Salomon Adv Hydra Vest 8 Unisex Hydration Vest Trail running Hiking, Comfort and Stability, Quick Access to Hydration, and Simplicity

I found this vest very comfortable when running and a good size. While I haven't used it with the bladder yet, I have used the two 500 ml soft flasks that came with the vest, can put them in easily and holds a few gels easily with keys.Good Note: the flasks that come with it does not have the plastic flavour that some of these flasks can have which is great.

I never write reviews but I decided to leave notes related to info I couldn’t find myself in case it helps others.Firstly, I am a male and my dimensions are: 5’7” tall… 42” chest… 30” waist.My review follows a 15-mile trail run of stage two of the West Highland Way in 14C heat and I wore the vest over an Adidas tech fit compression T-shirt.With this 8-litre Salomon vest I bought in size medium and it was perfectly sized - it gives the *right* kind of snug fit so nothing moves while you do while still having loads of movement to loosen the elastic toggles should you wish for a slacker fit.Having never had a vest like this before, I was concerned chest-mounted bottles and padded front would increase risk of/cause nipple chaffing - it did not. I had no problems with any kind of rubbing, not even on the shoulders.The zippers were all solid and didn’t slip - the bottles provided are secure and watertight. A few people complained about a plastic flavour - they are obviously not used to properly cleaning bottles in the first place. On receipt simply fill each bottle with water and drop in a Steradent cleaning tablet (yes, the ones designed for dentures) and the bottle will be clean and leave behind no plastic taste. This is common practice for any bladder or bottle so don’t worry about other reviews of this nature.Cons…The main compartment has ample storage however the outer material is not a tough waterproof membrane as you’d expect like that on a rucksack - it’s simply a see through mesh-like fabric. While it is strong I would be concerned about using this in the rain - one would have to wrap their belongings in dry bags to prevent water ingress.The whistle is rubbish. Like… utter rubbish. Salomon frankly shouldn’t have even bothered. I cut mine off and attached my own.The mesh membrane pockets on the front are good however I would advise against putting your keys in the one with the zip - I looked down and noticed my front door key starting to stretch the material. As I caught this I could quickly put it in the main compartment and avoid a tear, but I fear keys could tear this membrane pocket easily - especially in the event of a fall or if it scrapes off a rock during scrambles.There is a pouch in the main compartment with a key clip however this pouch cannot be securely closed with Velcro or a zip so items may fall out. This pouch is also at the top of the main compartment which I think is a poor design - sure it puts things in easy reach but as people are more likely to use this for keys or a phone it makes the top of the vest heavier than it needs to (not to mention having the jingling of keys right by your ear - Salomon, if you want to fit an interior pouch, put it at the bottom of the main compartment and give it a way to close securely).When you tighten the front of the vest you’re left with a long dangly piece of cord with now where to tuck it out the way - not a big deal as it can be tucked in behind the fabric but I’m *looking* for misgivings here in the interest of objectivity.While it’s only been one run in I hope these initial thoughts help others.All things considered, I LOVE this vest. You always have to compromise on something with whatever we buy, but the comfort, fit and overall practicality of this item outweighs niggles of whistles, pouches and cords. (Then of course there’s the value of the free bottles which are usually £20 each so it means the whole purchase with vest and two bottles is a real bargain.)This will undoubtedly be my go-to vest from now on.

Great running vest, works fine, comfortable

Awesome vest. Used this for my first 50k race and I could hardly feel that I was wearing it, which is what you want when you are running for a long time. Clearly a lot of thought has gone into the design to make maximum use out of the pockets and compartments while keeping them minimal. My previous (OMM brand) vest was too bulky and had too many unnecessary pockets I didn't use. Not this one. I had three gels in each of the two front mesh pockets which were easy to get to and no chance of them falling out. The back pocket is securely zipped and in my case held a couple of energy bars and a first aid kit. The two collapsible bottles are well placed and easy to drink from while on the move. I did have to refill them once at an aid station and they are a bit tricky to squeeze back into the pockets, but that would be overcome with practice. I was running with the vest on for nearly 6 hours and suffered no discomfort or rubbing. The only minor niggle I have is that when the bottles were full I found that the inside of my left forearm occasionally brushed the zip of the left side compartment (the right side, looking down, doesn't have a zip pocket). But this may just be due to my running style and was only when the bottles were full. All in all I found the 8l vest perfect for a 50k run. In terms of sizing I bought an XL vest. Normally I take a L shirt size. The XL was perfect for me.

I have been using this running vest for my long runs, half marathons and even for my first marathon for 9 months, it's perfect. Fits me well, adjustable, breathable, so light, I washed it many times and it doesn't move at all. Use the back storage mainly for my rain jacket or extra gels for very long runsI love all the fronts pockets for flasks, gels, cereal bars and zipped one for my phone or headset.Highly recommended, the flasks are great quality as well, they fell, I bite at them sometimes when I drink and cringe, but they don't break. I wash and dry them after every use.An investment but well worth the money, even better on Black Friday deal!