Brand: Salomon

    Category: Running Vests & Packs

    Recommended by Spencer Imbach, Trail Runner & Snowboarder — Baltimore, MD

    Highlights: long distance, lightweight, breathable, durable

    The ACTIVE SKIN 8 by Salomon is a premium hydration solution designed for athletes and outdoor enthusiasts, offering lightweight comfort and optimal storage for essential gear. Its innovative design ensures you stay hydrated and organized during your most demanding adventures. 1. Ergonomic Design: The ACTIVE SKIN 8 features a snug fit that adapts to your body shape, minimizing movement and maximizing comfort during physical activities. 2. Hydration Bladder: Comes with a 1.5-liter hydration bladder, allowing for easy access to water while on the move, ensuring you stay hydrated for longer. 3. Multiple Storage Compartments: Equipped with various pockets, including a secure front pocket for your phone and essentials, providing convenient organization for your gear. 4. Lightweight Materials: Constructed from breathable, lightweight fabrics, this hydration pack ensures you can carry your essentials without added bulk. 5. Reflective Details: Features reflective elements for enhanced visibility in low-light conditions, making it ideal for early morning or evening activities. 6. Adjustable Straps: The adjustable shoulder and chest straps provide a customizable fit, catering to different body types and preferences. 7. Versatile Use: Suitable for running, hiking, and biking, this hydration pack is designed to meet the needs of various outdoor activities. The ACTIVE SKIN 8 is ideal for runners, hikers, and cyclists seeking a reliable hydration solution during their outdoor pursuits. It performs best in dynamic environments such as trails, parks, and urban settings, particularly during warm weather or high-intensity activities. This product is perfect for both novice and experienced users looking to enhance their hydration strategy while enjoying their favorite sports. Whether you're training for a marathon or exploring new trails, the ACTIVE SKIN 8 excels in providing comfort and accessibility.

    Price: $115

    Who it's for
    Trail runners and hikers who need reliable storage for long training runs, half marathons, ultras, or full days on the trail. Particularly suits those running in bear country or technical terrain where carrying extras like bear spray or trekking poles matters.
    What people are saying
    Hosts consistently praise the comfort, no-bounce fit, and generous storage for fuel, gear, and accessories. One host notes it's not the most streamlined for a race kit but excels as a carry-everything training or adventure vest.
    Worth noting
    Comes with two 500mL flasks; compatible with Salomon's pole quiver system. True to size per hosts, and one host reports 4 years of heavy use with no durability issues.

    Spencer Imbach's review

    This was my first ever running vest and is such a solid pick for any trail run or daily adventure. Includes (2) 500mL flasks and plenty of storage for gels or other snacks/fuel that stay secure at any speed! It's also compatible with Salomons pole quiver if that's a preference for carrying poles. Like all Salomon gear, this vest is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable and I've had no issues with any abrasion from any their vests personally. The Active Skin 8 in particular is best for long days on the trail or training runs that require a carry - while it's not the most streamlined for a race kit, the zippered backpack aspect is sure to hold anything you could need for a day.

    Recommended by Spencer Imbach, Trail Runner & Snowboarder

    Frequently asked questions

    Who is the ACTIVE SKIN 8 for?

    Trail runners and hikers who need reliable storage for long training runs, half marathons, ultras, or full days on the trail. Particularly suits those running in bear country or technical terrain where carrying extras like bear spray or trekking poles matters.

    What do experts say about the ACTIVE SKIN 8?

    Hosts consistently praise the comfort, no-bounce fit, and generous storage for fuel, gear, and accessories. One host notes it's not the most streamlined for a race kit but excels as a carry-everything training or adventure vest.

    What should you know before buying the ACTIVE SKIN 8?

    Comes with two 500mL flasks; compatible with Salomon's pole quiver system. True to size per hosts, and one host reports 4 years of heavy use with no durability issues.

    What does Spencer Imbach say about the ACTIVE SKIN 8?

    This was my first ever running vest and is such a solid pick for any trail run or daily adventure. Includes (2) 500mL flasks and plenty of storage for gels or other snacks/fuel that stay secure at any speed! It's also compatible with Salomons pole quiver if that's a preference for carrying poles. Like all Salomon gear, this vest is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable and I've had no issues with any abrasion from any their vests personally. The Active Skin 8 in particular is best for long days on the trail or training runs that require a carry - while it's not the most streamlined for a race kit, the zippered backpack aspect is sure to hold anything you could need for a day.

    Why does Spencer Imbach recommend Salomon?

    Spencer Imbach recommends the Salomon ACTIVE SKIN 8 for running vests & packs. This was my first ever running vest and is such a solid pick for any trail run or daily adventure. Includes (2) 500mL flasks and plenty of storage for gels or other snacks/fuel that stay secure at any speed! It's also compatible with Salomons pole quiver if that's a preference for carrying poles. Like all Salomon gear, this vest is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable and I've had no issues with any abrasion from any their vests personally. The Active Skin 8 in particular is best for long days on the trail or training runs that require a carry - while it's not the most streamlined for a race kit, the zippered backpack aspect is sure to hold anything you could need for a day.

    Is the ACTIVE SKIN 8 a good running vests & pack?

    Yes — Spencer Imbach recommends the ACTIVE SKIN 8 by Salomon as their running vests & packs pick. This was my first ever running vest and is such a solid pick for any trail run or daily adventure. Includes (2) 500mL flasks and plenty of storage for gels or other snacks/fuel that stay secure at any speed! It's also compatible with Salomons pole quiver if that's a preference for carrying poles. Like all Salomon gear, this vest is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable and I've had no issues with any abrasion from any their vests personally. The Active Skin 8 in particular is best for long days on the trail or training runs that require a carry - while it's not the most streamlined for a race kit, the zippered backpack aspect is sure to hold anything you could need for a day.

    Is the ACTIVE SKIN 8 good for long distance?

    Spencer Imbach recommends it for long efforts: This was my first ever running vest and is such a solid pick for any trail run or daily adventure. Includes (2) 500mL flasks and plenty of storage for gels or other snacks/fuel that stay secure at any speed! It's also compatible with Salomons pole quiver if that's a preference for carrying poles. Like all Salomon gear, this vest is lightweight, comfortable, and breathable and I've had no issues with any abrasion from any their vests personally. The Active Skin 8 in particular is best for long days on the trail or training runs that require a carry - while it's not the most streamlined for a race kit, the zippered backpack aspect is sure to hold anything you could need for a day.

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    What other hosts are saying

    8 experts recommend the Salomon ACTIVE SKIN 8.

    Jordan Skattum, Backcountry Filmmaker

    I asked people who run way harder than me what they recommend and this was always the answer. I have since ran a self-supported, off trail marathon with this vest and a ultra marathon. It's a great vest and I love how it fits.

    Recommended in My 10 Favorite Products

    Maggie Perkins, Runner and Professional Wildflower Admirer

    My go - to for longer runs. The snack carrying opportunities are endless, and it makes carrying bear spray very easy (important for Teton Runs!)

    Recommended in Running Tried and Trues

    Hannah Horn, Ultra Runner

    Great for Ultra marathons! Great storage and comfort.

    Recommended in Products I Actually Use As A Ultra Runner

    Whitney Thornton, Adventure Seeker

    I love this vest! It’s true to size and fits great! It doesn’t bounce! It holds all my supps and gear perfectly!

    Recommended in 10 Products I Actually Use

    Lisa Williams, Run/Ultra Endurance Nutrition Coach

    I use this vest for most long runs.

    Recommended in Top Products I Use on a Regular Basis

    Michael Whitfield, Trail Runner

    Carries any and everything I need for race distances up to a half marathon. When I break into the ultra territory I will be getting a new vest. But, this could easily get the job done for that distance as well. I just want the capability to carry a larger bladder.

    Recommended in Race day Essentials

    Julyssa Martinez, Distance Runner | Nutrition Student

    I’ve used this vest for the last 4 years and it’s gotten me a-gazillion miles. So comfortable and has plenty of storage. Also has loops for a quiver to carry trekking poles. You get definitely get the value of what you’re paying out of it.

    Recommended in Trail Running Essentials