VAUDE’s Trail Spacer 8 backpack is a world first
VAUDE have announced the new Trail Spacer 8 backpack, complete with 3D-knit construction – the first time that an innovative 3D-knit construction has been used for the back of a rucksack.
In conjunction with one of Germany’s leading textile universities, a globally unparalleled manufacturing process was developed to provide an excellent fit for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, and trail running.
These days, modern textile production doesn’t have much in common with old-fashioned knitting. However, this state-of-the-art technology uses computer-controlled knitting machines, which can produce even the most complicated types of mesh and patterns. The idea of a 3D-knit suspension system for backpacks was created at VAUDE’s research department in southern Germany.
Chris Davison, UK Country Manager for VAUDE, says: “The 3D-knit construction is a world first and enables us to create completely new designs for the back panel. Using 3D knit enables us to take into account different pressure zones in the back area and even out the pack’s pressure distribution. It really is an incredible piece of kit.”
The new suspension system, the Vent-Tex Spacerknit, is seamlessly knitted from three yarns. The 3D-knit construction continues throughout the shoulders into the straps and allows the pack to be ‘worn’ like a vest. The manufacturing process is very resource-efficient — the back section does not contain foam and is directly manufactured in southern Germany. In addition, there are no residual materials left over during the production process.
The Trail Spacer backpack has a volume of 8 litres and weighs 475g. The seamless knit back has individual rigidity zones for optimum pressure distribution with flexibility that is ‘perfectly tailored’ to both your torso and shoulders.
It’s claimed that the backpack will ride snugly against your back and close to your center of gravity. Thanks to a one-hand operation cord system, the main compartment can always be tightly packed and readjusted while running. The elastic 3D-knit construction creates continuous ventilation – VAUDE claim it offers better air circulation than any other body-contact suspension system.
This is certainly an interesting new product from VAUDE. We’ll be interested to see how it performs.
vaude.com/en/