Details
Brand
Salomon
Model
Skin Pro 15
Use
Hydration
Key Features
• Twin Link sternum adjustment keeps the backpack stable when hiking or climbing• Volume: 15 liters, 915 cubic inches• Weight: 10.2 oz (289 g)• Made from mesh and nylon• 2 elastic pockets for water flasks or bottles• 2 small stretchy front pockets, 1 zipped side pocket, and 1 inside pocket• 4D pole holder for hiking• Safety whistle and internal helmet loops
Comfort
This backpack is very comfortable. It is lightweight, weighing only 10.2 oz (289 g), so it does not make the wearer feel hot or tired, and they can keep going all day with their activities, whether it be climbing, biking or hiking. It has an insulated sleeve and does not chafe or rub against the skin in a way that would cause discomfort, blisters or hot spots. The straps use soft trim for a range of free motion while being close enough to the body to prevent bouncing, which could cause further discomfort due to feeling heavier and making the wearer tired, or chafing, which could cause blisters or hot spots. It also stores water bottles or flasks, which keep the wearer hydrated and comfortable on long hikes, bikes, and climbs. The pole holder helps to make hiking more comfortable by providing balance, and the helmet loops make it easier to carry your helmet when you’re not on your bike. The frameless structure also adds to comfort because it means it is both lighter and you don’t have to worry about the frames accidentally hitting your arms or back. The pockets are easy to reach and the backpack is easy to adjust, put on and take off. The two uncomfortable aspects have to do with size: it fits slightly small for being one size fits all, and some people thought it felt too tight.
Size
The Salomon Skin Pro 15 comes in a single unisex size, able to be used by both men and women. It can store up to 15 liters (915 cubic inches) of items in its many pouches and pockets and measures 40 in x 18 in x 17 in (101.6 cm x 45.7 cm x 43.2 cm). It has adjustable sizing: pull the two straps to adjust the size from small to large. Some people thought that it felt small for a single size, and it felt tight on some of the larger testers. The backpack is easy to adjust: just pull the two straps in front and it has markers to indicate small, medium and large. Overall, it is a good size for most people, but it would be better if it had an extra large option, or another size entirely, to allow it to be worn by larger people looking to get involved in fitness activities.
Accessories
The Salomon Skin Pro 15 is intended to be used with many different kinds of accessories. The first is water bottles and flasks, which can conveniently be stored in the two stretchy front pouches that will keep them in place. The Skin Pro 15 comes with a 1.5-liter blue reservoir for even more hydration, as well as a whistle to call for help. Another category of accessory is trekking poles and ice axes, thanks to the 4D pole holder, which will make it easier to hike or go in the snow. It is also easy to attach a helmet, which is good for safety while biking and doing certain climbs. Other possible accessories include camping gear, food, and snacks, vitamins, energy packs, as well as essential items such as keys, ID cards, and credit cards.
Use
The Salomon Skin Pro 15 is a very versatile backpack. It can be used while walking, running, hiking, climbing and biking. It is lightweight and durable enough to be worn all day. Its primary use is storage, as it has several pockets that can be used to store items during the wearer’s adventures. The two elastic pockets are perfect for storing water flasks and bottles for staying hydrated on long hikes and warmer days. It also has two stretchy front pockets and one stretchy side pocket for additional storage of small items such as snacks. The side zipped pocket and internal pocket are good for storing important essentials like keys and smartphones. The large main pocket is for larger items, such as food or camping equipment. The internal helmet loops are for attaching a bike helmet while hiking in a trail. The safety whistle will alert those around you if you need help or are otherwise trying to get their attention. The reflective hits are also good for safety and keeping the wearer visible. It also has a 4D pole holder to store poles that help hikers maintain their balance. Testers liked that this backpack has a great amount of volume, storing up to 15 liters or 915 cubic inches, which is great for storing items needed for a full day hike or items needed at the end of a trail or climbing destination. They also liked that the backpack stayed stable due to the Stretch Sensifit construction and Twin Link Sternum adjustment, so they were able to concentrate on their hiking climbing or biking, rather than being distracted or thrown off balance by its movement.
Style
The Skin Pro 15 comes in four color combinations: Bright Red /Black, Black/Bright Red, Spectrum Blue, and Surf the Web/Dress Blue/Acid Lime. It is made of 70-denier ripstop nylon and 3D air mesh. It measures 40 in x 18 in x 17 in (101.6 cm x 45.7 cm x 43.2 cm) and can store up to 15 liters (915 cubic inches) of items. It has a large main compartment with two zippers and the bottom has a bungee cord to adjust the size of the pack so that the contents do not bounce. The inside straps and back region lined with mesh to help stay cool. The front has two stretchy pockets for holding water bottles and reflective material for visibility, keeping the wearer both hydrated and safe in low-light conditions. There are also two higher up pockets on the straps, a zipper pouch on one side and a pocket on the other, as well as an additional pouch inside the main compartment. It is easy to attach poles or a helmet to the outside of the backpack. Testers thought that this backpack was not very stylish, although it did perform its function well, being durable, lightweight and comfortable.
Durability
The Skin Pro 15 has excellent durability. It is mostly made of 70 deniers ripstop nylon, which is designed to protect well against ripping and tearing. Even the 3D air mesh is very durable and did not rip after heavy use carrying water bottles and other items for many hours. Testers that wore it for many all-day hikes over the course of several months reported no sign of wear and tear. The Skin Pro 15 is also durable enough to be worn while biking or climbing, during which the backpack can brush against dirt or trees, scrape against rocks, or get splashed by a puddle or waterfall, without any ripping or wearing down. Testers also did not report any issues with the zippers getting stuck or breaking off, a common issue with some other backpacks and pouches.
Breathability
The Skin Pro 15 is fairly breathable. It is made of 3D air mesh and 70-denier ripstop nylon. The mesh parts easily allow air to travel in and out and is used on pockets, the back region, and the inside lining of the strap close to the skin. The nylon is used on the outside for durability, which helps keep the items stored safely in place and protects them against accidental brushing. Breathability is also helped by the light weight of the material, so it does not weigh the wearer down to cause overheating, and it also does not chafe, which prevents blisters or hot spots. It also only covers the back and straps down the front with only two small straps in front, leaving most of the front and sides uncovered to stay cool. This backpack could be more breathable on the back part by using some natural material such as cotton, but that might compromise durability. Another possible way to improve breathability is to allow more holes for ventilation in the nylon, by either adding them in or stitching the fabric further apart. This would keep the wearer as well as the items inside the backpack cool, dry and comfortable.
Price
The Salomon Skin Pro 15 ranges from mid-range to slightly pricey compared to other backpacks. Some colors may cost significantly more than others, depending on the retailer. Reviewers were fine with paying the higher price (although in some cases it was average price or below) because of the excellent durability, allowing it to last longer than some other backpacks on the market, as well as the many pouches and pockets that allow so many types of accessories to be easily carried. It has a single size that fits most people and is adjustable in case the wearer gains or loses weight. Testers also liked that it is versatile and could be worn during different types of activities, so they would not have to buy multiple backpacks, each for a different use.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Salomon Skin Pro 15 is a great backpack. It can be worn while hiking, climbing, biking, camping, or even going in the snow. It has many pouches of varying sizes to keep the wearer hydrated as well as store all the necessary items and accessories for the day’s activities. It has good dimensions and a good amount of space in which to store the items. The designers paid special attention to hydration, with two pouches specifically designed for flasks or water bottles, and it comes with a 1.5-liter blue reservoir. Safety is also very important, with the reflective material, whistle, 4D trekking pole holder, and helmet loops. It is lightweight and comfortable enough to wear all day or during long-distance hikes. Its materials are very durability, able to be worn on many long hikes over the course of several months without any sign of wearing down or the zippers getting stuck or breaking. It comes in a single size, although some testers found it a bit tight, and a few different color options. The price can be slightly high, although its excellent durability, versatility, and storage capabilities make up for it. Potential areas for improvement include allowing an extra large size to accommodate bigger people, a more stylish look, and a slightly lower price in some stores. In short, the Skin Pro 15 is a great investment for any outdoor adventurer who loves to try different activities.
