Salomon Adv Skin 5 Review

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Since 1947, Salomon has been producing athletic gear and accessories “for those who dare.” You will see everyone from beginners to professional athletes wearing their gear. The research and attention to detail that goes into their products is meticulous. Recently, it was time for me to buy a new ultra-running race vest. I looked closely at Salomon’s line-up and chose the Salomon Adv Skin 5 for Women. It was my first experience with a race vest made specifically for a woman’s morphology and WOW! What a different that made.

The Salomon Adv Skin 5: Fit and Sizing

The Adv Skin 5 comes in 5 sizes (XXS-L). I used the Salomon sizing chart to find the right size by measuring my chest circumference. At 6 feet tall and 60 pounds, the large was a perfect fit. I had plenty of extra room to adjust the vest larger or smaller depending on how full my pack is or how thick my layers are. Once I slipped on this vest, I could immediately feel the difference between a unisex vest and the Adv Skin 5 for Women.

This model was designed to fit women’s’ narrower shoulders, wider chests and shorter torsos. The shape and positioning of the 500 ml bottles sit a bit lower and to the side to accommodate for the women’s curvier shape. The vest is easily adjustable by the two-hook elastic closure on the front. You have 5 attachment points and the vest fits nicely from top to bottom. It is easily adjustable by moving the hooks and adjusting the elastics length, even on the fly.

Pockets, Pockets, Pockets!

The main reason that I wear a race vest is to easily access everything I need while on a run or in a race. Salomon really did a nice job of organizing and configuring their pockets. On the front, starting at the top, you have two shoulder pockets. One has a key clip and both are about the right size for a set of keys or a small satellite tracker. As we move lower on the chest, closest to the body, you find the water bottle pockets. The bottle shape and position really allow for you to load up the outer layer of pockets. On the left side, their is a horizontal zipper pocket that is the perfect size for a larger phone. All of the pockets are very stretchy and really hold things in place.

As you move around to the side of the vest to the ribcage area, you will find that there is a two layer pocket system. The inner pocket is a long pass-through tube pocket great for a jacket or other clothes you may want to access from either side while on a run. The outer pocket is a pass through pocket the goes to the front. The configuration took some time getting used to, but I took the time to familiarize myself. I was glad to have the large pockets with several access points on each. As an added bonus, the inside front pocket has a trash pocket for those sticky gel packets and micro-trash. It kept the storage pockets from getting sticky.

And Even More Pockets!

As we move to the back of the vest, you can see the dark blue mesh on the bottom that is the tube pocket accessible from either side. From the top, you can easily access one of 3 pockets. Closest to the body is the sleeve for a hydration bladder. There is a hang loop to keep the bladder in place. The next layer of pocket is a full size pocket for your more clothing or gear. Lastly, on the outside layer, is a half pocket. It was just the right size for my running jacket and I was able to easily access it from reaching just below the back of my neck. This would also be a great pocket to stow a hat and gloves or smaller items that you didn’t want to lose in the bottom of your pack.

All of the pockets are super stretchy and don’t have bulky edging or fasteners (with the exception of the one zippered pocket on front). The fitted shape of the vest kept the pockets closed and my items secure.

Hydration: Bottles Designed for Women’s Morphology

While the entire design of this vest is genius when it comes to a women’s body, I have to say that my favorite feature is the bottles. They are shaped differently than the bottles used in Salomon’s unisex race vests. The bottles are tapered and thin with a soft flexible collar while still carrying 500 ml each. They come with straws that are quite long and my first thought was that I would need to trim them. I recently used the vest in a half marathon race and found that when the volume of the bottles was low, the bottle would slip deeper in the pocket. I found that the length was good and decided not to trim them after all. Shorter/smaller women may find the need to trim them. The straws easily feed thought two loops that keep the straws from bouncing around when you run.

For those longer runs or for those who may prefer to use a bladder, the Adv Skin 5 has room for a 1.5 Liter bladder (not included). Included with the vest is an insulation sleeve for the bladder that will keep you body heat away from your drink.

Excellent Construction! No chafing or rubbing.

The Adv Skin 5 was designed with a women’s morphology in mind. This includes narrower shoulders. The arm holes have a little more material than the unisex vest. The edges are folded over and sewn in with no excessive or abrasive material. The edges are super soft and the lightweight mesh that lines the inside of the the vest is nicely padded and shed moisture nicely. I had only worn the vest a few times before wearing it in a half marathon. During the race, there was no problem with chafing or rubbing.

Trekking Poles and the Salomon Adv Skin 5 for Women

While I didn’t get any pictures stowing my trekking poles, I will do my best to explain how Salomon really wants to make sure you a comfortable fit. The vest comes with adjustable accessory bungees that you can move around on the vest. This allows for you to wear your poles vertically in the front, at an angle on the front or low and across your back. The Adv Skin 5 also comes with loops on either shoulder to attach Salomon’s trekking pole quiver (not included) for even more ways to wear your poles. That will come in handy this summer when I toe the line at the Leadville 100.

Technical specs:

• Women specific fit
• Best use is trail running
• Capacity: 5 Liters
• Weight: 235 grams
• LOAD MANAGEMENT – Quick link: This sternum strap enables you to adjust your pack quickly on the fly.
• HYDRATION – 2 x 500ml WOMEN’s flasks included: Designed for women’s morphology, this triangular soft flask is positioned below the chest to remove any pressure. Includes a straw for easy drinking.
• Compatible with 1.5 liter hydration bladder.
• 10 pockets!
• Multiple pole holder solutions and custom quiver compatible
• MISCELLANEOUS: Whistle
• SUSTAINABILITY: PFC-free

Materials:

• Back body: 100% Polyester
• Lining: 100% Polyamide
• Body insert: 88% Polyamide, 12% Elastane
• Body: 84% Polyamide, 16% Elastane
• Back insert: 89% Polyamide, 11% Elastane
• Foam: 100% Polyethylene

The Salomon Adv Skin 5 for Women: Walk, Run, or Jump…you will love this vest!

The Salomon Adv Skin 5 for Women is marketed for shorter runs and races. This is a vest I could easily wear for 100 miles. I played around a lot while testing out this vest. I wore it on walks, road runs, trail runs, in races and just clowning around in the woods. It is built to perform! The vest stays in place with no bounce and is exceptionally comfortable. The material is soft and feels plush but the vest overall is incredibly lightweight. The hydration bottles  set comfortably to the sides of your chest rather than awkwardly bouncing around out front. This is a versatile vest designed to accommodate every runners preferences with moveable attachment points, a plethora of pockets and a fit like you have never felt before. The Adv Skin 5 is very reasonably priced at $140. If you are interested on trying your own Salomon Adv Skin 5 or, would like to check out Salomon’s other options, you can visit their website at www.salomon.com.