Salomon SENSE PRO 6 Hydration Vest Review

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Some gear just clicks the moment you put it on. That’s exactly what happened when I first tried the Salomon SENSE PRO 6. From the bold Fiery Red color to the sleek, lightweight design, everything about it felt right. I had never used a Salomon product before, but this vest instantly set the bar high. It’s designed for fast-paced trail running, and after a month of testing, I can confidently say it delivers on its promises. Whether I was racing down roads or weaving through trails, the SENSE PRO 6 kept up without a hitch.

Fit and Comfort

One of the biggest concerns when choosing a hydration vest is the fit. I followed Salomon’s size guide, and the vest fit spot on. There’s still some room for adjustment, so I can make it a little looser or tighter if needed. The vest sits snugly without feeling restrictive, and the Sensifit technology ensures it conforms to the body for a secure fit.

The adjustment system is unique yet simple. Instead of traditional buckles, the vest features elastic loops and plastic clips that allow for quick, easy fastening. At first, I was unsure about this system, but after a few uses, I realized how well it works. It’s easy to secure, quick to adjust, and stays put even during intense movement. Whether I’m sprinting on roads or climbing over fallen trees on trails, the vest remains stable without bouncing.

During long runs, I barely noticed I was wearing it. Even as I picked up the pace, tackled rolling hills, and powered through the later miles, the vest never shifted uncomfortably or caused chafing. The vest is made from breathable materials, allowing for good air movement.

Storage and Accessibility

Storage is another strong suit of the SENSE PRO 6. It offers multiple pockets that are all well-placed for easy access. Here’s how the storage options break down:

• Back Pocket (Pass-through Design): Great for stuffing an extra layer or small gear. It’s easily accessible from both sides.
• Upper Back Pocket: Another open-top compartment for quick stash-and-go storage.
• Front Flask Pockets: These hold the included 2 x 500ml (17oz) Salomon soft flasks securely with elastic loops to prevent bouncing.
• Front Large Pockets (Two): Spacious enough for gels, snacks, gloves, or even a small jacket.
• Front Zippered Pockets (Two): Secure storage for a phone, wallet, or other essentials.
• Shoulder Pocket: A small zippered compartment perfect for a key fob or small valuables.
• Trekking Pole Mounting System: The vest includes elastic pole loops and a custom quiver compatibility system, making it easy to carry trekking poles securely without interfering with movement.

On my long runs, fueling properly is critical, and having easy access to my gels and snacks without breaking stride made a big difference. The zippered pockets on the front were large enough to hold my phone securely, while the open front pockets let me quickly grab nutrition when needed. I also loved the pass-through pocket in the back, which allowed me to stash my gloves when I started warming up without having to stop.

Hydration System

Hydration is seamless with this vest. It comes with two 500ml soft flasks, which fit perfectly into the front flask pockets. Unlike some other vests, these flasks don’t have long straws, which I actually prefer. The bottles sit high enough that I can take a sip without removing them. The elastic loops keep them securely in place. These loops feature a built-in plastic tab, making it easy to grab and quickly remove or secure the water bottle.

Performance on Long Runs

I’ve tested the SENSE PRO 6 extensively on both trails and roads, and it has consistently performed at a high level. On trails, where agility and stability matter most, the vest stayed securely in place without bouncing or shifting, even as I climbed over fallen trees and navigated uneven terrain. The breathable, stretchy fabric moved with me, never feeling restrictive, and the adjustable front straps made it easy to dial in the perfect fit.

On the roads, the vest was just as impressive. Whether I was running at a steady pace or picking up speed, it never felt bulky or cumbersome. The lightweight design was a huge advantage on long runs, allowing me to carry everything I needed without feeling weighed down.

One of my biggest tests for the vest was a 20-mile loop around Spring Lake. This route combined both roads and trails and came at a time when I was playing catch-up on my yearly mileage goal. After taking a week off in Florida, I needed back-to-back 20-mile runs to stay on track. On those grueling days, the SENSE PRO 6 delivered exactly what I needed—stability, hydration, and comfort.

By the second long run, my feet were sore from all the pavement, so I opted for the softer trails instead. Naturally, my pace was slower, and with the time I had, I managed to cover 13.1 miles instead of the full 20. Even with the shift in terrain and a more fatigued body, the vest remained secure and comfortable, never feeling like extra weight. The breathability and fit made all the difference, allowing me to focus on the run rather than my gear.

Beyond that, I also put the vest to the test on other runs along the beaches and trails of Lake Michigan. Running for miles on packed sand required a steady rhythm, and the vest handled the effort without issue. It stayed snug and comfortable, with no bouncing or chafing, proving its reliability across different surfaces and conditions.

Summary of My Runs with the SENSE PRO 6

Over the past month, I’ve put this vest to the test on a variety of runs—long efforts on both trails and roads, a tough 20-mile loop around Spring Lake, and a half marathon on softer trails after my feet needed a break from pavement. I also took it on beach runs along Lake Michigan, pushing through miles on packed sand. Here’s what stood out:

• Zero Bounce: Whether moving fast on the roads or climbing over obstacles on the trails, the vest stayed secure without shifting.
• Breathability: The Darlington mesh and 4-way stretch fabric provided great airflow, keeping me comfortable even on warm days.
• Lightweight Design: At just 141g, it’s one of the lightest hydration vests I’ve used, making it feel like an extension of my body rather than extra weight.
• Easy Adjustments: The quick-link sternum strap made it easy to fine-tune the fit mid-run.

The only small improvement I’d suggest is adding a hanging loop on the back for easier storage. I’ve been hanging it by the shoulder straps. This works fine, but a dedicated loop would be a nice finishing touch.

Final Thoughts and Where to Buy

The Salomon SENSE PRO 6 is, without a doubt, my favorite hydration vest. It delivers on fit, comfort, storage, and performance, making it an excellent choice for runners tackling long and short distances. At $180, it’s a premium product, but considering the high-quality materials and thoughtful design, I think it’s worth the investment. If you’re interested in purchasing one, you can find it at salomon.com and backcountry.com. It’s available in Black and Fiery Red/Black, with sizes ranging from 2XS to XL. If you’re serious about trail running and need a top-tier hydration vest, this is a fantastic option.