Salomon ADV Skin 12 Review

Bottom Line

Salomon’s ADV Skin 12 vest is equally suited for the mountains and your local training route; this vest provides has plenty of organization and easy access to hydration, whether you opt for a reservoir or the included soft flasks. 

With 12 liters of capacity for gear, snacks, and layers, our testers had plenty of space for everything we needed. Salomon’s Sensifit construction has a bounce-free experience, even when loaded down. The single bungee cord sternum adjuster allows for quick adjustments that stay secure. Our only caveat with this otherwise excellent pack was that the collar chafed at the base of the neck.

We used this pack during our long training runs as well as on shorter daily miles along the hilly trails near Bellingham, Washington. Runners in search of a versatile vest will find the ADV 12 to be an outstanding value.

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How We Tested

We tested the Salomon ADV Skin 12 Vest on runs of varying lengths on trails around Bellingham, Washington. We used it for daily miles as well as long training runs.

Comfort & Fit

During a long training run in Bellingham, Washington, we noticed that the otherwise comfortable ADV 12 chafed the base of our neck. Other than this issue, we were happy with the fit of this versatile running vest.

The cord adjustment was easy to operate with just one tug, allowing us to modify the fit throughout our run as the pack load decreased. Unlike some competitors with strap closures, the flexibility in this system meant that even when fully loaded, the closure wasn’t at its maximum.

We also appreciated the addition of a removable insulated hydration sleeve that kept our water cool throughout our run. Even when we used the included soft flasks, we liked having this pad in place to prevent sweat from seeping into our layers.

Functionality

The Salomon ADV Skin 12 vest sports 13 pockets, including a small, water-resistant inner pocket for keeping salt tabs dry and two front zip pockets for secure storage.

While running all day in the Chuckanut Mountains outside Bellingham, Washington we had no problem accessing the side stuff pockets as well as the front ones, meaning we never had to slow down when donning gloves or grabbing snacks. Even on shorter runs we didn’t notice the extra fabric of the unused back pockets. Grabbing our jacket from the top back pocket was also easy to do on the move.

Daisy chain side bungees allow for compression when the pack is more lightly loaded as well as a way to attach more gear or layers. An ice ax loop and convertible trekking pole lash points increase the functionality of this pack.

Performance

Whether we loaded the pack to capacity or filled it minimally for a quick run, the ADV Skin 12 did not bounce. The Sensifit construction conformed to our bodies at every speed, and the four-way stretch fabrics kept the contents secure, ensuring nothing bounced out while we were on the move.

We appreciated the addition of front and rear zip pockets for secure organization, along with convenient access to the stuff pockets. The integrated soft flasks remained upright thanks to the built-in bungee loops. However, without them, they tended to slouch into the pocket and bounce slightly when partially empty.

Even on steep trails in the Pacific Northwest, we didn’t encounter any issues with slipping or security in the vest.

Durability

The ADV Skin 12 is among the most durable vests we tested. The slightly thicker fabrics help its resistance to snags and tears. We also observed that the stretch mesh retains its shape, even after extensive use. Despite navigating through several fallen trees and light bushwhacking, we didn’t notice any damage to the vest.

Salomon has incorporated reinforced stitching at strategic high-pressure points, further boosting its durability. With all this in mind, we expect this hydration vest to endure through many miles and adventures, making it an excellent value for a wide range of runners in terms of cost per wear.

Breathability

The increased durability and snug, friction-free fit of this vest did impact breathability. As a result, we felt a bit warm during our more intense runs. Although the fabric effectively wicks moisture away and dries relatively quickly, the buildup of heat and moisture can be problematic, leaving our backs feeling somewhat swampy in hotter conditions.

This is worth considering for runners who plan to use the vest primarily in warm weather While the decreased breathability might be a drawback for some runners, it doesn’t diminish the overall versatility and value of this vest.

However, most runners will find that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks and realize that this pack is versatile and valuable enough to justify the minor loss in breathability trade-off.

Should You Buy the Salomon ADV Skin 12 Vest?

For runners seeking the ultimate all-day adventure vest, the ADV Skin 12 stands out as an excellent choice. This versatile hydration vest offers plenty of easy-access storage for all your calories, gear, and layers. It transitions seamlessly from training runs to race day, making it a valuable option for nearly every runner.

Runners who exercise in hot conditions should note that this pack may feel a bit warm, but most others will appreciate its functionality and performance across various conditions.

With its 12-liter capacity, it’s perfect for longer runs, and its compressibility ensures that you won’t find the extra capacity distracting or bouncing around when it isn’t full. This adaptability, along with the capacity of the vest, makes it an outstanding hydration and storage solution for any adventure.

What Other Hydration Vests Should You Consider?

If the Salomon ADV 12 Vest isn’t quite what you’re looking for, check out these other great options from our Best Running Vests gear guide.

Ultimate Direction Ultra Vesta 6.0 Hydration Vest Review: This Editor’s Pick, boasts 10.1 liters of storage, versatile reservoir or flask compatibility, and tons of storage with standard buckle closures.

Nathan Pinnacle 12 L Hydration Vest Review: For an ultralight, high storage solution with reservoir compatibility and a smooth, no chafe, no bounce fit look no further than this Editor’s Pick.

Ultraspire Alpha 5.0 Race Vest Review: Flask compatible and fully featured, this 6 liter Budget Buy vest is one of the most comfortable and highly breathable vests we tested.