How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

A multitasking hydration hero, the women's Salomon Adv Skin 12 W Set hydration vest ensures on-the-go hydration access, long-distance comfort and freedom of movement during demanding endurance races.
Imported.
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 | 11 |
Weight | 10.1 ounces |
Material(s) | Body: 84% polyamide/16% elastane; lining: 100% polyamide; foam: 100% polyethylene; body insert: 88% polyamide/12% elastane; back body: 100% polyester; back insert: 89% polyamide/11% elastane |
Fits Chest | XXS: 31-33 inches |
BPA Free | Yes |
Dimensions | 35 x 19 x 1 inches |
Gender | Women's |
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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.
Really does fit like a second skin, no chafing or hot spots and everything stays in place! Have taken this on runs up to 15 miles without an issue. The straws were a bit difficult to cut down at first, but after watching a youtube video, was able to figure it out - thank goodness it only needs to be done once! This thing is so comfortable and spacious, I've even started ditching my daypack and using the vest for short day hikes - there's plenty of room for extra layers, water filtration, and a first aid kit in the large compartment. Love that there is a hook for my keys too, it's nice to have that extra security.
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
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.
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 did a lot of research before purchasing and ended up with Salomon and am glad I did. Tons of pockets and storage options, and a nice pocket material that stretches. I went with the 12L instead of the 8L because even though I knew the extra space wasn't necessary for most runs, I could also use it for skiing or hiking and that space could come in handy. I'm glad I got the 12L because it's still light and you can't tell it's big because the stretchy material keeps it tight to your body and I don't get a sensation like stuff is moving around. I love the tightening system so that it can be adjusted and tightened in more than one place. The female bottle design is nice with the straws and they aren't too long - you can just tuck the tip of the straw into the pocket right there so they don't bounce. The bottles want to slip down but if you pull the top of the bottle up a bit, the tightness in the pocket up against my body keeps it up. I also got the insulated pouch for the back, and it works well. However, the insulated straw is very stiff so once it is wrapped around to the front according to the instructions, it comes up a little shorter than I would prefer. I assume this wouldn't be an issue with the non insulated straw. My only major complaint is that the vest chafes my neck. The seam on the shoulder parts is a rough material and it is mesh underneath. I wear only with t shirts and not tank tops to avoid a lot of mesh contact and that helps everywhere but the neck. I'm usually a medium but my measurements directed me to order a large according to the sheet, but I need to tighten it quite a bit to get it snug to me so I wonder if the large has wider shoulders or something. Loosening it helps with the chafing but I don't want the vest bouncing around so I can't loosen too much. I wish this didn't happen because it's my only problem with the vest but it is noticeable when I run despite trying different shirts to help. I'll probably see if I can pin a softer material in that section so that it's not scratching when it rubs.
I love this vest! I was looking for something that comes in a wider range of sizes. I’ve tried a few other brands of running vests, but none of them fit quite right. The 2XS fits me awesome, and it doesn’t feel like I’m carrying anything, even if I pack it with my phone, keys, wallet, water, snacks, and a light jacket. The straws on the flasks are a little long, but I got used to that pretty quickly. I’m conscious that this is an investment, especially for someone who’s just starting their running journey, but it’s given me such an improved experience as I learn to love running, so I’d recommend giving it a try!
This is my 3rd Salomon pack (also have the ADV Skin 5 and 8) and I bought this one because I needed something with more room for extra water + fuel for long runs and ultra races. I tried it out on a 12 mile run and it fit everything I needed! I had space for a hydration bladder in the back + a 20 oz flask up front plus plenty of room for gels/chews and my phone, keys and ID in the front pockets. My only complaint is I can’t use the flasks that came with the pack since the straws are way too long but the Hydrapak flask I have fits just fine and holds more water anyway. I think this is the pack I’ll be using for my next 50K!
I got this vest because I love my ADV SKIN 8, but I wanted to have more capacity = more adventure. I'm super happy with the pack! It has all the storage capacity of the 8, but with even more pockets. I love how stretchy the pockets are - I can take a LOT of stuff with me out on the trail. I love the way the vet fits too - I can control the bounce by cinching up the adjusters. I took this pack on a very tough 35km trail race in 30+ degrees. I had absolutely NO chafing at all. I am a fan, and would highly recommend this pack to anyone looking for a great hydration vest. Salomon is the master of hydration vests!!