The Salomon XT Advanced Skin 5 Slab Set is a mouthful of a name for such a minimalist hydration pack. In fact it’s not really a pack at all, but more like a hydration vest. Although the pack sports an endless name that Mary Poppins could likely turn into a song, the title implies one thing very well – skin. Salomon literally invented a running pack that acts like an extra bodily exterior organ – hydration that you wear instead of carry.
I’ve had the Salomon XT Advanced Skin 5 Slab Set on my back during long trail runs for the past few months while training for the Ragnar Relay Wasatch Back and Mid Mountain Marathon, and it really does feel like it becomes a part of the body. Hopping down steep trails, jogging through jungles of pine trees, or just taking a breather at an overlook, the Slab Set (shortened because typing the full name hurts my fingertips) literally wraps itself around the torso like a cozy alien leech.
The Slab Set’s all around comfort comes courtesy of Sensifit construction. It’s a light weight, very breathable, stretchy material that moves with the body, reducing abrasion while still form fitting to the body. The Slab Set is different in other ways too, like super-adjustable chest fastening system, tons of pockets for gear storage, and a hydration bladder inside an isothermic sleeve to keep your water cool.
On the trail, the vest/pack truly stays on snug. While hammering the trails above Salt Lake City, the dreaded slosh was limited because of the tight fit, but not gone altogether. In fact, hearing the little slosh there was through music in my headphones sounded like a mountain biker coming up behind me, causing constant, paranoid habit of looking back. Despite this, drinking from the reservoir feels better than most hydration systems out there. The tube extends from the bottom of the pack instead of from the top, meaning you don’t have to crane your neck to reach the bite valve. I did have some issues with the tube getting kinked inside the pack though, which required stops to adjust the bladder. I also like the slide-top closure for easy filling and cleaning.
That snug fit comes from the contured shape of the XT Advanced Skin 5 Slab Set, but also from the elastic fastening system that crosses the chest. I’m a pretty skinny guy, but these things are tight enough to hold the pack in place, yet stretchy enough to allow easy breathing. However, you got to be skinny I think, because the bottom link was too snug, even when pulled out to the largest fit (though my beer and burrito baby is probably more to blame for that.) A load lifter system also helps with the fit when used to distribute weight, but I never felt a need to adjust it.
On long runs that took me far from civilization, this gear was a godsend. The 1.5 liter hydration bladder provided enough water for an epic run, but didn’t weigh so much that it bogged me down. The myriad pockets are all small, which is perfect to store energy gels, cell phone and keys. The large back pocket fits an included space blanket, and provided enough space for a spare tube, multi-tool and tire levers when I used the vest for mountain biking. But that’s not all! Along with the multitude of pockets, there’s also an attached rescue whistle and straps to carry trekking poles.
Yes, there are other uses for the Salomon XT Advanced Skin 5 Slab Set than just adventure running. It’s also great for short hikes and mountain bike rides where lots of extra gear isn’t needed. However, the thick shoulder straps did inhibit arm movement when gripping handlebars, so the vest is still better suited for running.
If you’re a serious trail runner who relishes long distances and needs to carry enough nutrition and water to go all the way, then the Salomon XT Advanced Skin 5 Slab Set was built specifically for you. Go get it.
For more, visit Salomon online.
Hey great review i was just wondering what size pack you tested and what you size is (height and chest dia). Its hard to work out what size pack to order? xs/s or m/l….
I’m 5’10” and 150 pounds. The pack I tested was a M/L… it’s highly adjustable though, so if you’re an average size guy, the M/L is your best bet.