Salomon ADV Skin 5 Review

Bottom Line

Salomon’s ADV Skin 5 vest is a versatile hydration and storage option for any adventure you go on. Equally effective on the racecourse as it is on your local training route, this vest has excellent organization and easy access to hydration — whether you opt for a reservoir or the two included soft flasks.

The five liters of capacity ensure you have ample room for gear, calories, and layers for short or medium-length outings. Runners seeking more capacity can try the 12-liter version.

Both versions feature Salomon’s Sensifit construction, which delivers a bounce-free fit no matter how much you’re carrying.

We used this pack during our medium-length training runs, as well as for shorter daily miles on the hilly trails near Bellingham, Washington.

During testing, we observed that the single bungee cord sternum adjustor is easy to tighten and stays securely in place. We also found the trekking pole attachments to be user-friendly on the go. Runners in search of a versatile vest will discover the ADV 5 to be a fantastic choice.

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How We Tested

We tested the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Vest on mountain trails in the Pacific Northwest. We used it for daily training as well as for long days in preparation for upcoming adventures.

Comfort & Fit

During training runs near Bellingham, Washington, we found the ADV 5 to be extremely comfortable, and we were pleased with the overall fit of this versatile running vest. Despite the unisex sizing, our female testers found it to fit very comfortably, and it was easy to adjust for maximum comfort.  

The single-shock cord sternum adjustment was simple to operate with a single tug, allowing us to modify the fit throughout our run as we drank more and more water. Unlike some other models with strap closures, the stretch of this system meant that even when fully loaded, the closure strap wasn’t fully extended.

The shock cord provided plenty of give for comfort but also had full retraction, so the pack stayed in place without bouncing. We also appreciated the inclusion of a removable insulated hydration sleeve that kept our water cool throughout our run.

Functionality

The Salomon ADV Skin 5 vest is designed with a dozen pockets, providing ample organized space for snacks and essentials. Even while on the move, the front pockets remain easily accessible. During our daily training missions on the trails, we had no trouble reaching the side pockets for gloves and snacks.

The assortment of front pockets, including a zippered one, allowed us to avoid stopping while looking for snacks or storing small items. Retrieving our jacket from the top back pocket was also straightforward. The front bungee attachments for trekking poles were simple to use without disrupting our pace.

Performance

The Sensifit construction of the ADV Skin 5 hugged our bodies at every speed, providing a secure fit without constriction and zero bounce. The four-way stretch fabrics kept the contents of the pockets secure, alleviating any fears of losing items while we were running, and the front zip pocket offered extra peace of mind for our valuables.

We found that the integrated soft flasks remained upright thanks to the built-in bungee loops; however, without those, they tended to slide down into the pocket and bounce a bit when they weren’t full.  

Even on steep descents in the trails of the Chuckanut Mountains in Washington State, we didn’t experience any issues with slipping or security in the vest. The performance and security of the ADV Skin 5 make it a great value for a wide range of runners and applications.

Durability

Designed for racing and training, the ADV Skin 5 is one of Salomon’s most popular packs for good reason. In addition to being comfortable and high-performing, it is also one of the most durable vests we tested. Despite taking it through thick brush and fallen branches during our backcountry runs, the fabric remained intact without any visible damage.

The slightly thicker fabrics are resistant to snags and tears, and we found that the stretch mesh retained its shape, even after months of frequent use. 

With reinforced stitching at high-pressure points, we expect this pack to last a long time, making it a great value for a wide range of runners.

Breathability

The increased durability of the slightly thicker fabrics and the snug, close-to-body fit made us feel a bit warm during our faster runs and on warmer days. This slight reduction in the breathability of the ADV Skin 5 was the only drawback of this otherwise comfortable, high-performing pack.

Most runners will consider this a minor inconvenience worth the trade-off, except in high temperatures. However, runners primarily racing or running in hot conditions may find the decreased breathability of this vest to be a more significant issue. 

While the fabric effectively wicked moisture and dried quickly, our backs still felt a bit damp after runs in warmer conditions due to the reduced airflow. Aside from this, our testers found that the overall versatility and performance more than compensate for it, making this vest an excellent value as a training and racing pack.

Should You Buy the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Vest?

Runners looking for an all-around training vest that’s also ideal for any trail race would benefit from selecting the ADV Skin 5. This hydration vest is both versatile and functional, making it a high-value option per wear.

With its thoughtful design, it offers a generous amount of easily accessible storage space, allowing for simple organization of everything from energy gels to extra layers. You can hit the trails knowing all your essentials are within reach, as this vest ensures easy access to storage, keeping everything ready at hand. 

While the ADV Skin 5 is an excellent choice for most runners, those who primarily train or race in hot conditions might find it too warm. Everyone else will appreciate its adaptability, making it suitable for short training sessions as well as longer, more challenging runs or race day use.

What Other Hydration Packs Should You Consider?

If the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Vest isn’t quite what you’re looking for, check out these other great options from our Best Running Vests gear guide.

Black Diamond Women’s Distance 4 Review: This 4-liter Editor’s Pick boasts easy-to-use buckle closures, flask hydration, and dials in comfort, breathability, and organization in a minimalist style.

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.

Nathan Pinnacle 4 Liter Hydration Race Vest Review Review: With integrated straw-top flasks and buttery smooth fabrics, this vest is an ultralight solution to storage and hydration on the go.