Bottom Line
The latest Salomon ADV Skin 5 vest is a highly versatile hydration and storage solution with new reservoir compatibility features. Equally at home on race day as it is on your local training route, this vest offers great organization and options for hydration whether you prefer to use a water bladder (sold separately) or the two included soft flasks.
The 5-liter capacity offers plenty of room for gear, calories, and layers on short or medium-length outings. Runners looking for more space can check out the 12-liter version. Both sport Salomon’s SensiFit construction that provides a bounce-free fit regardless of how much you’re carrying.
We used this pack on mid-length training runs as well as shorter daily miles on hilly trails near Bellingham, Washington and daily jaunts in the Midwest during colder months. Through it all, the ADV Skin 5 provided a snug, secure fit and easy access to essentials, proving itself as a versatile performer and solid all-around value. You can check out more great options in our best running vests gear guide.
How We Tested
We tested the Salomon ADV Skin 5 in a range of temperatures and conditions. Over the course of two months, we used the ADV Skin 5 Vest on mid-length trail runs in the rainy foothills of the Pacific Northwest. We also wore it for shorter daily training sessions while visiting Michigan in late winter and a handful of longer days in Washington State as we prepared for upcoming summer adventures.
Quick Specs
Salomon ADV Skin 5
Best Budget Running Vest
CleverHiker Rating: 4.5/5.0
Price: $145
Capacity: 5 L
Hydration System: Two flasks included; reservoir-compatible
Sizing: Unisex
Pros
- Secure, no-bounce fit
- Easy-to-adjust closure
- Generous organization
Cons
- Snug fit runs warm
Comfort & Fit
During training runs near Bellingham, Washington, we found the ADV Skin 5 to be extremely comfortable and well fitting. Despite the unisex sizing, our female testers found the fit to be spot-on with easy adjustability. The lightly padded construction made it very comfy to wear, even for extended periods.
The single shock-cord sternum adjustment was simple to operate with a single tug, allowing us to modify the fit throughout our run as our reservoir emptied. Unlike some other models with strap closures, the stretch of this system meant the closure strap wasn’t fully extended even when the vest was fully loaded. The shock cord provided plenty of give for comfort but also had full retraction, so the pack stayed in place without bouncing.
Unfortunately, we missed the prior model’s removable, insulated hydration sleeve that kept our water cool throughout our run. Although this did help reduce weight by about an ounce, we’d happily trade that for cool water on hot days.
Functionality
The latest ADV Skin 5 has fewer pockets than the previous model, swapping out the side pockets for a pass-through lumbar sleeve. Though we missed the smaller pockets for snacks and organizing small essentials, we did like the stretchy lumbar sleeve for easy jacket and glove storage. During our daily training missions, we had no trouble reaching all pockets to stash or retrieve layers, gloves, and snacks.
The assortment of front pockets – including a zippered pouch that was roomy enough for our phone – allowed us to access snacks and other small essentials without stopping. The spacious, stretchy main compartment provided ample room for larger and bulkier items. The rear bungee attachments for trekking poles were simple to use.
Performance
The SensiFit construction hugged our bodies at every speed, providing a secure fit with no constriction or bounce. The stretchy fabric kept the contents of the pockets secure, alleviating any fears of losing items while we were running, and the front zippered pocket offered extra peace of mind for valuables.
We found the integrated soft flasks remained upright thanks to the built-in bungee loops. However, without the bungees attached, the flasks tended to slide down into the pocket and bounce a bit when partially full.
Our biggest issue with the updated ADV Skin 5 is the reservoir hose routing. Although there is still technically a hose path, it’s next to impossible to figure out. We hope Salomon returns to their previous system in a future update. If you’re a diehard reservoir user, it’s something to be aware of.
Finally, we had some small annoyances with a couple of the features: The key clip is placed awkwardly on the right shoulder, and the trekking pole attachments in the back tended to unclip and bounce around. Gripes aside, the performance and security of the ADV Skin 5 make it a great choice for a wide range of runners and applications.
Durability
The ADV Skin 5 was overall an extremely comfortable and high-performing vest. That said, the latest version does seem to have some durability issues that its predecessors didn’t. We noted a bit of fraying on the pockets after testing, which could be indicative of manufacturing issues. However, the materials themselves are some of the most durable of any vest we tested.
The slightly thicker fabrics are resistant to snags and tears, and the mesh retains its shape even after months of frequent use. If Salomon addresses the stitching issues, we expect this pack to last a very long time.
Breathability
The slightly thicker fabrics and snug, close-to-body fit made us feel a bit warm on faster runs and warmer days. For some runners, this will be a minor inconvenience that’s worth the upgrade in durability. For others, especially those who primarily run or race in hot weather, it may be worth opting for a more breathable design. The good news is that the fabric effectively wicked moisture and dried quickly, although our backs still felt a bit damp after runs in warmer temperatures.
Should You Buy the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Vest?
Runners looking for an all-around training vest that can pull double duty on race day will find a lot to like about the ADV Skin 5. This hydration vest is both versatile and functional, making it a solid choice for a wide range of runners. The thoughtful design offers a generous amount of accessible storage, allowing for easy organization of everything from energy gels to extra layers.
Though 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. Although secure, the snug fit doesn’t allow much room for airflow. The good news is that the fabrics are very resistant to tears and snags, earning the ADV Skin 5 high marks for durability.
What Other Hydration Vests Should You Consider?
If the Salomon ADV Skin 5 isn’t quite what you’re looking for, check out these other great options from our best running vests gear guide:
Ultimate Direction Men’s Ultra Vest / Women’s Ultra Vesta 6.0 Review: With a generous capacity and ample organization, this versatile vest from Ultimate Direction was quick to stand out in our testing. It’s breathable, comfortable, and a solid all-around performer, although it’s much larger and bulkier than the ADV Skin 5.
UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest Review: If comfort and breathability are at the top of your must-have list, the Alpha 6.0 is a real standout. The UltrAcool Light Mesh fabric does a great job wicking moisture and promoting airflow while you’re working hard. The ADV Skin 5 has a better bungee sternum system for tweaking fit.
Patagonia Slope Runner Vest Review: This streamlined vest from Patagonia is a little smaller than the ADV Skin 5 at 4 liters but offers convenient storage and a comfortable, adjustable fit. It doesn’t have a secure zippered pocket at the front, but it’s more breathable than the Salomon on hot runs.
