Distance 8L Backpack blends ultralight performance with alpine versatility
What Our Gearhead® Experts Are Saying:
"This pack is amazing for light and fast adventures. It feels like a running vest but with room for alpine essentials. The harness is super comfortable, and the Dynex fabric is ridiculously tough—perfect for rugged terrain."
The Black Diamond Distance 8L Backpack is designed for those who push their limits on fast-paced alpine adventures. Whether trail running, scrambling over rocky ridges, or tackling high-altitude routes, this hybrid pack combines the featherweight design of a running vest with the durability and capacity of a technical alpine pack.
Crafted from ultra-strong Dynex Ripstop fabric—10 times stronger than steel by weight—this pack is built to handle the harshest conditions. The Stitch-less Edge Taping Technology enhances comfort and mobility, while the quick Blitz-style opening makes accessing gear effortless. Thoughtful features like dual Z-Pole quiver sleeves, ice axe holsters, flask pockets, and an internal mesh divider ensure we’re prepared for any terrain, making the Distance 8L an indispensable companion for moving light and fast in the mountains.
Details
- 8L capacity hybrid pack combines running vest and alpine pack features
- Dynex Ripstop fabric is 10x stronger than steel by weight for extreme durability
- Stitch-less Edge Taping Technology enhances comfort and reduces weight
- Quick Blitz-style main opening offers easy access to gear
- Dual Z-Pole quiver sleeves and ice axe holsters for versatile carry options
- Elastic side compression system provides a secure fit for fast movement
- BD.dry™ back panel wicks sweat while keeping contents dry
- Compatible with BD HydraPak SoftFlasks and water bladder systems
- Dual chest and stretch pockets for nutrition and small gear storage
- Water-resistant construction for high-altitude and all-season use
- Item #BLDZ9W4
This item is made with PFAS chemicals and cannot be shipped to some states. View Shipping Policy
- Material
- UHMWPE 100D nylon 4mm ripstop
- Volume
- 8L (488cu in)
- Access
- top
- Pockets
- 1 slash, 2 chest zip, 2 soft flask, 2 front stretch
- Ice Axe Carry
- dual side
- Trekking Pole Carry
- dual side
- Compression
- dual side
- Claimed Weight
- 12.5oz
- Activity
- hiking, trail running
- Manufacturer Warranty
- limited lifetime
Reviews
Q&A
What do you think about this product?
Overall Rating
5 based on 25 ratings
Review Summary
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageJanuary 14, 2025
PERFECT
VERY LIGHTWEIGHT, CAN EVEN CARRY Z POLES! LOVE THE COMFORT
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
December 29, 2024
Tons of storage, lightweight
Awesome pack with tons of storage, lightweight, and perfect pack to carry my z poles in
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
October 4, 2024
LOVE this pack!
Great fast running pack! Surprised how well my iPhone 15 pro max fits in the zippered mesh too. Paired it with the 500ml soft flask 👌🏻
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
October 2, 2024
Perfect for everything
My old first-gen Distance 8 is finally wearing out after thousands of miles, hundreds of mountains, 100k PRs, snow and rain, gallons of sweat and pounds of salt, who knows what else. This iteration of the Distance 8 is like an old friend with a few useful refinements. So comfortable I grab it even for a basic 30 minute outing if I want to go hands-free with water or phone, but also absolutely reliable for the biggest adventures.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
September 30, 2024
everything I need
This is an upgrade over my previous vest from a different retailer. Big roomy pockets on the front for flasks with elastic loops that go over the lid to prevent it from sinking down in the sleeve over time. I love the zippered pocket on the left for my phone and the mesh pockets on either side for snacks. The bag has an easy top cinch at the top and is super roomy for the other essentials and then some. There is probably enough space in the pack itself for an emergency overnight. The fit is luxuriously comfortable, feels secure with very little bouncing and jostling. The only aspect of the pack I haven't used is the pole sleeves on either side of the pack or the elastic loops for lashing poles to the outside. They seem like they would work very well with the distance z poles, but not my old school backpacking poles. Really though, this is a great buy, I am extremely satisfied with the fit, feel, and quality of the running pack.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
September 30, 2024
Solid, but not exceptional
Bought this mostly for running events, and specifically for the pole storage. Overall, it's a solid vest and I'll be happy using it. The frontside pockets are large and well placed, the build quality is good, and the feature set is good. Things that could be improved: getting the poles back in their sleeves on the move is quite tricky. There is no fit adjustment anywhere, and it rides kinda low on my back. C'est la vie.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
September 27, 2024
Perfect for runs and hikes….
Love this thing light and compact. Great for anywhere from trail runs to day peak hunting. Wish I had found it sooner…..
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
September 26, 2024
Do Not Hesitate to Buy!
For all to long I ran with a hip pack or a backpack not designed for running. I was tired of all the flopping around and hot spots they created. I purchased the Distance 8 and couldn't be happier. It hugs my body, doesn't flop around and has pockets in all the right places. If your on the fence, take the leap and get yourself a Distance 8!
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
September 9, 2024
Great pack with larger capacity than expected
I bought this 8L pack to do Grand Canyon R2R2R and it seems like it should be perfect. More space than I expected, quality is excellent, looks cool too.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
September 9, 2024
Perfect for all the activities
Great for mountain biking too! I got this primarily for long all-day mountain bike rides where I need extra layers and solid food. Obviously it's also great for when I'm on foot! Overall, I'm just happy it stays put on my upper back, doesn't feel like anything is there, and has ample storage on the front so I don't have to take the pack off very much while riding/hiking/running.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
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