Salomon

Active Skin 12L Reservoir Running Hydration Vest

Excellent for Running!

I run on a regular basis (both trails and roads) and it has never let me down. Fits snugly but not tightly, and there is plenty of storage for all of the extra clothes, gels, and fluids I bring (the 1.5 L in the bladder and spots for another two bottles in the front is enough for me). Great price, too.

First time vest

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

medium

Height:

5' 11"

Weight:

160

I wasn't sure how the weight of the bladder would feel in the pack, but it's very secure and I don't feel any movement or bouncing. The vest fasteners are easily adjustable and allows for a perfect fit. There's plenty of storage space in the back, but I would have liked more than just one inner pocket. I haven't tried them yet, but I like that there is the option to use flasks in the front pockets, even though it seems like it would be a tight fit. My longest run using this pack is 8 miles, but the strap material feels soft enough to not chafe, even with a tank top.

Great bag with a few nitpicks

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

Size Bought:

Large

The Active Skin 12L feels comfortable when wearing. I have a 40" chest and the large fit me very well. The hydration tube is very long and slaps against your body when you run since there's nothing to hold it in place. I cut about 7-8" off the tube and ziptied it to a couple anchor points on the strap and bought a magnetic clip to hold the tube in place which seemed to have solved the problem for me. There are a few other issues that are somewhat annoying: 1. During long runs your sweat will seep into the main compartment of the bag. Even with the hydration bladder it still goes through. You can buy an ultralight drybag to get around this. 2. Wording on the describe led me to believe that the hydration bladder would come with a sleeve to keep it cool. It does not. 3. The string clips require a little fidgeting to get them on. I have to stop and look to make sure the string gets secured into the clips but once they're on it feels like it's not even there. 4. The mechanism to hold the bladder in place was confusing at first. I didn't realize I had to tighten the strap until the plastic clip laid flat against the insertion hole. Once I figured it out it was fine!

I love it!

I like it, but I feel it’s too big for me. I’m usually a size M, and it feels oversized. Also, the backpack at the back is very large. I suppose it’s perfect for long runs, but since I’m just starting out, maybe a different one would have suited me better. Even so, I really like it.

Great Hydration Vest

I love the way this vest fits and the way that it holds the reservoir snug. I don't feel the pack while I am trail running. The only problem that I have is the seam in the front is tearing after 10 - 12 uses. For the price, I would have hoped for better durability. Other than that, great vest.

first vest

practical and easy to use, its comfortable during use even when its packed up

Great for everything!

I love this vest for hiking, trail running, walking, etc. I found I was able fit my 2.5 liter bladder in this vest without issue. I am normally a size small on top, have a 34" bust, and I got a size small which fits very well.