Black Diamond Distance 15 Review

Black Diamond takes inspiration from their successful climbing and skiing backpacks and brings this mountain heritage into the design of the Distance 15. This running pack is built for long mountain missions, and it has the durability and water resistance to withstand almost any adventure. The 100D ripstop exterior is stiff and not form-fitting, but paired with a well-designed chassis and adjustment straps across the ribcage and chest, it makes for a comfortable, secure suspension. Dual quiver pole sleeves, two ice axe attachments, ample storage in the chest pockets, and 15 liters of carrying capacity make the Distance suitable for fast-packing outings, quick approaches to the crag, or commuting to work. Versatility is the name of the game with this pack, but it excels at long mountain running most.

Performance Comparison

Comfort

With a large blitz pocket on the back, we had immediate concerns about weight distribution and bounce with this pack. Recently updated, the Distance 15 now has independent flank pockets on both sides like other high-volume hydration vests. Improved pockets also are easier to access and more adequately cover soft flasks for a secure fit. The running harness is comfortable and no longer features the side adjustment. A wrap design securely snugs your back and sides and is similar to what is seen on smaller storage vests.

We found that this pack's comfort was best if we limited the weight to about 10 pounds. While it can carry more, the light harness starts to dig into the skin. Rigidity in the back panel minimizes items protruding from the back, and the open design accommodates more irregular items. You will achieve the least bouncing by properly filling the pack to around its desired volume or by packing insulating layers.

Two closures across the sternum and lower ribs can be repositioned to the best point of comfort, accommodating more body types. We like the upper static closure and lower elastic closure, which provide snug comfort while still allowing breathing room. Our only complaint with the comfort is that the bottom can feel slightly too rigid when filled. This pulls on the side compression, stretching out the harness and making it slightly less comfortable.

Features

Simplicity is one of the main selling points of the Black Diamond pack lineup, and this creates increased flexibility across a wide range of activities. The singular main compartment allows for packability and storage that is spacious and consistent. This design means the pack can accommodate larger and stiffer items more easily. Think stove, climbing gear, and crampons. Other packs that use stretchy fabric must use slimness and tension to pull the pack tight. While this creates a great bounce-free silhouette, it lacks packability for items that don't naturally compress.

The on-the-go pole storage design on the Distance 15 is the best we've seen and allows the poles to be securely stowed and removed. This uses a similar mechanism to common ski mountaineering packs — poles don't clutter up the front of the vest, but you can still access them without removing the whole pack.

For those times when you want an easier solution, you can use the Z-Pole pouches. These dedicated pockets give easy entry, security, and removal on the go. You'll have to remove the pack to stow the poles, so this method is best when breaks are frequent. Two ice axes can also be attached — the shaft of the axe is securely held by side compression straps, which can also accept clothes or outerwear.

Hydration System

Our previous gripes with the hydration system on the Distance 15 have been fixed, upgrading this pack in our lineup. The soft flask pouches have been extended and raised to interfere less with front storage. This allows for easy removal and placement and prevents the need for closures. The zippered pocket is slanted, so a phone or other objects interfere less with the bottle. There is also a hydration sleeve and port to allow users multiple options, although we prefer flasks.

It's worth noting that this pack does not come with flasks. While this could be a gripe for some, we are happy that Black Diamond is reducing potential waste for users that already have too many. Given the raised height of the pockets, 500-700ml flasks are ideal with this pack.

Volume to Weight Ratio

The Distance 15 scored well here. The updated version is slightly heavier, but we think the comfort outweighs this impact. Still, this pack feels featherweight for a 15-liter running pack that is far more durable than the standard. We think that between the volume of this pack and its durability, users will love how light it is and how much gear weight it can carry.

This packed volume is about the max for consistent, comfortable running. Ultimately how the pack feels will come down to what you carry. The Distance 15 is best for overnights and ultra-endurance events or self-supported missions. In our opinion, it carries just enough of a margin for safety in high-alpine environments.

Pockets

A large, fully waterproof main compartment with a blitz opening (quick pull) simplifies accessing all of the gear you need to protect from moisture. Inside that main compartment is a mesh zipper pocket for storing valuables. Seven other pockets are located on the shoulder straps, with a secured zipper pocket higher up on each shoulder and two slanted mesh pockets on each strap intended for snacks, headlamps, gloves, and soft flasks.

The new pocket material is stretchier and more secure, with the slanted side pockets being our favorites. The outer external shell does a great job of shedding water, but the breathable external back panel does tend to transfer moisture. While there is not as much up-front storage as some of the competition, we like the streamlined nature of the front and don't wish for anything extra.

Should You Buy the Black Diamond Distance 15?

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. With a comfortable and ergonomic shape and constructed of durable materials, you have a lot of carry options. This pack has gotten more daily use than any of the other bags we've tested, rendering it a high-value option in our minds.

What Other Running Hydration Packs Should You Consider?

While we love the Distance 15 for mountain and trail usage, we'd recommend the Salomon ADV Skin 12 for those looking to carry slightly less with more running comfort. The Skin 12 is more suitable for a long day, but for running overnighters or bivy usage, there is no greater pack in our lineup than the Distance 15. If your needs are less technical and you want to save some bucks, check out the REI Co-op Swiftland 5.