Black Diamond Distance 4 Evaluation

Backside Line

The Black Diamond Distance 4 is a thoughtfully designed, minimalist hydration vest that takes you from coaching to race day seamlessly, making it a superb alternative for runners looking for a flexible vest. This second-generation model is crafted from stretchy materials that hugs the physique for a match with no bounce and no chafing. Obtainable in each males’s and ladies’s variations—that includes a gender-specific working harness suspension—it accommodates most runners our bodies.

We discovered this vest to excel in each metric throughout our testing on trails round Bellingham, Washington. Whether or not loaded for a half-day run or with simply the necessities for a shorter session, the Distance 4 supplied nice group, a cushty match, and glorious efficiency.  

Particulars like an over-the-shoulder Z-pole carry system, easy-access aspect and entrance pockets, and twin flask pockets (together with included HydraPak® SoftFlasks™) make this vest the right alternative for runners looking for a flexible hydration and storage resolution.  

Uncover extra nice choices in our Finest Operating Vests gear information.

And for more information, try a few of our different common gear guides:

How We Examined

We examined the Black Diamond Distance 4 Hydration Vest on varied runs alongside mountain trails within the Pacific Northwest. We used it for each day coaching and half-day excursions.

Consolation & Match

We had been impressed by the general consolation and body-hugging match of the Distance 4. Whether or not totally loaded or simply carrying a couple of necessities, it match nicely and didn’t bounce. We persistently reached for this pack, whatever the size of our run. The adjustable sternum strap harness system was safe and didn’t loosen throughout our runs.

The ladies’s particular model supplied a extra streamlined match throughout the shoulders and chest. Every possibility is offered in a number of sizes, making it simple to attain an ideal match. The four-way stretch mesh cloth moved with us, maintaining the contents of the stash pockets safe with out ever feeling constrictive.

In contrast to some mesh, the Black Diamond materials are smooth and chafe-free, even when moist. We additionally discovered the smooth binding of the harness system to be very comfy with out digging in.

Performance

With easy-access pockets on the entrance and aspect entry to the decrease again pocket, the Distance 4 provides extremely practical storage choices on the go. The most important practical downside we found throughout testing was that the over-the-shoulder Z-Pole carry system was a bit tough to make use of whereas working, however it wasn’t a dealbreaker.

That minor inconvenience apart, we had been happy with the general performance of this vest. The 4-liter capability was simply sufficient to carry our energy and equipment for a number of hours, but it wasn’t floppy or noticeable when largely empty on shorter runs. We additionally appreciated the zip pocket within the entrance for securing valuables.

The 2 included Black Diamond HydraPak SoftFlasks combine into the entrance pockets, and the elastics assist preserve them from bouncing and sloshing. Nevertheless, throughout our testing, we discovered that the flasks had a slight tendency to leak.

Efficiency

The no-bounce match of the Distance 4 made it a favourite amongst our testers. We appreciated the safe buckle closures that saved us from fussing with a shifting pack whereas on the go. 

The inclusion of back and front zip pockets supplied secure locations to retailer valuables. Throughout our coaching runs within the Pacific Northwest, this vest by no means held us again. We may clip in and go. 

The high-stretch cloth moved with us with out being constrictive, enhancing the general safety of match and storage.

Sturdiness

Regardless of the light-weight supplies, we seen no indicators of wear and tear even after many coaching runs on trails within the Pacific Northwest. Nevertheless, we do have some considerations that the stretch pockets could lose their form over time.

It’s price noting that Black Diamond gives a sensible lifetime guarantee masking defects in supplies and development, which gave us confidence within the high quality of this vest.

Breathability

The Distance 4 was probably the most breathable packs we examined. Its all-mesh development depraved moisture and transferred warmth away, even throughout moist runs within the Pacific Northwest’s notoriously wet winter.

We stayed cool and comfy throughout intense periods in hotter climate, due to the open weave of the again panel. Black Diamond has designed this vest in lighter colorways to maintain each the contents and the wearer cool on scorching, sunny days.

This consideration to element additional establishes this vest as a best choice for all kinds of runners in all coaching and racing situations.

Ought to You Purchase the Black Diamond Distance 4 Hydration Vest?

This breathable, light-weight, fully-featured pack provides glorious versatility for anybody looking for a hydration and storage resolution for race day and coaching. Its adaptability ensures it’s in fixed use, offering distinctive worth per put on.

The thoughtfully designed, easy-access pockets provide ample storage for all of your necessities—from snacks to valuables to hydration. The comfy, no-bounce match promotes seamless efficiency. This practical, high-performance pack is offered in ladies’s particular fashions and varied sizes, making it simple to seek out the right match.

Exceptionally breathable and light-colored for temperature regulation in scorching climate, in addition to smooth and chafe-free in moist situations, the Distance 4 will shortly turn into your go-to pack, regardless of the place you run.

What Different Hydration Packs Ought to You Contemplate?

If the Black Diamond Distance 4 Hydration Vest isn’t fairly what you’re searching for, try these different nice choices from our Finest Operating Vests gear information.

Salomon ADV Pores and skin 5 Evaluation: If you happen to’re searching for a mid-volume working vest with a safe match and long-lasting sturdiness, this 5-liter Finances Purchase could be the pack for you. 

Ultraspire Alpha 5.0 Race Vest Evaluation: Flask-compatible and totally featured, this 6-liter Finances Purchase vest is among the most comfy and extremely breathable vests we examined.

Nathan Pinnacle 4 Liter Hydration Race Vest Evaluation: With built-in straw-top flasks and buttery easy materials this vest is an ultralight resolution to storage and hydration on the go.