Wise: the art of running light, far, and free

Wise, a French ultra-trail brand founded in Annecy, creates lightweight and durable equipment designed to free movement. Its Sherpa Max bag, ultralight and stable, embodies this philosophy by combining technicality, comfort, and freedom.

Wise is a French brand specializing in ultra-trail and mountain running equipment. Founded by two passionate ultra-runners, it was born from a simple observation: the technical bags and clothing available on the market did not fully meet the demands of long distances, where every gram, every seam, and every material matters. Based in Annecy, in the heart of the Alps, Wise designs and tests its products in real practice conditions, often on the steep and challenging trails that inspired its creation. The founding idea is clear: to create equipment designed by ultra-runners for ultra-runners, where performance, durability, and freedom of movement are at the heart of everything.

Source :

Sage

Source :

Sage

The philosophy of Wise is based on a central idea: freeing the body to lighten the mind. The French brand advocates a refined and conscious approach to ultra-trail, where lightness is not just a matter of weight but a true state of mind. Lightening the stride means designing gear that embraces movement without constraining it. Lightening the footprint means reducing environmental impact by favoring durable and European materials, and finally, lightening the gear means keeping only the essentials, without ever sacrificing robustness or functionality. In this minimalist and respectful vision, each product becomes an extension of the runner, a natural prolongation of their effort.

Committed and transparent, Wise takes pride in revealing the origin of its materials and promoting European craftsmanship. The fabrics are made in Ardèche by Payen, the production is carried out in Portugal by Petratex, and each bag is designed to last over 5,000 km. Repairability, durability, and guarantee are integral parts of its DNA, with the promise of rigorous and human service. This commitment positions the brand as a high-end and responsible reference, going against the tide of mass production.

Finally, Wise reveals an almost spiritual dimension of running. Ultra-trail is considered as an inner journey, a dialogue between the body, the mountain, and the elements. The gear then becomes a discreet and essential companion on the road, serving a sincere and liberated practice. Through its technical demands and poetic sensitivity, Wise addresses the runners who seek in lightness not only performance but also a form of harmony between oneself and nature.

Source :

Sage

Source :

Sage

Focus on the Sherpa Max bag

The Sherpa Max is Wise's iconic trail bag, designed for ultra distances and races where equipment management and comfort are essential. Weighing only 139 grams with a capacity of 12 liters (and up to 15 liters at maximum load), it perfectly embodies the brand's philosophy: minimalist, lightweight, yet incredibly functional. This bag has been designed to offer complete freedom of movement while maintaining excellent stability, even on technical terrain. Every element has been optimized: from fabrics to seams, as well as pocket distribution, to reduce fatigue and improve efficiency while running.

The Sherpa Max stands out with a patented carrying system that almost entirely eliminates bouncing, a recurring problem in ultra-trail bags. The flasks, included with the bag, are angled at 17° to balance the load and reduce the strain on the torso. The "Fast Flask Access" allows for grabbing or stowing bottles while running without wasting time. The bi-elastic structure made of Everdry fabric, manufactured in France, provides precise support and an adjustment that follows the body's movements without compressing. The rigid Portuguese mesh ensures the overall stability while promoting breathability.

Source :

Amberlnr

Source :

Amberlnr

In terms of organization, the bag has twelve pockets cleverly distributed, including a large tunnel pocket at the lower back for storing a jacket or lightweight gear, front pockets for flasks, and an additional back pocket for a third water bottle. It also has a secure pocket for keys or valuables. Its heat-sealed design, stemming from the expertise of the Petratex factory, ensures a high-end finish and exceptional durability. The brand claims a resistance of over 5,000 km of use and more than 100 washing cycles without performance degradation.

The Sherpa Max is primarily aimed at long-distance runners, from 20 to 180 km, who are looking for a bag that is both ultralight, stable, and practical. Its design allows access to nearly 10 liters of gear while running, a major advantage on alpine trails where every stop costs time. Compatible with Wise's “Open Quiver” quiver, it allows carrying poles or additional gear without compromising balance.

Source :

Amberlnr

In summary, the Sherpa Max embodies the essence of Wise expertise: a concentration of technicality, comfort, and durability in the service of performance. More than just an accessory, it symbolizes the brand's vision: that of a clean, intelligent trail that respects both the body and the environment. It is a bag designed to last, support the longest efforts, and provide the runner with a rare sensation: that of running free, unencumbered.