Advnture Verdict
The Salomon ADV Skin 8 for women is ideal for races, training runs and multi-hour fast-packing adventures alike.
Pros
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Intelligent flask placement for women
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Lots of storage space
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Available in XXS
Cons
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Reservoir not included
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Not compatible with older soft flasks
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Expensive
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First impressions
Ask any woman trail runner and she’ll tell you that it’s just not possible to wear a men’s version of hydration vest during a race or on a long run. Even if you’re flat-chested, flasks positioned on top of the breasts and squeezed against the body can feel uncomfortable – and on a woman with a C, D, or larger cup size, flasks over the breasts can stick out awkwardly and defeat the design – but Salomon rethought flask placement with the Salomon ADV Skin 8. Instead of placing flask pockets on top of women’s breasts, they put the pockets low and created 500ml /16.7-ounce flasks with a straw top.
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The pack is created specifically to adapt to a woman’s curved chest, narrow shoulders and shorter torso length. Positioned below the chest, the two 500ml integrated soft flasks have a unique triangular shape and straws for effective hydration access. It’s a featherweight pack and hydration management system that keeps everything compact and close to the body, even when stuffed with extra gear. Additional features include a built-in whistle, pole-stashing options and room for a 1.5L hydration reservoir (not included).
• RRP: $155 (US) / £115 (UK)
• Weight: 251–331g/ 8.8 –11.7oz (including accessories)
• Hydration capacity: Two 500ml soft flasks included
• Gear capacity: 8L / 488 cu in
• Sizes: XXS–L
• Colours: Poseidon / Night Sky
In the field
We tested this pack on numerous trail runs of 45 minutes to 2 hours on trails all over Colorado and one of the few trail races that happened last summer. The snug, close-to-the body was appreciated, as was easily adjustable front strap system. We found the unique shape and placement of the 500ml soft flasks to be a smart design that worked flawlessly out on the run.
The Advance Skin 8 Set W was designed to have a unique shape and style that eliminates pressure on the breasts when cinched down, optimizing comfort, load management and load capacity. This pack has enough compression to control bounce without cutting off breathing, whether you’re out for the day or just an hour.
The flask pockets have a second stretchy pocket overlay that holds snacks, lip balm, and other small essentials. In the back, a side zip in the main compartment lets you load food and spare layers. It also holds a 1.5-liter reservoir (not included) in an insulated sleeve for longer jaunts and runs where there isn’t a water source on the route. The pack cinches down with an adjustable bungee closure in the front that’s laced to further reduce pressure on the breasts, while still keeping the load stable. Shoulder bungees hold hiking poles when you don’t need them, and you can stash them while on the move. You can also store gear such as gloves in the low back pocket (which has dual side access), without stopping and taking off the pack.
