Salomon Active Skin 4 Running Hydration Vest Unisex, Ideal for Trail Running, Trekking and Hiking, Compatible with Hydration Bladder 1.5L

Product Information

The bulk of storage capacity is on the back of the pack, with a large zipper pocket for extra food and a separate sleeve for a reservoir. Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links, and I earn a small commission from any sale that occurs via my links. The advantages over hydration reservoirs are clear: Bottles are much easier to refill and don’t require that you take off your vest to do so, and they allow you to monitor how much remaining liquid you have far better than a reservoir. We tested the Patagonia and our top-ranked Salomon side by side during a season of trail running in Hawaii, and the Slope Runner fell short in a few departments.

Salomon Hydration Systems - Running Warehouse Australia Salomon Hydration Systems - Running Warehouse Australia

The vest’s stretchy material feels more like an actual garment than most, reducing the rubbing and tight spots you get with some of the bulkier designs. version builds off the original design with improved water bottle holsters that make it easier for you to stow your flasks on the go. Be sure to take a good inventory of what you’ll need to access with your pack on and make sure there’s ample space. The Ultimate Direction Fastpack 20 is the perfect tool for the job, built for one- to two-nighters or single-day missions that require technical gear.

The vest features a zippered cell phone pocket, two cavernous chest pockets for on-the-go essentials (in addition to the stretchy flask pockets), a large rear stash, and highly breathable mesh that keeps air flowing when you break a sweat. But those who run with poles might appreciate the BD’s on-the-go trekking pole stash, and you do get an additional zip pocket at the upper back. The Salomon Active Skin 8 comes with two chest pockets on the vest’s front to carry the included 500ml soft flasks. As a result, vests (like the Patagonia Slope Runner Endurance, for example) commonly have less capacity than packs, are more comfortable for moving quickly, feature underarm storage and side dump pockets, and are intended solely for running.

Salomon Active Skin 4 Unisex Running Hydration Vest Trail

Salomon Active Skin 4 Set Unisex Hydration Vest, with 2 Soft Flasks (500ml), Trail Running and Hiking - New Updated Model. Available in 4L and 8L options, the Active Skin packs offer secure and comfortable storage of your gear during long trail runs. And similar to the ADV Skin 5, the ADV Skin 12 is available in both a unisex version and a women’s-specific model that uses triangular soft flasks with straws. My only issue with the flasks is that the opening at the top is very small, so it gets messy when I'm trying to fill or clean them. What we don’t: Not compatible with a hydration reservoir; zippered pocket does not fit a modern smartphone.Starting at the front, most vests have two straps (or a zigzagging strap or two), and we generally prefer one strap above the chest and one below. Running is inherently a high-intensity sport, and therefore it’s important that your vest is effective at wicking moisture as you sweat. Our male tester in particular has had difficulty dialing in the fit—with no cinches at the sides you’re relying solely on the sternum straps for adjustment—and the many Velcro pocket closures catch on clothing and have a rather cheap feel.

Best Running Hydration Vests and Packs of 2023 | Switchback Best Running Hydration Vests and Packs of 2023 | Switchback

Thankfully, women’s-specific running vests are shaped for narrower shoulders and bustier chests, and often feature modified organization. At first blush, the Norvan 7 feels similar to the top-ranked Salomon ADV Skin: Its stretch-mesh material rides close to the body, you get two included soft flasks and pockets throughout the front, sides, and back, and numerous cords facilitate additional gear carry. With soft, breathable fabrics and a snug secure fit, its strategic chest pockets ensure your flasks stay accessible at all times. Salomon does have some alternative running packs to the one covered in this review, and I’ll list them below if you want to go and take a look.And we especially like the rear compartment, which includes an impressive amount of storage, secures with a generous zipper, and features crisscrossing bungee straps for hauling a jacket. A vest that fits well will distribute weight evenly, allow you to move freely, and be able to adapt to a changing load as you drink water, eat food, and don layers. There's also an elastic bungee over the rear storage that lets you secure a light jacket or lock down the inner contents of the pack to prevent bouncing. And while we’re on the topic of external storage: Some running vests include daisy chains, which allow you to attach items via straps or carabiners.