Salomon ADV Skin 12 Set XL Nautical Blue/Ebony

Had my previous one for almost 3 years and have replaced it with exactly the same one in a different colour. Compared to many other friends packs, this is still a great product and constantly ranks very highly on all the review sites. Well thought out, no shortage of storage space and most of the pockets are accessible without having to remove the pack.Downsides: I was hoping the front mesh pockets might have been made of a slightly stronger material similar to what has been used on the Adv Skin 8 W which my wife has. This is the only reason I'm replacing my old one is because these pockets have stretched where I normally carry my phone. I have had to repair the gap where the bladder pipe slips through which I considered to be poorly manufactured. I have had to ... MoreHad my previous one for almost 3 years and have replaced it with exactly the same one in a different colour. Compared to many other friends packs, this is still a great product and constantly ranks very highly on all the review sites. Well thought out, no shortage of storage space and most of the pockets are accessible without having to remove the pack.Downsides: I was hoping the front mesh pockets might have been made of a slightly stronger material similar to what has been used on the Adv Skin 8 W which my wife has. This is the only reason I'm replacing my old one is because these pockets have stretched where I normally carry my phone. I have had to repair the gap where the bladder pipe slips through which I considered to be poorly manufactured. I have had to repair some other bits of sewing here and there however these I consider to be fair wear and tear for something that is used outdoors and often being handled in a rough way.

Cannot Cut Straws as Advertised

As other reviewers mention, the straws that come with the flasks are annoyingly long. Salomon has an instructional video on how to cut them that makes it look way easier than it is. I couldn’t even get the plastic pieces off the ends - neither could my boyfriend, nor my local Salomon shop dealer. I asked Salomon if I could exchange the vest for a unisex version and they said no, because I had already unwrapped the straws. They did send me new straws, but I had the same issue with those ones. Salomon then told me “there is nothing more we can do, as this is not a problem and we have never had any problems with cutting the straws.” So I would strongly advise against buying this vest unless you want super long straws slapping you in the face while you run.

Good fit, good adjustability.

I bought this for trail running and mountain biking. Being a taller female, I opted for the unisex style instead of the women's style to fit my longer torso. It fits really well and the elastic front closure is much more effective and comfortable than my other vest that has nylon webbing straps. While it doesn't have side adjustability, I don't find myself wishing that it had that. It is very warm to wear, but I don't find it to be uncomfortable while running. It does have so many pockets to the point where I actually don't know what to use all of them for! Better to have too many than too few. One downside: the opening at the top of the vest is a little hard to get into and out of while running.For reference, I am 5'9" (175 cm), size 32DD (30" ribcage and 35" ... MoreI bought this for trail running and mountain biking. Being a taller female, I opted for the unisex style instead of the women's style to fit my longer torso. It fits really well and the elastic front closure is much more effective and comfortable than my other vest that has nylon webbing straps. While it doesn't have side adjustability, I don't find myself wishing that it had that. It is very warm to wear, but I don't find it to be uncomfortable while running. It does have so many pockets to the point where I actually don't know what to use all of them for! Better to have too many than too few. One downside: the opening at the top of the vest is a little hard to get into and out of while running.For reference, I am 5'9" (175 cm), size 32DD (30" ribcage and 35" bust), and 145 lbs (66 kg), and the small fits great.

Great pack, awful tasting & probably toxic bottles

The large model fit well as a 6'1 175 lb male. Worked very well as a daypack for an 8 mile hike with an extra water bladder and mess kit. Comfortable straps/backing and easy stretchy compartment for stuffing a light windbreaker. The mesh is susceptible to rain but the pack works well enough that I would be glad to use it as a go-to daypack. The bottles are another story. Their label says 55% polyurethane, 35% polyoxymethylene, and 10% silicone. Despite cleaning with soap, they produce such a foul taste that it's difficult to choke the water down. Seriously it was like 10x as strong as the taste of garden hose water and not in a fun way. This taste is really unwelcome when you're strained on a hike and next to crystal clear streamwater. I honestly wanted to just ... MoreThe large model fit well as a 6'1 175 lb male. Worked very well as a daypack for an 8 mile hike with an extra water bladder and mess kit. Comfortable straps/backing and easy stretchy compartment for stuffing a light windbreaker. The mesh is susceptible to rain but the pack works well enough that I would be glad to use it as a go-to daypack. The bottles are another story. Their label says 55% polyurethane, 35% polyoxymethylene, and 10% silicone. Despite cleaning with soap, they produce such a foul taste that it's difficult to choke the water down. Seriously it was like 10x as strong as the taste of garden hose water and not in a fun way. This taste is really unwelcome when you're strained on a hike and next to crystal clear streamwater. I honestly wanted to just tough it out but gave in and was pretty unhappy about it. I looked up these chemical components and I'm not sure if it's the chemicals themselves or the quality of this particular manufacturer. I've used polyurethane & polyethylene Platypus brand bladders and those actually have a no taste guarantee. I suspect this particular bottle material was chosen to fit snugly against the body and be durable, and perhaps the price, but the tradeoff is not worth it and in my opinion makes the whole package unusable. If I can't find suitable 500ml replacement bottles I plan to return the pack, even though the pack itself I think is really great. The only improvement I can imagine so far would be including a little compartment and waterproof cover as I've seen on some Osprey packs.

Great vest, unusable garbage pocket

I recently bought this vest because of it's hydration pouch. Overall the vest is very comfortable and storage areas are conveniently within reach while running. The one-pull, adjustable elastic is very easy to use. There are three main points which I have found after use.1. I am a short person but bought a large sized vest as they fit my shoulders better. I would recommend anyone thinking of buying a vest to first head down to their local sporting goods store to try on a few sizes before buying.2. My initial motivation for buying the vest didn't work out. The hydration pouches I have are all too big. This vest requires Salomon-specific, hydration pouches. It was a big lose as I only use the two collapsible water flasks now. They are easy to drink from while ... MoreI recently bought this vest because of it's hydration pouch. Overall the vest is very comfortable and storage areas are conveniently within reach while running. The one-pull, adjustable elastic is very easy to use. There are three main points which I have found after use.1. I am a short person but bought a large sized vest as they fit my shoulders better. I would recommend anyone thinking of buying a vest to first head down to their local sporting goods store to try on a few sizes before buying.2. My initial motivation for buying the vest didn't work out. The hydration pouches I have are all too big. This vest requires Salomon-specific, hydration pouches. It was a big lose as I only use the two collapsible water flasks now. They are easy to drink from while running.3. The garbage pocket is just not useable for me. It is not securely attached as part of the vest. But rather, it is left to dangle at a awkward height the neither allows you to pull it out to open properly or put your hand in to open wide enough to insert any used gels or other garbage. I would have liked it if it were just another pocket that was easy to invert and clean.

Hoped for better

I wore this vest trail running 100+ miles in the alps over the summer. I really wanted to like it but these were the issues:- Terrible chaffing around the neck and torso, while I know this can happen with vests, this material was particularly rough and dug in- I put my phone on the front pocket and the mesh tore easily and there's a hole, mesh fell apart quickly- It absorbs smell, an issue I don't have on other packs, even after one wear.- I couldn't get the straw off the spout to adjust the length. I tried to the point of blistering my hand trying to get it off, trying to get help from others, they also could not get the straw off, very frustrating.- Traps sweat like crazy all around the torso, my shirt gets so soaked quickly from this vest, another issue ... MoreI wore this vest trail running 100+ miles in the alps over the summer. I really wanted to like it but these were the issues:- Terrible chaffing around the neck and torso, while I know this can happen with vests, this material was particularly rough and dug in- I put my phone on the front pocket and the mesh tore easily and there's a hole, mesh fell apart quickly- It absorbs smell, an issue I don't have on other packs, even after one wear.- I couldn't get the straw off the spout to adjust the length. I tried to the point of blistering my hand trying to get it off, trying to get help from others, they also could not get the straw off, very frustrating.- Traps sweat like crazy all around the torso, my shirt gets so soaked quickly from this vest, another issue that isn't nearly as bad with other vests I've tried.- Just too much material under the arm pits, I think this should be lightened up

Most comfortable vest ever! Minor quality issue

Three vests I used during Cocodona 250, first one was an old Ultimate Direction Ultra for 1 day, then the old version Salomon Adv Skin 12 for 2 days and the new version Salomon Adv Skin 12 for another 2 days. The comfortability of Salomon cannot be better! It hugs the body perfectly and has enough capacity for 3L of water and enough food plus a windbreaker. The fabric stretches really well and the modularity of the elastic bands are amazing for attach different stuffs. However, the only issue was one of the elastic band that secures the front flask disappeared during the race, which I don’t even recall when that happened. I like how the Active Skin attach the elastic band so it is harder for it to break instead of a thin loop that used to attach. Overall, amazing ... MoreThree vests I used during Cocodona 250, first one was an old Ultimate Direction Ultra for 1 day, then the old version Salomon Adv Skin 12 for 2 days and the new version Salomon Adv Skin 12 for another 2 days. The comfortability of Salomon cannot be better! It hugs the body perfectly and has enough capacity for 3L of water and enough food plus a windbreaker. The fabric stretches really well and the modularity of the elastic bands are amazing for attach different stuffs. However, the only issue was one of the elastic band that secures the front flask disappeared during the race, which I don’t even recall when that happened. I like how the Active Skin attach the elastic band so it is harder for it to break instead of a thin loop that used to attach. Overall, amazing vest, can be used for multi day ultra with no issue. But if Salomon can pay little more attention to small details, it will be the king of vest on the market!

Questionable durability, but good customer servic

I purchased the Salomon Adv Skin 12 about 1 month ago from a local Eastern Mountain Sports store. I have only used the product 2 times, for two moderate distance runs, just to try it out. The front pocket zipper on the right side is already separating from the stitching and coming apart. I haven't actually used that pocket to hold anything, so not sure how this even happened. There are many reviews all over the internet where people complain about the quality/durability of this product. You'll actually find this to be a commonly reported problem with nearly all hydration/running vests from all of the different brands out there, not just Salomon. These vests are specifically designed to be extremely thin, lightweight and breathable for a reason. When you design it in ... MoreI purchased the Salomon Adv Skin 12 about 1 month ago from a local Eastern Mountain Sports store. I have only used the product 2 times, for two moderate distance runs, just to try it out. The front pocket zipper on the right side is already separating from the stitching and coming apart. I haven't actually used that pocket to hold anything, so not sure how this even happened. There are many reviews all over the internet where people complain about the quality/durability of this product. You'll actually find this to be a commonly reported problem with nearly all hydration/running vests from all of the different brands out there, not just Salomon. These vests are specifically designed to be extremely thin, lightweight and breathable for a reason. When you design it in such a way, you're going to sacrifice durability. Perhaps there are better quality materials that can be used to improve this product? Or better manufacturing methods?That being said, my vest is still very much usable, and I could probably throw a few stitches in it to prevent further tearing. It's just disappointing to spend $160 on a product, and have it start to come apart after putting in on literally two times.I did email Salomon Customer support with my issue, and supported it with pictures of the defect as they require. They were super fast at getting back to me and did give me a voucher for a replacement. I will be using it to order another one once they have my size in stock. At least this way I'll have a backup. Much appreciated.

Runs from Bears - comfortably due to bag

I spent a solid 5 hours searching out different brands of bags for ultra running/training.(I wanted to train and race in the same bag). After deciding on Salomon, then I had to choose the model. another 2-3 hours of research i landed on the ADV SKIN 12. 1: for the capacity.(I'm training for a 100 miler that will have 2-4 aid stations total so i need to be self supporting). 2: I wanted something that wouldn't cause any chaffing(I feel the Skin in the model name implies tight as skin, and it in deed is, full or empty). 3: It has straps that go across the chest and connect at 2 points, has 2 cords to tighten down on your waist and 2 cords you can attach to each other on your upper chest to tighten down. You can get these three different systems as tight or as loose as ... MoreI spent a solid 5 hours searching out different brands of bags for ultra running/training.(I wanted to train and race in the same bag). After deciding on Salomon, then I had to choose the model. another 2-3 hours of research i landed on the ADV SKIN 12. 1: for the capacity.(I'm training for a 100 miler that will have 2-4 aid stations total so i need to be self supporting). 2: I wanted something that wouldn't cause any chaffing(I feel the Skin in the model name implies tight as skin, and it in deed is, full or empty). 3: It has straps that go across the chest and connect at 2 points, has 2 cords to tighten down on your waist and 2 cords you can attach to each other on your upper chest to tighten down. You can get these three different systems as tight or as loose as you want until you find your sweet spot.(they're also easy to loosen on the go). I run in montana, outside year round so the fact this bag came with a water reservoir sleeve is a plus too(I pair this with the 1.5 liter back reservoir for summer and an insulated reservoir for winter). insulated reservoir tubing stays ice free down to 20ish degrees. everything works smoothly with eachother, pocket access weather open or zipper style is easy to access on the go and holds gear in place. congrats on making a phenomenal bag salomon. *please dont change it.

Super ultra running vest!

I have been running ultras and adventure runs with Salomon vests for 20 years and a month ago purchased the new Adv Skin 12 to replace my 4 year old version of the same vest. I love the material and fit of the new version - very lightweight and super comfortable! Has all the storage space of the previous version with a few nice enhancements; two front zippered pockets, sweat proof barrier for the back storage pocket, small wrapper/garbage pocket and several very handy pole storage options! My only complaint at this point is the two top front storage pockets, which are smaller and usually for keys or electrolyte pills or other small items, have no way of zipping, snapping or securing the items as it is a open side slot and not very deep so items can bounce out. But ... MoreI have been running ultras and adventure runs with Salomon vests for 20 years and a month ago purchased the new Adv Skin 12 to replace my 4 year old version of the same vest. I love the material and fit of the new version - very lightweight and super comfortable! Has all the storage space of the previous version with a few nice enhancements; two front zippered pockets, sweat proof barrier for the back storage pocket, small wrapper/garbage pocket and several very handy pole storage options! My only complaint at this point is the two top front storage pockets, which are smaller and usually for keys or electrolyte pills or other small items, have no way of zipping, snapping or securing the items as it is a open side slot and not very deep so items can bounce out. But other than that small opportunity for improvement, I love the new vest!