Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 5L Hydration Vest reviews and deals for sale

I wish I could give this all 5 stars but

this just has a few things that drive me crazy... that water bottles. 1. Let's talk about them being phallic in design. When I pull one out to drink from it I'm slightly embarrassed when I'm not w people I know and I can't make a joke. 2. When they're sitting in the front pockets, the caps sit poking out right where your breasts are, looking like grey nipples. 3. One of mine leaks… read more so if I don't get the lids on right and in their pockets correctly while heading to mountain the pack is soaking wet, After getting over the water bottles, I've learned to like the rest of it. Pocket space is all over but tricky to get to when on your body. Although pockets are small. The large pocket in the back is great, but if on the go I don't want to stop to put something in/take something out. The pockets in front are great as you drink from your bottles because you have a lot more space at that point. I was between sizes so I went up a size, definitely caused some chafing. I'd recommend talking to the peeps at backcountry if you're in my situation so you don't have this happen to you. Final thing that is a downer, it has started piling. It's kinda like seeing high quality work out clothing do this and I'm not sure if I just got unlucky or it's the product itself. It is so nice and comfy when it's not leaking all over and/or making me feel like a pervert with phallic water bottles. pros vs cons. Can't decide if I go back to my nathan pack or stick it out w this one?

Like it isn't there at all.

I gave this as a gift but the lucky recipient has been singing the Ultra 5's praises. He particularly appreciates the light weight and the comfortable way it sits on his torso. The ample pocket space also makes sure you don't run out of snacks on the trail.

Enabling Equipment

Recently started taking our roommates' dog out for runs. His dog mom set me up with a backpack for some goodies and bags/gloves for the inevitable bowel evacs. This was nice, but the pack bounces around and really inhibits my ability to enjoy the run. THIS vest, on the other hand, enables me to enjoy the outside time with Sir Doggo. I can't wait to take it on other adventures. Thank… read more you!

this vest is a game changer

I have always been against backpacks while running because they've been too bulky or they pull too much on my shoulders. This pack is sooooo not like that. I can barely feel it. Easy, comfy straps to attach the two sides. Overall, my mind has been changed.

Like Silk

This vest is remarkably light weight and comfortable. However, I was quite surprised at how little storage there is in this vest. I have a larger iPhone and there really isn't anywhere to store it safely without concern of the delicate fabric being compromised. I don't think that makes this vest less amazing, I just think it is important to note its racing utility as opposed to… read more any real training utility.

Forget you have it on

Whether you're going for a shorter run and want to bring your phone and some water or you're going on an all-day adventure and need snacks, jacket, water, first aid and all that, this vest is for you. When pared down, you will forget you're wearing it, unlike some of the larger vests. You want this vest to fit snug, so there is a gap in the middle of your chest, I would go with… read more your regular T-shirt size. The two flasks that come with it are awesome as well, I prefer them over the other salomon style because the cap/mouth is larger, making it easier to clean the inside. Pro-tip: the flask sleeve on the vest is the perfect size for a bear spray canister as seen here on Mt. Marathon in Seward, AK. Pro-tip #2: after a long run, step into the shower with the vest on to rinse it out and then hang dry, this will prevent the vest from developing all the sweat lines.

The best of the best

There are countless hydration vests on the market but there is a reason Salomon is the king of all things trail. This is vest is incredibly light, has tons of pockets for snacks (including two zippered ones for phone/keys), plus a larger pouch on the back for an extra layer. The two soft flasks offer plenty of volume for liquids on race days as you hop between aid stations however… read more I would agree with the previous reviewer that 15-20 miles is probably the most I would use this for an unsupported run. The weight, comfort, functionality, and durability make this vest well worth the slightly higher price point than others on the market.

My favorite vest!

When I started working for Salomon, this was the first vest I got, and I love it! It's incredibly lightweight, holds everything I like to bring with me, without weighing me down. Phone, GoPro, sunglasses, nutrition, extra layer, it holds it all! I'm 5'2, 120, and wear an XS. You want to make sure it's snug! For more details on this pack, check out the below video.

Race day

The sense ultra 5 is verestile and well rounded for a half day adventure on the trails. Plenty of room for snacks and an extra layer, and everything fits close to your body so your gear isn’t sloshing around. I recently wore this for a 40 mile race and found this to be perfect and breathable for a summer day while offering enough water storage to get from aid station to aid… read more station. For an unsupported run I don’t think I would use this for more than 20 miles, but as a sleek race vest the two 500ml flask are great. Speaking of the flasks, they were awkward at first and actually bruised my ribs, don’t do a 20 mile run in new gear, but after a few runs I actually prefer this to a bladder since I don’t have to take the vest off to refill. As far as fit goes, medium was spot on for me and I am 6’1’’ 175 lbs with a 30 waist. Overall, this is an incredible vest that is comfortable to wear and offers just the right amount of space for anything from a 10k to a 50 mile race.

Pockets for Snacks

The SLab Sense Ultra 5 is a great little vest to stow everything you need for a half day's journey. The pockets are secure and fit loads of snacks and extras, without weighing you down. Salomon's soft flasks are fantastic, and easily slot into the front pockets even when full. The pack does not bounce around at all and remains comfortable even several hours in. I've so far taken… read more this on runs up to 15 miles, and been really pleased. I'm 5'6" 145, 34D and have the size small, fits well over a baselayer and shell.

It's Perfect

Stoked on this vest. When I first got it I was worried it might be too small...but it's actually quite perfect for half-day mountain running adventures. The pocket's are super stretchy and hold more than necessary. From running around volcanoes in Ecuador to casual runs in the Wasatch I definitely take the Sense Ultra 5 with me. This year's soft flasks are a great improvement… read more and I don't have to worry about them disappearing to the bottom of the pocket because of the elastic bands.

Doesn't get much better!

My first running vest was the S-Lab ADV Skin 12-Set (go big or go home right?), which I wanted for the extra space, and room for a bladder in the back (think adventuring.) Great pack, but over time I realized it's overkill for the majority of my running exploits. If you're not running in the high heat, 1L of water, an ultralight shell, some food, and maybe a headlamp just in case… read more will take you far. The Ultra 5L truly hits the sweet spot here, and it definitely feels smaller and lighter than its larger brethren. The other boon with this years models is the improvements with respect to the soft flasks. The wide mouth top is a major upgrade if you want to use powders in your water. Additionally, they've added very small elastic keeper bands at the top of the water bottle pockets - which keep the nipples (is there a better word here?) of the soft flasks where you want them - at the top! On the previous years models, the soft flasks would sink down within the pockets as they get emptier - so this is a great improvement considering how small of a change it is. Buy this vest!