REVIEW: Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8 Set Review
Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8 Set - The perfect pack for ultra-running
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Farewell Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 3 Set vestpack
It is four years since we met, united in our purpose to run wilder trails. Today we are nearing the sad finale. The moment when one of us has been stretched just one too many times. Farewell Bestie – my Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 3 Set vestpack!
My Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 3 Set vestpack has accompanied me on so many missions that I cannot name them all. South Coast Track, Overland Track, Federation Peak, Frenchman’s Cap, Larapinta, Dolomitii Skyrace, Hong Kong Skyrace… together we have travelled far and wide in search of the favourite trails. Here is my Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 3 Set vestpacks’ resume:
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Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 3 Set |
NOTES |
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Total Volume for ‘stuff’ aka. Gear capacity |
3L |
I believe this trusty old 3L vestpack could really carry up to 10L! I called it the magic pudding of trail running. |
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Total volume for fluids |
1L |
In two 500ml soft bottles carried on the front. But I would add extra soft flasks into the low, rear pocket if I needed to. |
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Longest mission |
12hrs15mins South Coast Track (93km), Tasmania |
Check out the video HERE |
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Most gear carried |
Overland Track in Winter |
Food for 10hrs, down jacket, rain jacket, beanie, gloves, headlamp, radio, spare socks, first aid kit, car keys, phone, thermal top, thermal bottoms, spare t-shirt – yup, it all fitted! |
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Longest race |
Ultra Trail Australia 100km, 2017 |
Yep, all that mandatory gear still fitted! |
Welcome Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8 Set vestpack
Now approaching retirement, I have replaced this beloved friend with the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8 Set. I believe that the virtues of these Salomon S-Lab vestpacks are too often overlooked, with most people not realizing their capability of travelling the longer distances. I can absolutely promise you that your gear for long distances races, even the Ultra Trail Australia 100km, will fit into either the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 5 Set or the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8 Set. Let me explain why these are my pick of the vestpacks on the market:
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TIPS |
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Gear Capacity |
5L |
8L |
Due to the hugely stretchy fabric, you can just keep adding! |
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Fluid Capacity |
1L |
1L |
When I need more capacity, I tuck 2x500ml soft flasks into the smaller, low rear pocket. These were normally empty but I could carry 1 full one easily in this pocket. |
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Weight |
110g |
125g |
Compare this to the Salomon Advanced Skin3 12 Set which weighs 270g without the bladder. You literally feel like you are wearing nothing! |
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Fabrics |
Super light, 4-way stretch fabric with a mesh back between you and your gear. |
To protect your gear from getting damp or sweaty, use a Sea to Summit Dry Sack (4L) to squash all your gear into. This also helps to get your gear into a smaller volume. |
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Sizing |
Unisex – XS, S, M, L, XL |
The biggest question in sizing is how broad are you across your chest and around your rib cage? To help, I am a women’s size 8 (or an XS-S in clothing) and wear the XS vest size. My husband Graham is a smaller male and wears a Small. I have not yet fitted anyone into an XL. |
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Performance of the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8 Set vestpack
Full or not, the Salomon S-Lab Sense Ultra 8 Set vestpack is extremely comfortable. Even when bulging with gear for a wickedly wild day on the trails, it does not wobble or feel uncomfortable on your back. I try to not overfill the feed sacks on the front as they are made of the stretchiest fabric and they can get a little wobbly if too full. Otherwise, the pack performs exceptionally. Here are some final tips:
- Phones – This fit perfectly into the soft flasks pockets on the front, or in the flat pockets under your arms.
- Keep your gear dry with a Sea to Summit Dry Sack (4L)
- These guys are perfect in hot climates as they are way more breathable!
- Washing – when the day is done, throw it into the washing machine with your running clothes. Simple!
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