Salomon
Grvl Skin 4 Hydration Vest
The Salomon Grvl Skin 4 is a lightweight hydration vest for trail running that comes with two 500 ml (17 oz.) Hydrapak flasks and multiple zippered and open pockets for easy access to essentials. It weighs 6.9 oz. (195 g) and is constructed from stretch micro mesh and ultra-comfortable padded mesh, with a toggle fit-adjustment system on the chest and reflective details for visibility. Its low-profile, minimalist design is well-suited for hot-weather runs, though it lacks the rear pass-through pouch found on the Adv Skin model.
- Gender
- unisex
- Category
- Sporting Goods > Athletics > General Purpose Athletic Equipment
Specifications
A lightweight, stable hydration vest with two flasks, adjustable fit, and reflective details for running.
Maximum stability, guaranteed comfort, easy-access pockets, toggle fit-adjustment system, zippered pockets front and back, reflective details, includes two Hydrapak flasks (500ml each), stretch micro mesh with padded areas.
- Material
- Back: 100% polyester; Yoke: 87% polyamide, 13% spandex; Body: 76% polyamide, 24% spandex; Lining: 100% polyester; Pockets: 88% polyamide, 12% spandex; Coating: Latex
- Occasion
- workout
- Gender
- unisex
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Sporting Goods > Athletics > General Purpose Athletic Equipment
Additional Attributes
- maximum stability
- guaranteed comfort
- easy-access pockets
- includes two Hydrapak flasks 500ml each
- weight 6.9 oz (195 g)
- stretch micro mesh
- ultra-comfortable mesh
- padded in strategic areas
- toggle fit-adjustment system on chest
- zippered pockets front and back
- reflective details
Product Insights
Salomon's Grvl Skin 4 Hydration Vest is a lightweight 195g gravel-running vest that prioritizes low heat buildup and front-access storage: an open 3D mesh back and minimal 4L capacity reduce thermal load, but the vest is limited to two included front flasks with no bladder support, and its toggle-loop flask retention may lose elasticity over time. The Quick Link adjustment and X SHAPE harness provide a customizable, second-skin fit for hybrid-surface runners, while the understated Iron/Silver Cloud colorway reflects its design with the Girona Overland Running community. As the first vest purpose-built for gravel, it offers accessible phone, nutrition, and flask pockets forward, with a rear zip pocket for a jacket, but cannot accommodate a back bladder or pass-through.
Verified claims
- Storage
- 4L front-loaded, no rear pass-through or bladder sleeve, for short runs.
- Heat management
- Open 3D mesh back panel is designed to reduce heat buildup versus denser trail vests, and early comparisons suggest it may run cooler than the Adv Skin 5.
- Breathability
- Open mesh back and 195 g weight significantly reduce heat buildup in humid conditions, but the vest absorbs sweat.
- Flask retention
- Front flask toggle loops cinch the 500 ml soft flasks, but independent testing found they can allow bottle movement on technical terrain and the elastic may lose tension over time.
- Care
- Hand wash at 30°C and air dry to prevent the latex coating and elastic loops from degrading due to sweat, UV, and salt buildup.
- Design
- Developed with Girona's Overland Running community for hybrid-surface runners.
- Fit
- Quick Link sternum strap adjusts mid-run without stopping, and the X SHAPE/SensiFit system virtually eliminates bounce when cinched snugly on gravel and mixed surfaces.
- Weight and heat
- At 195g with an open mesh back, the vest reduces load and heat buildup.
- Pocket system
- Front pockets keep phone, keys, gels, and flasks accessible while running, with a dedicated internal key holder and expandable stretch stash; the rear zip pocket fits a light jacket.
- Flask compatibility
- Included Hydrapak flasks use a standard screw-top nozzle, interchangeable with most soft flasks.
- Hydration system
- Vest is designed exclusively for the two included front flasks; no hydration bladder sleeve.
- Adjustment
- Quick Link allows on-the-fly chest adjustment without stopping.
- Colorway
- Iron/Silver Cloud colorway is understated, avoiding sporty trail styling.
- Silhouette
- 195 g weight and 4 L capacity keep the vest's profile low and close to the body.
- Thermal load
- At 195g and 4L capacity, this vest adds minimal thermal load in heat.
- Sizing
- Toggle adjustment system adapts to different torso lengths and body shapes.
- Comfort
- Vest provides a second-skin feel with a secure, non-chafing fit even in heat.
- Positioning and reception
- Part of Salomon's Gravel Running range, the vest has attracted early interest but real-world reviews are still limited.
- Y-shaped back / weight distribution
- A Y-shaped back design distributes weight evenly across the back to reduce pendulum motion on mixed, uneven surfaces.
- Weather resistance
- The main body has a water-repellent finish, so light rain or puddle splash from wet gravel won't immediately soak through.
Product record
- Title
- Grvl Skin 4 Hydration Vest
- Brand
- Salomon
- Price
- 140 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 17 sourcesUses
Running routes that mix pavement with gravel
Designed for hybrid-surface running that moves between urban roads and gravel or dirt paths, this hydration vest is built to stay put when your stride gets less predictable. A reviewer found it barely shifts on gravel and mixed surfaces, and the chest adjustment lets you tighten or loosen the fit on the move without stopping — though getting that stability means cinching it up tight.[1,2]
Grabbing a drink on the go while trail running
This vest comes with two 500 ml (17 oz.) Hydrapak soft flasks that sit in front chest pockets, so you can reach your water naturally without breaking stride, with a toggle to wrap around each flask. One reviewer found the elastic loops can be loose enough that flasks shift during more dynamic movement, so check the fit of the toggles on your runs.[1,3]
Carrying run essentials on efficient single-day efforts
For runs where you carry smart, not heavy, this minimalist 4-liter vest keeps essentials within reach: a rear zip pocket fits a light jacket or extra layer, the front stash pocket holds energy gels and bars for mid-run grabs, and a zippered chest pocket is intended for your phone or keys. The front-loaded setup prioritizes fast access over maximum volume, per a reviewer. If you're planning longer days with variable weather or more gear, you'll likely want more capacity.[1]
Running in warm, humid conditions with less heat buildup
A trail running reviewer who used this vest on longer efforts in the heat found its minimal, open 3D mesh back reduced heat buildup compared with vests that have denser back panels or more structured storage, calling its breathability a genuine advantage in warm conditions. For the most part the back stayed reasonably dry and comfortable, though it does still absorb sweat.[1]
Staying visible on dark runs and rides
This hydration vest is designed for low-light outings, with reflective details intended to help keep you safe and visible in the dark. The rear view shows two diagonal reflective strips forming a V on the back panel, adding visibility for others behind you.[3,4]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Grvl Skin 4 Hydration Vest: Choose this if you want a lightweight (6.9 oz / 195 g), minimalist 4-liter hydration vest for efficient single-day runs that mix pavement, gravel, and dirt, with two included 500 ml (17 oz) Hydrapak flasks in front pockets, quick-access storage, and a rear pocket that fits a light jacket. A reviewer praises its stability and minimal, breathable back for warm conditions, but notes you need to cinch it tight, the front elastic loops can let bottles shift during dynamic movement, and it still absorbs sweat; longer, variable-weather, or self-supported days will likely need more capacity. Offered in medium, large, and x-large.[1,3] | Adv Skin 5 Hydration Vest: Choose this if you want a fitted 5 L (1.3-gallon) hydration vest for demanding endurance runs: it comes with two 500 ml (17 oz.) Hydrapak flasks, accepts an additional 2 L reservoir in the back, weighs about 7 ounces, and is unisex-sized from XS to XL. Reviewers report it is comfortable with no bounce, with plenty of storage for runs up to 100 miles, though it has fewer pockets than the previous model (the side pockets are replaced by a stretchy lumbar sleeve) and less rear room than the larger 12 L vest, so consider the 12 L if you regularly need to carry more. Note that the mesh against the body can feel a little abrasive on bare skin, though it feels fine over a thin technical shirt.[5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12] | Active Skin 4 Hydration Jacket: Choose this if you want a lightweight (about 9 oz / 257 g) hydration vest for trail running up to a 50k distance, with a 4 L capacity, two included 500 ml Hydrapak flasks, and compatibility with an additional 1.5 L reservoir in the back. Reviewers describe a secure, bounce-free fit from dual sternum straps and elastic tensioning, in stretchy, breathable SensiFit fabric with reflective details and an emergency whistle; one customer reports it runs true to size with no chafing. Note the rear compartment has minimal padding, so hard-packed gear can press uncomfortably, and one compartment is tricky to reach while running, so it suits items you rarely need mid-run.[13,14,15,16,17] |
Image Analysis
3 images- 01
Product
Front-facing lightweight running hydration vest laid flat showing dual front soft-flask pockets, central adjustable elastic cord system with cord locks, a right-side zip pocket, and textured diamond-pattern mesh back panel.
- Overall shapeFlat-laid sleeveless vest with a wide scooped neckline, shoulder straps that extend into a broad back panel, and two front panels forming open storage pockets.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.12 · w 0.84 · h 0.76 (high) - Back panel textureCentral back panel made from a diamond-patterned mesh fabric with visible raised texture across the whole center area.
1 region
x 0.32 · y 0.12 · w 0.36 · h 0.38 (high) - Front pockets and constructionTwo large stretch fabric front pockets on left and right made from smooth knit fabric; left pocket has an additional outer flap pocket, right pocket incorporates a vertical zippered pocket.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.44 · w 0.28 · h 0.40 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.44 · w 0.28 · h 0.40 (high) - Soft-flask bottlesTwo soft-flask style bottles inserted in the upper section of the front pockets; each shows a light-gray valve cap protruding above the pocket edge.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.70 · y 0.34 · w 0.12 · h 0.18 (high) - Adjustable front cord systemThin elastic cord lacing runs horizontally and diagonally across the front between sewn anchor points, with multiple small black cord locks and toggles for adjustment.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.44 · w 0.44 · h 0.44 (high) - Zipper detailVertical zipper with narrow placket located on the right front pocket, zipper pull visible and matching the vest color.
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.52 · w 0.18 · h 0.28 (high) - Top hanging loopSmall fabric hanging loop centered at the top back neckline.
1 region
x 0.47 · y 0.06 · w 0.06 · h 0.05 (high) - Brand text on pocket“SALOMON”
1 region
x 0.20 · y 0.46 · w 0.12 · h 0.10 (high) - Lower open stash pocketsOpen stretch fabric pockets at the lower portion of each front panel suitable for storing small items; left lower pocket shows an extra flap layer.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.70 · w 0.28 · h 0.20 (high); x 0.60 · y 0.70 · w 0.28 · h 0.20 (high) - Stitching and trimVisible reinforced stitch lines and narrow binding trim around the neckline, armholes, and hem in the same color as the main fabric.
1 region
x 0.10 · y 0.10 · w 0.80 · h 0.80 (high)
Other
Studio-style flat-lay photograph on a light neutral background with even lighting and soft shadowing; image shows the full front face of the vest centered in frame.
- Shot compositionVest laid flat, centered on a plain light-gray background, photographed from above showing the front-facing side.
- Lighting and shadowsEven diffuse lighting with minimal soft shadows around the vest edges and under the pockets and bottles.
Colors
mauve brown· main body and pockets#846E69textured mauve brown· back panel mesh#7B6661light gray· soft-flask caps#C2C5C4off-white· elastic cords- Overall shapeFlat-laid sleeveless vest with a wide scooped neckline, shoulder straps that extend into a broad back panel, and two front panels forming open storage pockets.
- 02
Product
Close-up of the left front panel of a hydration vest showing textured mesh fabric, a stretch front pocket holding a soft flask with visible bite valve, printed 'SALOMON' logo on the pocket, and an internal size label near the top neckline.
- Front mesh panelLarge textured knit/mesh fabric panel visible across the image with a repeating small diamond or waffle pattern and matte finish.
1 region
x 0.42 · y 0.02 · w 0.56 · h 0.96 (high) - Edge binding and seamsNarrow fabric binding with visible zigzag topstitching runs along the outer edge and neckline, matching the vest color.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 0.52 · h 0.22 (high) - Front stretch pocketStretch fabric pocket on the left front with an open top and slightly puckered face; upper pocket lip has printed branding.
1 region
x 0.14 · y 0.46 · w 0.36 · h 0.31 (high) - Soft flask and bite valvePartial soft water flask inserted into the front pocket; translucent silicone bite valve and cap protrude above the pocket opening.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.28 · w 0.14 · h 0.22 (high) - Adjustable cord and toggleThin cord routed along the pocket edge with a small black plastic cord lock/adjuster visible near the lower right of the pocket.
1 region
x 0.56 · y 0.66 · w 0.24 · h 0.20 (high) - Internal size label“Small rectangular size label printed near the neckline with characters including 'M' and numeric ranges.”Partial
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.04 · w 0.22 · h 0.07 (medium) - Branding on pocket“SALOMON”
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.42 · w 0.21 · h 0.08 (high)
Other
Studio shot of a cropped left-front detail of the vest on a plain light gray background with even soft lighting and minimal shadows.
- Shot compositionCropped close-up framing the left front portion of the vest from the neckline to the lower pocket area, product fills most of the frame and left edge is near the image border.
- BackgroundUniform light gray neutral background with no visible props.
- Lighting and shadowsSoft, even lighting with very mild shadowing under the pocket and flask indicating diffuse studio illumination.
Colors
taupe brown· main mesh panel#85726Blight taupe· front stretch pocket#84736Cfrosted light gray· flask cap and bite valve#C4C4C3white· printed logo text#C5C5C4- Front mesh panelLarge textured knit/mesh fabric panel visible across the image with a repeating small diamond or waffle pattern and matte finish.
- 03
Product
Rear view of a sleeveless hydration vest showing a central back panel with a vertical zipper, two diagonal reflective strips forming a V, side mesh panels, and printed text logos.
- Overall shapeSleeveless vest laid flat showing the rear side with a wide lower band, armhole openings, and a tapered central back panel extending downward to a pointed lower tab.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.06 · w 0.84 · h 0.86 (high) - Central back panelSmooth single-piece central panel in a solid muted brown-mauve fabric with a vertical center zipper running from near the neckline to the lower pointed tab.
1 region
x 0.28 · y 0.08 · w 0.43 · h 0.66 (high) - ZipperNarrow centered zipper with a small fabric pull tab visible at the top and the zipper track running down the center of the back panel.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.07 · w 0.03 · h 0.50 (high) - Diagonal reflective stripsTwo muted light-gray diagonal strips printed on the central panel forming a V that meets near the lower center point of the panel.
1 region
x 0.34 · y 0.20 · w 0.33 · h 0.42 (high) - Side mesh panelsMesh fabric panels on both left and right sides with a diamond-like knit pattern visible, extending from the armholes down to the lower band.
2 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.12 · w 0.22 · h 0.64 (high); x 0.70 · y 0.12 · w 0.22 · h 0.64 (high) - Lower elasticated bandWide lower band in a textured knit that wraps around the base of the vest, matched in color to the rest of the garment but with a tighter knit pattern.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.70 · w 0.84 · h 0.22 (high) - Top carry loopSmall fabric loop at the top center of the neckline for hanging or carrying, made from the same fabric as the panel.
1 region
x 0.48 · y 0.06 · w 0.05 · h 0.04 (medium) - Rear printed logo“Vertical text printed along the central zipper that reads SALOMON in uppercase letters.”
1 region
x 0.51 · y 0.20 · w 0.10 · h 0.32 (high) - Model text near bottom“Small printed text near the pointed lower tab that reads GRVL SKIN 4 with each token on its own line.”
1 region
x 0.46 · y 0.63 · w 0.09 · h 0.07 (high)
Other
Studio flat-lay product shot centered on a plain light gray background with soft shadowing and even lighting.
- Background and compositionVest is centered and photographed flat against a uniform light gray background with a subtle shadow below the lower band.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - LightingEven diffuse lighting with soft shadows indicating studio illumination and minimal specular highlights on the fabric.
Colors
muted brown-mauve· central back panel and lower band#867169dark brown-gray· side mesh panels#6B5D5Alight gray· diagonal reflective strips and zipper trim#AA9B95white· printed text- Overall shapeSleeveless vest laid flat showing the rear side with a wide lower band, armhole openings, and a tapered central back panel extending downward to a pointed lower tab.
Brand PDP Lookup
- Brand
- Salomon
GRAVEL SKIN 4 Unisex Running Vest with flasks included
Variants
3 SKUsDocuments & Data
Reddit Insights
1 threads · r/trailrunningCurious about the Salomon Grvl Skin 4 for hot weather, but most users still prefer the tried-and-true Adv Skin 5 due to missing features and a lack of reviews.
Interest exists for its potential cooling in heat, but hesitation persists due to absent pass-through pouch and very limited user feedback.
Themes
Use Cases
- Minimalist running in hot/humid climates (e.g., Florida)
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Salomon Adv Skin 5
The Adv Skin 5 is seen as the proven, feature-rich option with a pass-through pouch and more storage, while the Grvl Skin 4 may be cooler but lacks that pouch and remains untested.
Source Threads
User considers Gravel Skin 4 for hot weather, notes it's new and untested
Just got a Gravel Skin 2 and 4. Havent worn either yet. I’ll keep whichever I like better after trying on. Wanted it thinking it may be cooler for Florida heat we’re starting to experience. I’m with you- I don’t need to carry a lot. Anyone actually used one yet? They’re pretty new
u/mrmilsinskasr/trailrunningView thread →