Salomon hydration packs are considered a popular brand in the trail running community. At races, you'll see quite a few Salomon hydration packs, with many different models to choose from. There are 3 main models available to suit different uses:
- Salomon Active Skin: For a variety of activities, focusing on durability and value for money (it seems the brand has discontinued this model now).
- Salomon ADV Skin: For trail runners, focusing on comfort and a snug fit
- Salomon Sense Pro: For elite trail runners, focusing on lightness, comfort, and a snug fit.
And this review is about using the Salomon Sense Pro 5 Set
Design
This hydration pack was designed by the brand specifically for short-distance runners who want performance in trail running. It takes into account the pack's ergonomic structure, how it wraps around the body, and the tensioning for a snug fit, reducing bouncing and ensuring comfort throughout the race.
We can see that the pack design looks quite sleek, without many functions or dangling cords. The storage compartments also look simple. Overall, it has a very minimal look.
The mesh on the inside looks puffy and thick, but it helps with ventilation quite well. Heat doesn't build up on the back while running.
The pocket fabric is stretchy, so it stretches and holds items securely at the same time. This prevents items from falling out or bouncing, so there's no need for zippers. And without zippers, it reduces the weight even further.
Usage and Other Functions
This was the first day I used it and wrote this review, but I packed quite a bit to test it, including gels and various salt powders, a rain jacket, bread, dried bananas, a phone, and 2 soft flasks ... and this model cannot hold a hydration bladder.
The whistle is built-in and easy to access, hidden in the mesh pocket on the left shoulder.
Adjusting the front tensioning cord is a hook-and-loop system that needs to be adjusted before the race because it's a bit difficult to adjust. But once adjusted, the fit becomes significantly tighter. Now, it depends on each person's physique as to where we adjust the level.
As for the bungee cord and the stopper that locks the tension, they work really well. It's quite easy to pull or loosen the cord, while the stopper doesn't let the tension loosen at all.
Accessing Items in the Various Compartments
You can access items in every compartment without having to take off the hydration pack, except for items at the bottom of the main rear compartment. This compartment should store the rain jacket because it's easy to access, and other items that aren't accessed frequently, such as a flashlight, spare batteries, and a first-aid kit.
The side hip pockets can also hold quite a lot.
I use the front zippered pocket for my phone because I often take it out to take photos. Putting it in this pocket makes me feel most secure. But the downside is that when there's also a water bottle, it bounces a bit while running ... Another solution, if you don't need to take out your phone during the race, is to put it in the main rear compartment. Once the phone is no longer in the front, it's incredibly good. It doesn't bounce at all.
For storing trekking poles, there's only one way: you must use a pole bag (Custom Quiver). The Quiver in the picture is one that Runnercart produced specifically for use with Salomon hydration packs.
Fit and Ergonomics
This model is unisex. For women, the cord can be adjusted to clear the chest area. At races, many women use Salomon as well.
After adjusting the cord for a snug fit, it fits my physique quite well. There are no points where I feel the pack pressing or constricting too much.
Item Security
For items carried on the back, the fabric holds them quite securely. The items carried don't bounce around at all (perhaps because I haven't carried them in a race-like manner yet).
I filled the two front water bottles completely. They bounce normally while running because they are heavy. But what's different from other brands is that the pack itself doesn't sway, so it doesn't feel like a burden when the water bottles are full ... I really like it.
Overall, I quite like this hydration pack after using it just once.
Who is the Salomon Sense Pro 5 Set suitable for?
- Short-distance trail runners focusing on performance
- Fast trail runners who don't carry much and only carry one liter of water
- City running
For those interested in ordering, you can purchase it at Runnercart: Order the Salomon Sense Pro 5 Set
Review by: Admin Chai