Kit & Gear

The Salomon x François d’Haene Ultra Collection

A UNIQUE COLLABORATION

Since their first steps together in 2009, Salomon and François d’Haene have always been pushing in the same direction to improve, develop, reinvent Salomon trail-running equipment. Today, this shared vision comes to life through a 360° head-to-toe silhouette dedicated to all ultrarunners.

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“I really see it as our collection: that of Salomon, mine, that of trail runners all over the world. This community approach is perfectly in line with our shared values." - - FRANCOIS D'HAENE

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THE SALOMON ULTRA COLLECTION MISSION STATEMENTS:

• To share access to the very best ultra trail equipment with ultrarunners everywhere
• To convey François’ and Salomon ultra trail values, culture and spirit
• To create products that are versatile and can be used throughout the year
• To place a newfound emphasis on sustainability and durability.

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Our SportsShoes ambassador, Ben Mounsey, has been busy putting the Ultra Collection to the test;

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1. SALOMON S/LAB ULTRA 10 RUNNING VEST WITH FLASKS

Designed to surpass even the highest product performance standards in ultra running, S/LAB ULTRA 10 is so lightweight and comfortable you'll forget it's there. Inspired and created by François d'Haene, it's Salomon's lightest ULTRA-specific vest.

The S/LAB Ultra 10 is designed with a seamless, precise fit thanks to the lightweight materials. The running vest has a Sensifit construction, which uses stretchy, breathable fabrics for an optimised fit and feel, providing you with the best possible experience. The fabrics are soft to the touch with elasticated piping that covers the contours of the hydration vest, providing premium comfort and finish.

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Ben says:

The Salomon S/LAB Ultra Collection perfectly combines comfort, style and performance. There is no denying that it's expensive, but this kit is built to last and if you want the best apparel and equipment then it doesn't get much better than this.

Without any doubt, the best feature about this running vest is the comfort. Built to feel like an extension of yourself, it feels incredible to wear, both against your skin or above a base layer and/or a jacket. I think partly the reason it feels so good is the soft and lightweight material. In comparison to my Sense Ultra 8 pack, the material is even more breathable. If you hold it up to the light, you can even see through it, meaning it wicks away moisture more efficiently and dries more quickly than a standard pack.

The front pockets also feel deeper, with more space to store your soft flasks and essential items. Both sides of the pack are parallel, with two zipped sections just below the shoulders and two at the sides, which I use to store money, a map, gels and other small items that can be kept secure.

This pack also comes which 2 x 500ml soft flasks and a spare lacing system, so you have the choice between black or red cord.

In terms of size, I opted for a medium which fits me perfectly (I'm 6ft 1", medium build and 38-40" chest).

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SHOP ALL SALOMON S/LAB ULTRA 10 RUNNING VESTS NOW

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2. SALOMON S/LAB ULTRA WATERPROOF SHELL JACKET

When it comes to ultra-races, you need to know your kit is durable, light and breathable. This unisex S/LAB ultra jacket is ready to go the distance, adding a light, cosy layer of waterproof protection when the temperature drops or the showers start. Plus, lots of smart features in all the right places, from wrist to collar.

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Ben says:

This pinnacle product epitomises the quality of the Ultra range. Just like the running pack, it's lightweight, breathable and super-comfortable. It even feels great to wear directly against your skin, I usually wear it above a singlet or a short-sleeved tee.

Weighing just 240g, this jacket is perfect for both training and racing and can be easily stored inside a running pack like the S/LAB Ultra 10 (featured above). It also sits well underneath a pack, with restricted movement because of the fitted design and subtle panels of extra grippy material around the waistband which prevents the jacket from riding up.

Crafted from a 3-layer waterproof fabric, the jacket stops rain from entering whilst allowing air to circulate and vapour to escape, keeping you at the perfect temperature throughout your run. The ripstop fabric has a reinforced yarn improving the durability and longevity of the jacket. This has also been treated with a water-repellent coating helping the water to bead on the jacket further helping to protect you against the elements.

Aside from the materials, what I like most about this jacket is the attention to detail. There are a number of internal sections which provide additional comfort and protection such as the stretchy thumb loops, a waistband and a headband, which both improve the fit and stop the jacket from losing its fit and shape as you move on the trail. Further touch points include a subtle drawstring cord system around the base of the hood which allows you to personalise and lock in the fit, so it doesn't move and flap around in windy conditions. Further down the jacket, a button clasp located just above the chest, can be used in conjunction with the open zip to allow for more breathability and airflow. Finally, the main zip is covered by an overlapping section of material, adding extra waterproof protection against the elements.

In terms of sizing, this jacket fits me perfectly in a size medium.

SHOP SALOMON S/LAB ULTRA WATERPROOF SHELL JACKETS

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3. SALOMON S/LAB ULTRA T-SHIRT

As one of Salomon's high-performance S/LAB products, the unisex S/LAB Ultra T-Shirt is ready to take you further and faster. The seamless fabric is featherlight and closefitting, almost like a second skin. So, you can push your limits on the trail.

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Ben says:

Taking comfort to the next level, this tee is the baselayer to rule all baselayers.

An important point on sizing, this tee is very much in keeping with my experience of wearing S/LAB apparel i.e. I opted for a size medium and it's a very tight fit. In hindsight, I think a size large would have been a better option. Although, worth mentioning that it is designed to be worn like a second skin, so it's not a surprise that it's a close fit. It also works perfectly underneath the S/LAB Ultra 10 Running Pack as a comfortable and seamless baselayer.

What I most love about this product is how quickly and efficiently it wicks away moisture. 37.5 technology has been integrated in the fabric of the S/LAB Ultra T-Shirt which offers natural odour elimination and optimizes your body's microclimate and helps maintain the ideal level of humidity, expelling sweat before it takes liquid form. I would go as far as saying it's the fastest drying item of running apparel that I've ever worn. The seamless construction also makes the garment lighter, softer, and more comfortable.

SHOP SALOMON S/LAB ULTRA T-SHIRTS

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4. Salomon S/LAB ULTRA

Salomon S/LAB ULTRA is the fruit of a uniquely collaborative vision between renowned ultra runner François d’Haene and Salomon. Redefining the limits of pinnacle product performance, it's the first shoe to keep performing after 10 to 15hrs of racing. A foam and plate combo carve out new territory for ultrarunning bringing previously unexplored sensations.

SHOP ALL SALOMON S/LAB ULTRA TRAIL RUNNING SHOES NOW

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