La Sportiva Introduces New Trail Running Vests and Hiking Backpacks for Spring 2027

New Aeris Trail Vests, hiking backpacks, and the Challenger 18 alpine pack expand La Sportiva’s carry options for runs, hikes, and mountain objectives.
 

BOULDER, Colo. (Jul 15, 2026) — La Sportiva, maker of the world’s finest mountain gear, today announced its Spring 2027 equipment collection, adding new running vests, hiking backpacks, lightweight accessories, and the Challenger 18 alpine pack to its growing mountain equipment line.

The collection gives runners, hikers, and mountain athletes a full range of carry options for moving through the mountains. The Aeris 6 and Aeris 12 Trail Vests are built for running, with breathable, close-to-body storage for hydration, nutrition, layers, and small essentials. The Aeris 26 and Aeris 34 Backpacks offer additional capacity for hiking, mountain travel, and overnight use, while the Challenger 18 pack brings comfort, stability, and technical carry options to more demanding alpine objectives.

“La Sportiva’s equipment line is rooted in the same mountain-first approach that guides everything we do,” said Jonathan Lantz, President of La Sportiva North America. “For Spring 2027, we focused on creating carry systems that feel light, secure, and natural in motion, giving runners, climbers, and hikers the freedom to move efficiently and confidently in the mountains.”

The Aeris 6 Trail Vest is a lightweight running vest for training runs, race efforts, and shorter mountain outings. With six liters of storage, two 500 ml HydraPak soft flasks, quick-access front pockets, and a minimal rear storage layout, it keeps hydration and essentials close without adding unnecessary bulk. A Spacer AirMesh back panel, adjustable sternum straps, and compatibility with the Aeris Poles Quiver round out the design. The Aeris 6 weighs just 240 grams and retails for $119.

The $149 Aeris 12 Trail Vest is made for longer runs, ultra-distance efforts, and alpine objectives that require more food, water, and gear. It carries 12 liters while maintaining the secure fit and easy access runners expect from a vest, with two included 500 ml HydraPak soft flasks up front, multi-pocket rear storage, a zippered front pocket, and reinforced PowerMesh zones for organization that stays close to the body. Spacer AirMesh and breathable stretch mesh help keep air moving when the effort climbs or the day heats up.

The Challenger 18 brings running-inspired comfort and stability to an ultralight alpine pack. Designed for fast alpine traverses, technical mountain routes, and minimalist objectives, the 18-liter pack uses a vest-inspired harness, dual sternum straps, and breathable 3D mesh to create a secure, comfortable fit while traveling across rugged terrain. A fully seam-sealed roll-top main compartment provides weather protection when conditions change, while an integrated ice axe carry, internal mesh organization, and HydraPak flask-compatible pockets for two 500 ml soft flasks keep gear secure and accessible when the terrain gets more technical.

Built with Challenge Ultra TX50 Sailcloth, UHMWPE-reinforced nylon stretch mesh, and a 3D polyester Spacer AirMesh harness, the Challenger 18 balances ultralight weight, abrasion resistance, and weather protection. The new pack weighs 380 grams and retails for $199.

For hiking, alpine traverses, mountain travel, and overnight use, the Aeris 26 and Aeris 34 Backpacks offer higher-capacity storage in a streamlined design. Recycled 100D high-tenacity nylon, taped main compartments, and expandable roll-top construction help protect gear while keeping the packs light and adaptable. Running vest-inspired shoulder harnesses, thermoformed back support, and hydration-compatible sleeves bring comfort and stability to longer days, while reinforced outer storage, stretch side pockets, waistbelt pockets, and external attachment points keep essentials organized and easy to access.

The $169 Aeris 26 Backpack is a compact option for hikes, summit pushes, and mountain travel, with 26 liters of storage, a 650-gram weight, and a low-profile design that moves well through challenging terrain. The Aeris 34 Backpack is made for longer days, bigger loads, and nights out, with 34 liters of storage, a 750-gram weight, and the capacity to carry extra layers, food, and overnight gear. It retails for $189.

The collection also includes the Aeris 2 Trail Belt and Aeris Poles Quiver. The $49 Aeris 2 Trail Belt provides low-profile storage for shorter runs, training sessions, and race-day essentials, with 2 liters of capacity, reinforced PowerMesh pockets, a front flask sleeve, and rear bungee retention. The $25 Aeris Poles Quiver gives runners and hikers a lightweight, streamlined way to carry trekking poles and is compatible with all Aeris vest systems.

The new line will be available at select specialty retailers and at www.lasportivausa.com in the spring of 2027.