I was excited to try the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack. My first experience with Salomon several years ago was a running pack. Since then, I’ve tried multiple items including shoes, gear, and more. I’ve always appreciated their packs because they really keep the runner in mind and don’t make them bulky and cumbersome.
Salomon hydration vests have always delivered in terms of performance, and the ADV Skin 5 is no exception. As someone who lives in a dry, hot climate and logs plenty of trail miles, I’m always looking for a vest that can carry what I need without bouncing all over the place…especially in the summer. Enter the ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack: a sleek black and white version of their best-selling 5L vest, built for race days, mountain adventures, and anything in between.
Before trying the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack, I had a few questions:
- Is the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack comfortable? Yes, in fact, it’s actually one of the most comfortable packs I’ve tried. It really does disappear off your back.
- Is the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack for ultramarathons? I think it’s a good option depending on how much stuff you want and how long the race is. You’d likely need a pack that can hold more for a 100K, but for a 50K it’s probably enough.
- Can you use the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack for road running? Yes, I do think it’s a good option if you prefer a backpack instead of handheld or waist belt. (There is no right or wrong answer there, just whatever feels good to you).
Now, read an honest review of the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack.
Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack Quick Facts
- Best for: Trail running, marathon trail races, runs up to 60km
- Volume: 5 liters
- Weight (vest only): 203 g
- Weight (with accessories): 281 g
- Dimensions: 38 x 28 x 1 cm (L x W x D)
Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack Fit and Comfort
One of the reasons the ADV Skin series is so popular is the fit. You don’t have to worry about it bouncing around…which is huge. Salomon calls it “Sensifit,” and while that sounds like marketing lingo, it does exactly what it claims: hugs your torso without feeling restrictive. The fabric is breathable and soft against the skin, and even during long runs in the desert heat, I never felt like it was suffocating or causing extra sweat buildup. I will occasionally get overheated with packs that feel too heavy or cumbersome. A couple weeks ago I ran in Las Vegas where the start temp was 85 and I never overheated.
The adjustable sternum straps slide up and down so you can fine-tune your fit whether you’re layering up in cooler weather or running shirtless in the summer. I’ve worn this with everything from a sports bra to a lightweight shell, and it’s never shifted or chafed. Hooray for no chafing…which always my top priority in packs.
This is one of those “put it on and forget it” vest and that’s exactly what you want in a running pack.
Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack Storage and Pockets
For a 5L vest, the ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack has a lot of pockets. You get:
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Two front stretch pockets (each fits a 500 ml flask that’s included)
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Two lower front stash pockets (ideal for gels, salt pills, or trash)
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A secure zip pocket on the left chest (fits keys, ID, or a small nutrition bar)
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A back kangaroo pocket (can be accessed from either side…great for gloves, hat, or an extra flask)
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Main rear compartment (flat but stretches for layers or larger items like a light jacket)
One of my favorite features is the quick-stash capability of the back pocket. It’s easy to reach behind mid-run and stuff in a pair of gloves or grab a gel. It’s not huge, but it’s well-designed and doesn’t bounce when loaded properly.
Is it enough space for a 50-mile ultra? Probably not. But for races up to 50km, marathon-distance trail runs, or supported events, it’s pretty good. I’m not running more than a couple of hours, so it has everything I need.
Hydration System
The Race Flag Pack version comes with two 500 ml Salomon soft flasks that sit high on the chest. The new flask design is slightly shorter, which prevents them from flopping around as much when partially empty. I appreciated how easy it was to drink from them without removing them from the pockets. Throughout the years, I’ve had issues with packs where bottles flop around or just straight-up fall out during a run. The ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack doesn’t do that.
You also get a sleeve in the back that can accommodate a 1.5L hydration bladder (sold separately). Personally, I’m a bottles-over-bladder runner for shorter stuff, but it’s nice to have the option for longer adventures. My husband has used it a couple of times for mountain biking with a bladder and has been pretty happy with it.
Everything stays in place. No sloshing, no bouncing. Just quick access to hydration when you need it.
Cost:
At $145, the Salomon Skin 5 Race Flag Pack is not cheap but it’s also not the most expensive pack out there…it’s right in the middle. It’s worth it if you’re looking for a lightweight pack that disappears off your back.
Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack Conclusion
The ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack takes everything that worked from previous versions: lightweight feel, smart pocket placement, and secure fit and adds some subtle upgrades that make a real difference on race day. But honestly, it’s good for any shorter training run. It’s not a huge overhaul, but that’s part of what makes it great: it’s a well-loved vest that just keeps getting better.
If you need a hydration vest that can handle 2 to 4 hours of running without weighing you down, this is one of the better options out there. I don’t know why but I’m always surprised when I find a pack that truly disappears off your back.
Who Should Buy the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack
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Trail runners doing runs up to 60km
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Runners who prefer bottles over a bladder but want the flexibility for both
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Anyone looking for a minimal, bounce-free hydration pack
Who Should Not Buy the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack
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Runners who need more than 5L of storage or plan to carry bulky gear
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Minimalists who just want a handheld or waist belt
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Budget-conscious shoppers (at full price, it’s not the cheapest option out there)
You can purchase the Salomon ADV Skin 5 Race Flag Pack here and see all gear reviews here.
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Questions for you:
What is your favorite running pack?
Are you training for any trail races?