Product Review : The Salomon S-Lab ADV Skin 12 Set
An essential piece of gear for any trail runner is the running pack. A runner’s pack needs to have a secure fit, good hydration set up, and plenty of accessible pockets for all the fuel and extra gear you may need.
The Salomon S-Lab ADV Skin 12 Set is a 12 litre running pack. The pack has one 12 L pouch with a side zipper on the back, and numerous other pockets situated on the front, back, and side of the pack. A safety whistle, safety blanket, and two 500 mL soft flasks come with the purchase of this pack.
Fit
The non-rigid design allows for the pack to easily form around your body, providing a snug, secure fit. Two cross straps secure the pack across the chest and are easy to adjust, even while running. Unnecessary bouncing is minimal, and I have experienced no chaffing or hot spots at all with this pack. The fit of this pack is so good that I often forget that I’m even wearing it.
Hydration
Loaded up with both soft flasks, and 1.5 L bladder. I have the hose from the bladder secured up near my right shoulder. Easy access of fluids
The pack comes with two 500 mL Salomon soft flasks, and has room for a 1.5 L bladder in the back pouch (bought separately). The soft flasks are unique because as you drink from these flasks, they decrease in size allowing for easy storage of empty bottles. The two soft flasks sit in pockets on the front of the pack. The pockets that hold the soft flasks are deep and can make drinking from the flasks a challenge because, a partially full flask will often scrunch up and fall to the bottom of the pockets, which is quite annoying to deal with. The hose from the hydration pack is secured to the pack with small loops which keep the hose close to your body and can be placed over your shoulder or under your arm. Despite the minor inconveniences of the soft flasks the 2.5 L carrying capacity of this pack is fantastic.
Pockets
2 Chest Pocket (1 zip up, 1 pouch): perfect for holding your phone or nutrition.
2 Side Zip Pockets: These pockets aren’t easily accessible while running, so I like to keep non-essential items here. Extra food, first aid supplies etc.,
2 Small Side Kangaroo Pouches: great for nutrition, small gloves, headlamp.
1 Large Kangaroo Pouch (Back): Easy to access while running. Great place to keep bulky nutrition (bars, tablets), gloves or hats (things you may be taking on/off depending on the weather).
1 12 L Back Pouch with side zipper: A safety blanket comes with the pack and is found in this compartment. The 12 L size makes easy storage of extra layers (jackets, sweaters) and anything else you may need (extra water, maps, books, first aid).
On the left you can see how the soft flask falls into the pocket, which is a minor inconvenience. On the right you can see the easy storage of nutrition and gear. (Note: much more can fit into these pockets then shown.)
Verdict
The Salomon S-Lab ADV Skin 12 is a fantastic running pack. The pack is well designed allowing for easing carrying of all your running essentials. With its form fitting design there is no issue with the pack jostling around, which drastically minimalizes any wasted energy. With easy carrying of 2.5 L of water and the possibility to carry more in the 12 L pouch, along with the plethora of pockets to carry all your nutrition and extra gear makes this pack essential for any outdoor adventure lasting multiple hours.
Adam Kuhn lives in Calgary Alberta, where he works as a Geologist in corporate Calgary. Playing high level hockey and football in high school Adam has always loved competitive sports. Upon entering University, sports and exercise fell to the wayside as a life of partying ensued. Spartan Racing has gotten Adam off the couch (and booze) and has revitalized his life. A relatively new face in the OCR scene Adam’s competitive nature is back as he pushes his body to its limits as he competes in the Elite Heats, testing himself against the best of the best. Follow him on Instagram @adamkuhn20 and checkout his personal blog readysweatrun.com for more on his adventures.