Black Diamond
Black Diamond Distance 15
The Distance 15 is Black Diamond's fast-and-light vest pack, using a Dynex-blended shell for tear resistance at 12.7 oz. It is built for running and fast alpine days rather than general hiking, which is why it costs $200 for 15 L.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓12.7 oz for a pack with a genuine vest harness is very light.
- ✓Dynex blended into the shell adds tear resistance well beyond plain nylon.
- ✓Vest-style construction keeps the load from bouncing at running pace.
- ✓Black Diamond's alpine pedigree shows in the attachment points and simplicity.
- ✓Small enough to disappear under a running pack of layers.
- ✓Widely available with a mainstream brand's warranty and returns.
- ✓Holds shape better than soft running vests when partly empty.
- ✓Well suited to skimo and fast winter days as well as summer running.
Cons
- ✗$200 for 15 L is the worst price-per-litre of any pack in this catalog.
- ✗15 L is genuinely small for anything beyond a fast half-day.
- ✗No frame or support structure of any kind.
- ✗No published maximum load, though the construction implies very little.
- ✗Vest harnesses fit a narrow range of torsos well.
- ✗No hipbelt pockets, unusual at this price.
- ✗Not a general-purpose hiking daypack despite the price.
- ✗Overkill for anyone not actually moving fast.
Compare the Black Diamond Distance 15
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