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

Product Information

The flasks are high quality, durable, and don't leak, but they can be a pain to put back in after a refill due to the snug overlapping front pockets. This rear pocket is pretty large, so when you need to stop running and gain access, it’s easy to find what you’re looking for quickly. Salomon products always seem to be made to a high standard and are performance-focused with practical features.

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

But if you’re willing to trade a little convenience and comfort, the QuickStart delivers a fair amount of bang for your buck. Packs, on the other hand (like the Black Diamond Distance 15), can accommodate more gear, will likely bounce a bit more with your stride, and can conceivably be used for a range of activities, including biking and hiking. If weight is a top priority, look for mesh materials, thin straps and buckles, limited feature sets, smaller capacities, and removable features including straps and reservoir sleeves. Below we break down organization by the three main storage options: shoulder pockets, side pockets, and the rear compartment. Similar to the Black Diamond Distance above, the Adventure Vest’s most recent update replaced the side bungees with stretchy panels, improving overall fit and comfort.

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. A number of factors come into play here, including weather, whether your run is supported or unsupported, and both its length and difficulty. Unlike standard backpacks, they sit high and tight to the torso, moving as an extension of the body rather than bouncing up and down with each step.

Salomon Active Skin 8 Set Unisex Hydration Vest with 2 Soft Salomon Active Skin 8 Set Unisex Hydration Vest with 2 Soft

With a stretchy, garment-like build and easy adjustments at the front and sides, it minimizes bounce by keeping your load close, and side compression bungees and an updated sternum closure snug down a partially full pack.

Inspired by the Salomon team of elite trail runners, this 4-Litre capacity hydration vest is an excellent option for trail runners.

ACTIVE SKIN 4 Unisex Running Vest with flasks included - SALOMON

Further, vests with stretchier fabrics are likely to have more storage than their capacity spec suggests—Ultimate Direction’s Fastpack 20, for example, can accommodate 23. Of course, with such a large vest, you don’t get the same close ride as you would with models like the Salomon ADV Skin and Nathan Pinnacle above, and the Adventure Vest’s multiple external bungees and rain cover are undeniably clunky.You also get a generous 12 exterior pockets, including two water-resistant zip pockets at the front (our large smartphone easily fits inside) and two rear kangaroo pockets.

Salomon Active Skin 4 Unisex Running Hydration Vest Trail

is built to accommodate everything you need for a long day on the trail, including snacks, hydration, layers, and a few essential safety items. While it’s tempting to stuff the Fastpack to the brim, we don’t recommend it from a comfort perspective. Overall, the Active Skin is a well-made and comfortable running pack that we would recommend for the new trail runner or even the experienced trail veteran who wants to save some coin while still getting a quality product. Finally, some vests and packs are one-size-fits-all (like the CamelBak Trail Run), in which case we highly advise trying it on before making a purchase to ensure you can make the necessary adjustments. Race, contour around the shoulder blades to allow greater freedom of movement and shave weight, while others cover the majority of the back.Like the vests above, the Fastpack prioritizes accessibility and a close fit but tacks on a larger capacity and a host of organizational features, including external side pockets, a full side zip, and a roll-top closure. But the downside for most is that the Circuit comes in just one size, and with no side pockets, storage is limited compared to most premium designs. The padding ensures minimal rubbing with this vest, even on those longer runs or during ultra events. If you’re looking for one vest to accompany you on short lunch runs, full days on the trail, and everything in between, the ADV Skin is one of the most versatile and well-rounded options available. They can be difficult to access from the top when your bottles are full, but you can also reach them from the side through an alternate opening.