Salomon Adv Skin 12 - 2025 First Impressions

Luke Merrett -

The Adv Skin 12 is my favourite running pack, so far nothing else has come close in terms of comfort and storage capacity, with those big stretchy pockets holding everything from a full day of running grub to a kitchen sink.

My previous version is looking pretty beat up now after last years races, has a couple of holes and smells a bit, so I took the chance to try the new 2025 version (Solemate are selling it here)

In general Salomon tend to stay true to the overall feel each version, instead tweaking things like the back storage, adding pockets and so on.

This time however may be a bit controversial: they've removed a few fan favourite features from the previous model, and have ended up with a simpler and more spacious pack that is nevertheless potentially less functional.

Let's dive in and see what changed.

Feature Overview

Front

Starting at the top we have 2 new loops that can be used for stashing poles on your front, along with a small emergency whistle (this, as with all other versions, is a pretty shite whistle, if there's any chance you'll need it get a better one).

Hidden on each of the shoulders is a small pocket, about big enough for 1 gel, or a pack of salt tablets. Not quite big enough for a phone.

As with previous models the Adv Skin 12 come with 2 bottles included. These are Hydrapak so are resilient and last well. This year the bottles have a flat back where they lie against your chest to improve their comfort.

The toggles used to secure the bottles and stop them slipping down are less elastic and more dialled in now. Once secured they are better than previous models, however getting the bloody things over the bottle is harder now due to the lack of stretch. In the cold with gloves on this would be more challenging, and if you are using different bottles (such as the Harrier bottles which have a wider neck) it may not go over at all.

^ That little V shaped fabric loop next to the bottle pocket is for securing the bladder hose once you've routed it around the back through the stretchy pockets.

The chest strap to secure the bag is very similar to before. It's easy to do up, pulls tight nicely, and the fastenings are adjustable so can be moved up or down to change where the cables lie to your preference.

At the bottom the design is the same as before, 1 zipped pocket each side sitting in front of stretchy pockets. This material is really what makes the Adv Skin 12 so worth it, can stuff a tonne in here and the pocket will expand, then contract to stop movement. Can get hours of food in there, and also use the space to stuff gloves, buffs, hats etc when not in use.

I've read the zippers are better quality too now using YKK fastenings. I'd not had durability issues with them before but this should improve their lifespan further.

Back

At the top again, we have the bladder store (bladder sold separately), which is more spacious than before which should make getting a bladder in and out much easier. One thing that always puts me off using bladders in races is the faff of refilling them, so this is a great upgrade.

It doesn't however come with an insulation layer like previous models, this was a separate foil lined pouch that helped stop your body heat warming the water up, maybe new Salomon bladders with come with one instead?

Previously there used to be a long pocket between the bladder pocket and the backpack, which was useful for putting mandatory kit like a coat or waterproof trousers, in a way that didn't over fill the main back pack. I'll definitely miss that storage option.

I think that's how they were able to make the bladder area bigger, by removing it. Now you have a waterproof layer behind the bladder to stop water / sweat getting into the main backpack.

There was also previously a stuff pocket at the top of the back you could reach round and put things in, useful for quickly stowing a coat, gloves, hat etc. I've heard mixed uses for it, some folks never used it, some folks found it invaluable. Either way that pocket is long gone too.

Instead, the main zipped storage on your back feels more spacious than before, with this Y shaped construction meant to reduce bouncing further.

I was able to fit my mandatory kit (2 full ziplock bags), 2x 500ml bottles and a packed down coat in here without issue for my testing run, which would have been a squeeze before.

Inside is a new separate pocket meant for a set of items you want to access quickly. It's quite limited in size and not stretchy, about right for a first aid kit and/or survival bag I'd say.

The backpack is secured by pull cords. Previously these were hidden in the bottom stuff pocket however now they are more accessible, easier to adjust mid run. Note though that, if you forget to tuck them away, they'll be hitting your back on each step.

At the bottom we have the aforementioned stretchy stuff pocket. They've redesigned this so it's easier to access without taking the pack off, I found putting my gloves and arm warmers away in here more straight forward, however the space is smaller then before due to that.

Finally, there are 2 more toggles useful for attaching poles. If I'm honest though when I tried this it felt like the poles would hit my shoulders on the backswing, and potentially the Salomon Quiver attachment would still be more comfortable.

First Run

Sizing wise I am 6ft 4in and 14 stone, for me the Medium size fits perfectly. The model I have is unisex, however there is also a women specific fit here.

In general along all the areas in contact with your body is a softer, more comfortable material this year. I'd expect it to feel nicer and would hopefully reduce chafing further (not that it was an issue previously with the pack).

I didn't have any issues with bouncing or discomfort, it all felt nicely dialled in with very little adjustment, even with a relatively full backpack moving at a good pace.

As with all previously models loading up the front with grub and using the back pocket to stow layers as they day warmed up all worked well, and when I removed the spare water bottles the pack didn't suddenly start bouncing more with the reduced weight in the back.

How I Pack It

Just in case this is helpful to anyone, here's how I generally load the pack for races.

  • Front
    • 2x 500ml water bottles (the ones supplied), 1 with 2 scoops of Tailwind, 1 with plain water (~1.5 to 2 hours of hydration)
    • I use the stretchy pockets for food and Tailwind sachets to refill at aid stations, I'll also use them to temporarily put things like gloves if I take them off, so I can quickly get them back on again
    • I use the left zip pocket for rubbish so I know I won't accidentally drop it
    • The right zip pocket is normally spare for some headphones, a buff, gloves etc, things I want to hand
    • I find stretchy pockets stop the food bouncing, but the zip pockets have more give to them and objects inside do move more
    • I've never used the shoulder pockets
    • I'll probably cut the whistle off
  • Back
    • Main zipped storage
      • The general rule of thumb for me is, if I'm likely to need it during the race it will be accessible without taking the pack off, otherwise it goes into the backpack section.
      • First aid kit, head torch, anti chafe, spare socks, spare batteries, whistle, spare gloves, spare buff, survival blanket, obsidian heart, all spread across 2-3 ziplock bags to stop the contents getting wet (the storage on the Adv Skin 12 is not waterproof)
      • Waterproof coat, waterproof trousers
      • Car keys on key hook
    • For races with a long distance between aid stations (like the Epona or Wild Horse) I'll carry a bladder or extra water bottles as well. If extra bottles you can usually put these in the bladder area too, however it can be uncomfortable so I try to fit them in the zipped storage instead
    • I keep the back stretchy pocket free and use it to store layers I shed when the day warms up, such as gloves, arm warmers, a mid layer. It's also useful for stashing empty water bottles quickly
      • I will sometime use it to store 1 spare water bottle too, though this can cause chafing along your lower back
      • It can also be good for storing a coat if the main zip storage is full or you think you'll need it at some point during the race

Should You Get It?

Comfort wise I think this one is a step up on last years, and with more space for the bladder and in the backpack it may be what a lot of folks are looking for.

However if that top stash pocket, or middle pocket going missing are deal breakers for you, hopefully you can now get the previous version with a decent discount.