If You're Looking for Freedom of Movement with Minimal Gear, Check Out Deuter's Traick Backpack!

The long-established German outdoor brand "Deuter," founded in 1898, has continuously introduced innovative technologies—like the "Air Comfort System" that enhances backpack breathability and stability—earning the strong trust of serious mountain lovers. The brand is especially known for products that excel in comfortably carrying heavy loads.

Now, responding to the recent "Light & Fast" trend and the boom in trail running, "Deuter" has launched the Traick backpack, a product that breaks away from its traditional image. To learn more, we visited Iwatani-Primus and spoke with Hideaki Kanemaki from their product division.

Tents, sleeping bags, mats, rainwear, gas burners, cookware—outdoor gear is lighter and more compact than ever. Still, when you’re hiking with enough food, water, and all that equipment stuffed into a pack for a tent stay, it’s hard not to envy fast hikers and trail runners breezing ahead with a small, vest-style backpack, embracing the "Light & Fast" vibe.

"I think it's just the times changing. Outdoor activities aren’t limited to heavy-duty mountaineering—there’s now fast hiking and trail running, where you cover more ground in less time with lighter gear. The ways people enjoy the outdoors have diversified.

"Unlike traditional mountain climbing, there are more people dressed lightly in T-shirts or sleeveless tops, shorts, and low-cut shoes. They carry fewer items and minimize time loss by accessing gear as they move. The Traick is a backpack designed to meet these needs—worn like a vest for a seamless fit."

When you put it on—rather than "carry" it, you "wear" it like a vest—the stretchy fabric fits your body comfortably all over. It feels more like putting on athletic wear than hauling gear.

"There are two sizes: 5L and 9L. For speed-focused trail running races, you can push your limits with the minimal 5L vest for even greater mobility. For casual fast hiking, the 9L size is the better pick."

Perfect for Active Outdoor Enthusiasts Who Want Total Freedom of Movement

Traditional hiking backpacks distribute weight between the waist and shoulders for comfort with heavy loads, but this also restricts your core and limits flexibility. With the Traick, your shoulders, chest, and upper back are snugly wrapped, but your waist remains unrestricted, making it much easier to twist your torso and move swiftly and dynamically.

"The back panel is cut away from your lower back to your waist for excellent breathability—even when you sweat during intense activity, it’s noticeably less stuffy than a standard backpack. Also, unlike typical shoulder harnesses fixed by a chest strap, the Traick uses multiple stretch cords that let you fasten the straps wherever you like. As long as you choose a comfortable position, the weight distributes evenly, your breathing isn’t restricted, and there’s minimal pack bounce for stability."

Experienced hikers know mountain weather can change quickly, so rain gear is usually a must. But in fast hiking and trail running (as long as there’s a quick descent route for emergencies), it’s common not to bring fully waterproof gear.

"Instead, most carry ultra-light windbreakers to put on against wind chill or to cover themselves and their pack when it rains. To help with these rapid changes, the Traick has a front pocket where you can quickly stash or retrieve a layer like a shell jacket without breaking your rhythm."

"Hydration soft flasks and water bottles fit conveniently into the pockets on both sides of the shoulder harness. For efficient hydration without the hassle of taking out a bottle, you can set a water bag in the rear pocket and extend the tube to either shoulder harness, allowing you to frequently drink water from the mouthpiece."

Also Useful as an "Attack Sack" for Quick Trips to the Summit from Your Campsite

Basically, its main use will be for day hikes or running. There's not enough capacity to carry tent-camping equipment, ample food and water, or cooking gear. However, if you stash an empty "Traick" in a corner of a large mountaineering backpack packed with full equipment, it will be handy as an "attack sack" for quickly heading to the summit and back with just the essentials while leaving your heavy gear at the campsite or hut. Its snug fit and stability, paired with its light weight, make it invaluable for these situations.

"It comes standard with six stretch cords that can enhance the fit or secure gear. You can use these cords in your own way—such as attaching Z-folded trekking poles to the bag or hanging a bear bell. They're super convenient for customizing your carry."

Weighing only 165g–175g, the "Traick" is ultralight with a comfortable fit thanks to the stretch material. Besides its many pockets, the included cords make it easy to handle small items on the go. Why not add it as your reliable companion for minimalist adventures? It's perfect not only for fast hikes and trail running, but also works great as an attack sack.