The Black Diamond Distance 15 is a hybrid running, hiking and climbing pack that gets a good balance of features and price.
Table of Contents
ToggleEditor’s note as of 23rd January, 2025: Since we originally reviewed, the Black Diamond Distance 15 has had a bit of an update. We tried the new model out and put it through the same testing scenarios. The main areas of distance is a slightly updated harness system which is said to increase comfort and reduce bunching. We didn’t find it made much difference, as we didn’t really find the original bunched. It does seem to be cut a little better to the body though. The fabric has also become lighter but is still ad durable as the original. Some of the side pockets seem to sit more easily accessible too. These things don’t make a huge difference, but they’re nice all the same. Our link outs now are to the updated version. Everything else in our review below still stands.
Good to know: This daypack is generally marketed as unisex, so just use the sizing system to find your fit and you’re good to go. Though if buying through REI, they do offer both a women’s and men’s variant.
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Exceptionally light
- Reasonable price
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Not suitable for heavier loads
- Not fully water resistant
The Black Diamond Distance 15 is a great daypack through and through. Black Diamond have combined their knowledge in running with climbing and made a pack that sits perfectly in a hybrid area that will suit a lot of hikers.
From my tests, I found this pack to be very durable and ready to go in all terrain. To be honest, I could find few faults with it (I would like to see storage for water bottles added and I think the straps could offer a little more by way of padding).
It’s also reasonably priced too – and in its category, is actually less than some of the other models we’ve reviewed, and I think it’s a really good value for money proposition. Where it really comes into its own is its weight – at 361g/0.79lb, it’s one of the lightest in our round up of best hiking daypacks.
This article is part of our overall guide to the best daypacks, see more in this guide:
- Best Daypacks for Hiking
- How to Choose The Right Daypack For Your Hike
- How We Tested Hiking Daypacks
- Compare Hiking Daypacks
You may also be interested in: Best Waterproof Hiking Backpacks
Compare to Similar Products:
Product | Osprey Talon 22 | Gregory Maya 25 | Deuter Speed Lite 23 | Osprey Stratos 24 | Gregory Citro 24 | Rab Tensor 20 | Osprey Daylite/Plus | Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 | Black Diamond Distance 15 | The North Face Basin 24L | Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil 20 | Cotopaxi 24L Batac Pack | Granite Gear Dagger Ultralight | Rab Adrift 24L | Adidas Terrex Climacool Daypack | Cotopaxi Luzon Del Dia 24L |
Buying Options | ||||||||||||||||
Our Award | Best Overall Daypack | Best Overall Daypack - runner up | Best Daypacks For Women | Best Daypacks For Men | Best Waterproof Hiking Daypack | Best Daypack For Hot Weather | Best Daypack For Travel | Best Hiking Daypack With Hydration | Best Lightweight Daypack | |||||||
Type and Style | Lightweight all purpose backpack for hiking, climbing and bikepacking | Active hikes, longer trails, climbing | Hybrid trail running/hiking/climbing | Full suspension backpack | Full suspension hiking pack | Lightweight summer pack | Lightweight lifestyle travel/hiking pack | Full suspension backpack/summit pack | Hybrid trail running/hiking/climbing | Hiking and biking | Ultralight daypack | Basic hiking | All round hiking | Fully waterproof hiking | Basic hiking, travel and general day to day use | Basic hiking, general everyday use, travel |
Material | bluesign®-approved recycled 100D x 210D wave check high-tenacity nylon with a PFC-free DWR coating. | 100D 30% recycled high density nylon, 200D 45% recycled high density nylon | 140D and 100D recycled polyamide | 210D recycled nylon body, 420D recycled nylon accents and bottom with a PFC/PFAS-free DWR | 210D Honeycomb Cryptorip Nylon and 420D High Density Nylon body. EVA foam straps, alloy steel frame. 135D High Density and 50% recycled polyester lining | 100% recycled 420D polyester ripstop | bluesign® approved 300D recycled polyester | 210D recycled nylon, DWR | UHMWPE ripstop body fabric and mesh | 210D recycled ripstop nylon and 600D recycled polyester also all with non PFC DWR | 15D high strength nano nylon fabric with silicon coating for water resistance | Offcut material used from other brands production runs, making a sustainable pack | Nylon (100D and 210D) | PFAS Free ripstop nylon | 100% recycled polyester | Offcut material used from other brands production runs, making a sustainable pack |
Capacity | 22 liters | 25 | 23L | 24L | 24 liters | 20 liters | 20 liters | 30L | 15L | 24L | 20L | 24L | 22L | 24L | 32L | 24L |
Breathability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Not as good as some other models | OK | OK | Not as good as some other models | Poor | OK | Good | OK | OK | OK |
Pockets | 6 | 9 | 9 | 6 | 7 | 7 | 8 | 7 | 11 | 6 | 1 | 6 | 6/7 | 7 | 6 | 5 |
Dimensions | 48 x 28 x 23 cm | 50.8 x 28.4 x 23.3 cm | 52 x 27 x 18 cm | 59 x 34 x 24cm | 52 x 28 x 20 cm | 50 x 30 x 23cm | 43 x 26 x 20 cm | 57 x 27 x 24 cm | 47 x 32 x 13 cm | 50 x 27.9 x 17 cm | 48 x 28 x 20 cm | 51 x 28 x 18 cm | 53.34 x 33.02 x 20.32 cm | 52 x 30 x 25 cm | 50 x 26.5 x 17 cm | 60 x 30 x 17 cm |
Rain Cover | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | Yes | No | No | No | No - but the daypack is already waterproof | No | No |
Durability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Excellent | OK | Good | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good |
See the Black Diamond Distance 15 in more detail:
Analysis and Test Results
This is an incredibly well-versed pack that will suit lightweight hikers, trail runners and summit pushes well. Coming in at 361g/0.79lb, it has won our award for best lightweight daypack.
This pack also offers a lot when it comes to comfort – whilst the shoulder straps aren’t as padded as some of the others in our reviews, the running style harness offers exceptional comfort (only for lighter loads). It’s also pretty shock resistant (aimed at running but applicable for all hiking and moving fast).
It also offers some good attachment points too for things like ice axes, hiking poles and other specialist gear. It also has an internal hydration reservoir pouch, and space for soft water poches on the harness. Making it a very versatile pack.
Performance Comparison
Type and Style
The Black Diamond Distance 15 is a hybrid pack that combines everything you’d expect from a trail running pack or vest with a more full-on summit pack or climbing pack. This is evidenced with the combination of attachment points on the body alongside the running vest style straps and suspension system.
It’s also very lightweight and from my tests, I found it to be extremely comfortable for longer periods. It also absorbs shock well and feels like it sits really well even when moving quickly along a bumpy trail. It’s not the best for hikers who want to carry heavier loads, but used correctly, this is a fantastic, well featured but also minimally fussy pack.
Material
The Black Diamond Distance 15 daypack uses UHMWPE ripstop body fabrics, with mesh used extensively in all other areas. They also use stitchless edge taping to help with comfort and close to body feel.
This pack does feel extremely well made and durable. It is absolutely built to last. From testing, I haven’t experienced any bumps and scrapes, even when scrambling and in tight spots. I feel confident in saying that if you look after this pack, it will last you for a long time.
Breathability
This pack is actually incredibly breathable. Given that it feels more like it’s aimed at fast and light scrambling and trail running, it seems Black Diamond have actually considered the fact that these types of trail activity will likely make you sweat more.
The mesh on the shoulders and the mesh on the back keep your back feeling pretty good on longer trails in hotter temperatures too. Obviously, there is some warmth and perspiration, but you’ve got to expect this on any pack!
It also helps that this pack is lighter so can hold lighter gear and as such, allows you to free yourself from heavier items that you may expect to weigh down on you more. I am confident in saying from my tests, that this is one of the most breathable packs I’ve tested in this category.
Waterproofing
The main body section of the pack is made from a full on UHMWPE rip stop nylon – Black Diamond don’t make any claims about the packs waterproofing from their website. However, from my testing I can confidently say that the main body of the pack keeps out light to moderate rain.
Anything further than this, and you’ll want to buy an extra waterproof cover for it. I’m not keen on the fact that small sections of the Black Diamond Distance 15 are open near the top and not protected from the elements (near the drawstring). However, if you know the trails you’ll be taking on will be mainly dry, this is a perfect, good to go option.
Dimensions
The Black Diamond Distance 15 is roughly 47x32x13cm/18.5×12.5x5in (I say roughly as these are from my measurements and not direct from Black Diamond, which are not available for this particular pack).
That means unfortunately, it may be a little too big for some airlines as carry on (but worth checking in advance). However, one of its massive saving graces is it feels so streamlined and light on your back when wearing. It’s also perfect if you’re more petite and find some other packs too long.
Fit
This pack is offered in XS, S, M, L (more information on sizing can be found on Black Diamond’s website). I was really happy through my tests with this pack at just how well it fitted and sat on the body and back throughout my hikes. I think this is very much due to the running harness system, which makes this hybrid pack sit snugly on the body and negates any bounce from movement (especially good if trail running).
The fact that the straps and clips are also relatively stretchy gives some room for adjustment too. Given the dimensions of the back and its very slight ‘coffin’ shape, this pack is well suited to more petite wearers.
Storage
Even though this is a relatively no frills, small capacity daypack, I was pretty impressed with the level of storage on offer. The main body section of the back is more than big enough to hold everything you’ll need for a day on the trail.
The attachment points on the pack make it easy to carry everything you may need for crag and rock climbing as well as summit days too. There’s space for hiking poles and offers easy access whilst on the trail. You can also easily attach ice axes and there’s other hooks where you can make use of carabiners too.
I love the storage on offer on the harness strap system. There’s space for water pouches, snacks and a zipped section on each side too. Allowing you to keep important items close to you.
Inside, there’s space for a hydration reservoir and a small, zipped pocket for valuables too. In total, the Black Diamond Distance 15 has 11 pockets. Though do keep in mind, there are technically no bottle storage pouches on the sides of this pack, like most others in our round up of best hiking daypacks.
However, the pack does have, although not immediately obvious, side storage pockets. From testing, I have found they are not big enough to fit a water bottle in.
Comfort
This pack uses a running style harness that sits on the body. It has been redesigned recently and Black Diamond claim it reduces bunching (which I think it does from testing). It also uses stitchless taping which allows for a more comfortable fit on the body.
One area I’d love to see some improvement on the Black Diamond Distance 15 is when it comes to shoulder strap padding. The straps aren’t particularly well padded. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that this isn’t really what this pack is intended for.
If you’re wanting to move fast and light, trail running, scrambling or really keep it minimal on a day hike, then you will find this pack good. When I tested it on much lighter pack days, it felt nimble and light. It won’t take heavier weights though. The back system isn’t structured enough for this either in my opinion.
If you want something for heavier loads, you’d be better off looking at the Osprey Talon 22, Mystery Ranch Coulee 30 or the Gregory Citro 24. However, I did love the feel of the shoulder straps when on the body. I also love the cross-harness style system with adjustment pull chords that attach the straps to the sides too.
Features
One thing I love about this pack is the fact that it’s well featured, but it doesn’t shout it. I loved the minimal design, and it feels like it’s simplistic enough to be used off trail too – for day to day use, extending its useability.
The hiking pole storage is actually very well designed, allowing quick and easy access to your poles. The same is to be said for an ice axe and other specialist equipment. I also really like how Black Diamond have taken everything that’s good about a running vest and combined it with a summit pack – allowing you to extend your adventures even further.
Durability
This pack is really clearly built to last – and is made from a heavy duty ripstop fabric for the body and heavy duty mesh for the straps and other external sections. I’ve taken this pack on some pretty full on trails and I’ve been pleased with how it’s performing. Even after wear and tear, it doesn’t show any signs of scuffs.
I’m confident to say that if you look after this pack, there is no reason it shouldn’t last you a long time. I would say to pay attention to the shoulder straps in terms of prolonging their life, though. Over time, these can get clogged with sweat, so it’s good to keep them clean.
Sustainability
Black Diamond don’t say if this pack is made of recycled materials or not. However, this aside, this pack is well made and built to last. Which is obviously a good thing when it comes to sustainability. One of the best things we can do for sustainability is to buy less, so having a pack that is going to last the test of time of course helps here!
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a pack that combines the best of a running harness with a more technical pack, then I think you will be pleased if you decide to buy the Black Diamond Distance 15. It has an excellent assortment of attachment points and pockets and it’s a lightweight pack, coming in at 361g/0.79lb.
If you’re looking to carry heavier loads, then this pack might not be for you, but get it right and this 15L, well-made pack will feel effortless to wear. Black Diamond have done well with this daypack, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed wearing it through my tests.
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