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Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Vest Review

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review (Also known as the S.A.S.)

Recently I’ve been looking for a lightweight hydration pack that I can use for 1-2 hours of hiking. I don’t need anything heavy-duty, but something to keep water and maybe a snack on the go without holding it.

The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration seemed to meet those requirements, so I decided to try it.

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.) Features:

Minimalist vest designed for fast, ultrarunning, trail running or short hiking
Soft Flasks vital kit sits tight and close
The fabric is lightweight, breathable and chafe-free
Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration uses SensiFit system molds to the contours of your body
It also has front hydration pockets allow for easy access
Additional storage with front pockets and side zip pockets.
The Chest stretch pocket with silicone grip makes it easy to forget you’re wearing a pack
Plus, reflective details and a whistle. I’m not hiking at night but good features if you’re doing a 24-hour ultra or night race.
Sizing small, medium, large

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.) Thoughts:

The greatest importance for me was to wear a pack but forget I was wearing a backpack. I wanted a pack that was lightweight and minimal and it didn’t feel like “another thing” I was carrying. That’s precisely what the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration is. It’s perfect for a short run or hike.

I’m looking forward to using it more.

I appreciate the flasks are easily washable and I don’t have a giant bladder to clean out routinely. This pack isn’t meant for an all-day event, but something shorter. I appreciate the soft flasks and front stretch pockets for an ultimate gear stowing solution. I’ve used on several hikes less than 3 hours and never had an issue with chafing or feeling like it was bulky.

The Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Pack isn’t a “one size fits all pack,” and I wear a small (I wear a small top too). Think unisex sizing, and whichever unisex top you typically wear should be reasonably comparable. Of course, I would try it on, if possible.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:

Have you tried the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.)?

What is your favorite pack?

Fall Products I’m Enjoying

October 11, 2016October 11, 2016 Hollie

I realized that I never did any late Spring or Summer “products I am currently ling” post.

I am nosy and enjoy reading what other people like. None of these products are sponsored and I’m not being paid to let you know about them.

As I have gotten back into running, there are several running related as well as life-related products I have enjoyed.

Running Shoes:

None of these should come as a surprise because I do shoe reviews of models I’m running in. Each of these shoes I’ve liked and put over 300 miles in now. I liked the Hoka Clifton 3 enough to retire the first pair and buy another.

Hoka Clifton 3
Brooks Launch 3
Saucony Zealot ISO 2
Nike LunarGlide 9 (review to come)

Clothing:

Janji:

Coincidentally, We have also brought Janji to work. Recently I tried this light weight top. I love the sleeve details and it’s light weight and fits well.

Janji also sends 10% of their sales earned to the clean water. I like companies that have a back story.

Saucony:

I’ve written many posts about various products that I like from Saucony. Including shoes like the Saucony Triumph, Zealot, and Ride.

Working in running retail, I see the evolution of brands and brand design. They’ve always had great shoes but they’ve upped their game on apparel too. I love their fashion forward trends including the Life on the Run collection. You can tell because I’ve hiked in this tank top every time.

As we draw more into fall and winter, I’m sure I’ll stumble upon new products and gear to add to the list.

Questions for you:

What gear are you currently enjoying?

What nonrunning things are you enjoying?

Gear Review, Running

Saucony Kinvara 7 Review

April 27, 2016October 25, 2019 Hollie

Saucony Kinvara 7 Review

It seems like just yesterday, I was reviewing the Saucony Kinvara 6, but then again, I was a little late in reviewing the shoe. Throughout the last few months, the Saucony Kinvara 6 has been a great shoe for me. The timing worked out to streamline into a new model, the Saucony Kinvara 7.

Saucony Kinvara 7. Overview:

The Saucony Kinvara is a neutral lightweight shoe with a 4mm drop. The Saucony Kinvara 7 is one of Saucony’s most popular shoes because it’s able to cover a broad range of training from races to volume and long runs. The update from the Saucony Kinvara 6 to the Saucony Kinvara 7 includes significant changes in the cushioning system as well as the fit of the shoe.

Saucony Kinvara 7 Fit:

I noticed the Saucony Kinvara 6 was more narrow than I hoped and the upper to the Saucony Kinvara 7 fits similarly. I usually wear a size 9.5 wide or 10, and I fit into a size 10. I do wish there was a wide option. The upper of the Saucony Kinvara 7 now uses “flex film” which helps to lock the feet in place as well as having wicking properties. The lacing system remails reasonably similar. My feet haven’t felt uncomfortable running in the shoe and the fit works for me. My only wish is more volume to accommodate better wide feet.

Saucony Kinvara 7 Ride:

The ride of the Saucony Kinvara 7 is much different than the Saucony Kinvara 6. However, the difference isn’t a bad thing. While it’s still more lightweight than a traditional trainer, the Kinvara 7 is more of a shoe. Kinvara loyalists will notice that the Kinvara has more energy return as well as ground contact. In general, the Kinvara is much more lightweight, responsive, ride.

The new Saucony Kinvara 7 now uses an everun heel insert and EVA foam to keep the shoe cushioned. The Saucony Kinvara 7is the first of the Kinvara line to integrate everun. Similar to the Saucony Triumph, the Everrun lasts longer than traditional foam. The Saucony Kinvara 7 has the Everrun built directly into the heel instead of spread throughout the shoe. It’s also a denser cushioning, so it feels like “more of a shoe.”

For someone who prefers the firm everrun in the Triumph, I like the update. The Saucony Kinvara 7 has taken over a new more “trainer like” feel and able to go long distance. It’s much more bouncy and responsive than the previous model. Plus together with the flex outsole, you have more traction.

Cost: $110 (it did rise in price by $10 this model)

Saucony Kinvara 7 Pros:

The Everrun makes it more durable
It has more cushioning which benefits most runners

Saucony Kinvara 7 Cons:

Increase in cost
The updates are significant and it does fit and feel different

Recommended for anyone who likes a lightweight neutral trainer. It is also a great speed work and racing shoe.

So do I like it?

Personally, I like the extra cushioning of the Saucony Kinvara 7. I like to run in higher cushioned shoes, and the Saucony Kinvara 6 had a little less cushioning than I would prefer. I enjoy using the Kinvara for race warmups/cooldowns and occasionally midweek runs.

Current Shoe Rotation:
Saucony Kinvara 7 (for shorter runs)
Saucony Triumph ISO 2 (primary shoe)
Adidas Energy Boost 3

Questions for you:
Do you like more cushion in your running shoes? Have you tried the Saucony Kinvara 7?

Gear Review, Reviews, Running

CW-X Compression Tights Review

March 11, 2015September 19, 2019 Hollie

Before my marathon, I bought a pair of CW-X tights. I bought them on my own free will…(IE: I’m receiving no payment and this post is not sponsored).

These CW-X Tights

With flying to a goal race, I wanted to keep my body as compressed as possible (like if you open a can of Pillsbury doughboy bread and the dough explodes out). That level of compression was probably a good idea we ended up traveling 14 hours. CW-X compression gear uses targeted support for the muscles and joints. Plus now, CW-X also makes sports bras!

Actual Fit of CW-X Tights:

Moving on, I am 5’8 and 130 pounds. I ordered the CWX small and it fit as it was supposed too. The CW-X tights weren’t too comfortable, but they aren’t supposed to be. I have to be honest, though, they held everything in place and made my legs look better than the standard black legging. I think I might buy a plain black pair of CWX tights for that reason. The CW-X tights fit exceptionally well.

CW-X Compression:

The compression of the CW-X tight is good. I felt like my legs received a lot more blood flow than if I wasn’t wearing them. My calves usually are extremely tight so I’m very particular with my compression. I felt as if the CWX tights gave enough to butt, hamstring, IT band without being uncomfortable.

After the race, my entire left side was tight (hip, hamstring, IT band) and I felt like it held the CW-X tights kept everything into the correct place. Mentally I felt a lot better with the compression tights on. My IT band gets pretty tight, so I felt like these compressed appropriately. I think wearing the CW-X tights after the marathon is a big reason my legs are recovering quicker than I expected.

Running in CW-X Tights:

I took the CWX tight out for a few shorter runs before my race. I could notice a difference in my runs when wearing the CW-X tights. Similar to wearing compression sleeves or socks while running, you feel less fatigued. My quads, hamstring and upper IT band felt less tired than it usually would.

I didn’t chafe or overheat in the CWX tights. A few pairs of leggings cause me to rub, or they are not comfortable to run in. This is not the case with the CW-X legging. They breathe well and they are a comfortable legging to wear around. The CW-X tights aren’t the most “fashionable” but comfort over fashion.

CWX Tight Cost:

The cost of the CW-X legging is $105 but I do think it’s worth it. I’ve spent 90 dollars on Oiselle, Nike and Lululemon leggings that have no compression. I think the CW-X leggings are worth it if you are looking for full leg compression.

Final Thoughts of the CW-X Tights:

I would highly recommend the CWX tights if you are looking for compression leggings to give these a try. I would also recommend if you are looking for a legging that also makes you look great, I will give these a shot as well. I think CW-X leggings are well worth their price and I would recommend them to any runner (injured or not). The CW-X tights now have a few fun patterns out that I am debating buying myself.

In short: I’m happy with my purchase of CWX tights, and I do believe they live up to their claim of less fatigue and faster recovery.

Finally, have you subscribed to the LOLZletter? It’s a free newsletter that comes out each Monday. In the newsletter, I share running industry trends and things relevant to the sport.

Questions for you:
Have you tried compression tights before?
Have you ever had IT band issues?

Tag: product

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review (Also known as the S.A.S.)

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration Vest Review

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.) Features:

Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8L Hydration (S.A.S.) Thoughts:

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