degrees! Now on to the components of this pack…
The side pockets have a tightening bungee cord and are fantastic for easy stuffing and retrieval of items. I never felt it was loose even without tightening it and I kept my phone in there without incident.
The 2 front long pockets have a bungee that go around the cap of the soft flask to hold them up, my Solomon soft flasks fit wonderfully and after getting the Ultraspire SoftFlask Straw and screwed them onto my Solomon flasks, they are now perfect to sip while on the go typically without needing a hand. I found a traditional stubby cap to be way too short to reach even with hands grabbing the cap and pulling it up while leaning over to get a sip so yeah, get the longer tubes!
The zippered chest pockets tend to get a little moist, probably from sweat/humidity after 5 hours in 90+ heat which isn’t a total deal breaker, but if something needs to be totally dry, you might want to also put it in a baggie (pre- moistened TP is not ok – LOL). I did not try this in rain to see if they are waterproof from the outside but having wiped off the outside and water not really penetrating, it’s a pretty sure bet they are waterproof.
I found the shoulder pockets to require 2 hands to open and close the zipper while on the move (could be because they weren’t stuffed full), but also so convenient to easily retrieve smaller items like a baggie of salt caps and chapstick rather than fishing them out of the larger side pockets.
The zippered compartment in the back is large enough even with a 3L in the separate compartment to carry many items including keys that can attach to a key holder strap. It’s handy for things you want to easily access when the pack is off rather than having everything in the side pockets or digging into the main back compartment – like powdered electrolytes for the next stretch, sunscreen, etc.
The outer open-end pouch is a great place to stuff things you don’t want in the big compartment like a pre-wetted chilly towel in a ziplock. For fun, I did a parking lot test and stuck my poles in the quiver in the open back pouch to see how it felt and it was ok so could be an option to carry poles when not using rather than using the lower bungee straps. I did an easy hike with the poles in the bungee cords at the lower back and that seemed fine as a place to carry, load and unload them without difficulty or awkwardness. I did not attach my quiver to the pack; I should try that though.
The tall side pouches in the back have pull-tight bungees and can be used to hold the UltrAspire 1L soft flask or smaller (tried it in the store, but don’t own) or other things like a rolled up raincoat or night time hat/gloves, or anything really!
The water carrying capacity is awesome! I totally loaded this down with a 3L bladder in the back, 500L soft flasks on each front pocket and 24 ounce plastic handhelds on each of the back pouches – that’s over 5 liters!! A note on the back water pouches – you cannot reach them with the pack on so plan on taking off the vest or using the UltrAspire Bloddle hose attachment (I don’t have that yet to review). Even with all that weight, it rode well! Between the water, poles in the back, first aid kit, chilly towel, raincoat and everything else I stuck in there, the pack weighed about 16# – way over what I truly want to carry, but it handled it and still had room in the back for more stuff!
SIZING: I was originally between sizes and ultimately got small. Ladies, when measuring, you’ll need to factor in squish! Go with your squished sizing across the breasts since you’ll want the pack to be relatively tight to prevent pack bounce. The pack has angled straps so they flare out and away from your neck (bonus), but if the pack is too big the straps will sit too far on the outside of your shoulders.
MY SIZE: I’m 5’4-1/2”, 133#, moderately muscular, under armpits = 34” around, across breasts (no squish) = 36” around, and full comfortable squish = 34”. Small is a perfect fit!!
PICS:
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