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When it comes to trail running, every detail matters. Especially on longer runs in the mountains, your gear needs to fit securely, stay within easy reach and remain stable even when the terrain gets technical or the descent gets fast.
The Salomon ADV Skin 12 running pack was tested intensively over several months by the Sport Conrad team taking part in the Zugspitz Ultratrail. For this review, we received particularly detailed feedback from Michaela Hörmann. She wore the running vest for around 350 kilometres of trail running and knows its strengths and weaknesses inside out. The Salomon ADV Skin 12 was tested with a realistic setup for longer runs: two 500 ml soft flasks, first aid kit, rain jacket, spare shirt, poles, snacks, phone and keys.
Quick Overview: Salomon ADV Skin 12
The Salomon ADV Skin 12 is a close fitting running vest with 12 litres of storage volume. It is designed for trail runners who want to carry enough food, fluids and gear for longer distances. Two soft flasks are included. The vest also offers plenty of well designed storage options for gels, phone, poles, jacket and other essentials.
Features at a Glance
- Close fitting, comfortable and bounce free fit
- 12 litres of storage
- Smart storage options for soft flasks, poles, gels and phone
- Front zip pockets included
Unisex running vest
How We Tested: Trail Running Setup and Tester Profile
The running pack was tested by Michaela, 34 years old, 170 centimetres tall and part of the Sport Conrad marketing team. She has been running regularly on her local trails for two years and also joins the Sport Conrad Pub Run community event. Her favourite route is the Heimgarten Herzogstand loop via the ridge. Michaela rates her trail running experience at 7 out of 10. She is an ambitious recreational runner, has already used running vests from Deuter and Black Diamond and now even prefers running vests for hiking over classic hiking backpacks. The reason is simple: they sit much more securely when running downhill and bounce far less.
Michaela tested the Salomon ADV Skin 12 from March to June over a total distance of around 350 kilometres. Most of the runs took place in sunny weather in the Bavarian foothills of the Alps, especially around Garmisch Partenkirchen.
Running vest specifically for women
Test Results: Salomon Running Vest
In our test, the Salomon ADV Skin 12 had to show how well it combines comfort, storage and a stable fit. We focused on the details that really matter on longer trail runs.
Rating Overview
- Comfort: 9/10
- Workmanship: 9/10
- Functionality: 9/10
- Features: 9/10
- Value for money: 8/10
- Overall: 9/10
First Impression: Soft, Flexible and High Quality
The Salomon ADV Skin 12 makes a very good impression from the moment you try it on. The workmanship feels high quality, and the materials are soft and flexible. Visually, the ADV Skin 12 also scores points. The colourway we tested has a sporty and modern look.
Fit and Comfort on the Trail
The biggest strength of the Salomon ADV Skin 12 is clearly its fit. Michaela describes it as close to the body, comfortable and “like a second skin”. Even on technical trails and fast downhills, the vest does not slip, bounce or move around. Choosing the right size is important. The ADV Skin 12 is available in women’s and men’s fits and comes in five different sizes: XS, S, M, L and XL. The fit is adjusted at the front using three elastic chest straps. This is simple, intuitive and works well on the move.
Storage and Ease of Use While Running
With 12 litres of volume, the Salomon ADV Skin 12 offers a lot of space for a running vest. During the test, it easily held all the essentials: fluids, rain jacket, spare shirt, first aid kit, poles, snacks, phone and keys.
The easily accessible pockets at the front are especially practical. The soft flasks sit at the front, so you can drink while running without stopping or taking off the vest. Gels, phone and smaller essentials are also quick to reach. The additional front zip pockets offer extra security for items you do not want to lose.
Safety and Care
One area Salomon could improve is visibility. There are relatively few reflective details, which would be useful for added safety when running at dusk or in the dark. Cleaning the vest is straightforward, as the pack can be washed in the washing machine.
“I like using the Salomon Skin 12 running pack on longer trails because the 12 litre volume gives me space for everything I need, from my first aid kit and rain jacket to my phone and gummy bears. At the same time, the vest is super comfortable, stays securely in place even on demanding routes and looks really good thanks to its colour design.”
Strengths and Weaknesses at a Glance
✔️ Pro
- Very close fitting and stable
- High level of comfort with no pressure points
- High quality workmanship and durable feel
- Plenty of storage with 12 litres of volume
- Well designed pockets and easy access on the move
- Includes 2 soft flasks
- Includes emergency whistle
- Compatible with hydration bladders up to 2 litres
- Compatible with the Custom Quiver system
❌ Contra
- Few reflective details
- The front becomes quite full with more than two soft flasks. For very long runs, an additional hydration bladder is the better solution.
Conclusion: A Reliable Companion for Long Trails
The Salomon ADV Skin 12 running vest clearly impressed us in the test. Its close fitting design and high level of comfort make a noticeable difference on longer and more technical trails. Everything stays in place, nothing bounces, and even on descents the vest sits securely against the body.
The generous storage volume is another big advantage, while the front soft flasks make drinking on the move easy. The only small area for improvement is the limited number of reflective details.
Overall, the Salomon ADV Skin 12 running pack is a clear recommendation for trail runners who need plenty of storage on longer routes. For the entire Sport Conrad ZUT running team, the vest has become a reliable companion they do not want to be without, whether on race day or on the trails around Garmisch-Partenkirchen.