When we think of groundbreaking running hydration products, it’s hard not to think of Salomon. Over the last several seasons, they’ve developed a name for themselves as one of the primary trailblazers of running hydration gear, and this spring isn’t any different. We’re pretty picky when it comes to our run gear around the RW offices, and the spring ’13 hydration lineup from Salomon gets a big thumbs up.

Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 12 & 5 Set Packs

The Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 12 Set Pack and 5 Set Pack are the crème de la crème of Salomon’s hydration pack line. With three size options in each pack for an almost-custom fit, you’re sure to find all-day comfort. The packs come equipped with zippered pockets and pouches to store essentials on a long run, and you can even stow a soft flask or two in the front pockets. Adjustable chest straps provide a snug fit that won’t chafe.

Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set Gloves

Spiderman might be able to shoot webs from his wrists, but with the Salomon Sense Hydro S-Lab Set Gloves you’ll be able to shoot refreshing hydration out of your hand. Well, sort of. These gloves allow you to securely carry a soft flask of liquid while keeping your hand relaxed. Use it to stay hydrated, or squirt it over your head to help yourself cool down.

Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 2 Belt

If MacGyver wore a fanny pack, he’s snap on the Advanced Skin S-Lab 2 Belt. Seriously. This little number has four open stretch mesh pockets (two in the front and two in the back) to store Soft Flasks or other nutrition. Two zipper pockets provide secure storage for accessories, and one small side loop gives you a place to clip small accessories. The belt is adjustable and the mesh lining makes it incredibly comfortable on the run.

Salomon Soft Flasks

You want to carry liquid, but the incessant sloshing of bottles and typical flasks drives you crazy. Enter the Salomon Soft Flasks. A soft bite valve is easy on your teeth, and durable Thermoplastic Polyurethane construction makes these flasks trail-ready. Choose from 16 ounce, 8 ounce or 5 ounce sizes, and fill with liquid or gel for your hydration and fuel needs.

Salomon Skin Pro 3 Set Pack

When you want a sleek and simple hydration pack that will let you go fast, grab the Salomon Skin Pro 3 Set Pack. With a 1.5 liter bladder, you’ll have plenty of hydration, and the pack also gives you room to stash a thin jacket and a pair of arm warmers. Use the stretch mesh side pockets to stow nutrition on the run. Twin sternum straps provide a secure fit.

Salomon Hydro 45 Belt

The Salomon Hydro 45 Belt gives you space to carry hydration and nutrition without feeling weighed down. The unique triangular 20-ounce bottle is easy to grab for hydration on the go, and a small zippered pocket provides room to stow nutrition or other important items. The adjustable belt allows for a secure and comfortable fit.

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Endurance runners rejoice! Technically 2013 is the ‘Year of the Snake,’ but we think it will be the ‘Year of the Drink’ (ok, they don’t quite rhyme – just roll with us here). The days of clunky, awkward hydration packs and non-ergonomic water bottles are thankfully behind us, and this year, runners are going to take notice.

Many top brands in hydration (Salomon, Camelbak, Nathan, UltrAspire, Ultimate Direction and others) will be releasing svelte, low profile hydration packs that offer plenty of room to carry fluid, and pockets aplenty for all your other nutrition and accessory storage needs. We’re also going to see some pretty cool innovations in the realm of handhelds.

If you test drive one of the streamlined packs, like the CamelBak Marathoner Vest or the Salomon Advanced Skin S-Lab 5 Set Pack that we already have in stock, you’ll see that the game is changing – and fast. Many of these packs are more of a vest-pack hybrid that stays securely in place while you run, and won’t chafe or jostle. The packs are designed to move with you, instead of against you, so you can focus on running.

But packs aren’t the only things getting a rethink. Salomon is rolling out a new handheld worth a look. The Sense Hydro S-Lab Set Gloves put hydration in your hand but don’t require the whole “held” part of the equation. These gloves strap up to 500ml to the palm of each hand, giving you easy access to your hydration without the risk of hand cramping.

This will be the year that many more runners transition from their Stone Age, oversized hydration packs and cumbersome bottles to sleeker models that keep them prepared and unhindered. And it’s also going to be the year for many other runners to try out a pack, belt or handheld for the first time. Hydration products in 2013 will be all about adding to the quality of your run, instead of just giving you a way to lug around some liquid. It’s like adding the perfect cape to your superhero costume…it just makes your run that much better.

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In the video below, Salomon couldn’t describe their new Sense Hydro S-Lab Set Gloves any better: Hydration in the Palm of Your Hand. This innovative solution to handhelds gives runners a comfortable way to hold up to 500ml in each hand while letting their hands stay relaxed. The Gloves just arrived in stock, and we’ve got a couple folks on staff who are excited to try them out on their next endurance run.

The Gloves come as a pair, and one 237ml (8 oz) Soft Flask is also included. We sell additional 237ml Salomon Soft Flasks and 500ml Salomon Soft Flasks, if you’re looking to carry more liquid on your run.

Many of you might remember seeing Kilian Jornet rockin’ prototypes of these puppies at Western States a couple years ago. Salomon now has them all dialed in and ready for mass consumption. Well, as ‘mass’ as you’re going to get for a premium hydration option that’s starting its own niche. Expect good breathability with the elastic mesh design, a soft wiping surface for sweat on the back of the glove, and a comfortable, customized fit since the gloves are available in 3 sizes.

Check out this video for quick rundown of the product. Full tech details are on our product page.

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