Great review, thanks Dan! It looks like the water bottles aren't really held in place well other than with the twisty-tie (a la sandwich bag holder) connected to the tiny tab. Once you remove the twisty-tie, are the bottles staying in place when full and empty given the stiffness of the top? Seems odd there's no cord to attach other bottle types/hold them more securely?
So now we’re a few months on I can add a little more detail. The water bottles do sit against your chest when full but the bungee cord is re only thing that holds it in place. If you get the sizing right of the vest there should be no issue but mine was a little big and this meant I had some bottle movement vertically when running.
Over the years I've owned a number of hydration vests/running backpacks and the one drawback I've had with all of them is the lack of storage space accessible from the front. This model appears to have addressed that issue and I'll certainly be taking a closer look. Thanks for the review.
Exactly! The amount of packs I’ve tried that had a few lousy stretch pouches with minimal storage at that. This one does have a lot more options up front
Great Review her Dan, its nice to have an honest review on things you dont really like about a product :) would you recommend this for long runs on a sunday? up to 20 miles if someone isnt a trail runner?
100% It's lightweight, ample room for all the extras when weather is variable or you want to carry additional snacks. I used it during my recent night trail race as well.
I recall buying an Anojie vest a few years back when they hit the UK. They're not bad for the price and I know a lot of runners get ample use out of them. I found that mine was a little rough around the edges and didn't have the longevity after I put it through the ringer
I love me some Black Diamond Distance 8 (Summer) and Distance 15 (Winter) for adventure runs. I’ll be getting the Distance 4 for actual trail races and for day to day training where I won’t need all the emergency kit and clothing. Thanks for the review.
I’ll be in the market for something similar soon - my Salomon vest only really carries flasks and not much else. This one seems to have a similar design, with a backpack. Would love to find one where you can get the flasks in and out super quick.
I don’t know why they can’t just make the bottle holders wide with pull string bungees to tighten them up. That way you could actually use all manner of bottles in them easily
Nice review. I just stick to the salomons, never anything to fault.. Maybe quality, but I use them pretty hard. I have had a camelbak it was ok. And just got a nathan vaporkrar 12l, it sucks! I have 3 other salomons, love em.. But this 4 liter looks nice👌🏾 black diamond is quality.
I used to have a Salomon but it used to rub slightly on my neck. Camelbak I used last year for a 50 miler and it was adequate but not mind blowing. I’ve tried some Ultimate Direction ones and also a Naked one recently also. Black Diamond is better than them all for me
Great review, thanks Dan! It looks like the water bottles aren't really held in place well other than with the twisty-tie (a la sandwich bag holder) connected to the tiny tab. Once you remove the twisty-tie, are the bottles staying in place when full and empty given the stiffness of the top? Seems odd there's no cord to attach other bottle types/hold them more securely?
So now we’re a few months on I can add a little more detail. The water bottles do sit against your chest when full but the bungee cord is re only thing that holds it in place. If you get the sizing right of the vest there should be no issue but mine was a little big and this meant I had some bottle movement vertically when running.
Over the years I've owned a number of hydration vests/running backpacks and the one drawback I've had with all of them is the lack of storage space accessible from the front. This model appears to have addressed that issue and I'll certainly be taking a closer look. Thanks for the review.
Exactly! The amount of packs I’ve tried that had a few lousy stretch pouches with minimal storage at that. This one does have a lot more options up front
Ohhh new gear!!! I see a gear review from you Dan and I click on that asap!!! I haven't invested in a vest yet but I often think about it.
There are many, many options out there. I’d always recommend going into store and trying on before purchase!
Great Review her Dan, its nice to have an honest review on things you dont really like about a product :) would you recommend this for long runs on a sunday? up to 20 miles if someone isnt a trail runner?
100% It's lightweight, ample room for all the extras when weather is variable or you want to carry additional snacks. I used it during my recent night trail race as well.
A nice little bit of kit. I bought an Anojie backpack a few weeks back and they look remarkably similar.
I recall buying an Anojie vest a few years back when they hit the UK. They're not bad for the price and I know a lot of runners get ample use out of them. I found that mine was a little rough around the edges and didn't have the longevity after I put it through the ringer
@@DanRuns I only use mine if I'm bringing 2 cameras on a longish run. 🤪
Lovely pair on illuminous yellow gloves you had stashed in the bag mate.
They’ve sadly got a hole down one of the finger lengths now!
I love me some Black Diamond Distance 8 (Summer) and Distance 15 (Winter) for adventure runs. I’ll be getting the Distance 4 for actual trail races and for day to day training where I won’t need all the emergency kit and clothing. Thanks for the review.
That’s great to hear! I think you’ll really enjoy the Distance 4, it’s an excellent lightweight pack with a lot of potential
thanks for the review. do you think a pair of soccer boots would fit in the back compartment?
I did shove a pair of formal shoes for work in the back once, but they weren’t studded so slipped in fine
@@DanRuns thanks!
Great review Dan. I dont run far enough to need a hydration vest myself but good to know if I ever do! 😅
It won't be long before you're doing ultra marathons!
I’ll be in the market for something similar soon - my Salomon vest only really carries flasks and not much else. This one seems to have a similar design, with a backpack. Would love to find one where you can get the flasks in and out super quick.
I don’t know why they can’t just make the bottle holders wide with pull string bungees to tighten them up. That way you could actually use all manner of bottles in them easily
@@DanRuns 💯 It’s bad enough faffing about with them at home let alone an aid station during a race!
I’m enjoying mine - great for longs runs - using it for the SDW50 - fast pack compared to the larger vests I wear 👍👍
Looking forward to hearing how it performs for you at SDW50. New size working better?
@@DanRuns yes usually a medium but small fits better
Nice review. I just stick to the salomons, never anything to fault.. Maybe quality, but I use them pretty hard. I have had a camelbak it was ok. And just got a nathan vaporkrar 12l, it sucks! I have 3 other salomons, love em.. But this 4 liter looks nice👌🏾 black diamond is quality.
I used to have a Salomon but it used to rub slightly on my neck. Camelbak I used last year for a 50 miler and it was adequate but not mind blowing. I’ve tried some Ultimate Direction ones and also a Naked one recently also. Black Diamond is better than them all for me
Great review!
Thanks Jeremy! It’s a great product
Hi Dan! Is the soft flask capacity 500 mL?
Yes they are. You can also fit other brands in there (up to 600ml)