How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

With enough space for longer endurance races, the Salomon Adv Skin 12 Set gives quick access to essentials. Sensifit construction and an updated closure system provide comfort for big miles.
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View all Salomon Running Hydration VestsBest Use | Trail Running |
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Gear Capacity (L) | 12 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 732 cubic inches |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Reservoir Included | No |
Bottle(s) Included | 2 bottles |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 1 liter |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 34 fluid ounces |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
Weight | 9.77 ounces |
Material(s) | Body: 84% polyamide/16% elastane; lining: polyamide; foam: polyethylene; body insert: 88% polyamide/12% elastane; back body: polyester; back insert: 89% polyamide/11% elastane |
Fits Chest | XS: 32-35 inches |
Dimensions | 15.7 x 7.9 x 4.7 inches |
Gender | Unisex |
XS | S | M | L | XL | |
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Chest | 32-35 | 34.5-38 | 37.5-40 | 39.5-42.5 | 42-45 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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I purchased the adv skin 12 set because I need more capacity for longer unsupported runs. The adv skin 12 set is a dream come true. The fit: Love the front fastenings; lets the adv skin 12 feel like a second skin What can I say, fits like a dream. Conformable while running. I’m running about 15-20km between major stops and I really don’t have to bother too much with adjusting the adv skin 12 set. Adjustments: Surprising plenty of room for adjustments in the adv skin 12 set. Hydration: The 2 soft flasks 500 std 42 work fine with the adv skin 12 set, you really can drink on the go. Love the clips holding the water bottles too. I also purchased the SOFT RESERVOIR 1.5L which also works well. Hydration – Advanced: For those who have rivers or lakes nearby, I’m now in the process of buying a SOFT FLASK 490ML/16OZ XA FILTER and using it to fill the soft flasks on longer runs. Saves carrying litres of water. 10/10 Salomon. Well done.
This vest was great for my not so great MMT100 miler. I decided not to use drop bags and carry anything I thought I’d need with the addition of the Aid Stations for water and food. You can fit a lot in this vest and it’s designed so well that even as it’s packed full of stuff it doesn’t feel any tighter like some of the other brands I’ve used. I probably had about 15 pounds of water and gear in it and it rode great on my body. Though it was a little hotter during the heat of the day it didn’t bother me much. My brother has and older version of this same vest, the updates they’ve made are better in every way I can tell.
This is my second one. One of the best running vest in the market. Plenty of storage for all the necessary kit for long runs and mandatory kit in races. During winter I even fit it with a down jacket and a spare tee for when the run is over. Everything sits properly without bouncing and the new strap system is very easy to unstrap and strap again. Many pockets accessible without taking it off, make it perfect during races. Several ways to attach your poles is also one of the great features! The only downside is if you have it almost empty in the back pocket, it will bounce a bit, you still have some elastic bands to adjust it but I would go for the 5L version instead.
I’m not a trail runner but I am a big hiker and this pack was recommended to me. I was skeptical because I’ve got curves! Plus, would enough water even fit? Yes! I easily fit my 2 liters of water. The pockets are easy to access and stretchy. What a game changer because the straps didn’t dig into my chest or stomach. The shoulder straps didn’t weigh heavy on my shoulders even with all the stuff I shoved in there!
I’ve been running with the Sense Ultra 5L (xs) for the past year and love it, but wanted more carrying capacity for longer days.The Adv Skin pack is amazingly designed, with every detail thought through. I found it to run one size smaller than the Sense Ultra. Maybe because it doesn’t have as much stretch, but I found (on the xs) that the front pockets fit too far out to the sides, so that I couldn’t carry both soft flasks and a bear spray without interfering with my arm swing. The side (top entrance) pockets were also a little too far to the back for easy access on the go. I traded it out for a size small, which now puts the front pockets on the front of my body, and I can fit the bear spray easily beside one of the flasks. Side pockets can be accessed more quickly with one hand. This might not be an issue if you plan to use a bladder or don’t carry bear spray, but it took me some trial and error over several weeks to get the fit right. I’m really happy with the fit of the small. For reference, 5’11” 130lb 34a, size small in Adv Skin 12, size xs in Sense Ultra.
I recently bought this vest because of it's hydration pouch. Overall the vest is very comfortable and storage areas are conveniently within reach while running. The one-pull, adjustable elastic is very easy to use. There are three main points which I have found after use. 1. I am a short person but bought a large sized vest as they fit my shoulders better. I would recommend anyone thinking of buying a vest to first head down to their local sporting goods store to try on a few sizes before buying. 2. My initial motivation for buying the vest didn't work out. The hydration pouches I have are all too big. This vest requires Salomon-specific, hydration pouches. It was a big lose as I only use the two collapsible water flasks now. They are easy to drink from while running. 3. The garbage pocket is just not useable for me. It is not securely attached as part of the vest. But rather, it is left to dangle at a awkward height the neither allows you to pull it out to open properly or put your hand in to open wide enough to insert any used gels or other garbage. I would have liked it if it were just another pocket that was easy to invert and clean.
I had the advanced skin 8 for a couple years. Didn’t upgrade because I didn’t want the new bottles digging in to my ribs. Finally needed to pull the trigger due to some light wear and capacity issues for long races. To my delight, Salomon listened to the complaints and made a soft bottom, wide rim bottle that fits the filters. In addition, the fit is still great, love the extra zip breast pouch and extra storage compartments, and the insulated pouch for running a hydration reservoir if and when wanted, but it’s also removable. Couldn’t be more pleased. I’m 6’, 145 and a medium is perfect.
I used this to carry 2L of water for a fast hike up Mt. Baden-Powell in an hour 40 minutes (fast for me!). I was initially deterred by so many strings protruding our of this pack, but after fiddling with it, found it quite easy to work with. I got rid of all of the extra strings I don't need (since I always use poles both up and down), and I can put my old 2L camelback in the insulating pouch, with the tube routed over my shoulder. This allows me to carry 3L of water in total, which is good for most of the day hikes in California. It would also work very well on backpacking trips after setting up camp and out exploring.
This pack has a large amount of room for storage and even an extra back space you could easily fit a 3.0L hydration pack in the back. The first activity I used it for was mountain biking. The second was for long trail runs. It’s as light as it can be for carrying water. It secures tightly and doesn’t support in your shoulders. The straps across the chest secure below and above my boobs and the cross straps restart an angle song them. This seems to help with being secure but not feeling like the straps will cut into your flex or burn from bouncing. I get acid reflux every time I run, so having a sip of water during a run longer than 4 miles is quite necessary.
Have worn on hundred plus runs in rain sun and snow over the past few years. Quality is fantastic. Zippers need a good cleaning every once in a while or they get sticky, hand washed whole thing a couple of times after muddy wipeouts, other than that, it is maintenance free. As it has aged it gets stiffer so running without a shirt underneath is no longer comfortable but zero other comfort concerns. No bounce, no chafe, never lost anything out of ample pockets. It’s awesome.