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Salomon Advanced Skin 8 W Set Pack Review

Made for women who want bounce-free comfort as they run.

woman running in pack

Overall Score: 8/10

Likes:

  • Women-specific fit
  • Quality materials and construction
  • Plenty of pockets and features

Dislikes:

  • Some may not like the bungee chest straps
  • Zipper pockets are hard to access when wearing the pack

What's New

Designed specifically for women, the Salomon Advanced Skin 8 W Set Pack is equipped with never-before-seen features to accommodate a woman's chest, narrow shoulders, and shorter torso length. Featuring MotionFit technology, the ADV Skin 8 W Set Pack stretches for uninhibited movement, and the elastic quick-link latching system allows for expansion of the chest while breathing. Meanwhile, asymmetrically shaped soft flasks are positioned to sit below the wearer's breasts to eliminate uncomfortable pressure and weight across the chest.

The Bottom Line

For ladies who struggle to find a hydration pack that fits right, the Salomon Advanced Skin 8 W Set Pack is going to be a game changer. The smaller sizing and accommodating straps make it clear that the ADV Skin 8 W Set Pack is designed for women. With plenty of stretchy storage pockets, two 500-ml soft flasks, and the option to include a reservoir, this versatile pack can be adjusted to accommodate the wearer's needs no matter her activity.

Front view of pack
rear view of pack

Features:

  • Women-specific pack with a unique design
  • MotionFit design uses elastic fabric over the chest to reduce pressure
  • Includes two asymmetrical, 500-ml Salomon Soft Flasks with trimmable straws
  • Flexible sternum strap system secures to fabric loops
  • Plenty of pockets
  • Trekking pole holder secures poles while running
  • Safety whistle within left shoulder strap pocket
  • Removeable insulated sleeve for optional Salomon Hydrapak Soft Bladder 1.5L (not included)

Specifications:

  • Weight: 251 g / 8.9 oz
  • Pack volume: 8 L / 488 in³
  • Size options: XXS, XS, SM, MD, LG
view of back of pack

Our In-Depth Look

Fit

Overall Score: 8/10

Liz: "It is obvious that this pack is designed specifically for a woman’s body. Unlike a unisex pack where the straps might cut across the chest or ride too high or too low, the wide shoulder straps of the Salomon Set 8 sit in just the right spot, and the shaped soft bottles provide an amazing bounce-free fit that accommodates a woman’s anatomy. Even though this the best fitting running pack I have tried, I wish that there was a bit more stretch across the shoulders."

Kelsey: "This pack is comfortable over a tank, shirt, or thin long sleeve, but it's not ideal for wearing with a jacket or additional layers as the armholes become a bit restricted. The pack easily stays in place hiking and running, but I wish the bungee system were a little more secure for really fast running on dynamic trails."

back of pack
great fit while running

Pack Storage

Overall Score: 7.5/10

Liz: "This Salomon pack has well-thought-out organisation. The chest pockets have a snug fit, and the rear zip pocket features plenty of room for a light jacket or extra snacks."

Kelsey: "The back zipper and side zipper pockets are great, but there aren't many options for relatively secure but easily reached pockets. The stash pockets in the front overlap the front flasks, so whether the flasks are full or not may change how secure your items are inside the pocket."

asymmetrical bottles

Hydration Bladder or Bottles

Overall Score: 8/10

Liz: "The soft bottles featured in this pack provide more than enough water for longer runs, and the sleeve in the back will accommodate a reservoir if more water is needed. Asymmetrical in shape, the soft bottles fit comfortably around the chest."

Kelsey: "The interesting redesign on the front flasks was offputting at first, and the odd shape felt weird for filling and handling. However, once I got used to it, I found that it was more comfortable than the traditional bullet-shaped flasks. The wider base and rigid top distributed the weight in the front better and made the bottle a bit easier to clean."

view of both bottles
woman in running pack

Quality

Overall Score: 9/10

Liz: "I have no qualms about the durability of this pack. It demonstrates great quality in materials and construction. Although light in weight, I don’t feel like this pack needs to be treated gently."

Kelsey: "I've had some issues with Salomon products in the past, but I'm happy to see the quality improved with this model. The materials are functional and comfortable, and they instill confidence in the pack's durability."

woman with running pack

Value

Overall Score: 8/10

Liz: "The Salomon ADV Skin 8 W Set Pack fits perfectly in its price point, and I think that the women-specific design and the great attention to detail make it a better value than many of the other options in the $130 to $250 range."

Kelsey: "This is a good pack, though it's not what I’d call a best 'bang for your buck' purchase. It's undoubtedly high quality: comfortable, functional, versatile, good looking, and well fitting. Other brands are creeping up quite a bit in cost, so it's still relatively competitive pricing."

Our Reviewers

Liz

Overall Score: 9/10

I experienced absolutely no bounce when running with the Salomon Advanced Skin 8 Set Pack. The adaptable front straps are comfortable and allow for a secure fit, so you can focus on your run and not your pack.

The design details give you the freedom to set the pack up as you want it. From options for an insulated reservoir sleeve to numerous removeable attachment points, the Salomon Set Pack accommodates the wearer's needs, even for all-day adventures. It took me a few runs to figure out what features I wanted, but I appreciated the option to remove the extra straps and the insulated reservoir sleeve.

Kelsey

Overall Score: 7.5/10

The Advanced Skin 8 W Set Pack seems more durable, flexible, and comfortable than previous Salomon hydration packs. I enjoyed the material, as it didn't feel too bulky or too lightweight to handle the volume it's meant to accommodate. I also like that the design is simple and sleek.

My one issue with the pack is that I'm still not a fan of the “bungee” latch system in front. It doesn't feel as secure as I would like. Overall, though, this is a nice middle-of-the-road training vest with moderate volume and moderate fit.

Shop Salomon Women's Advanced Skin 8 W Set Pack