How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

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Endurance races are demanding. So are endurance runners. With 12 liters of gear storage that's ideal for longer outings, the women-specific Salomon Adv Skin 12 set is designed for freedom and comfort.
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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 liters |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 33.8 fluid ounces |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 6 + main compartment |
Weight | 10.1 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 |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | 13.8 x 7.5 x 0.4 inches |
Gender | Women's |
XXS | XS | S | M | L | |
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Bust | 23-32 | 32-34 | 32-35.5 | 35.5-37.5 | 37.5-40 |
Measurements are stated in inches unless otherwise indicated.
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I bought this about a month ago. I like the size, the many pockets, the larger front pockets. The adjusted front pockets with wider openings allow me the space to carry my mirrorless camera in the front, or I put it in the top pack behind my head (safer! and protected from water). I like the hydration sleeve to keep the bladder water cooler than normal. I am still using my Camelback bladder - I cannot fill it up to 1.5L capacity because the shape is different than the Salomon one this pack was designed for (but super expensive to buy in addition to what I have) and the straw doesn't go the nifty Salomon way but it works pretty well any way. The different shape bottles are fine BUT! A. I have not been able to adjust the straws the way Salomon says you can, I can't get the plastic "twist in/out" parts to budge, so I do what another review says, and tuck them into the top little pockets. B. I have used 16oz Camelback bottles in the front - I think they say the normal shape Salomon bottles don't work in this vest but I think they could. It's worth trying. I do love the color a lot. I haven't even really used the zipper pocket but will use it soon in training for a Stage race in Spain. So far really happy though except for those dumb straws that I have given up on cutting and adjusting, (which I did EXACTLY the way the Youtube Salomon person suggests, it does not work, that lady must have some magic powers). OH the other dumb straw thing is since the top and bottom parts don't budge, cleaning it will become an issue, especially since I have GU Roctane powder in my bottles. Salomon. Please help. I am still giving the bag 5 stars although the bottles get 2 stars out of 5 for not being able to clean properly and 1 star for not being able to adjust. Will I recommend it to you? It depends. But mostly, I like it, and I would still buy it despite the bottles.
First impressions this vest seemed great. I knew the straws would be long, I am 6’ tall and they were still way too long for me. I watched Salomon’s video on how “easy” they were to adjust. After 2 hours, many tools, many swears, and losing all the skin on my fingers I have semi adjusted straws. They are IMPOSSIBLE for any human to adjust. Really disappointed since the main function of the vest is supposed to be female specific easy hydration. Vest has a weird shape, even when empty it gives you a hunchback silhouette, but the pockets function well. Mostly it’s the dang straws
Hey, thank you for taking the time to share your feedback with us. We often adjust our products based on direct customer feedback. We will make sure to pass this along to our designers for consideration in future products.
After 6 years, I thought “it’s time for a new model” and purchased the latest Salomon hydration vest. I have to be honest: I tried two different brands as well, before I purchased this one, but either the fit of the other ones wasn’t right or it didn’t have enough pockets and/or variety. Salomon just gets it right. Yes, some might complain, that the straws of the flasks are a bit long, but I don’t mind. Would definitely recommend
The bite valves on the flasks gush out water--why is there no stopper on them? absolutely useless if I can't run without liquid gushing everywhere. The vest fits well--and I love all the pockets. It was really difficult to put in my hydration pack the salomon instructional video was pretty useless--maybe if they use a vest that isn't black so you could actually see. Finally found another video that was more helpful. I hope the water bottles is a manufacturer problem and not a design flaw. Haven't even tried to cut the straws yet because of the valve issue. I googled til my brain hurt to try to find answers.
This is my second Solomon pack. I just used it for a 50 mile trail race. I love this way it fits my body just right. I can adjust it so it does not bounce and I have no chafing. I love the new soft flask design. The soft flasks are much easier to get in the front pockets after being filled. The front zipper pockets are horizontal pockets and zip vertically. I have a bigger bust so when I unzip the pocket to grab my nutrition, other stuff falls out of the pockets. Also, this pack does not have a clip for keys. Overall I love the pack and would buy again. Just be mindful of the zipper pockets and make sure the car key is tucked away in the pack safely.
As other reviewers mention, the straws that come with the flasks are annoyingly long. Salomon has an instructional video on how to cut them that makes it look way easier than it is. I couldn’t even get the plastic pieces off the ends - neither could my boyfriend, nor my local Salomon shop dealer. I asked Salomon if I could exchange the vest for a unisex version and they said no, because I had already unwrapped the straws. They did send me new straws, but I had the same issue with those ones. Salomon then told me “there is nothing more we can do, as this is not a problem and we have never had any problems with cutting the straws.” So I would strongly advise against buying this vest unless you want super long straws slapping you in the face while you run.
It’s not often you find something that just works, but this is one of the best pieces of gear I’ve ever used. It’s super soft, well thought out, and it fits like a glove. Forgot I had it on. Also the front flasks were a game changer! Really cannot recommend it enough.
I couldn’t wait to pick this hydration vest at my REI store. It was everything I had hoped for and more. I didn’t want a bladder and therefore am able to use the space as a backpack. I have my two water pouches on either side of my chest and can carry my cell phone, a snack, my keys, Kleenex, and even a light shirt to change into. The best investment for my runs and hikes. I highly recommend this vest by Salomon.
Use this for my long runs and ultras (two 50km races, training for my first 80km) and has held up great for over six months. I don't use the long straws as they are distracting near my face. I instead use the bottles with other Salomon caps, or I use my Harrier 500ml bottles. My favourite thing about the vest is the amount of zippered pockets. Overall, there is minimal movement, but eventually the vest starts to chafe at the neck at longer distances and in heat/humidity. I have taken to using kinesiology tape in that area to protect my neck.
I bought this a few months ago, but had a bunch of races coming up so didn’t want to switch out my current set up. I wore it today on an 8.5mile run. It was so comfortable. It didn’t slosh around or bounce around at all. I did wear it with a short sleeve shirt rather than my normal tank top, so will report back if any issues arise with chaffing. To cut the straws, I watched the video and tried to follow their advice. It didn’t quite work. What worked for me was putting the ends in hot water, cutting the right length, and then slicing carefully with a knife. I needed to heat the straw back up to put the end back on. But the second one was easy to do.