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 31 ratings
Review Summary
Fits True To Size
Screen reader users: the following list provides a visual scale to illustrate the product fit. Please refer to the heading above for the fit type in text.Customer Images
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Selecting an option will reload the available reviews on the pageOctober 7, 2025
Best way to carry what you need out there.
This is my first running vest, but I’ve tried several other ways of carrying my stuff from waist belts to my hands. This vest carries all the rain gear, snacks, water and small things I need for a run in the mountains in Montana. The HydraPak ultraflask speed 500ml fit the front pockets. You can put a bear spray canister in one if needed. For longer outings you can put a 1. 5 liter bladder in back too. The Distance 8 cinches down tightly in back and doesn’t bounce. Overall I’m super happy with this running solution. If I could add one thing it might be a stretchy pocket on the back of the bag for quick stuffables. Not a deal breaker though.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
October 7, 2025
Loving it
The distance 8 has been great so far. The 8 liter size is perfect to fit everything I need for a day out in the mountains. I use this pack for all my trail runs plus day hikes that I want to move fast and light on. Very durable and I love being able to stuff things in the vest pockets. It’s a very versatile pack and the size is perfect.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
August 8, 2025
Black diamond distance 8
- Familiarity:
- I've used it several times
- Size Bought:
- large
I'm primarily using this pack as a gravel bike pack. I like that I can carry more clothing and equipment than a cyclying jersey in a pack that sits secure and close to my back. It is also nicely ventilated and comfortable.
June 23, 2025
Awesome Ultra Pack
Love the Distance 8 Pack. The pole sleeves are awesome. I love the pack, the shoulder straps and front pockets are great and well thought out. the top closure is easy and fast, even when you are tired.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
June 11, 2025
Distance 8 Backpack
Great lightweight daypack for Hike/Run hybrid. Breathable and plenty of room for hydration and calories plus loops for trekking poles.
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
June 7, 2025
A good snug but traps heat
Love the bag so far but with how broad the shoulder straps and side banding are the pack is almost another layer which can get hot quick
Originally reviewed on blackdiamondequipment.com
January 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
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