Salomon ADV Skin 12 hydration vest: Tested and reviewed

Having frequently spotted runners sporting Salomon hydration vests during marathons and trail races, I was intrigued by the brand. My only experience with Salomon to date is their trail shoes which I haven’t got on with particularly well.

But I was keen to give the Salomon ADV Skin 12 a go given its popularity among trail enthusiasts. I can’t scroll beyond a couple of posts on Instagram without coming across a runfluencer wearing one, so I was eager to see if the packs were the best thing since sliced bread or marketing BS.

Since I’m currently training for a three day ultra marathon in the wild Scottish Highlands it was the perfect opportunity to put the vest through its paces on my long muddy runs.

Design and features

The Salomon ADV Skin 12 is meticulously designed for long-distance trail running. It features two tapered flasks, ergonomically curved for effortless drinking.

Initially I felt the bottles seemed to be positioned uncomfortably high pressing into my breasts, but after a couple of minutes I didn’t even notice this. In fact, they were incredibly easy to drink from without the need for long straw attachments or removing the bottles.

A standout feature was the small elasticated toggle securing each flask in place, preventing annoying bounce or fallout. With some other running vests my bottles have bounced out all together during races which has been immensely annoying.

My only quibble with the bottles was the lack of a lock function – unlike Camelbak bottles I use. This meant if the flasks were places in the back of the pack they leaked, so they had to be carried in the flask pockets.

The vest utilises Salomon’s Sensifit construction, promoting a snug, friction-free fit. It also offered ample storage solutions, including front pockets for the flasks, zippered side compartments suitable for smartphones, headphones, and snacks, plus stretchy expandable pockets at the rear, accessible but slightly awkward to reach.

An additional water-resistant zipped compartment at the back is designed for larger items like clothing layers and has a clip to hang keys or small items onto. There is also a space for a large hydration bladder and integrated whistle although the sound it emitted was unlikely to reach very far.

Meanwhile elasticated cording on the back on the pack provided versatile pole attachment points, accommodating poles horizontally or vertically. It is also compatible with the Salomon custom quiver sold separately.

Fit and comfort

Salomon's ADV Skin 12 genuinely excels in comfort, living up to its name and feeling like a second skin. It sits high on the chest wrapping around the upper torso.

Available in sizes from extra small to extra-large, the vest does cater broadly, although it appears slightly biased towards male proportions. As a small but not petite woman getting a vest that fits me can be a real struggle.

Fortunately, the extra small size offered a secure, comfortable fit without any chafing, even on long runs exceeding five hours or 30km. But a woman smaller than me might find that the extra small is a little on the large size.

The breathable mesh backing ensured decent ventilation, though the compartment design behind it did trap moisture, causing slight sweat accumulation against the back.

At selling point for me were the elastic loops across the sternum which were easy to clip into place unlike the INOV8 Racpac20 which I found super fiddly to take on and off.

Performance

In terms of practical use, the Salomon ADV Skin 12 performed impressively during lengthy trail runs. The flasks proved exceptionally easy and convenient for hydration on the move, meaning I didn’t have to stop to faff around with removing bottles or get poked in the eye by a straw.

Storage capacity was substantial enough for medium-distance trail runs up to 50 kilometres, comfortably carrying water, food, and extra gear. In good weather I think the pack could also sustain me across a 100km race.

Durability also seemed reliable, with the vest's construction holding up well under consistent, rigorous use without any stitches coming loose or any snagging to the mesh material.

Price and sustainability

Priced at approximately £139.99, the ADV Skin 12 is undeniably positioned at the premium end of the market, although discounts to around £110 are often available. It’s undeniable a great pack but if you are on a budget Harrier have a similar, more affordable range of hydration vests.

When it comes to sustainability, Salomon emphasises environmental responsibility, committing to reduced carbon footprints and sustainable practices. The company has pledged to circular performance with 100% of its “key products” eco-designed or circular.

However, specific sustainability details for the ADV Skin 12 vest were notably absent. The vest itself is manufactured entirely from polyester in Vietnam, raising questions regarding its environmental impact and sustainability specifics, which Salomon has yet to detail explicitly.

Conclusion

The Salomon ADV Skin 12 running vest proves a worthwhile investment for serious trail runners seeking reliable hydration and convenient storage. Despite minor drawbacks like sweat retention and unlockable bottles, its superior comfort, fit, and overall functionality just about justify its premium pricing.

About the author

Lily Canter is a freelance journalist and running coach (among a myriad of other jobs, including competitive ultra running) who contributes to LFTO with expert coaching advice and granularly detailed gear reviews. She also founded women’s running club Great Bowden Runners. As a qualified England Athletics running coach, Lily loves nothing more than seeing women achieving their running goals.