Black Diamond Distance 15 pack review
For some time now, BD has been actively producing Trail Running gear.
I think this move has been heavily influenced by the fact that speed mountaineering, fast packing, and trail running are getting closer and closer as disciplines.
The new generation of athletes are pushing the limits of the impossible, requiring specific gear customization. Brands finally have the chance to impact an athlete's performance by engineering prototypes of new hybrid gear — everything lighter, sturdier, and with more cross-activity than ever. I could really feel this when I received the Black Diamond Distance 15 trail running backpack.
The Distance 15 represents the seamless union between running, scrambling, climbing,
typical terrain of "Nolan's 14"
Design
It is clear from the first look at the design: this pack is for serious trail running in alpine conditions. I can’t think of any other circumstance where I would need an ultralight trail running hydration vest style, with ice axes strapped to the main body.
Designed in collaboration with BD mountain athlete Joe Grant, the Distance 15 represents the seamless union between running/scrambling/climbing, typical terrain of "Nolan's 14", (Running Colorado's 14 peaks of 14,000ft in less than 60h) the challenge which inspired the design of this backpack. The unique shape comes from another BD classic, the Blitz 15, with a running vest and front pockets.
Aesthetically simple, yet sturdy UHMWPE 100d Nylon 4mm Ripstop as the primary material for the body (the same material BD uses in the dogbone of their Camalots), this running backpack is a mix of BD pack technology and the decennial experience in building superior climbing harnesses. The shoulder straps made in the same harness seaming are, at the same time, durable and very comfortable.
Comfort&Features
The BD Distance 15 is a very comfortable running pack.
The design is very straight forward. Like the Blitz, the Distance is a single 15l compartment, attached to a running vest that straps comfortably to your chest and distributes the weight naturally.
The vest has four generous pockets with two zip pockets lined with waterproof material to keep your sweat from your smartphone.
The main body has drawstrings on the side to compress the pack when half loaded. The closure system consists of the outer shell, folding like a roll-top on the soft nylon pack lid aperture.
The outer shell of the pack also allows the fitting of two light trekking poles by sliding them into the sides. At the front bottom of the back, alpinists will notice the little buckles and the loop that typically distinguish ice axes carries.
The internal structure consists of the main compartment, a water bladder compartment with a loop on top, and a small security pocket.
The pack comes in 8 and 15 liters, and recently in a 4 liters version that looks more like just a regular running vest.
Weight to Volume
This pack weighs 394 grams, definitely on the light side of the running backpacks category.
The 15l volume makes this a big pack for one day trail running and is intended to be used when carrying climbing gear like a small rope and a small climbing rack, for those days when running on a technical ridge that requires protection for some of the sections.
I wish BD made a bigger version, maybe a 25-30 liters to appeal to fastpackers.
I usually fit a long trail running kit, especially for those runs in the Japanese Alps. The 15l size comes in handy. So far, I pushed the pack to the limit by carrying:
Water system (two flasks of 500ml or a 1.5-liter bladder), a sawyer-mini, rain jackets, wind shell, small first aid kit, spare clothes (t-shirt, shorts, socks), snacks and gels, cap, headlamp, small power bank, my smartphone, wallet, ultralight sandals (After a full day of running, it's a small luxury to switch from my dirty, muddy shoes before getting on the train back home). I still have plenty of space to fit my trail runners on the way back or eventually to fit an essential climbing rack, a light harness, and thin rope (like a 30m long 7mm thick).
What I Liked
I personally loved the design of the backpack and the feeling of the materials.
You can appreciate the attention to detail.
It's a flexible backpack; even though a 15l seems like overkill for a day trail run, when perfectly compressed there are no noticeable differences from the 8-liter version.
Comfortable! Very comfortable! Different from the usual trail running pack.
What I didn't like
The closure system of the main compartment works better when the pack is fully loaded.
The drawstrings on the pack sides compress the pack load against your back; their job is to hold your stuff and reduce pack bouncing, but they only work for weights under2kgs. Since this is a 15l backpack, I would expect better performance for fully loaded.
The vest is also adjustable by drawstrings but this is slightly less effective than other solutions I experienced in Salomon or Ultimate Direction packs. I always end up pulling these cords to the maximum.
The four pockets can suitably hold my soft bottles, although I noticed a flaw in the closure system design after I pulled too much on the drawstring that supposedly secures the bottle in the pocket. The little ring ripped off the pocket nylon.
Price & Value
The Distance 15 costs about 139 dollars, so it's pretty much averagely priced for an ultra-technical 15 liters. You might find other great alternatives from Salomon, Montrail, and Ultimate Direction for the same price. Still, honestly, none of those will be designed with a specific hybrid activity in mind like the Distance 15.
Conclusion
This pack is a must-have for all those mountain athletes looking forward to something flexible enough to fit multiple activities like running from a trailhead to the summit of a mountain.
Complete Feature list from BD website:
Dynex (Nylon 100d + PE 200d) body material with Dynex Ripstop yarns for bomber tear resistance that is 10x stronger than steel per weight
Quick Blitz-style main opening with slash pocket to tuck all excess skirt cording
Stitch-less Edge Taping Technology for superior shoulder strap comfort, movement and weight reduction
Dual side compression with reflective ticking
Dual Piolet / ice tool carry with metal dogbone for secure pick attachment
Dual Z-Pole Quiver Sleeves to securely carry trekking poles while running and scrambling
Adjustable elastic cording side compression system for a more secure ride while running and scrambling
BD.dry™ vapor barrier back panel lets sweat vapor escape while keeping pack contents dry
Fully water resistant main compartment for high altitude / 4-season running and climbing
Dual 4-way stretch zippered chest pockets with expandable volume and locking zipper pullers
Dual soft flask pockets with BD branded HydraPak® 500ml SoftFlask™ (sold separately) made of ultra-durable, abrasion resistant TPU & RF welded seams for superior durability and elasticity
100% BPA & PVC free
Dual front stretch pockets with elastic closure for nutrition storage
Deploy pocket for the new Deploy Wind Shell
Interior stretch mesh divider wall to hold alpine cordelette / water bladders
Interior zippered security pocket for wallet and key storage
Thanks to Elaine Shimokawa for the proofreading of this article, and Tony Grant for the help in taking the pictures of the trail run!
