Black Diamond Beta Light 45 vs Black Diamond Distance 15
Quick take: The Black Diamond Distance 15 costs $250 less; the Black Diamond Beta Light 45 carries more (45 vs 15 liters); the Black Diamond Distance 15 is lighter (0.79 vs 1.98 lbs).
| Spec | Black Diamond Beta Light 45 | Black Diamond Distance 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $450 | $200 |
| Rating | — | 4.7★ (11) |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Frameless |
| Capacity | 45 L | 15 L |
| Weight | 1.98 lbs | 0.79 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | See manufacturer sizing | One size |
| Material | Ultra 200 and Ultra 400 with 4-way stretch mesh | 90% nylon with 10% Dynex shell |
| Back Panel | 2 removable stays with thin foam padding | Dynex body material |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
Black Diamond Beta Light 45
- ✓Combines Ultra 200 and heavier Ultra 400 so the tougher laminate sits where wear happens.
- ✓Two removable stays allow the pack to be stripped for lighter trips.
- ✓4-way stretch mesh holds external loads better than flat mesh.
- ✓Black Diamond's retail presence and support are far stronger than any cottage brand's.
- ✓31.7 oz is competitive with cottage packs of similar volume.
- ✓Ultra laminates are waterproof rather than merely water-resistant.
- ✓Easier to buy, return and warranty than a made-to-order cottage pack.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗$450 is the most expensive ultralight pack here, by $50 over the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra.
- ✗45 L is modest capacity for the price.
- ✗OutdoorGearLab notes design elements that still need refinement -- this is a first-generation product.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗Ultra laminates are hard to field-repair.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Black Diamond has far less ultralight pack heritage than the cottage brands it competes with.
- ✗Heavier than the Bonfus Framus while carrying 13 L less.
Black Diamond Distance 15
- ✓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.
- ✗$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.