I was sent the Salomon ADV Skin 5L hydration vest gratis for review, and I'm not going back to the others I've tried. While I do tend to do more road racing than trail racing, I've been doing quite a bit lately. I also train in Los Angeles where it's hot enough that my long runs for marathon training require me to have hydration if I don't want to pass out, particularly this summer. I've been searching for a hydration vest that I didn't hate, and I found one that I love.
The ADV Skin 5L solved one of the big problems I've always had with vests, which is that they chafe under the arms or around the chest. This may be unisex, but I didn't have any issues with breast chafing, and friends, if you are a boob-haver, you know what I mean. The vest is stretchy, and the fabric is soft. It doesn't bounce, and it's very, very easy to adjust on the run. I didn't have to stop when I needed it tighter after finishing the liquid I brought in the bladders. (Those are included, by the way.)
It also solved another issues I've had with bladders and many water bottles in general, which is the bite valve. They always tend to be tight, and I end up with a migraine from dealing with them. These have a free flow, but there was no leakage, even when I had liquid left and an hours-long drive home with the vest in the trunk with the rest of my gear. Look, I could go into specs and details, but when it comes down to it, they're just pleasant to use and not a pain in the ass like every other one I've tried.
This is a lightweight vest at 7 oz, and I didn't feel like it was bulking me up, even when I filled the pockets. Oh my gosh, the pockets! There are plenty, including a zip pocket, shoulder spots with a safety whistle and a key ring, and a tube pocket in the back for an extra jacket. There is also storage in the back, so if you're going out for hours and hours, you have more than enough room to carry gels, gloves (which I don't need in LA, but I do train when visiting family back east), your phone, and even camera equipment if you're filming yourself. I know that's not every runner, but there are enough of us that I wasn't going to skip it.
It comes in blue, red, grey, and black, and in sizes XS through XL. You can also attach a custom quiver if you're bringing poles. (Ooh, do I wish I had this vest for the Tenerife Blue Trail!)
All of this said, to me, it ultimately comes down to comfort, because no matter how many great features, stats, and recommendations a vest has, they don't matter if I won't wear it. Comfort is where the ADV Skin 5L shines for me. I'm happy to put it on, still comfortable after the run, and it's not moving around while I'm trying to get my miles in. I can't recommend it highly enough.
