Black Diamond Distance 8 Review [Ultrarunner Tested]

Best for Mountain Scrambles

Overall81

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Black Diamond Distance 8

Our score8.1/10

• Capacity: 8 L (also sold as the Distance 15)
• Fabric: UHMWPE 100d nylon ripstop
• Carry: Integrated Z-pole sleeves; dual ice axe carry
• Hydration: Front flask pockets, flasks not included
• Best for: Ridge traverses, scrambles and fastpacking

Bottom Line : The toughest fabric here, and the best pole carry. Built for days when running turns into climbing.

Pros

• Fabric shrugs off granite, thorns and scree
• Cinch-top holds bulky, rigid kit
• Stow or grab poles mid-stride

Cons

• No padding on the shoulder straps
• Narrow front pockets
• Gels can pop out when you take it off

Where Running Turns Into Climbing

The Distance 8 is designed for alpine ridge traverses, scrambles and fastpacking, where trail running overlaps with rock climbing. Its UHMWPE ripstop fabric was practically bulletproof against sharp granite, thorns and scree.

The main compartment closes with a cinch top, like a climbing haul bag. Rigid, awkward kit such as microspikes, a camera or a first aid kit went in without poking our testers in the back.

The diagonal Z-pole sleeves were the best pole carry we tested. Poles went in and came out mid-stride in seconds.

The Trade-Offs of a Tough Pack

The shoulder harness is unpadded to save weight and add durability. In a thin singlet with a heavy load, above about 10 lb, the narrow straps created pressure points over long distances.

The front harness pockets are narrow and sit tight to the chest. Sliding gels or a phone in beside full flasks was a squeeze, and loose gels popped out when the vest came off carelessly on the trail.

Spec Sheet vs Our Test

• Capacity: 8 L, and there is also a 15 L version.
• Carry: integrated Z-pole sleeves and dual ice axe carry.
• Hydration: zip and stretch flask pockets on the shoulder straps; flasks are not included.
• Extras: Black Diamond lists side compression and an internal zip pocket with a key clip.

Should You Buy the Black Diamond Distance 8?

Yes, if your runs involve rock, scree and poles. On smooth trails or roads, a stretch vest will be kinder to your shoulders. Budget for a pair of soft flasks. The women's Distance 8 is on Amazon here.

Compare With

• Osprey Duro 6: our most stable vest under heavy loads.
• Ultimate Direction Ultra Vest 6.0: our best vest for wet weather.
• UltrAspire Alpha 5.0: our most breathing room on climbs.

See all ten in our best hydration vests guide.

Our Testers

This review was edited by Sean Williams and tested by our ultrarunning team.

• Sean Williams, Editor-in-Chief. Sean built the team of researchers and testers behind our reviews and edits every guide. His rule: we say what we actually found.
• Annie Brown, Tester. An ultramarathon runner, Annie tested our vests through 100k and 100-mile race preparation.
• James Brown, Tester. An ultramarathon runner, James ran the same block of self-supported mountain long runs, hot-weather tempo sessions and technical scrambles.