I’ll be the first to admit that I’m a Salomon pack junkie, so despite the fact that I was relatively happy with my Nathan running vest, I had to give the Salomon XT Advanced Skin Pack a try when it came out this year. Boy, was I glad that I did! I chose this pack to use specifically in longer trail races as it’s my personal preference to have something on my back rather than around my waist or in my hand. I learned the waist belt lesson the hard way at two consecutive trail races in 2010 where the combination of my compression shorts and the waist belt resulted in stomach cramps and pain.
This pack has become a staple of all my long training runs and races. It has just enough room for all of the essentials without wasted space. I love the fact that everything I need is right up front, so there is no need to ever take it off and search around for something in the back (there is also a zippered pocket on the back that fits a lightweight jacket nicely). The pack comes with two detachable pockets that can be added or left off the shoulder straps depending on how much you want to carry. I’ve always used Camelback bladders in the past, but the 1.5L Source bladder that came with this pack has me converted. Never has filling up a bladder been easier, and I haven’t to worry about it leaking all over me!
The pack is lightweight and due to the unique front closures, as form fitting as you want it to be. Fortunately, I didn’t have to use any of its saftey features this year – the emergency blanket it came with or attached whistle – but it’s nice to know that they are there if I need them! In a nutshell, this pack is everything I want for trail runs or races and hasn’t resulted in some of the chafing I experienced with my Nathan. At the time of this post, it looks like it’s currently sold out, but fingers crossed that more will be in stock early in the new year. Trail runners would not be disappointed with this pack!
