Dynafit Ultra 12 Vest (12 liters)

After running my trails for a number of years with a Decathlon vest, I felt it was time for something new, and I was looking for improvements over my Decathlon vest. The description of the Dynafit Ultra 12L promises quite a lot. In practice, after using it a few times to test all the options, I am not yet convinced of the added value of this vest. To start with the sizing: according to the size chart, I clearly fall into the XS/S category, so I ordered that one. However, I think these sizes were determined without all the gear, because it is really "just barely" (and I am more XS than S according to the chart). Secondly, the front zipper pocket for the phone: the zipper opening fits my Samsung S23 perfectly (with a minimal protective case); the pocket itself is spacious enough. If there is a full water bottle in the other pocket (included with the vest), you have trouble getting the phone out (not a big deal if you have the time, but in emergencies it is at least very annoying). Thirdly: the attachment for the poles. Three options are given: vertical on the front; Horizontal at the back or V-shaped at the back, achievable with the 3 included elastic bands (4 would have been better). Attaching the elastic bands is quite easy, but removing them after use (if you want a different configuration) takes quite a bit of effort. The vertical position at the front is stable in itself, but especially with full bottles at the front, the poles sit quite far outwards, which means they can get in the way at the shoulder while walking. I also noticed two bruised spots on my stomach afterwards, exactly where the bottom of the folded poles was, so not very pleasant. Next, I tried the horizontal position at the back. Maybe some people won't be bothered by it, but for me, it really wasn't an option. With every step, the poles flapped up and down against my back. An absolute "no go" as far as I'm concerned. Finally, I also tried the V-position. Although the videos explain that you also use one of the elastic bands at the bottom in the middle in that position, I did it differently. In the middle there is also a small open compartment, which I think is meant to close the compartment above; I put the bottoms of the poles in there (I wonder how long it will take before there is a hole in them). This position was the most comfortable for me to walk in, but here I run into the following problem: grabbing the poles from the top is not an option; I simply cannot reach them.Grabbing the poles from the bottom works fine, but of course, you can never get them back in while walking. You might say, then just store them at the front afterwards, but well, only 3 elastic straps were included and two of them are in use for the V-position at the back. Fourthly (it might just be me, of course), the front closure has already come undone a few times while walking. Maybe I just need to get used to this vest, but so far I am not convinced.