We tested Black Diamond gear, and these pieces can go the distance

Diamonds in the rough

TAYLOR: Our world is nearing critical mass. No, I’m not talking about the density of our planet. I’m referring to the large number of naysayers present to point out any potential shortcoming. We see it most often in conversations around companies. Every brand has a banded army against it, am I right?

Black Diamond may just be an exception. Of all the brands in the space, I’ve never heard anyone talk down to Black Diamond from a brand perspective, and they rarely get slighted for performance.

So, what’s their secret? Practical design updated as necessary. It has been a while since Black Diamond has made adjustments to its trusty pack lineup. There are also tons of new products to support the Distance endeavor.

In a nutshell, many of these pieces leverage sensible adjustments and quality design before unnecessary flashy add-ons, and I appreciate that approach as a fairly simple-minded trail runner. I think many of you will, too. Here are a few pieces to check out for your adventures ahead.

MELISSA: The Lightwire short-sleeve tee is one of those pieces that’s very clearly built for performance first. The biggest thing that stood out to me was how quickly it dries. I wore it on a run and then went straight to lunch after, and I never hit that cold feeling you sometimes get. It just dried quickly enough that I felt totally comfortable the whole time, which honestly makes a big difference on the road or trail.

The material is super light and thin, in a good way. It feels barely there and is really well-suited for hot weather. This is the kind of shirt you reach for in the middle of summer when you don’t want anything heavy or clingy.

It also feels like it was designed with a pack in mind. The cut and construction make sense for movement and wearing something over it, and that’s probably where it performs best.

Fit-wise, it runs a bit long, at least on me, but I’m also on the shorter side. If I got it again, I’d probably go for one of Black Diamond’s cropped tees. Aesthetically, it’s not my favorite for just a quick run without a pack. It has a slightly boxy, almost mini-men’s-tee feel, so it leans more toward functional than flattering.

Overall, the Lightwire short sleeve is a quality, no-fuss performance tee. Not the one I’d pick for style, but absolutely one I’d reach for when it’s hot and I just want something that works.

TAYLOR: Who’s in need of a versatile pair of shorts for summer? Versatile, in my book, needs to offer utility, have potential for multi-sport use, and handle the demands of miles and miles. The Black Diamond Distance Shorts will have your backside for all of that.

Right away, I noticed that these shorts are a little “heftier” than most. Their construction and material choices emphasize durability, with a moderate thickness and DWR water resistance. At the same time, they moved with the body really well through a variety of paces and even for bits of scrambling.

A softer, comfort-oriented liner balanced out the Distance Shorts quite well, and I would have zero hesitation putting in big mountain days in these shorts.

TAYLOR: Not all sun hoodies are created equally. While protection from the rays is an absolute must, comfort is where many of these pieces differ. Black Diamond’s Alpenglow Pro Hoody is one of the most comfortable and offers great crossover appeal between sports.

It is made of a stretchier nylon jersey that is relaxed on the body, but not so much that it bounces everywhere on the run. The material was breathable enough to quickly dry sweat and could be worn as a base or mid-layer.

I was equally happy with its performance, whether running, hiking, or biking to/from trailheads (the stretchy hood fits over helmets). This is a layer that can easily be thrown in the pack for summer days up high.

REESE: These days, it feels like most waterproof jackets for running are great at being packable and for the errant rainshower or storm. But what if you get caught in a big storm and the temps drop? Maybe this is just something I think about in the backcountry here in the Colorado mountains, but getting caught hours away from safety and up at high elevation, where things can change quickly, is a real danger. Having a real jacket that can keep you dry and offer warmth is a bit rare.

The Black Diamond Deploy might just be the ticket for those big backcountry adventures when you need to be prepared for the worst. With a waterproof rating of 20,000mm and a breathability rating of 20,000g, you’re getting some serious protection, ideal for heavy rain or wet snow conditions.

This jacket can seemingly do it all. It’s windproof and waterproof, but it’s still breathable. To test the latter, I ran in it in non-rainy conditions to see if I overheated. I found it quite comfortable even in sunny 40-degree heat. While it’s built for mountain running, the hood can accommodate a helmet too. Who knows, maybe you’re headed to Long’s Peak to run up halfway (hauling rope and climbing gear), and then you’ll switch to climbing? Either way, this jacket has you covered. You can cinch the hood down for use without a helmet.

I found that the sizing is a bit big, which is great for layering over a down jacket, but with a layer underneath, it does bounce around quite a bit while running. I’d suggest sizing down if you don’t plan to use this as a shell.

ALEX: Black Diamond Z-poles have been a consistent piece of gear in my pack for the past decade. The Z-pole construction is incredibly light and is one of the quickest systems to deploy and stow.

This is my first experience with the FKT model, and after using it, I’m not sure I can go back.

The Distance Carbon Z FKT Poles swap the traditional strap for a lightweight mesh glove, which noticeably improves power transfer. While LEKI has leaned into this style with its Shark system, Black Diamond’s execution feels dialed in. It’s more minimal, more breathable, and overall just easier to use.

Early on, the magnetic quick-connect system felt smooth and intuitive, but deep into Cocodona, I found myself fumbling with it. By mile 230, when I was exhausted and mentally cooked, clipping in and out stopped feeling seamless and started becoming frustrating. It’s one of those systems that works well when you’re fresh, but in a long, multi-day race where coordination and patience start to disappear, I found myself wishing it were a little simpler and easier to manage under fatigue.

Another big upgrade is the collapse button. Previous versions could be frustrating and occasionally finger-pinching; this one is smoother, more intuitive, and much easier to manage on the fly.

TAYLOR: I get so jazzed up when I find new go-tos! The Black Diamond Deploy Wind Hood Gloves are my latest finds. For me, they ride the line between being practical and providing comfort measures, all in a minimalistic package.

The thin fleece main glove fit wonderfully, with no extra length on the fingers or unnecessary bagginess in the palm. The fleece was warm enough for the mid-30s (while running) but wasn’t too warm for the breezy low 50s either.

When needed, a bunch of extra features make the Deploy Wind Hood Gloves stand out more than the rest. For starters, the wind and water-resistant (not waterproof, FYI) mitts could easily be deployed for extra protection. Even more, a gridded fleece at the base of the thumb was perfect for wiping snot — an often-overlooked feature in my book. Also, the slightly longer wrist collar was a perfect place to stuff the mitts without unnecessary bulging. Lastly, but surely not least, was the practical and comfortable integration of a watch window, which made glancing at splits and elevation really easy.

10/10 would recommend this glove for chasing the alpenglow or in semi-inclement conditions.

TAYLOR: Being able to pack 1,100 lumens into such a lightweight package is no joke. Black Diamond has created a truly lightweight, no-bounce, highly capable headlamp here. There are multiple light colors, various modes for a variety of needs, and a very clear display of light that pours from the Distance 1100 Headlamp.

It’s worth noting that the 1,100 lumens is short-lived. It’s only a 10-second burst of light to see the terrain more clearly ahead. A quick tap on the side of the headlamp throws the light out beautifully. Then, it diminishes to the previous setting.

When I’m out in the woods solo, I would really prefer a headlamp that consistently puts out at least 900 lumens. So, Black Diamond, if you could just, like… make that happen with this particular package, that would be awesome!

However, if you’re someone who often runs with company or only runs for a short period in the dark, the max of 600 lumens should do you just fine. I appreciated how clearly the light flooded the trails for running at a low to moderate pace.

TAYLOR: I have two confessions. First, before running in it, I wrote this belt off because of the advances in running belts over the last couple of years. The Distance Running Belt reminded me of my first Ultimate Direction belt, which was great at the time but, sadly, was never really improved upon.

Second confession: after running in it, I admit that the Black Diamond Distance Running Belt is one of the most bang-for-your-buck belt options.

A simple one-fold design leads the way. There are no seams on the bottom of the belt, which definitely translates to a lighter-weight, more comfortable construction off the bat.

A broader design allowed for more storage around the belt rather than concentrating it in one pocket, which almost always leads to excessive bouncing. I was able to store a bottle in the rear, phone in the front, keys on the intended loop, and fuel along the sides, all without bounce! If needed, the front and rear pockets could store my lightweight windshell and a pair of gloves, too.

My one reservation with this style of belt is that anything stored on the back will be felt on the back. So, even though poles and a bottle could be carried with very little bounce, there’s no padding to protect your lower back from that pressure.

Ideally, this belt can work for shorter trail runs. If you desire to go longer, bring a small filtration system.

SAM: In a world of running vests and soft flasks that always seem to fit together weirdly, Black Diamond has decided to take the high road and include their tapered-bottom soft flasks with vests like the Distance 2 and Distance 6 (see below). The pockets on the Distance 2 are made for these flasks, so getting them in and out is easy, and I experienced very little bounce, no matter how much water was in there. We can all agree that vest bounce is a miserable thing, and the Distance 2 is worth it just for how little bounce it has when loaded down.

The open-mesh makeup of this vest is about as breathable as a vest like this can get, and I’m a big fan of the way the pockets (both front and back) extend as far under your armpits as possible so as to maximize storage. I found that I needed to fiddle hardly at all with the straps to get a comfortable, solid fit. On top of all this, you get a secure zipper pocket in the front and a handy pole storage system. You absolutely cannot go wrong with the Distance 2.

REESE: I just wanted to offer another perspective on this vest. I was nervous that the bottles would bounce in this vest, given no way to cinch down the flask pockets, but like Sam, I just didn’t experience the dreaded flaccid flask bounce. As a smaller female with a small chest, I was worried this would just be too big a vest for me, but the small fit me surprisingly well. The straps were spaced far enough from my neck that I never experienced any chafing or discomfort.

Honestly, pretty shocked by how much I like this vest. It’s got just enough storage for 90% of my runs and is light enough to forget it’s there.

MICHAEL: Unlike Taylor’s allusions to the large advances in running belt technology over the last few years, the same can’t necessarily be said for running vests. Rather, I think what we’re seeing from most brands is steady refinements to tried-and-true designs, along with the occasional spinoff from the norm into wilder designs that don’t seem to gain much traction in the market.

The Black Diamond Distance 6 Vest certainly falls into the former camp, with a classic two-front-pocket layout that resembles the Salomon Sense 5 vest, one of our favorites. In the back of the vest, an easy-access jacket-stuff pocket (a feature that really sets the Salomon vests apart from the competition) and a zippered top pocket round out a simple yet compelling option for a wide range of applications. 5- to 6 Liter options are the most versatile vest sizes, and this one offers plenty of storage for a jacket, two 500-ml flasks, and a plethora of gels.

In addition to having what is, in my opinion, the most optimal possible pocket layout for a running vest, the Distance 6 features quality materials and stout construction that are sure to make this vest a workhorse in your training miles for years to come. A pole attachment system and two 500 ml flasks (included) round out a fantastic option for your next singletrack companion.

ALEX: I used the early versions of the Distance 22 quite a bit for fastpacking and longer mountain days when it first came out, and this updated version feels noticeably more refined. The original occupied a really interesting space between running vest and alpine pack, but this version feels more stable, more comfortable when loaded, and generally easier to move fast in.

What I’ve always appreciated about the Distance series is that it solves the problem of cramming too much gear (I always bring too much gear) into my standard 12L running vest. Once you add insulating layers, cold-weather gear, extra water, poles, food, and safety equipment, most race vests start to feel like you’ve stuffed a basketball in the back. It makes me irrationally angry when a pack is overpacked.

The updates to the harness and storage layout stand out especially. The vest-style fit feels more dialed, the front storage is easier to access, and the pack feels less floppy when loaded.

I also continue to really like this size for fastpacking — it hits a sweet spot where you can carry enough to actually be self-sufficient without immediately drifting into full backpacking territory. This one is super fun for big days where you’re switching between running, hiking, scrambling, layering, eating, and reorganizing on the fly.