What the Manufacturers say:

10% lighter and with less binding to reduce chaffing, this latest version of Salomon's form-fitting pack provides stable hydration carrying capacity for (included) front flasks and a back sleeve for additional bladder, as well as updated pockets and zippers. Lighter, more comfortable and faster, for long endurance races

Price: £150

Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab Hydro 12 Hydration Pack

The next generation of the high performance hydration vest developed with some of the world's leading trail runners. The latest version of the S-Lab Advanced Skin pack, the Hydro 12 is form fitting, with new front hydration flasks that shrink as you drink, more versatility for carrying accessories, and lighter than ever.

• Weight: - 340 Grams
• Volume: - 12 Litres
• Soft Flask - On the shoulder straps or the waist belt.
• Made without Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, then doesn't reject any toxic substances when recycled.
• SENSIFIT

Salomon S-Lab Advanced Skin2 12L - James MacKeddie

If there is a brand that is a trend setter in the world of trail and ultra running it is Salomon. When the first S-Lab vest was launched they sold out in record time, and runners around the world sat glued to their computers hoping to find a shop in some distant corner that had stock. With the second generation of bag, so came significant stock and it is rare you will enter a race and not see the famous black and red material draped over a runners torso.

S-Lab is the race driven area of Salomon’s trail running range. Developed with the likes of Kilian Jornet, Emelie Forsberg and Ricky Lightfoot, they are high performance items, with the latest design and material innovations.

The Feature Set.

The feature which originally set the vest apart from the competition was the simple fact it was a vest. Where as OMM, Inov8 and others stuck with the traditional rucksack design, Salomon wrapped the contents around the body. In doing so providing greater stability, weight management, usability and temperature regulation.

The back pad of the pack is constructed from a lightweight mesh, providing maximum ventilation and comfort. With few seams, the potentially for chaffing is reduced and putting the vest on feels more akin to a waistcoat then a bag.

Along with the design of the bag, the push to using soft flasks rather than a hydration bladder or solid bottles caused and still erupts in-depth conversation on ultra forums. More over, placing the carriers on the front of the bag, removed the need to stop and take off the bag when running. Whereas in the past racers in longer distance events such as the MdS had modified bag straps to accommodate 500ml bottles, the Advanced Skin 2 comes race ready.

The advantage of soft flasks is easy to see and hear. They eliminate the sloshing noise synonymous with solid bottles, as well as reducing in size as the fluid is consumed. Now, this can cause a more fiddly refill at an aid station, but this is a minor point.

The pack is supplied with 2 x 500ml soft flasks, along with a removable insulated sleeve for a hydration bladder. It does not come with a bladder, however most on the market will fit. 

Along with pockets for soft flasks, pockets can also be located on the main straps and sides for additional equipment. A compass, phone, gels and/or energy bars, salt caps, buff, gloves and many other small items can be stored within easy reach. Once again, eliminating the need to stop when these items are required. A safety whistle can also be found hidden in a pocket, a must for anyone entering the mountains.

The rear had two main pockets. A smaller zipped pocket and a larger pocket to the rear of the pack, with no closing. The smaller pocket contains a survival blanket, mandatory kit in races such as UTMB and the Lakeland 100/50, which saves having to purchase one separately. The larger pocket is for the hydration bladder (if you chose to use one) or a mountain of kit.

At the base of the vest, there is a kangaroo pouch along the entire rear, accessible from either side.  All are constructed from stretch mesh, aiding to keeping things light and flexible. Although it may appear like it can accommodate a small volume, you can fit a couple of jackets and more into this pocket. To the far right, a small zippered pocket is handy for storing valuables.

However with the glorious rain which covers the UK for what seems the majority of the year, dry bags are a worthwhile investment for keeping spare layers dry. With such race driven features comes compromise, and this is the one missing element that stands out to me.

All in all, you have 12 litres to play with, which is ample for all one day races. If heading onto multidays such as The Spine or Dragons back, a more substantial pack may be required.

Fit.

I’m 5ft 7” and generally wear small in every brand. I opted for the XS/S pack, after trying on the M/L just to make sure the chest fitted correctly. With adjustment points on the main strap areas, you can fine tune the fit.

The pack is designed to be close to your body, like a layer of clothing.

For me, I find the fit does not restrict my running, nor do I find myself adopting a slightly changed style as with many traditional style packs.

Well?

Now comes to the crunch factor. Price.

It’s expensive. Eye watering in fact. At £150 it is a real investment and this may put many people off. However, bear this in mind. Look at the price of a quality pair of trail shoes or a hardshell. They sit close this figure or exceed it, and with the market reacting and churning out copious takes on this soon to be classic, the price tag is no longer alienated from the remainder of the competition.

Furthermore, when the hardshell is torn on a branch, the membrane gives way or your shoes tread wear away, the odds are your pack will still be going strong.

And that’s the thing with packs, they outlast the vast majority of kit.

A waterproof version would be awesome, but I can only wince at the price tag this may generate, and as we all know, the breathability would be compromised significantly. So it’s dry bags or putting it under your shell for when contouring your favourite fell or race route.