If distance running is your game, then this pack may be the perfect solution for your 2-6 hour efforts. The Skin Pro 10+3 will carry your hydration, nutrition, light safety equipment, and rain jacket—without sacrificing stability or adding bulk.

Pack or vest?
I would have called it a vest because it is cut and fits like a garment, instead of using only straps like traditional packs. It’s extremely comfortable because the fabric surrounds you, distributing the weight and preventing bounce, especially as you jostle while running, climbing, etc. Alas – Solomon calls it a pack, so we’ll go with it.

Comfort
The lightness of the pack makes it almost unnoticeable when empty. Most importantly, when filled, contents can be adjusted and cinched tight by various well-placed straps and pockets. After a few minutes of playing with the adjustment, the pack rides perfectly on your back, even with a full reservoir, bars, gels, jacket, headlamp, and GPS unit—no noticeable bounce.

Bells & Whistles
Most of the extras are nice touches:

• Expandable 3L section
• Trekking pole carry straps
• Pockets for gels
• Whistle buckle

  Some are not as well executed:

• Reservoir attachment strap
• Hydration hose loops
• Closure buckles

Sometimes less really is more.

Final Thoughts
Even though the price is a little steep, you get a good amount of value out of the cost. The pack is very versatile, covering long training runs, day trips, ultra racing and adventure competitions. Instead of buying event-specific gear, I’d prefer to spend a little extra to cover all the bases. With respect to the annoying pieces, they are far outweighed by the positives.