Free Shipping and Returns. Since this is a 15l backpack, I would expect better performance for fully loaded. Mountain fans, who like to travel fast in remote and alpine terrain, generally need more equipment, which was previously packed in a (larger) normal running vest or in a (smaller) classic backpack. Thus, an earnest running pack becomes less of a luxury, and more of a necessity. No duplication of photos, maps, or text without permission. Unfortunately, there is no suspension loop to support the water reservoir itself from the top of the pack, so it tends to slouch at the bottom of the pack and become uncomfortable as it empties. I personally loved the design of the backpack and the feeling of the materials. Your email address will not be published. The runs have become longer, the missions more demanding, and time after time I find the Distance suiting my desires better than any other pack in the arsenal. 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). 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. After 150 plus miles of pushing the Black Diamond Distance 15 to its limit, Ive come away a happy runner. The buckles seemed robust and easy to handle. The shoulder straps made in the same harness seaming are, at the same time, durable and very comfortable. Your email address will not be published. Thanks to the above-mentioned characteristics and a very good and light back padding the wearing comfort is good. The BD Distance 15 is a very comfortable running pack. As with pretty much every other running vest, the Distance 15 is uncomfortable to sip from the front water bottles while on the move. Unfortunately, I could not manage longer, more technical trips in steep terrain with high trails in the test period, although the backpack is designed primarily for these activities. The fit, features, and durability of the pack mostly exceed my expectations. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. In hybrid running packs like the Distance 15, fit and durability tend to go hand in hand. Your email address will not be published. Ski touring, Splitboarding, Telemark Skiing, Trail Running, Hiking; we have the gear for all your backcountry adventures! The, Trailrunning backpacks and hip belts: Faithful companions over rough and smooth. 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. 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 500mlSoftFlask(sold separately) made of ultra-durable, abrasion resistant TPU & RF welded seams for superior durability and elasticity, 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. A strong set of features that allow the pack to fit into a range of activities, plus performance to match, make the Distance 15 a compelling choice. If you like the concept of the Black Diamond Distance 15, but do not need so much packing volume, you can use the 8l variant, the Distance 8. The main compartment is spacious and simple. The Black Diamond Distance 15 is a hybrid pack that won't be held back by traditional barriers. I cant think of any other circumstance where I would need an ultralight trail running hydration vest style, with ice axes strapped to the main body. Internal pockets improve the organization as well. We appreciate the thought behind the zippered pockets on the shoulder straps, one for quick deployment of a rain or wind layer and one for keys, headlamp, or micro-trash. It has gotten more daily use than any of the other bags we've tested, so the value should be apparent. It looks more like a conventional daypack for hiking. There is inherent value in a pack as versatile as the Distance 15 because you will likely use it for far more than just running. While this is a trend with many packs that incorporate soft flasks on the chest, the sternum straps need to have more adjustability or the elastic cording on the sides needs to be easier to make minor changes while on the move. OSPREY-PACKS: Backpacking Pack Sale! Since the pack is larger than your average running vest, it also serves nicely as a small daypack with the added benefit of vest-style storage on the shoulder straps. In addition to pole sleeves, the Distance 15 is equipped to carry two ice axes, appropriate for those of you who also enjoy running and scrambling in a climbing helmet. The distance I had covered was much less than the distance I had yet to cover. This pack has quickly become what I grab first for the majority of my missions. I always end up pulling these cords to the maximum. Sam always loves to connect on Instagram at @swbugas. There is also a pocket on each shoulder that is secured by a zipper, and because of their size, they are incredibly useful! 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). Viewed from the front, the Distance 15 reminds me to the trail running world: Small elastic compartments for fast handling on the go. Is it a vest, a pack, or an overbuilt seat pad? This pack weighs 394 grams, definitely on the light side of the running backpacks category. Side compression straps compress gear, improving wearability, and hold piolet shafts in place. Free Shipping and Returns. But that was to be expected with this construction. From the abrasive effects of central Oregon peaks to saturating Oregon rain, and freezing alpine storms atop Mt. Whether with a shirt, several thin layers or a rain jacket he was comfortable to wear. and if you have any food or readily accessible gear in these pockets, it makes it all the more challenging. The top handle and elastic could be improved to handle more extreme conditions and use, but little else clearly needs to be improved. A large synch and clip top entrance makes for efficient packing and gear retrieval. In June I had the opportunity to test the Distance 15 and took the backpack for mountaineering at the Garmisch Classics (Eckbauer, Kreuzjoch, Wank, Stepbergalm, ), as well as on a simple mountain hike in Slovakia. To move the chest straps higher or lower, they need to be unhooked and rehooked onto different loops. The extra storage space on the shoulder straps is a bonus as well, giving you the opportunity to balance your weight between the front and back for a more natural center of gravity. Still, honestly, none of those will be designed with a specific hybrid activity in mind like the Distance 15. Black Diamond combinesthe best technology of both running vests and alpine packs in the Distance 15 backpack. Unlike you would expect from the front, the Distance 15 from the rear is more reminiscent of a hiking backpack. In recent years, speed hiking, alpine running, scrambling & co. have become more popular and the boundaries between climbing, hiking and trail running have been blurred. On the outside of the pack, there is an open compartment on each side of the pack to hold trekking poles, along with a sling at the base of the pack to tuck the working end of an ice axe for easy storage during winter endeavors. The Distance 15s design shows what it was purpose-built to do: create seamless interchangeability between long-distance running and alpine missions. Still, the next 13 miles of running through Oregons alpine forests and rocky peaks were the best yet, and I had the Black Diamond Distance 15 to thank. With aspirations of using his degree in marketing to work within the outdoor industry, Sam hopes to help promote more sustainable initiatives for outdoor companies. Save big on Exos/Eja, Atmos/Aura, and Stratos/Sirrus Backpacks. The outer shell of the pack also allows the fitting of two light trekking poles by sliding them into the sides. I usually fit a long trail running kit, especially for those runs in the Japanese Alps. The Distance 15 costs about 139 dollars, so it's pretty much averagely priced for an ultra-technical 15 liters. At first glance, the Distance 15 scored very highly on the volume to weight ratio, but consider that most other packs include soft flasks or a bladder with the pack. 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. 2022 Dirtbag Dreams Gear Reviews. Apply today! Aside from during a few extreme conditions, the Distance performed exceptionally in every environment it was put in. It is clear from the first look at the design: this pack is for serious trail running in alpine conditions. The Black Diamond Distance 15 exceeds expectations as an adventure vest. Sign up for exclusive offers, original stories, events and more. GearLab is reader-supported. While we are not entirely thrilled with the hydration system, we are confident that the Black Diamond Distance 15 will perform for the runner looking for longer and more rugged mountain missions. The vest is also adjustable by drawstrings but this is slightly less effective than other solutions I experienced in Salomon or Ultimate Direction packs. Ive found the Distance to fit like a second shirt, assisted immensely by elastic chords on either side that help the pack to hug you. Whether empty or packed he was never too loose or too tight for me. Take it spelunking and canyoneering Saturday, on a snowy spring mountain adventure Sunday, and then ride to work with your laptop and running shoes in it on Monday morning. Like much of the bag, the bungee is fully adjustable and intuitive to fiddle with for just the right comfort. Its essential to travel light and fast while never sacrificing essentials like food, water, and navigation. Itincludes vest-inspired suspension for running, and a time-tested alpine pack design for carrying a variety of tools for mountain adventures. The main advantages are the flexibility, the great fit, the comfort and the water resistance. The chest straps hook on tight loops along the inner edge of both shoulder straps. The internal structure consists of the main compartment, a water bladder compartment with a loop on top, and a small security pocket. Combined with the dedicated reservoir compartment in the main pocket with a capacity of 2-3L, this pack will likely give you the capacity needed to get through long stretches between water sources. The straps, being wider, allow the packs weight to be distributed broadly across the shoulders and chest. By keeping things simple, the design of this pack makes it super easy to use, and retains a spacious and familiar pack shape, while adding a vest and pockets for more on-the-go accessibility, and the ability to more evenly distribute the weight. Capable, durable, and comfortable. Black Diamond Distance 15 Backpack Both features are simple additions, yet they indicate Black Diamonds intent to produce a versatile ultralight pack capable of supporting more technical endeavors while keeping a relatively low profile and maintaining its general function as an everyday hiking vest. Their intended use is more rooted in stowing the poles for hand over hand climbing, not quick storage for running down a blistering descent.