The Distance 6L hydration vest is perfectly sized for full trail days, long races or ridgelines, featuring enough storage space for those extra layers or mandatory gear while maintaining a close to body performance fit.
The vest’s lumbar pocket gives you ample room to stash a lightweight shell, extra snacks, and a headlamp. The Distance 6L’s edge binding and diamond mesh construction gives the vest a soft next-to-skin feel. The mesh back panel is extremely breathable and made from a soft material that eliminates chafe. Thoughtful pocketing and innovative soft flask storage system provides security for on-trail essentials and improves efficiency when refilling water. The vest has two front pockets that fit two 500 mL soft flasks (included).
From clean climbing, to conservation, Black Diamond is committed to protecting the people and places we love.
We trust what we make because we use what we make. All Black Diamond soft goods are warranted against defects in materials and construction for the practical lifetime of the product.
Our Distance vests offer streamlined storage in a breathable, close-to-body construction for trail running missions.
But the space between, where the miles and moments become an ocean between the waves, that’s where the magic happens. The experience waits in the distance.
Overall rating: 4.75 / 5 from 8 reviews.
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"Fits a little small, perfect for hiking and trail running. I love the pockets it’s just right for a couple hours out on the trail."
"I chose this vest over others because it actually had a sensible pocket layout, specifically with a zippered pocket that could hold a phone close to the body without it jumping around. The materials seem good, it's generally comfortable, and it doesn't move much when running. However, I have a couple of gripes. First, the vertical part of the vest on the chest sits very wide - almost in your armpit. I would much rather they full closer to the center of the chest, from both a comfort (potential armpit chafing) and load carrying perspective. Second, the elastic straps used to secure the vest on the front are very long, which wouldn't be a problem except there's no inherent strap management for the tails. They just flop around. I may have to cut them down to size a bit, but it would have been simple for BD to just add an elastic loop for retention. Third, the zipper is metal and makes a constant "tink click tink click tink click" as you run and it moves around. I'm also hesitant about metal zippers on running vests because I've seen on previous vests that sweat will corrode them over time. I've been using various running vests for years and I have yet to find one that is really makes sense for the "average joe" runner. I'm not out here running ultra's, I just need something for my water, phone, keys, and some calories. I need something that fits well, uses smart components and materials, and isn't black (can we please stop doing black gear for outdoor activities were temperature management is a real problem??). Black Diamond, if you see this, hit me up - I'd love to design a new vest with you!"
"Excellent medium capacity vest for long runs and races that require a fair amount of gear. I also have the Distance 2, which is similarly excellent for when less gear is needed. I'm quite fond of how it holds flasks in that it doesn't depend on small loops around the caps, which I've noticed tend to become frayed or broken with extensive use. The implementation does restrict soft flask options a bit, but I was able to find some 600ml flasks that fit well when I need a little bit more capacity than the included 500ml flasks. I also quite like the big rear pass-thru pocket. I expected such a large pocket would have problems with things bouncing out of it, but everything I've put back there so far has stayed put. The rear mesh has proven to be more breathable than on some of my other vests. Also the fabric is more gentle and is better positioned. The result is a vest that's quite comfortable. I don't use the included pole attachment straps, but I took them off and the leftover shoulder pocket perfectly fits my inReach Mini. Overall I'm quite happy. The Distance 2 and Distance 6 have quickly become my preferred vests for long runs and races. I used the Distance 2 for the Hellbender 100 earlier this year and have upcoming races with more extensive gear requirements where I'll use the Distance 6."
"Perfect amount of storage for keys, phone, light layer, and food. I like the pole carry system too, pretty simple and easy to learn how to implement while moving."
"Great sizing"
"well ventilated, lightweight, works well."
"Holds everything i need for mandatory race gear. Very comfortable and the included water bottles are great."
"I've been using this vest on runs for the last month or so, from 3 to 10 mi It has good storage and doesn't move much when cinched down, even with water in the bottles. It's comfortable and I appreciate all the storage space for e. g. , jackets or other gear. Very happy with my purchase."
| Size | Torso Circumference |
|---|---|
| XS | 23.5 - 29.5 in 60 - 75 cm |
| S | 26.5 - 33.5 in 67 - 85 cm |
| M | 31.5 - 39.5 in 80 - 100 cm |
| L | 35.5 - 44 in 90 - 112 cm |
Measure circumference of torso around lower ribs.
