Details
Brand
Salomon
Model
S-Lab Sense 2 Vest
Use
Hydration
Key Features
• Minimalist vest• Ultralight• Highly breathable mesh• Balanced feel• Smartly placed front storage pockets with rear kangaroo pouch• Collapsible flasks included
Comfort
Salomon S-Lab Sense 2 Vest employs some features that lend themselves to comfort. Its mesh shoulder creates a ventilated environment and, with its soft trim, allows it to be wearable even without a tank beneath for those hot adventures. Its strategic storage pocket placement assists in an even weight distribution while its stable fit allows for unimpeded freedom of movement. Most do seem to find it to fit securely with no discernible bounce and with optimal breathability though a few reviewers indicate that the vest rode up creating chafing and there are a few reports of irritation with full flasks. The overall consensus appears to be that the vest that closes via two elastic sternum straps and the adjustable stretchy fit of light twinkling, when properly sized, offers a solid option for fueling and hydrating on the go despite the weather. Even the included BPA/PVC free collapsible flasks feature bite-and-pull valves with wide mouths that are easy to refill with their quarter-turn caps for a more seamless, enjoyable experience.
Size
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 2 Vest is available only in unisex sizing and can be purchased in sizes ranging from extra small to extra large. While some reviewers indicate it runs large and others claim it is more on the small side, especially with regard to larger men, the majority found sizing to be mostly accurate according to the specs set forth by Salomon. The light twin link and updated dual elastic straps across the sternum further an adjustable fit. And the Sensitfit elastic sides and the motion fit engineering allow for freedom to move without hindrance so the vest will offer a stable and secure fit.
Accessories
This vest comes equipped with a whistle and two Soft Flask: Speed 500 ml /17oz bottles for quick hydration. Available accessories could encompass any number of gear or items one could tote in the vest storage and proprietary replacement soft flasks are available.
Use
The Salomon S-Lab Sense 2 is an ultralight minimalist hydration vest that offers practicality without the heft. Used by runners, ultra and otherwise, hikers, and even mountain bikers for all manners of terrain and conditions, this vest is versatile. Strategically placed storage pockets wrap around the vest varying in size. The two hydration pockets at the front of the included soft flasks also incorporate a small stretch pocket. Above these, with one on one side and one on the other, are a small zipped pocket and a silicone grip pocket. The kangaroo pouch with grip tape on the bottom of the back of the vest is also a good stowing compartment that can be accessed on the fly. With Salomon’s Sensitfit construction, the vest neatly wraps around the body for stability and freedom of movement. And while the design is necessary based and pared down, it is not considered sparse or harsh. The versatility of the pouches allows for the toting of necessary gear and fuel including a small phone as well as keys and ID. The odor guard mesh with soft trim helps to alleviate moisture and promote breathability for improved comfort. While the vest provides 100 liters of hydration, it does not offer a bladder as many ultra vests do, not an option to carry a bladder. However, most found the flasks to meet their needs. It is lightweight and comfortable making it a solid choice for warm days and rain, but it also is reflective lending itself to runs in the sundown hours.
Style
With smart color combinations, the Salomon S-Lab Sense 2 is available in black/racing red, transcend blue/black, and white/racing red. With mesh shoulders and back and a few smartly placed pouches, this vest is not bulky nor does it appear sparse. Not bogged down by extras, it can focus on doing what it needs to do best. But to say it is substance over style is misleading as the vest is quite appealing in a simplistic, minimalist way. Any feedback on its appearance was positive and the overall feeling is that it is well liked from a style perspective.
Durability
Comprised of well engineered sturdy fabrics, the Salomon S-Lab Sense 2 Vest seems to be quite durable. Able to withstand the abuse of heat and inclement weather, customers seem pleased with their purchase. With a higher ticket price, it is expected for an item to not only meet but exceed standards. The incorporation of light but sturdy materials such as nylon and elastane with polyester lining and power stretch and moisture wicking technologies, this design of the vest lends itself to handling wear and tear and then some.
Breathability
With its mesh construction, the Salomon S-Lab Sense 2 is very lightweight. Even the pockets and sensifit elastic sides are comprised of a highly breathable fabric of nylon/elastane for a cool, dry experience. One of the key selling points of this vest is that it IS so well ventilated and good at removing moisture and sweat from the equation and most found this to be the case. Salomon touts its success in this vein due to technologies and materials such as Elastic Power mesh, 3D Air Mesh as well as the incorporation of fast wicking fabrics like the 37.5™ moisture-wicking fabric treatment and 4-way stretch aerotech. A top-rated minimalist vest, even the less favorable reviews were pleased with the breathability.
Price
This vest delivers a strong option to those seeking well-balanced storage, comfort and breathability, and durability. But it does this at a price. The slightly higher cost among comparable gear is offset by all the areas in which it excels. However, for a vest without a bladder or even an option for a bladder, opening the wallet this wide for some may not come as easy. While some color options are available at lower price points, many that have paid the debut price have no regrets. Finding it meets the needs for fuel and easy hydration, versatility, stable fit, and overall durability, reviewers are overwhelmingly pleased with the Salomon S-Lab Sense 2 vest and recommend it highly.
Bottom Line
Smartly designed for optimal performance and maximum efficiency in racing long distances, the Salomon S-Lab Sense 2 vest is ultralight and makes great use of space. With a few storage options placed with even weight distribution in mind, its pockets can be customized to hold what works best for you. Its versatile materials and durable fabrics create an atmosphere of comfort as the wick away moisture and allow proper aeration to keep you cool, dry, and non-chafed. Lightweight and said to feel as if you are wearing nothing, most feel this is a top-notch vest for their ultrarunning, hiking, and even mountain biking pursuits. Many hydration vests geared toward ultradistance tend to include bladders or at least be bladder ready, but the S-Lab Sense 2 offers a different mode of hydration instead with its two collapsible 50ml flasks that store in the front pouches for direct access. While most enjoy this option, a few have found the harder bottom of the flasks to rub and irritate the chest especially when they are filled. However, the bounty of positive feedback speaks for itself in that this is a very good option for those looking to have it all as they venture out to test their mettle. With some concern for sizing, it would be wise to try it on and with a higher price tag, it’s always nice to find a discount… but definitely one to check out.
