Comments: Due to boredom, a store credit and lack of anything else in this size, I reordered this pack. My original review stands but there a few adaptations that improve the Salomon Active. I would classify this as a casual commuter/ daypack / short trail running pack. For the price its acceptable. Shoot, back in 2000 the Active would been a gods send.
It is possible to switch out the elastic cord for a non-stretch variety. 1.8 mm to 2.0 mm paracord or kevlar guyline is inexpensive and will last a long time. It does take some work though. I found it is a more stable carry and the pack itself has enough stretch.
I have found Salomon has started selling replacement quick link kits in certain countries. I would love to add a 3rd clip and maybe if enough people ask Running Warehouse will stock this item.
I add a foam backpad to all my running packs/ vests. If you get thin foam it gives structure without sacrificing flexibility. Also helps prevent pokey points in your back. A simple backpad helped the Active and be honest when its sunny 90f sweat will happen anyway.
The hydration support is still kinda weak IMO. It would be significant effort to change. I have 1 liter Hydrapak that is 6.5 in. wide and that is a struggle to get in. The Osprey 1.5 bladder does not fit. I have found that it is easy to over weight the Active 8 with full liter of water and stuff, generally go with half liter.
I don't think the Salomon Active 8 will ever be my first choice but until something else.
From: P, North Carolina. July 27th 2020

Comments: Starting with a big thank you to those at RWH that are working during this pandemic. Hoping you and yours stay safe and healthy.My brief bio- (Not trying to set myself as an expert) been carrying a backpack on a near daily basis since 1988 quit driving in '94 due to bad eye sight. As far as groceries, backpacks are survival. I have more miles then I could ever tabulate. Years of 7 or 8 or 15 miles a day to get around. The world is a long trail run with various terrains.

My current running pack selection is an Osprey duro 1.5l for the essentials (water wallet phone) and a couple Raidlight 14l packs (Larger packs not included). I want something in the middle and this Salomon active 8 looked interesting.
After having received and looking the vest over I am returning it unused. I think it can work for some people but it has couple major negatives IMO (Limited hydration support and sternum closure/ cord).
The Active 8 is pretty straight forward for a Salomon pack. Very airy mesh. Tight in the armpits. At most wearable over a compression layer and a thermal long sleeve as the Active Skin name indicates. The main body feels like a 2 year durability product. Not a lot of compartments in the pack and the external bungee is not going to do much. It has a ultra narrow hydration compartment and weak bladder attachement. Its only piece of webbing and quick release squeeze clip. I could not find a single tube port or tube clip. I live in the south, water is necessary. Also, water is heavy.
My other issue is the cord used in the sternum closure. Diameter is less then a shoe lace. It can be replaced but only with similar diameter elastic cord. Thought about swapping in a larger cord but that would not fit the two anchor points or the other clips. I also found it a two hand attachment operation. My person opinion, a larger diameter cord would add durability and ease of use. Pack does offer a nice tight body wrapping closure. I do not know how cord would hold against pack weight. I have feeling this pack is best suited for carrying extra apparel. A 2 liter bladder might be too much with everything else.
Pockets are well placed and flatten down nicely. The flasks are something I would never use, too fiddly. Flasks are the soft bottom version.
Again, the Salomon active Skin 8 might work well for lighter loads but its lackluster hydration support is return issue for me. Sternum cord could be dealt with by always having an extra length available. Thank you.
From: P, North Carolina. June 18th 2020