Running Gear Check: Salomon vs Nathan Vests, the ASICS Noosa Tri 16, and a Peak Design Rolling Suitcase

Introduction

Sometimes the best way to figure out what works is to test two competing options back to back. That was the case this week with two running hydration vests, plus a return to the running shoe market with a purchase that did not quite go to plan. Add in a rolling suitcase that showed up at exactly the right moment, and there is a solid mix of gear worth talking about.

Salomon Running Vest

The Salomon vest solves the biggest problem some vests have: bounce. There was none, and it felt very secure through the entire run. The design uses a cross configuration in the back, which the brand says exists specifically to reduce bounce, and in practice it delivered.

The other clear win is storage. There is a genuinely accessible back pocket, large enough to stow something like a drone or a jacket mid-run and pull it out again without stopping. That kind of quick-access storage is rare at this weight class.

The trade-off is comfort. Compared with the softer material of the Nathan vest, this one feels less plush against the shoulder blades. Security versus softness is the core choice here.

Nathan Running Vest

The Nathan vest was the comfort pick. The material is a little softer and more comfortable against the body, and after dialing in the fit it was an easy vest to wear for a full run.

Its main drawbacks are a slight bit of bounce while running and no storage pocket in the back. If comfort is the priority and you do not need rear storage, it remains a strong option.

ASICS Noosa Tri 16 vs the Noosa Tri 14

The Noosa Tri 16 was the first running shoe bought with personal money in roughly eight years, which says something about the reputation of the Noosa line. Sadly, it does not live up to that reputation. Compared with the 14, it lacks the bounce and the cushion. It digresses from what made the earlier version so good.

There are positives. The lockdown through the upper over the top of the foot is good, and the tongue is excellent. But there was some rubbing on the Achilles tendon, especially on the right side. The heel counter design is the most visible difference: the 14 has a flare at the heel that the 16 lacks, and that change is hard to miss when the two sit side by side. The bright, Grateful Dead-style colorway is fun, but the ride is not.

Why the Noosa Tri 14 Still Matters

The Noosa Tri 14 sits firmly in what could be called the glory years of running shoes, from late 2019 to around 2022, when a remarkable number of great shoes launched. The flared heel counter, the bounce, and the cushion all still hold up. If you can still find a pair in your size, it remains the version to buy from this line.

Peak Design Rolling Suitcase

Following up on a camera bag sent previously, Peak Design’s rolling suitcase makes a strong first impression. It looks and feels fancy, with the kind of considered design the brand is known for.

It also arrives at a fitting time: with a few races on the calendar for 2026, a compact rolling suitcase for race travel could get real use. Paired with a new walking treadmill destined for the garage, the gear haul rounded out nicely.

Buying Advice

For vests, the choice comes down to priorities. Pick the Salomon if you want zero bounce and quick-access rear storage. Pick the Nathan if soft, all-day comfort matters more than storage.

For shoes, the lesson is straightforward. The Noosa Tri 16 does not recapture what made the 14 special, so hunt down the older version if you loved it. And for travel, the Peak Design rolling suitcase is an easy recommend if the design language appeals to you.

Conclusion

A mixed but instructive gear week. The Salomon vest earns its place as the secure, storage-friendly option, the Nathan stays the comfort pick, the Noosa Tri 16 disappoints against its own legendary predecessor, and Peak Design continues to impress with travel gear that justifies the hype.