Ascender 7

The Deuter Ascender 7 is a 315 g running vest that wraps your upper body like a garment, so a full load of water and gear moves with you instead of bouncing. Soft flasks up front, poles on a holster, phone in a zipped pocket: everything is reachable without slowing down.

Who it's for

Trail runners heading out for long runs and races, and fast hikers who want to carry less. Deuter give it five out of five for trail running, and the 1-3 kg recommended load is water, a wind shell, gels and the mandatory kit for a mountain ultra. Think the long hot hills of the Gold Coast hinterland, a lap of Lamington's Border Track at running pace, or race day at the Buffalo Stampede.

Capacity and fit

Seven litres is a light shell, a thermal, food and a first aid kit, with an inside pocket for your keys and cards. A stretch mesh inner pocket and side compression straps hold the load tight against you, so it does not slosh on a descent. The vest straps are wide and shaped, an elastic drawcord pulls them in close, and two sternum straps adjust for height; one comes off if you only want one. The vest measures 44 x 23 x 12 cm.

Drinking and refilling

Two soft flask pouches sit on the shoulder straps, so you drink on the move and refill at the aid station without taking the vest off. For bigger days, an elasticated inner compartment holds a hydration bladder of up to 2 L, and doubles as a place for a sweaty top after the run. A moisture barrier in the back keeps sweat off the contents.

Built for moving fast

A holster on the front of one shoulder strap takes collapsible trekking poles, so you can grab them for a climb and stow them again without stopping. A zipped shoulder pocket carries your phone, GPS or bars, and two elastic side pockets take extra food. A safety whistle is built in. Pull out the back foam to save another 20 g on race day.

• Two soft flask pouches on the shoulder straps
• Hydration compatible, up to 2 L
• Front pole holster for collapsible poles
• Zipped shoulder strap pocket for phone or GPS
• Two elastic side pockets and an inside valuables pocket
• Elastic drawcord compression, two sternum straps, safety whistle, SOS label

Looking after it

The Ascender 7 is made from recycled 700D polyamide minirip with a DWR finish made without intentionally added PFAS. Deuter back it with a 2-year warranty.