Black Diamond Distance 4 Assessment

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 wonderful selection 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 girls’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 offered 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 selection 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, take a look at 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 day by day coaching and half-day excursions.

Consolation & Match

We have been impressed by the general consolation and body-hugging match of the Distance 4. Whether or not totally loaded or simply carrying just a few necessities, it match effectively 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 offered a extra streamlined match throughout the shoulders and chest. Every choice is offered in a number of sizes, making it straightforward to realize an ideal match. The four-way stretch mesh material moved with us, retaining the contents of the stash pockets safe with out ever feeling constrictive.

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

Performance

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

That minor inconvenience apart, we have been happy with the general performance of this vest. The 4-liter capability was simply sufficient to carry our energy and kit 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 stored us from fussing with a shifting pack whereas on the go. 

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

The high-stretch material 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 damage even after many coaching runs on trails within the Pacific Northwest. Nevertheless, we do have some issues that the stretch pockets could lose their form over time.

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

Breathability

The Distance 4 was one of the 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 cozy 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 presents glorious versatility for anybody trying to find 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 snug, no-bounce match promotes seamless efficiency. This practical, high-performance pack is offered in girls’s particular fashions and varied sizes, making it straightforward to seek out the right match.

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

What Different Hydration Packs Ought to You Think about?

If the Black Diamond Distance 4 Hydration Vest isn’t fairly what you’re on the lookout for, take a look at these different nice choices from our Finest Operating Vests gear information.

Salomon ADV Pores and skin 5 Assessment: For those who’re on the lookout for a mid-volume working vest with a safe match and long-lasting sturdiness, this 5-liter Funds Purchase would be the pack for you. 

Ultraspire Alpha 5.0 Race Vest Assessment: Flask-compatible and totally featured, this 6-liter Funds Purchase vest is likely one of the most snug and extremely breathable vests we examined.

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