How to Choose a Running Hydration Vest

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Engineered for long-distance races and fast-paced adventures, the Black Diamond Distance 4 hydration vest features a stretchy harness suspension that extends from the sides to the back.
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Best Use | Trail Running |
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Gear Capacity (L) | 4 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 244 cubic inches |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Reservoir Included | No |
Bottle(s) Included | 2 bottles |
Liquid Capacity (L) | 1 liter |
Liquid Capacity (fl. oz.) | 34 fluid ounces |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 4 + main compartment |
Weight | 7 ounces |
Material(s) | 4-way stretch mesh |
BPA Free | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
Sustainability | Contains recycled materials |
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From the moment I got this vest I knew it was perfect. Sizing was awesome, I wear a L. I’m 6’ exactly and 200lbs. This fits perfectly snug and it doesn’t ride up. I have the previous generation in the High - Vis green color and it’s been with me on miles of training, as well as my vest of choice for the Cirque series trail races. The bottles it comes with are exactly what I needed to de-bulk my gear. I love being able to stash my car keys in the vest pocket so they don’t bounce in my pockets anymore. It’s the little things that a vest like this solves that allows you to really focus on the run. I picked this up in person at a cirque series event last year for the same price and I don’t regret it at all. This vest has also come in suprisingly handy for concerts, and I may even use it for a few leisurely biking adventures, who knows!
Nice and snug, I love the pockets. Took it for one shorter run. Have yet to take it for a long run, but I have no doubt it will do well. Got this after the Distance 8, which I love but I wanted a vest type. I like how I can easily drink while on the move due to the bottle pocket placements. 5’8” 159lbs, athletic build (used to do a lot of weights and cutting down now). Distance 8 size M fits well but I typically tighten it down more. Distance 4 size S also fits well. I’m kind of btwn sizes which is why that works. Waist ~30. The only comment is I can see this getting dirty easily with the color. Not an issue for me, but some people may care about that.
I spend a lot of time on the trails of Utah. Early early mornings, afternoon, etc. I've tried every brand of running vests out there and kept coming back to the Distance 4. The fit and the storage system is so well thought out and just what I need that I've stopped searching for others...in fact, I just ordered by 3rd Distance 4 for this year's running season. The other 2 have served well for years and they are now retired. From one trail runner to another....look no further!
I really like the design, layout and breathability of this pack BUT: - The sizing is way off. I measure out as right in the middle for a medium, but even on my first wear, I had to tighten it all the way. Now that I've worn it a few times and washed it once, it has stretched to the point where it is just too loose and bounces all over the place. For reference, I'm 5' 11", 170 lbs, athletic build. Getting the sizing right or adding additional ways to tighten up the pack beyond the sternum straps would go a long way. - Pole carry didn't really work for me. Maybe it works for BD poles, but I found the silicone grippers would slide off my poles as I ran and it only got worse after handling the poles with sweaty hands.
I’ve only used this once for my 1. 5 hour long run this last weekend but I loved the accessibility of the pockets. I was able to reach snacks in all of the pockets without stopping, including the zipper pocket on the upper back. The vest felt secure and didn’t bounce at all. I appreciate the zipper pocket on the front for a phone and there’s a loop to secure keys to in the upper back pocket. Also, the description doesn’t mention it but there’s a space for a full Camelbak style bladder, complete with a loop to secure it, between the back layers of the vests. The material of the vest seems a bit abrasive so I wouldn’t want to run with it directly on skin. I was somewhat worried about chaffing from the arm openings but I didn’t notice anything on my first run with it.
Great vest! As others have said, you might want to size down if you are in between sizes. I had some spare flasks that have a 3" long tube on top which is perfect for me; no need to struggle to drink, and not too long that it hits me in the chin. Also unlike another well-known brand, the phone pocket is perfectly located where it doesnt dig into my ribcage. When running there is a bit of bounce to the flasks but I dont think its possible to fully prevent that. The only issue I had was during a recent half marathon, I could feel a gel packet with my hand in the side pocket, but I couldn't figure out how to get it out without removing the vest; somehow it slid out of reach. Back pocket could be bigger, I have an upcoming race which requires me carry an emergency blanket and rain jacket, I'm probably going to get another vest with more capacity. But for anything not requiring loads of gear, this is my favorite so far. I have a slew of vests I dont use anymore - Salomon, Orangmud, Nathan, Ultraspire, and an old Ultimate Direction.
Highly recommend the Distance 4. I would recommend sizing down if you're between sizes. I had a large, but changed to a medium size (I wear a Large in almost any shirt/top). The large fit well "dry" but once the bottles were loaded and bouncing, I immediately wished I'd sized down. Otherwise, great product, lots of stretch to the pockets for stashing all of the parts and pieces I end up wearing/eating.
I have the gen 1 vest. It fits great until loaded up, then it’s a little small and the bottles, snack storage pockets are more to the side than I’d like. Wore this for what I expected to be a 6+ hour mission and it had plenty of capacity for snacks, layers, phone, satellite communicator, and a water filter. (That run/hike/scramble ended up being 8 hours and the vest was extremely comfortable.) I love the fit when not fully loaded, I don’t think I would have liked the fit of the next size up though. Very happy with this vest but may use another product for those longer missions. Can’t wait to use this on my upcoming 20-30k races and will continue to use it for half-day runs. I want to reiterate how comfortable this vest was over the course of that 8-hour slog - I didn’t even notice it. It just carried my stuff and stayed quiet - my body was sore but the vest was incredibly comfortable.
I’m really happy with this purchase. I’ve already done a couple long runs with nearly 10,000 ft elevation and over 10 hours combined and the vest was super comfortable. It has wonderful capacity and the use of the water bottles is excellent. Deploying my Z poles is a breeze and while I’m not using them they are snug on the back and I don’t feel them at all.
I love this vest. Used a friend's of mine on a trip to Alaska and almost immediately bought one on my return to the east coast. Very stable, and love the spot where keys rest, on the right shoulder, which means the weight of the vest keeps them from jingle-jangle-ing during a run! Lots of practical pockets and the vest feels great!