Salomon S-LAB Sense Ultra vs ADV Skin – What’s the Difference?

When searching for a running hydration vest you have no doubt seen the Salomon S-LAB Sense Ultra and the Salomon ADV Skin. Two of the most popular and running vests on the market. They are the go to for many of the elite ultra runners because they are light, breathable, have easy access pockets, and are durable for long runs. But like many, when I first started trying to decide between the two I had one major question. What is the difference between the Salomon S-LAB Sense Ultra and the ADV Skin?

After a bit of research I thought it would put together a quick check list of the differences to help you make the right choice based on your needs.

 

Salomon S-LAB Sense Ultra vs the Salomon ADV Skin

1. The S-Lab Sense Ultra does not support a hydration bladder while the ADV Skin does. The ADV Skin does not come with a bladder but supports up to a two-liter bladder and comes with a hangable insulated bladder sleeve.
2. The S-Lab Sense Ultra is lighter than the ADV Skin by about 10%. Which also makes it more breathable.
3. They have different front clasps and tensioning methods. It was a common review (amazon, reddit, web) that the ADV Skin clasps were better overall.
4. They have different sizing options. Sense Ultra offers 2L, 5L and 8L options. The ADV Skin has 5L, 8L, and 12L size options.
5. Pocket layout. For the most part the two vests have similar use pockets. They are just laid out slightly differently. I’ve included more info on their pockets below.

 

Salomon S-Lab Ultra

Soft flasks Speed included *2 (500ml / 17oz)

1 back kangooroo pocket with silicone grip

2 front soft hydration elastic pockets

1 back main compartment with silicone grip

2 front stretch pockets

1 chest stretch pocket with silicone grip

2 side kangooroo pockets with silicone grip

2 zipped side pockets

1 zipped mobile front pocket

Custom quiver connecting system

Amazon Link: Click Here

 

Salomon ADV Skin

Soft flasks included *2 (500ml / 17oz)

Blader compatible

1 internal blader sleeve (insulated) with hanging loop

2 front stretch pockets

1 front stretch zipped pocket

2 front flask pockets with secure loops

1 main stretch compartment with side zip opening

2 top stretch pockets

1 back compartment with mesh pocket

1 low back pocket with 2 side access

Amazon Link: Click Here

Closing Notes on the S-lab Sense Ultra and the ADV Skin

I read a lot of reviews on these two running vests. The one thing that stayed pretty consistent was the overall love for both of these vests. Either way you can’t go wrong. That said there were a lot of people that owned both and they all pretty much said the same thing in their reviews. The ADV Skin was their go to for self supported day to day and back country running. The slight increase in weight is negligible and the overall capacity, pocket layout, and higher quality clasp made it their recommended choice. That said most said they still use the S-Lab Sense as their racing vest. When they knew they could rely on aid stations for quick refills of the front water flasks, the S-Labs lighter more breathable design made it their go to on race day.