My Two Go-To Salomon Running Vests
If you’re getting into trail or ultra running, one of the first pieces of kit you’ll probably end up buying is a hydration vest.
But with so many options out there, choosing the right one can be surprisingly confusing. How much storage do you need? How much water should you carry? And do you really need a huge vest for every run?
I’ve tried a fair few different vests over the years, but when it comes to Salomon, there are two that I consistently come back to: the S/LAB PULSAR 3 and the S/LAB SENSE 6.
They’re both lightweight, secure, and comfortable, but I use them for slightly different types of running.
S/LAB PULSAR 3
Best for: shorter, faster runs where keeping things light is the priority
The S/LAB PULSAR 3 is my go-to when I want to carry as little as possible.
It’s a 3L vest and weighs just 90g without the accessories. It comes with two 250ml soft flasks and has enough space for the essentials, making it ideal for shorter trail runs, faster sessions, or races where you have regular access to aid stations.
What I love most about it is how minimal it feels. It sits really securely against your body and barely moves while you’re running, so you can almost forget you’re wearing it.
If I’m heading out for a shorter run or want to keep things as light and streamlined as possible, this is the one I reach for.
S/LAB SENSE 6
Best for: longer runs, ultras, and when you need to carry more kit
The S/LAB SENSE 6 is my other go to when I need a little more storage, and I’ve used it for everything from long training runs to 100 mile races.
It has 6L of storage and comes with two 500ml soft flasks, giving me a litre of water straight away, alongside space for nutrition, a jacket and the other essentials I need for a long day out.
Despite having twice the storage of the PULSAR 3, it still feels really lightweight and secure. That’s probably my favourite thing about it - even when I’m using it for a 100 mile race, it doesn’t feel like I’m wearing a bulky pack.
For me, this is the sweet spot if you want something that works for long training runs, ultras, and big days out, without feeling like you’re carrying a huge amount of kit.
So which one should you choose?
For me, it really comes down to how much you need to carry.
Short + fast → S/LAB PULSAR 3
Longer runs + ultras → S/LAB SENSE 6
If you’re running shorter distances with regular aid stations, I’d go for the PULSAR 3 and keep things as light as possible.
If you’re heading out for longer training runs, ultras, or races where you need to carry more water, nutrition, and mandatory kit, I’d go for the SENSE 6.
The most important thing, though, is finding a vest that fits you properly. You want it to sit securely, not bounce or rub, and give you easy access to your water and nutrition while you’re running.
For me, the best running vest is ultimately the one you forget you’re wearing.