Salomon Advanced Skin 8 Set Womens - M / Clematis Blue

Believe people when they say you should size up. I am on the border between Sm and Med. I am a Small according to the chart. Had a Small Salomon for years but it is disintegrating. Sigh! Small in this women's model is definitley too small. I am 5'3", 90 cm chest, 115 lb, 30 or 32 DD, narrow shoulders. No way could I use this. Cuts into armpits. Maybe MEC could list some typical women's measurements ( more than chest) to help pick appropriate size. This seems to a problem. I will wait until I can try it on in a store before purchasing. FYI: I can't give this product a rating beyond saying that the sizing is off.

Awkward Sizing and Annoying Straws

Pros: Soft fabric, lots of storage, and nice tightening straps.Cons: The sizing on this pack is bizarre. I should be an XXS according to the sizing chart, but that size was incredibly tight across the shoulders. Sized up to an XS and the fit was good everywhere except for the armholes, which were incredibly tight, even while wearing a thin t-shirt. I have small/average shoulder and upper arms, so I was surprised by this issue. Additionally, the straws are incredibly annoying! They are extremely long, and smash both of my cheeks when the pack is on. I returned the pack and will keep looking for something with a better fit and a better designed hydration system.

Best Running Vest for Women

This is hands down the best running vest I have ever tried.The vests I've tried before were bulky and clearly made for men although advertised that they were "Unisex". The bottle holders and bottle designs have been a game changer and it feels wonderful being able to run and not feel like I have water balloons strapped uncomfortably to my chest.Aside from the bottle design, the strapping system is great and although this is an 8L vest, it fits a ridiculous amount and is perfect for runs of all lengths, even an ultra marathon.

Comfortable... with some adjustments

I've run in this vest for a couple of weeks, both short and long runs. It's comfortable and fits everything I need, including hydration, snacks, a jacket, keys and phone. It's nice to have the water bottles nested below the chest. My only real complaint is with the straws on the water bottles. They came extremely long and I had to cut off a good 4 or so inches to keep them from hitting my face. It was nearly impossible to get the plastic nipple piece inside of the straws to come out and I actually damaged one by using pliers. I wound up having the use a knife and literally cut them out of the straw. I then struggled to get them back into the straw and still can't get them all of the way nested inside as they should be. It would be much better if the straws were ... MoreI've run in this vest for a couple of weeks, both short and long runs. It's comfortable and fits everything I need, including hydration, snacks, a jacket, keys and phone. It's nice to have the water bottles nested below the chest. My only real complaint is with the straws on the water bottles. They came extremely long and I had to cut off a good 4 or so inches to keep them from hitting my face. It was nearly impossible to get the plastic nipple piece inside of the straws to come out and I actually damaged one by using pliers. I wound up having the use a knife and literally cut them out of the straw. I then struggled to get them back into the straw and still can't get them all of the way nested inside as they should be. It would be much better if the straws were shipped disassembled so people could customize without so much work and causing damage.

Great piece of kit.

I chose this one after a lot of research. It hasn’t disappointed. I’ve worn it now on two 20 mile + runs with no issues. I hardly notice I’m wearing it.It’s lightweight - even with both flasks filled.Easy to wearVery adjustableGreat storageFits really well ( I’m a 8-10) and bought a small.No chafing or digging in. No movement when running.Dries easily after use when it’s a bit wet from sweat.Love the pockets for gels, excess clothing Flasks-The straws were too long for me so I cut the them (guided by a YouTube clip). Now they’re perfect.The flasks are air tight and easy to drink from - the best I’ve bought.They’re 500 ml each - enough for 20 m running but I might purchase a bladder for longer runs. It comes with a cool pack sleeve for a bladder which ... MoreI chose this one after a lot of research. It hasn’t disappointed. I’ve worn it now on two 20 mile + runs with no issues. I hardly notice I’m wearing it.It’s lightweight - even with both flasks filled.Easy to wearVery adjustableGreat storageFits really well ( I’m a 8-10) and bought a small.No chafing or digging in. No movement when running.Dries easily after use when it’s a bit wet from sweat.Love the pockets for gels, excess clothing Flasks-The straws were too long for me so I cut the them (guided by a YouTube clip). Now they’re perfect.The flasks are air tight and easy to drink from - the best I’ve bought.They’re 500 ml each - enough for 20 m running but I might purchase a bladder for longer runs. It comes with a cool pack sleeve for a bladder which will fit in the back.All in all - a great piece of kit that will take you through marathon training and beyond!

Great trail running vest for long mountain runs

Lots of deep pockets that are accessible without having to take the vest off. The vest can accommodate lots of layers, emergency gear, food, etc. Love the colour as well, it's purple blue which I think is a far better colour than some of last season's colours. The female specific size works great for females like me who are petite/found Salomon's unisex vests to not fit well/too large in some places. That being said, some people may have to size up for this female specific vest (vs. unisex version).

Hydration Vest

After reviewing other hydration vests, I decided to settle on this one. I have ran a few 10 milers and a half marathon trail run, and this vest has been awesome! I'm petite (5ft4in and about 103lbs) and tend to have difficulty finding anything that fits decently, but this vest was great. It has stayed in place every run i've completed and i have not had any issue with chaffing. However, i will say the straws are very long and hit my chin. So far, i just tuck them underneath my sports bra and they stay in place with no problem. Plus, lots of easily accessible pockets. The back has a large pocket to put an extra bladder in if necessary. Would recommend again and again!

Perfect fit & function

Been trying out this ADVANCED SKIN 8 SET specifically for women. I had only been using a handheld water bottle, which is simply not enough for longer runs, especially in this Virginia heat & humidity (I’m visiting my parents).At first I was perplexed by the long straws that near go up to my ears and was going to cut them...but I decided to experiment first, and am SO glad I did! The straws easily tuck in the straps and I wouldn’t want them shorter than they are. It is possible to cut them though, you can remove the mouth piece to do it. Probably easier to cut it out vs pull it off first.There is room to stow snacks and even my phone. There is even an area in the back for an additional bladder bag if needed. You could probably store a light layer in there as well ... MoreBeen trying out this ADVANCED SKIN 8 SET specifically for women. I had only been using a handheld water bottle, which is simply not enough for longer runs, especially in this Virginia heat & humidity (I’m visiting my parents).At first I was perplexed by the long straws that near go up to my ears and was going to cut them...but I decided to experiment first, and am SO glad I did! The straws easily tuck in the straps and I wouldn’t want them shorter than they are. It is possible to cut them though, you can remove the mouth piece to do it. Probably easier to cut it out vs pull it off first.There is room to stow snacks and even my phone. There is even an area in the back for an additional bladder bag if needed. You could probably store a light layer in there as well (or instead of). It is a little hotter wearing this than not but not too bad. The bottles only leaked when I realized I didn’t screw the top on tight enough.I originally got an XS, which is typically what I wear in shirts and I’m only 5’2. However, I’m broad shouldered and it was too tight and definitely would not have fit over a layer. I got a small and it fits perfectly!I really like the way the straps are verses clip type. I noticed the clip types rub on clothing and create pulls. Who wants to ruin a brand new running shirts?! Not me!

The perfect fit for women

I have tried many running backpacks and always ended up with sores, or bounding bottles. None quite fit. Until now. The bottles fit perfectly under the breast and don t bounce. The vest fits comfortably like a second skin. Have tested this on two 20 mile runs in the heat and no blisters, bouncing. Food is easily accessible in the many pockets provided. Size wise I measured my chest and was extra small but the pack was bit too tight under the armpit so ordered a small which fit perfectly. The vest is easy to adjust. My only gripe is some of the stitching came away on the second run which is why it scored 4 not 5. I sewed it myself as it wasn t major but for a pack over 100 I would expect better quality.

Yay! For the Ladies!

I love this new women's specific version of the Skin vest! My favourite change is the chest water bottle design - the pockets and water bottles sit lower and a bit wider, which takes the pressure off of the girls. Adding the straw extensions to the bottles makes this new design work perfectly and there is no more cranking the head down to reach the bottles as they empty. The 2 way stretch material and lighter weight chest straps allow for more freedom of movement which makes it easier to wear the vest snug and breathe easily at the same time. Yay! 8 litres is great for packing that extra layer/gloves/light/snacks etc for the longer or colder days. 2 thumbs up and 5 gold stars! Washes easily. I am an XS/S in the unisex one and a S in the womens. Only positives to report!