Article by Sam Winebaum
Salomon ADV Skin 5L ($145)
Pros:
- Versatile: from the shortest runs with due to its storage the capacity for long runs and carry of layers
- Superb arrangement of storage: easy to access and adaptable to different size items
- Comfortable regardless of the load.
- Strong value at $145 with 2 flasks included.
- While rated 5L can easily and effectively carry far more
Cons
- None to date. That good!
Salomon pretty much invented the concept of the hydration vest, a close to the body clothing carry system for fluids, run essentials and in larger capacities layers and shells. With the 2025 ADV Skin Set 5L and 12L also tested and reviewed by RTR, after many years of essentially similar vests they refine the concept top to bottom, inside and out while retaining the essence of a very light close fitting multi pocket carrying system for the trails (and roads).
I first tried it at UTMB for a day during the introduction run up and down the mountain for the S/Lab Ultra Glide (RTR Review). I was very sad I had to return it that is for sure!
While called out as 5L my experience is that the vest can likely carry close to double that capacity (assuming lighter items such as jackets) given its harness like fit and the stretch of its pockets and this with no bounce in any of my testing and regardless of the load.
In addition to what I found is superb access to all the storage with all pockets just where I want them and just as I like to use them on the go is to what I will call changes to the main body of the pack. Instead of essentially thin mesh and fabrics which were either slightly stretchy or not really stretchy overall, the pack integrates its more padded at the body side grid mesh with a combination of slightly stretchy fabrics and very stretchy mesh pockets
The key to holding the pack at the body regardless of the load is Y non stretchy “harness” across the back to the shoulders which essentially creates shoulder straps.
This harness along with soft grid mesh keeps the pack secure to the body no matter the load unlike earlier vests which tended to droop and flop more especially when lightly loaded.
After the long list of official features I will discuss how the pack fits, the storage and its access and its performance on multiple runs, hikes and nordic skis this winter in Park City.
Features and Stats
Spec Weight: 203g
Capacity: Listed at 5L but I think far more. See below "a full load".
In the pictures below I have the pack loaded with 2.3kg / 81.3 oz including the following:
2 full flasks, gloves and hat, micro spikes, and iPhone in front zip pocket
2025 prototype Salomon Bonatti waterproof jacket in lower side/back mesh pocketing, light Tracksmith Harbor puffy, rescue blanket and gels in rear pocket.
As shown below I added pole carry to the front to the giant load which was doable.
I think pole carry will work better at the rear with such a giant load and with my relatively thick One-Way poles .
Despite this “overload” and quite a humpback due to the puffy in the rear pocket, I did not experience any bouncing. In fact the carry was even more secure than with a very light load.
Not to worry if you want yet more carrying capacity the 12L has a larger rear compartment and an additional front zipper pocket.
That said, for my uses in warmer weather with say a reservoir in addition to flasks and in winter with the ability to carry insulation and a full light shell as well as traction and poles (if a bit snugly) makes the 5L more than adequate for any run or hike even if bad weather is expected..
Using the official feature list I have added my comments in italics.
CONCEPT & TECHNOLOGY
Sensifit™: The construction uses stretch, breathable fabrics and lightweight adjustments to optimize fit and stability.
Y SHAPE construction: The back of the pack is built in the shape of a Y with strategically placed stretch and supportive fabrics to stabilize the weight in the main compartment-totally effective without adding any weight
LOAD MANAGEMENT
Quick link: This sternum strap enables you to adjust your pack quickly on the fly. The elastic makes it easier to breathe when you pick up the pace.- extremely easy to use and adjust. The clips for the cords are also an improvement, take less aiming and pull to clip in while the cords are super easy to adjust on the go
HYDRATION
Reservoir compartment: internal reservoir compartment with a hanging strap to hold the reservoir in place.
It sits against the back and is separated from the outer compartment by a water resistant fabric,
2 x 500ml ULTRA flasks included: the new flasks have a tapered bottom and no longer include the hard plastic bottom “cup”. Also notable the threading to screw on the cap is much easier to find than some prior Salomon.
POCKETS & COMPARTMENTS
1 front zipped pocket- Easily holds my iPhone 16 Pro and also super easy to reach the phone even with a flask in its pocket and say gloves in the part of the stretch pocket to the rear of the zip pocket.
2 front stretch pockets: Expandable front pockets to store essentials you want to access on the go. Huge stretch capacity. I have stored NanoSpikes in one and a wind jacket in the other while still being able to store flasks in their separate inner pockets.
2 front flask pockets: Designed to fit Salomon soft flasks, these front pockets limit bouncing. Top elastic loops secure your flasks and keep them ready to drink. Unlike some recent Salomon flasks these are tapered without a hard plastic bottom. They slide in very easily on the go with normal front stretch pockets loads.
1 main stretch compartment: Expandable storage to pack all you need on the go -essentially double pocketed with at the back area for a reservoir (with a clip) with in front of that separated by a water resistant layer another storage area. I have put my emergency blanket, a light sweater weight puffy, and a light windshell here without issue.
1 back pocket with 2 side access: Wide pocket in the back that can be accessed from both sides-easily reachable the 2 pockets are not separated at center back, so for example a jacket can be stuffed across both as I did here with the Salomon Bonatti waterproof, barely
2 shoulder stretch pockets-small, for empty gel packets although one has a key clip so a place for car or house keys while the other has a safety whistle.
CARRYING SYSTEM
Poles holder elastic loops-poles can be carried one on each side up front or at the back
Removable poles carrying system-as the poles carrying systems are bungee type cords so they can also be removed.
Salomon custom quiver compatible
MISCELLANEOUS: Whistle, Key clip, PFC-free
Fit
Fit shown with max load
I am I am 5’9” / 175 cm and 163 lbs / 74kg with a 32” waist. The fit of my medium works with a tee shirt and also with quite thick soft shell Salomon jacket and baselayer (shown above) and even over a heavy puffy with a lighter load. I have yet to experience any bouncing due to the stretch materials, front cord system, and Y Harness.
Performance and Conclusions
I have tested trail and road running, nordic skiing, and hiking this winter in Park City.
First the fit is always secure and comfortable no matter the load thanks to the perfected use of materials and construction and is a big step up from prior more clothing like and sometimes floppy Salomon vests
Second, the arrangement of the pocketing, the front harness, and the access to everything from stored items to flasks is intuitive and easy.
Third, the variable loading from just a flask and a few items to fully loaded as well as the consistent fit from a tee shirt to several layers delivers fantastic versatility with never so far a compromise on performance. Finally, at $145 the 5L is an excellent value for such a fully featured running vest with two flasks included.
I will continue to wear the ADV Skin 5L that is for sure with, to date, no suggestions for improvements or negatives. That good!
Our review of the larger capacity ADV Skin 12L is here.
SALOMON RUNNING
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