If you’ve ever run 20 miles in the sun with nothing but a crusty plastic bottle and a prayer, then you know hydration matters. But here’s the kicker: not all hydration packs are created equal. Some bounce like a toddler on a trampoline. Others feel like you strapped a mini backpack to your lungs.
That’s where the Salomon ADV Skin 12 comes in. Or at least, that’s the claim. So, does it really justify that loyal fan base and premium price tag? Let’s unpack it—literally and figuratively.
Our Top Pick
First Look: What Are You Actually Getting?
The ADV Skin 12 is part vest, part pack, part utility belt from the future. Salomon labels it a 12‑liter vest, though you’ll rarely carry a full 12 liters unless you’re transporting oranges.
Out of the box, you get:
- Two 500 ml soft flasks
- A snug vest made of stretch fabric
- A surprising number of pockets
- A sleeve for a hydration bladder (sold separately)
- Unisex sizing plus a women’s‑specific version
It’s lean, but not light on features. This isn’t “throw in a bottle and go”—it’s a proper system for long hauls.
Fit and Comfort: You’ll Forget It’s There (Until You Don’t)
Great gear fades into the background once you start moving. The ADV Skin 12 nearly gets there.
Its Sensifit structure hugs your body without squeezing the life out of you. Imagine your favorite hoodie—if that hoodie held bottles and had adjustable sternum straps. The chest closures adjust swiftly, even with gloves on, which you’ll appreciate when your fingers start misbehaving.
The latest version uses softer, more perforated mesh on the back and shoulders. It’s a sensible upgrade in warm weather. Still, you might get swampy after an hour or two if you run hot.
One odd quirk: some users report light rubbing around the neck. Nothing serious, but worth testing before committing to a 50K.
Pockets on Pockets: A Spot for Everything
Want something to hold trail mix, gloves, a rain jacket, your phone, a headlamp, and a snack? You’re sorted.
Front Pockets
- Two flask pockets lie flat against your chest.
- Above them, dual stash sleeves hold gels, salt tabs, or chocolate.
- Higher still, zippered shoulder pouches slot in keys or a mini GPS.
The soft flasks flatten as you drink—no annoying slosh. Nozzle locks are easy to use on the move.
Rear Storage
- The main zippered compartment holds jackets, food, first‑aid, whatever.
- Behind it: a stretch kangaroo pouch for stuffing gear mid-run.
- A sleeve fits up to a 2 L bladder, though there’s no insulation.
Note: the new model dropped the upper rear stash pocket. If you previously relied on that, you’ll notice its absence.
Hydration System: Smart and Simple
It ships with two soft flasks. They’re slim, flexible, and sit comfortably. No more hard plastic pressing your ribs.
Prefer a bladder? Pop it in the rear sleeve. Tube exit ports on both sides keep things neat. No fuss—just function.
The new elastic sleeves hold bottles firmly. They also make insertion a bit tougher. Expect less shake, but a little more wrangling.
On‑Trail Performance: Reliable as Sunrise
Load it up, strap in, and go. The ADV Skin 12 stays put, even at full tilt. No bounce, no shoulder drag.
Compression bungees cinch your kit while flexing with movement. Rain or shine? No sweat. It dries fast and holds up well. Reinforced seams and beefier mesh feel more robust than earlier versions. Don’t baby it—you won’t have to.
What’s New in This Version?
- Softer back mesh for better airflow
- New elastic sleeves on the bottles
- Flat‑back flask design eases chest pressure
- Removal of the upper rear stash pocket
- Slight weight shift (Men’s ~8.7 oz; Women’s ~8.3 oz)
No revolution here, but thoughtful tweaks that add up.
Salomon ADV Skin 12 Hydration Pack & Flask
Salomon ADV Skin 12 Hydration Pack delivers bounce-free comfort, versatile storage, and user-friendly flasks for serious trail runners.
Sizing and Fit Tips
This vest runs snug—for good reason.
Between sizes? Go larger. Salomon’s charts can feel optimistic, especially if you layer up or carry bulk. The women’s version tweaks the chest and waist while keeping the pocket layout unchanged. No shrinking‑and‑pink gimmicks here.
Conclusion
The Salomon ADV Skin 12 isn’t flashy or radical. But it nails what matters: fit, storage, hydration access, and durability. Minor quirks come with every pack. If hydration is non‑negotiable and bounce drives you mad, this vest deserves a spot in your rotation.
For serious runners, crewless days, ultras, or long training weekends—it’s a workhorse. For quick jogs or minimal carry, it might be overkill. But if you need room, freedom, and kit that moves with you—not against—you’ll probably end up calling it your favorite.
Just maybe leave the potato at home.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does it include the soft flasks?
Yes—your set comes with two 500 ml soft flasks. You can also add a bladder (1.5–2 L fits snugly).
How do I route the bite valve or bladder tube?
Side openings in the front pockets route tubes to shoulder straps. Users say it stays tidy, even when flasks are empty.
What about sizing between Medium and Large?
If you’re undecided, choose smaller. Medium fits 37.5–40″ chest, Large is 39.5–42″. A snug fit helps avoid bounce.
Any risk of chafing?
Some users report slight rubbing at the base of the neck. Worth testing on long runs.
Is it hotter than older models?
Maybe. The firmer fit and thicker design may trap heat on warm runs. But testers say storage and fit make it worthwhile.
