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Black diamond are now a well established player in the trail and mountain running scene, their blue and black Z Poles have become iconic and their Distance range of packs are particularly popular with runners seeking a pack to cope with more technical and rugged challenges. I reviewed the previous version of the Distance 8 a couple of years back and it became (still is) my favourite running pack. The new range sees some evolutionary developments and I have been using the larger Distance 15 since August.
The new Distance 15 sees a new harness design and revised front pocket layout and what feels like a lighter but still super durable body fabric alongside an ‘on the go’ pole stash system borrowed from the Distance 4. These changes have pretty much addressed any of the minor niggles that I had with the Distance 8 which was already an excellent pack.
First up the BD Distance packs, with the exception of the Distance 4, are somewhat different to the pure race orientated stretchy running vests. The Distance 8, 15 and 22 are hybrid running alpine packs with the ability to deal with a lot more abuse than your typical running vest pack whilst still being lightweight with. Body hugging fit. Alongside this they have the fixtures to carry two(!) ice tools and to stash poles super securely whilst climbing. It should be clear that BD are aiming at the more adventurous or technical side of the trail running game. The biggest changes to the new Distance 8, 15 and (newly introduced 22) are in terms of the harness. Whilst the previous iteration gave a very good, comfortable and stable carry its flask pockets were very ‘picky’. You could fit BD’s own flasks and a few ‘flatter’ designs but out of my extensive collection only the BD and Decathlon versions really worked. Not so the new design! Everything seems to fit brilliantly! Result!
I’ve been enjoying the larger capacities afforded by the BD Distance range especially in the wake of the 2021 Chinese Ultra tragedy which prompted a re-examination of what would I do if I became immobile in poor conditions. As I often run solo the need to carry warm clothing, some form of bivi-bag/shelter and emergency food always factors into my more remote runs. Shaving grams for comfort is all well and good but as I’ll not be troubling the pointy end of any races it has to be ‘sensible’, more for the sake of my joints than speed! It really is shocking how rapidly you cool down if you’ve been pushing yourself getting a sweat on and then suddenly stop. Doubly so on a windy day if there’s no shelter available. The harness has evolved overall too, loosing its lace up bungee cord side adjustment in favour of a complete stretchy mesh, incorporating super comfy Stitch-less Edge Taping, that allows for additional kidney pockets at the sides. One of the best features for pole users is the new pole stash system. You still get the two slip pockets for more long term or secure storage (for instance when scrambling or climbing) but the Distance 8, 15 and 22 all now get the over the shoulder quiver style system borrowed from the Distance 4. This is similar to the system used for skis on skimo race packs that allows you to rapidly stash the skis over your shoulder without any need for hyper mobile joints – with the BD packs you can easily stash and access your poles on the go. You can even stash your poles in assembled form or use non-collapsible poles. The body of the pack is a custom developed UHMWPE ripstop ideally suited to the more abrasive environment of mountain running and scrambling
In use
I’ve used the Distance 15 across a range of trails and terrain including the Three Peaks in the Yorkshire Dales, around Chamonix on classic European trail running terrain and in Scotland this past winter over Carn Mor Dearg and Ben Nevis. In the process I have carried everything from a fairly minimalist wind shirt, water and survival bag through to water, synthetic puffy, full waterproofs, poles, running spikes, ice axe, thermos (plus lunch), spare mitts and survival bag. No matter what the load the compression cord and well fitting harness allowed me to adjust the pack so there was no or negligible bounce and once running the Distance 15 vanished from my thoughts. The front soft flask pockets are a real improvement allowing easy access and refilling whilst staying super secure – there’s even a little loop to provide additional security. It is possible to drink from the flasks without removing them in many circumstances too if that is your want ;-). On my blue version the draw cord pull handle is now a light blue which shows up well against the black snow skirt, a minor but appreciated improvement. The pole stash system worked a treat and I can honestly say that for me it is the best system that I have used in most ways.
On the winter runs with an ice axe the axe retainers worked well but I think I would prefer a seperate loop for the shaft rather than tucking it under the compression cord – however the compression cord is lighter and gave no problems. The little ‘T’ bars that slot through the axe head are not elasticated like those on my alpine/winter packs and this makes them marginally harder to release with cold fingers (especially if your muscle memory keeps trying to stretch them!) but probably makes them more durable.
Overall I found the Distance 15 hard to fault for the mountain running I do. In fact I would only choose a smaller pack these days if I were racing or running in fairly tame conditions – the tiny weight penalty makes little or no difference to me. Additionally the fabric of the Distance 15 makes it so much more robust when you’re coming into contact with rocks and will ensure greater longevity overall. You could easily use the Distance 15 as an alpine climbing pack for the the sort of ‘approach shoe alpinisme’ characterised by routes like Perrons Traverse etc.
Pros
- Durable
- Stable
- Excellent carrying capacity
- Versatile pockets
- Great pole stowage options
Cons
- A little heavier than some race packs
SRP £160
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