Salomon ADV Skin 12 Review — The Ultimate All-Day Running Vest

The Salomon ADV Skin 12 is one of those running vests that immediately feels like it’s built by runners, for runners. Designed for long distances, ultras, or even shorter outings where you want to carry extra layers, this pack has become one of my favorites after extensive testing in the Wasatch Mountains of Utah. Between steep climbs, long descents, and variable weather, the ADV Skin 12 has handled it all with impressive comfort and functionality.

Where To Buy

You can find the ADV Skin 12:

Men’s at Salomon’s Website | Women’s Here
On Amazon
Men’s at REI | Women’s at REI

Fit & Comfort

Simply put, this is one of the best-fitting running vests I’ve ever worn. The material hugs your torso without feeling restrictive, and the fit eliminates bounce, even when fully loaded. Whether I was running up steep alpine trails or descending technical terrain, the vest stayed locked in place and moved naturally with my body.

The adjustable front straps make dialing in the fit easy, and the soft, stretchy materials make it feel more like a piece of clothing than a running vest. Even after hours of running, there was no chafing or pressure points.

At first, I was hesitant on the chest strapping system, as most of my other vests use a different style. After several uses, I not only was used to it, but preferred it over the clipping systems most of my other vests use.

Storage & Accessibility

Storage is where the ADV Skin 12 shines. With a 12-liter capacity, there’s enough space for everything from short trail runs to full-day mountain missions or ultra events. The stretch pockets are perfectly placed and easy to access while moving, making it simple to grab gels, food, or small gear items on the go.

• Zipper Pockets: The front zippered pockets are a standout feature, ideal for securing keys, gels, or for me, my phone.
• Front Bottle Holders: The soft flask holders are snug, easy to use, and don’t bounce. They stay firmly in place even as the bottles empty. Salomon includes flasks designed specifically for this vest and it makes them perform extremely well. I have also used other flasks comfortably.
• Main Compartment: The rear compartment can fit a hydration bladder, layers, or even compact emergency gear without feeling bulky.

Performance on the Trail

After dozens of runs in the Wasatch, through heat, wind, and alpine chill, I’ve found the ADV Skin 12 to perform flawlessly. It breathes well, dries quickly, and adapts to different conditions easily. For endurance events or long mountain adventures, this pack delivers a balance of comfort, utility, and stability that’s hard to beat.

Performance Features

• The front connectors are fully adjustable allowing anyone to customize and secure the vest to what’s best for each individual’s body type.
• Drink holders feature an additional strap that holds your bottles in place tightly even when you have drank the majority of liquid. A super helpful feature.
• Soft flask design allows for much easier sipping than other bottle designs.

What Could Be Improved

• Pole Carrying Options: The only real shortcoming is the lack of great trekking pole storage. Don’t get me wrong, there are several orientations to carry poles on this vest, but they are just somewhat uncomfortable to me. You can make it work, but it’s not as seamless as some other vests. The easy fix here is to pair the vest with a Salomon pole quiver, which integrates well and solves the issue.

Who This Vest Is For

• Trail and ultra runners who need a reliable vest for runs ranging from a few hours to all day.
• Runners who prioritize a bounce-free fit and premium comfort.
• Anyone who values smart pocket design, high accessibility, and efficient hydration options.

Final Thoughts

The Salomon ADV Skin 12 continues Salomon’s legacy of designing top-tier running gear that performs flawlessly in the mountains. It’s comfortable, stable, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re training for your next ultra, exploring technical routes, or heading out for a casual trail session, this vest is up for the challenge.

For me, the ADV Skin 12 hits that perfect balance, enough space for full-day efforts, zero bounce on the move, and easy access to everything I need. If you add a pole quiver, it’s as close to perfect as it gets.