Brand: Salomon
Category: Running Vests & Packs
Recommended by Jonathan Levitt, Runner and Podcast Host — Boulder, CO
Highlights: warm
The ADV SKIN 12 is a premium hydration vest designed for serious endurance athletes, offering unparalleled stability, comfort, and easy access to hydration. With its innovative design and lightweight construction, this vest is perfect for long-distance trail running, ensuring you stay hydrated and focused on your performance. 1. SensiFIT™ Construction: Utilizes stretchable, breathable fabrics for a secure fit and enhanced stability during movement. 2. Y Shape Design: The unique Y-shaped back structure distributes weight evenly, providing optimal support and comfort for the main compartment. 3. Hydration Solution Included: Comes with integrated flasks, ensuring you have everything you need for hydration on the go. 4. Lightweight: Weighs only 9 oz (11.4 oz with accessories), making it easy to carry without adding bulk. 5. PFC-Free Materials: Crafted without harmful perfluorocarbons, promoting environmental sustainability while maintaining water repellency. 6. Generous Volume: Offers a 12-liter capacity, ideal for carrying essentials on longer trails (60km+). 7. Easy Care Instructions: Designed for easy maintenance with hand wash cold (30°C) requirements, ensuring longevity. The ADV SKIN 12 is specifically designed for trail running enthusiasts seeking reliable hydration solutions during extended outdoor activities. It performs best in rugged terrains and long-distance races, making it ideal for athletes of all skill levels who require lightweight gear that does not compromise on comfort or performance. This vest excels in warm weather conditions, providing breathability and ease of movement, while its durable construction ensures it can withstand the rigors of demanding trails year-round.
Price: $165
- Who it's for
- Runners tackling long ultras (50K to 200+ miles) or full-day alpine outings who need serious storage without sacrificing a vest-like feel. Also suits hikers and those with smaller frames — one host notes XS fits well at 5'2".
- What people are saying
- Hosts consistently praise the secure, adaptive fit, minimal bounce, low chafing, and intuitive pocket layout. One caveat flagged repeatedly: the vest runs warm due to back coverage, and proper sizing is emphasized by multiple hosts.
- Worth noting
- One host fit a 3L reservoir despite the listed 2L capacity. Sizing correctly is flagged as important; the vest integrates with Salomon's pole quiver system.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the ADV SKIN 12 for?
Runners tackling long ultras (50K to 200+ miles) or full-day alpine outings who need serious storage without sacrificing a vest-like feel. Also suits hikers and those with smaller frames — one host notes XS fits well at 5'2".
What do experts say about the ADV SKIN 12?
Hosts consistently praise the secure, adaptive fit, minimal bounce, low chafing, and intuitive pocket layout. One caveat flagged repeatedly: the vest runs warm due to back coverage, and proper sizing is emphasized by multiple hosts.
What should you know before buying the ADV SKIN 12?
One host fit a 3L reservoir despite the listed 2L capacity. Sizing correctly is flagged as important; the vest integrates with Salomon's pole quiver system.
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View Jonathan Levitt's expert gear recommendations on Rendezvu
What other hosts are saying
34 experts recommend the Salomon ADV SKIN 12.
Cody Poskin, Professional Ultrarunner and Hopeless Romantic
Solomon owns the pack game. Plenty of room in this guy for multiday races, but also perfect for a Sunday long run outing. Integrates perfectly with their quiver as well to store your poles.
Recommended in Broken Arrow 46K
Fits gear, calories, and two 500ml flasks or a reservoir for 6–12 hours of high-alpine mountain running.
Recommended in Mountain Running Carrying Systems
I use this for most hikes as well as trail races. It fits great on all frame types, many pockets, no chafing, my favorite! I'm 5'2" and XS fits great!
Recommended in Trail Race Kit
Steven Kornhaus, Content Creator & Running Coach
Running in the Salomon Adv Skin 12 is a great experience and one of the most comfortable vests I have worn. The better materials around the trim, the upgraded zippers and plastic pull pieces are to grab, the new rear stowaway inside compartment and key attachment are all really nice and welcomed improvements!
Recommended in No Business 100
Such a comfortable vest for those long adventures. You can easily fit a bladder and two flasks, plus all the things in the back pack area.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Jeffrey Hammond, Foot Doc, ultrarunner, cool dad.
After trying multiple hydration vests over the years, this is the one I keep coming back to. I've tested at least four other options, and every time I found myself reaching for the ADV Skin 12 instead. The fit is comfortable, the front pockets are intuitive and easy to access while moving, and the zipper storage makes it simple to organize nutrition, gear, and essentials during long runs. The rear storage compartment is surprisingly spacious and easily holds mandatory race gear, extra layers, and other supplies for long trail adventures. I was even able to comfortably use a 3L reservoir despite the listed 2L capacity, which was a huge advantage during long stretches between aid stations. Whether you're training for your first ultra or tackling a 200+ mile race, this vest has proven itself time and time again. For me, it's the gold standard for comfort, organization, and reliability on the trails.
Recommended in Accessories Galore: The Little Things That Matter
Tom Hanlon, Ultramarathon Athlete
I like this pack so much I own 3 of them... Comfortable, low bounce, and tons of capacity for a race like Western States, where I'll need to carry 2L of water on some sections
Recommended in Western States 100 Kit
Ben Corwin, Hutkeeper and mountain adventurer
The ADV Skin 12 is a classic larger capacity trail running vest that carries a lot well while running, and remains true to "vest feel" versus carrying more like a small pack. Generous pockets for snacks, bear spray, flasks, and spare layers. Be sure to size properly.
Recommended in Teton Crest in a Day
Hunter Tart, Ultra Runner/Trail Runner
Great vest. It stays locked in, and I forget it’s even there. Holds a ton of gear while being super light weight.
Recommended in Uwharrie 100k Gear
Current pack for longer adventures
Recommended in Trail Running Essentials
Mike McCalley, Endurance Athlete | Entrepreneur | Speaker
Storage, easy to access, incredibly durable.
Recommended in My Go-To Gear
Best used for longer runs and more distance between aide stations. Holds all the essentials or required gear plus some. Very comfrotable and reliable vest
Recommended in Products I Love!
Jasmine Brown, Road Runner | Hiker| Trail Runner
Carries everything you need for trail runs and hikes. Super light and plenty of storage.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
martin martinez, Ultra Trail Runner | | Real-World Gear Reviews & Mountain Enthusiast
This is my go-to running vest for long training sessions and ultra-distance races. What I like most is the fit: it adapts perfectly to my body whether it is fully loaded or almost empty, without compromising comfort. It is also extremely durable. The rear pocket, positioned behind my back, is particularly useful during races because it allows me to take out or put away my windbreaker without wasting time. After so many hours on the trails, this is the kind of vest I know I can rely on.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
You'll forget you're wearing it.
Recommended in Trail Running Kit
Carries all the mandatory gear and makes it easily accessible. Looks great too!
Recommended in Race day kit
Michael Murphy, Rock Climbing Instructor and Business Owner
This is my go-to running vest. It fits snug, and can carry ANYTHING I need on a trail run.
Recommended in Movement
This is the vest I will be using for UTMB! Holds all the required gear without weighing you down and you can still access everything while running
Recommended in ✨CCC✨
Will J, ELA Teacher + Trail Runner
Love that it's big enough to hold an extra flask in the lower back and all weather gear in the zipper section + a place to put my pole quiver
Recommended in 2026-2027 Race Kit
The best vest in the market. From 25k to 50 miles. It has held everything I could possibly need while out on a trail run.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Hayden Burdge, Personal Trainer, Hiking Guide
This is my tried and true running vest. I have tried dozens of different vests and this product is the best fitting one by far! I always keep coming back to it.
Recommended in Cocodona 250
This has accompanied me on many ultra marathons and has stored all of my mandatory kit as well as extras like a selfie stick and more snacks.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
I have used this vest for 2 years, and used the ADV Skin 5 before that. This vest has the best fit for limited movement on the run, and enough room to carry all the things I need!
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Go to pack for shorter runs in the mountain. Great for most ultra race distances, especially the 50k.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Kevin Coronado, Aspiring ultra trail runner
I've done all my 50k's in this vest and it's never let me down.
Recommended in 5 Products I Actually Use
Allen Au, Exceptional Amateur
When you want no compromises on storage, but are willing for a slightly hotter (due to heat) ride, this is it!
Recommended in 2026 - Trail Season Kit
Big enough for a full day out with layers and a filter. My go-to for anything over six hours.
Recommended in Fastpacking the Cascades
Rachel Bambrick, Ultrarunning coach & community leader
My choice in pack for races 100 miles or less
Recommended in IMTUF 100
Tina Weissauer, SoCalTrail Events Co-Founder and Master Eco Colorist
Over the years I have definitely had problems with packs and chaffing. This back fits perfectly and have had zero chaffing even on the long runs!
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
Lisa Williams, Run/Ultra Endurance Nutrition Coach
I used this vest for the Sedona Canyon 125 to carry the extra water, nutrition and gear required.
Recommended in Top Products I Use on a Regular Basis
Kelly Mulvany, Endurance Sports Coach and Athlete!
Hands down, the best pack out there. I use the 12 and find I have plenty of room for all my gear without feeling too weighed down. This pack moves with my body; no bounce and very little chaffing.
Recommended in Must-Haves for Trail Runners!
Emily Keddie, Ultra/Mountain Runner and Coach
The pack I've worn for the most races and speed records, the ADV Skin 12 has enough capacity for a well-thought out supported 200 miler, while being comfortable for 50k to 100M distances. Enough storage without being excessive, well thought out pockets, and secure zipper compartments.
Recommended in Trail and Ultra Running
My go to vest for all trail events. Lean enough for a fast 50k, big enough to fit a small bladder and all the essentials for grueling 100 milers.
Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use
