Salomon Active Skin 4: Best Affordable Running Vest

If you’re getting into trail running or longer road runs, then a Running Vest will make a world of difference. I was treated to a Salomon Active Skin 4 as a birthday present, and it’s changed my love of running. The running vest gives great hydration options, a fantastic secure fit and easy storage for the essentials on the go. Find out why this Salomon Running Vest is so popular! With key specs, selling points, considerations and kit ratings in this blog post.

Salomon Active Skin 4 Introduction

Overview

Salomon is a French brand famous for their trail running prestige. Famed athletes like Kilian Jornet have helped propel Salomon into the mainstream, and more recently, their S/Lab shoes have become the on-trend fashion. When searching for Running Vests, I considered Osprey, Ultimate Direction and The North Face; however, the Salomon Active Skin Series kept appearing as great options. As this was my first running vest, I didn’t need excessive volume or a race-ready pack, so the Salomon Active Skin 4 was an ideal starting point. At first, I primarily used the vest for road running in preparation for a half-marathon race. However, I now use the Active Skin 4 for its intended purpose of trail running short to medium distances. Salomon Active Skin 4 Running Vest has been updated for easier use and improved comfort over the older model (can’t comment myself).

Some of the key reasons I chose this model were the attractive price tag of under £100 with flasks included. The different storage options, secure fit, and adjustability ticked all the boxes. The colourways currently include Black/Metal, Red Dahlia/High Risk Red, Laurel Wreath/Lily Pad/Aloe Wash (Murky Green) and Blue Danube. My Model was from 2024 in a Nautical Blue/Mood Indigo. There is an option to buy without the HydraPak Flasks for £70. The ADV SKIN 5 (£125) is designed for marathons and endurance races up to 60Km. The Active Skin 4 is so amazing, I recommended it to my girlfriend, who has the Women’s Active Skin 4. It has the same price tag as Black/Metal or Emerglow/Black colours available. The Women’s version has a tailored fit to suit the body more precisely.

Key Specs

• Capacity – 4 Litres
• Dimensions – 38cm x 17cm x 1cm
• Weight (no flask) – 196g
• Weight (flask inc) – 255g
• Price – £95
• Activities: Trail Running

Technical Specification

• Volume: 4 L total capacity, includes two 500 ml Salomon HydraPak soft flasks; compatible with a 1.5 L hydration bladder (sold separately) 
• Materials: SensiFit™ stretchy, breathable and soft fabrics using a polyamide/elastane blend. Also ,with an inner mesh for ventilation and comfort.
• Fit & Adjustment: Unisex sizing XS–XL; Quick‑Link dual sternum straps and elastic tensioning system for secure, bounce‑free fit.

Key Features

• 2 Soft 500ml (17Oz) HydraPak Flasks with a high flow-rate valve.
• Two front chest pockets for flasks
• Additional stretch/zipped front pockets for gels, phone, etc.
• Large rear back pocket for layers, phones and a key loop.
• Inner sleeve for hydration bladder/hanger with a loop.
• Small zippered secure pocket 
• Trekking poles loops, and rear flexible
• Reflective detailing for safety and visibility
• Emergency whistle in flask pocket

Salomon Active Skin 4: Selling Points

• Lightweight & Breathable – minimal feel, excellent for short to medium runs on roads or trails. Good ventilation for warm weather due to breathable materials.
• Secure, bounce‑free fit – Salomon’s SensiFit materials and adjustable straps eliminate slipping and provide a confident fit. Excellent adjustability for all body sizes with different sternum clips.
• Hydration Options – Includes two 500 ml soft flasks positioned for easy access while running; bladder-compatible for longer routes up to 1.5L.
• Well-organised storage – Multiple versatile pockets for gels, phone, keys, layers, and more.
• Great value – Typically priced around £95 / US$100 / CA$125 with discounts available. It gives an attractive price point for keen runners wanting a Vest for short to medium distances.

Salomon Active Skin 4: Considerations

• Minimal back padding – The rear compartment offers little cushioning, so that hard-packed gear may press uncomfortably against the back. The Vest ventilates best when not overpacked.
• Storage capacity limited – At just 4 L, it may not suit ultra-distance events or those needing more gear space. They are better looking at the ADV SKIN 5 or Active Skin 8 Running Vests.
• Chaffing on skin – My Girlfriend has experienced some chaffing on exposed skin, so check the fit thoroughly and apply a cream if the issue occurs.
• Durability– After 2 years, there are signs of wear, and the logo detailing has started to peel away.

Best Use Cases

Designed for short to medium distances up to around 50 km. I’ve used the Salomon Active Skin 4 for half-marathon training and the race, which helped reliably fuel and hydrate myself. On trail runs, the secure and comfortable fit of the Running Vest is even more impressive than when used for Road Running. I’ve used the Active Skin 4 for longer distance runs up to about 3.5hours in winter conditions, where additional layers are stored. Overall, the Running vest has a simplistic design that gives easy access to hydration and organised storage. To add to the versatility, we have started using the Running Vests for lightweight hikes alongside an Osprey Hikelite 18 (Carrying additional water and clothes). My Girlfriend and I have been seriously impressed with the comfort and practicality of the Salomon Active Skin 4! We will only upgrade to a larger, more race-focused Vest as our ambitions grow.

Alternatives

• Salomon Active Skin 8 or 12L – Same SensiFit chassis with significantly more storage and hydration flexibility (includes 1.5 L bladder) 
• Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0 – GearLab’s top pick; superior ventilation, extras, and storage; more expensive but ideal for ultra-runners 
• Kiprun 500 Vest – Decathlon hydration vest is a good option for runners on a budget.

Kit Ratings

Final Verdict

The Salomon Active Skin 4 is a standout entry‑level hydration vest that delivers comfort, lightness, and practicality for trail and road runners covering short to moderate distances. It’s smartly designed, well-priced, and thoughtfully built for minimal bounce and easy hydration. If your ambitions involve ultra‑distances or carrying heavier loads, you may be better served by larger race-focused running vests—but for most runners, this vest punches well above its weight. And the popularity of the Salomon Active Skin Series is proof of why you should consider it when buying a Running hydration vest.