Stability

The secret to class leading stability, even hopping around in a boulder field, is all in the super stretchy soft shell exterior of the Sense Ultra. Rather than filling a gap created in the vest, the pockets are just slits that expand the fabric. The snug material provides the stability, holding anything stashed inside in place. Add two chest straps – again with lots of stretch – and nothing ever moved.

Hydration

The Salomon Sense Ultra comes with two soft flasks that ride in dedicated pockets on the shoulder straps. They’re at just the right height for drinking out of without using your hands. There’s a sleeve in the back that is hydration-bladder ready (up to 2 liters would fit) but one is not included. The pack can carry a 2-liter bladder and two 500 ml flasks up front for a total of 3 liters, or 102 ounces.

Storage

While the Sense Ultra can’t brag about a lot of volume it can claim to be expertly laid out. Salomon set out to make this a piece of clothing, not a pack, as such every pocket is accessible without having to take the vest off. We’d need more shoulder flexibility to really be able to pull the hydration bladder out, but could easily get into every other sleeve and pocket.

Multisport

You could wear the Sense Ultra mountain biking or hiking, but it would feel out of place and wouldn’t work that well. This is a purpose-built tool made for long runs.

Comfort

It’s worn like a piece of clothing and it feels like a piece of clothing. The mesh fabric on the inside of the vest is soft, wicking and fast drying for good comfort in a range of conditions. Even without a shirt on this vest never chafed or scratched.