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If you check out reviews on activegearreview.com often, you already know that I am huge fan of Salomon. I am an avid runner and ultramarathoner and have used Salomon running shoes and accessories for years. I most recently ordered the Salomon Adv Skin 12 to wear during the upcoming Leadville 100 Trail Run. After training with the Adv Skin 5 for several months, I wanted to try out the Adv Skin 12 for a little extra storage.
Salomon has been making quality gear since 1947. Their website has a description that sticks in my mind “We make gear that transforms sports experiences.” I have found that to be so true. The Salomon Adv Skin 12 is no exception to that statement. While it is similar to the Adv Skin 5 (women’s version) it also has some unique features that make it the perfect race vest for my next big challenge.
Construction of the Salomon Adv Skin 12
The Adv Skin 12 is a 12 liter capacity race vest that is designed to fit snugly and move with you. Salomon achieves this using their sensi-fit material. The vest is a 4 way stretch, fine mesh. It is finished neatly on the edges to prevent chafing and hot spots. The rib-cage portion of the vest hugs as snugly or loosely as you prefer and really controls the bounce of this vest, even when packed to full capacity.
The “padded” areas of the vest, the back and shoulder panels, are actually multiple layers of a super soft netting that create a padded feel but are actually super light and create a breathable airspace between you and the vest. It is incredibly comfortable to wear.
The Quick Link System
The closure and adjustment of the Adv Skin 12 is a thin elastic bungee in the shape of an “M” across your chest. You can adjust the heights of the adjustment points to make the vest hug and fit perfectly. It is super easy to don by slipping the bungee into two little hooks and pulling the elastic drawstring tight.
I found the Quick Link System super slick as I worked through my long runs and my bottle became empty and I wanted to make it a bit tighter. The drawstring with a push button release allows you to easily adjust the vest when your bottles are refilled and you need a little extra space. The last thing I want as I’m rushing through a race’s aid station is to have to fiddle with lots of adjustment points. Nice job on that, Salomon!
Sizing of Salomon Adv Skin 12
I chose to order the unisex Adv Skin 12 and used their sizing chart to find just the right size, large was a perfect fit. I usually wear a medium shirt so I was a little scared to buy a large. It was the right choice so I recommend you actually do the measurements and follow Salomon’s recommendation on sizing. The Unisex vest comes in size XS-XL with lots of room for adjustment in each size.
The Adv Skin 12 also comes in a women’s specific cut. The vest is a bit shorter and the bottles are shaped differently to accommodate a women’s morphology. The Women’s vest comes in sizes 2XS-L. The sizing chart is a bit different so make sure you are looking at the right sizing for your specific vest.
The Pockets Make this Vest a Champion
The pockets on the Adv Skin 12 really make this vest stand out from the competition. They are all made of a super stretchy, yet durable mesh that sheds moisture, hold everything in place and provides a place for everything.
Each side has a secured zip pocket that is plenty large enough for the modern phones. In the front, you also have two large stretch pockets, great for gels or bars. Inside one of these pockets is a small trash pocket to keep your pocket from getting sticky. Behind the two large stretch pockets are the water flask pockets. Each of the flask pockets has a small bungee to pull over the top of your bottle. This prevents your full bottle from falling out and your empty bottle from sliding down in the pocket.
If you are a larger chested women, the placement of the flask pockets in the unisex model may be a little bit “out front” of your chest and get a little bouncy when the bottles are full. They are in a great location for men and smaller chested women but it’s worth considering the women’s cut and flasks if you think it would better fit your body.
Pockets on the back of the Adv Skin 12
On the back of the vest, there is a large zippered pocket which has 12L capacity. It is the crux of the extra storage on this vest and is an asset in races where you may have required gear that you won’t access often. Closer to the body is a full length pocket and the bladder sleeve. Up top, there is small half-pocket that is great for stowing gloves and hat during a long run where weather may change.
Lastly, I want to mention the awesome pull through pocket on the lower back. It is a great place for your jacket of larger items that you may want to grab from either side.
Hydration Options
Salomon designed the Adv Skin 12 with longer races in mind. While how you hydrate is really a matter of personal preference and experience, you have all the options here. Salomon provides two 500ml flasks with the purchase. If you choose to use a hydration bladder, the Adv Skin 12 can easily accommodate a 1.5 liter bladder (not included). What IS included with the purchase is an insulated sleeve for your bladder to keep it protected from your body heat. This is a great accessory and weighs almost nothing. Thank you, Salomon.
Depending on how you like to race and how far apart your aid stations may be, the Adv Skin 12 gives you the option of carrying up to 2.5 liters of water. If you find that you are racing unsupported, chasing FKT’s or hitting some of the 200+ milers, you will be thankful for the extra carrying capacity that this vest offers.
Carrying Your Trekking Poles on the Adv Skin 12
The Salomon Adv Skin 12 has movable storage bungees that allow you to store your trekking poles in 3 different configurations on your pack. You can store them vertically on the front of your pack with hooked bungees near the shoulder and the ribcage. Or, you can move the lower bungee back and wear the poles at more of an angle. A third attachment option is to wear them across your lower back with the same lower bungees.
In addition to storage options directly on the vest, Salomon makes a trekking pole quiver (sold separately) that will attach to the Adv Skin 12. The quiver allows you to quickly stow and retrieve your poles without having to adjust bungees. It is a super slick option!
Attachment points on Shoulder for the Salomon Quiver.
Salomon’s Added Safety Features
It is notable that Salomon also cares about your safety. In the upper left shoulder pocket, there is a safety whistly (remember 3 bursts for a distress call). Also, Salomon added a reflective loop on the lower back. This loop could be used to attach a light to the back if you wanted the added light in the rear.
Tech Specs of the Salomon Adv Skin 12
- Volume: 12 Liters
- Weight: 293 grams (367g including bottles/hydration sleeve)
- Sensifit™: The construction uses stretch, breathable fabrics and lightweight adjustments to optimize fit and stability.
- Quick link: This sternum strap enables you to adjust your pack quickly on the fly.
- 2 soft flasks 500 ml 42 included
- Side compression laces adjustable for load management
- Internal reservoir compartment with a hanging strap to hold the reservoir in place.
- Compatible with 1.5l reservoir
- Insulated bladder sleeve included
- Available in 5 colors (unisex) and 3 color options (women’s)
- Several small loops allow you to customize the location of the small bungee attachment loops.
- Attachment points with a small hook and loop.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations on the Salomon Adv Skin 12
Salomon has created a super versatile race vest in the Adv Skin 12. While the vest is form fitting due to the Sensi-fit technology, it is also able to carry 12L of gear for those longer training days and races. It is super lightweight and really moves with your body while you are on the run. The storage pockets are plentiful and roomy but not overly sloppy. You can carry so much hydration and nutrition in this vest! Salomon has great accessories to go with this vest such as the 1.5L bladder and the trekking pole quiver. Pretty much anything you had wished for in a vest, you can have with the Adv Skin 12.
It’s important to add, that while the Unisex Adv Skin 12 fits great and has everything I love, I do prefer the women’s version that I have in the Adv Skin 5. The bottles are shaped differently and ride a little smoother. The only other difference is the length of the vest. I’m 6′ tall so the length wasn’t an issue but it is something to consider if you are a short waisted woman.
The Salomon website sells the Adv Skin 12 for $165. It is a very reasonable price for something that has evolved and improved with every new model. Salomon has listened to their users and made the perfect race vest. If you’d like to check out the Salomon Adv Skin 12 for yourself, visit www.salomon.com.