Lightweight and Waterproof Backpack with Innovative Carrying System
It is designed for fast ascents and descents even in demanding terrain and a new mix of trail running and alpine backpack: Thanks to high wearing comfort and modern design, the Deuter Vertrail 16 waterproof backpack wins ISPO Award 2022.
Young people in particular have increasingly emphasized “sport” in the term “mountain sport” in recent years. Instead of enjoying nature, relaxation or a change from everyday life, something else is in the foreground for them in the mountains: speed skiers are looking for the challenge of walking mountains at high speed and in demanding terrain. Another trend is scrambling, an outdoor sport between hiking, trekking, mountaineering and climbing, in which you fight your way up on steep loops and also use your hands — technically demanding ascents close to climbing.
Precisely for this target group, which wants to travel quickly with light material, Deuter has developed the new Vertrail 16 waterproof backpack — and then submitted it to the ISPO Award.
At the jury meeting in May 2022, the light 16-liter waterproof backpack met with fierce competition. The three ISPO experts and the three sports enthusiasts from the ISPO Collaborators Club put a total of 60 products to the test. After an intense and long test weekend, it was clear: The Vertrail 16 is one of the winners — it received an ISPO Award in 2022!
The jury members base their decisions on nine criteria. One of the most important questions is: Does the product meet the requirements of the target group? And the jury was able to answer this clearly with a yes in the case of Deuter Vertrail 16. Because it is light, multifunctional, weatherproof, and even waterproof — exactly what demanding speed alpinists need.
The Deuter Vertrail 16 also scored in the “Innovation & Trend Character” category — not only because the model takes up the scrambling and speed hiking trend, but also because of the innovative design. Particularly noteworthy is the vest-like carrying construction, inspired by trail running backpacks. Wide, ergonomically shaped shoulder straps and a comfortable Lite back system ensure a compact fit close to the body. This helps maintain safe balance even in exposed areas.
The Vertrail 16 also includes several features found in reduced alpine packs: robust materials and versatile technical features. The front shoulder straps include a zippered pocket for a smartphone or energy bars, two soft flask holders, and an attachment for compact telescopic poles. Multi-purpose gear loops and compression straps help secure items like helmets or crampons and keep the pack tight against the body during fast movement. Inside, there is space for hydration systems up to 3L in volume.
“We have developed our fastest mountaineering backpack Vertrail for alpinists who want to move quickly and easily in the mountains, in any weather and in any terrain, by tailoring trail running elements to the requirements of alpinists. Because exactly after that, demand increases due to the constantly present topic of ‘speed’ in mountain sports. With this weatherproof vest backpack, we close a gap in our collection and throughout the market.”
— Johannes Braun, German Product Manager
Feature Shout Out — Waterproof Performance
The ISPO Award jury also honored the selection and processing of materials. The Vertrail 16 is completely waterproof — the abrasion-resistant material (220D PA PLAIN TPU) protects contents from rain and sweat. It includes taped seams sealed via hot press technology, and a roll-top lid for volume expansion that still keeps gear dry even in sudden weather changes.
In terms of sustainability, the jury gave credit for the pack’s PFC-free materials. Its low weight (480 g) and minimalist, clean design also helped it secure the ISPO Award for 2022.
— Dr. Martina Wengenmeier, ISPO Award 2022 Jury Member & Editor ISPO.com
- Innovative carrying system
- Waterproof design and materials
- Light weight
- High wearing comfort
- Modern design
- Unique harness system
Key Data:
- Size: 16 liters (unisex)
- Color Variations: Glacier-Graphite, Graphite-Tin, Turmeric-Teal
- Weight: 480 g
- Available from: Spring/Summer 2023
Hiking