The Black Diamond Distance 8 Pack is a hybrid between a running vest and a lightweight hiking pack, built for people who move fast in the mountains. It’s designed for those who want to go light but still carry enough gear for a long day in variable conditions or even a minimalist overnight. The Distance 8 has earned a reputation for combining trail-running comfort with alpine durability — a rare mix that sets it apart in a crowded market of fast-and-light packs.
Design and Build Quality
At first glance, the Black Diamond Distance 8 Pack stands out for its sleek, vest-style design. The pack takes cues from running vests, meaning it sits high on the back and hugs the torso to reduce bounce. This design is immediately noticeable when running or power hiking — the pack stays close, stable, and quiet, even when loaded.
The materials are impressive. Black Diamond uses a UHMWPE ripstop fabric (ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene), known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to abrasions. It’s the same type of material used in high-end climbing gear, offering durability without adding unnecessary bulk. The main body is coated to provide a degree of weather resistance, easily shrugging off light rain and snow.
Despite weighing only around 355 grams (12.5 ounces), the pack feels robust. The stitching, zippers, and reinforcements are top-notch — it’s clear that it’s built for demanding environments, whether that’s alpine ridgelines or dusty desert trails.
Fit and Comfort
One of the key strengths of the Distance 8 is its fit. It uses a vest-style harness system that’s adjustable and supportive. The shoulder straps are wide and soft, distributing weight evenly across the chest rather than pulling down on the shoulders. Dual sternum straps help keep everything in place and allow for fine-tuning the fit.
The back panel features breathable mesh that helps wick moisture and keep the body cool during high-output movement. Even when running or scrambling uphill, the pack stays secure and balanced — something that’s often difficult for traditional hiking packs.
People who’ve used running vests will feel immediately at home, while those coming from traditional backpacks might need a short adjustment period. Once fitted correctly, the Distance 8 virtually disappears on the back — exactly what’s wanted for long days on the move.
Storage and Capacity
As the name suggests, the Black Diamond Distance 8 offers 8 litres of capacity. While that might not sound like much, the space is intelligently designed. The main compartment is accessible via a top drawcord closure, which is covered by a stretch panel to keep gear secure. The internal space easily accommodates essentials like a shell jacket, insulating layer, gloves, hat, and snacks, along with a compact hydration system.
The stretch mesh side pockets can hold soft flasks, small bottles, or extra gear. These pockets are easily reachable without removing the pack — perfect for quick access on the move. There are also additional small pockets on the front harness, ideal for gels, energy bars, or a compact phone.
For those carrying technical gear, the Black Diamond Distance 8 Pack includes dedicated attachment points for trekking poles or even a pair of ice axes. The bungee-style pole carry system is simple yet effective, allowing poles to be stowed or retrieved while moving. This makes it a great choice for fast alpine ascents or mixed terrain where poles come in and out of use frequently.
The only downside is that the pack’s small volume limits what can be packed for overnight trips. Minimalist bivy or fastpackers can make it work, but it’s more at home on long day missions than multi-day outings.
Hydration Compatibility
Black Diamond designed the Distance 8 with hydration in mind. The pack is compatible with both soft flasks and a hydration bladder, though the latter may require a bit of careful packing due to space constraints.
Two chest pockets are perfectly shaped for 500ml soft flasks, and the tight elastic openings keep them stable even when running. There’s also a small internal sleeve inside the main compartment for a hydration bladder, complete with hose routing options through the shoulder straps.
The setup works well, but carrying both a bladder and bottles can make the pack feel tight. For most people, two soft flasks and a backup water filter or tablet system will be enough for a full day.
On the Trail Performance
The Distance 8 truly shines when it’s in motion. Whether running ridgelines, fast-hiking through technical terrain, or scrambling up rocky passes, the pack stays balanced and silent. The close fit and vest-style design prevent sway, while the lightweight build reduces fatigue.
During steep climbs, the breathable mesh harness keeps airflow moving, preventing overheating. Even under a full load, there’s minimal pressure on the shoulders, and the weight distribution remains comfortable.
When descending at speed, the pack stays snug and doesn’t bounce — something that separates it from many traditional daypacks. The result is a piece of gear that feels like an extension of the body rather than something being carried.
That said, the minimal padding on the back can occasionally allow harder items inside the pack to press through, so careful packing helps maintain comfort. Placing a jacket or soft layer against the back panel solves this easily.
Durability and Weather Resistance
The combination of UHMWPE ripstop and a coated outer surface gives the Distance 8 impressive resistance to wear and weather. Scrambling against rocks, brushing past branches, or setting it down on rough surfaces barely leaves a mark.
Light rain and snow bead off the surface, though in heavy or prolonged wet conditions, a waterproof liner or dry bag is still recommended. The zippers and drawcords are all smooth and dependable, even after extended use in dusty or cold environments.
In short, this is a pack that can take abuse — a trait that makes it reliable for people who explore rugged terrain regularly.
Weight and Packability
Weighing just 355 grams, the Distance 8 is one of the lightest packs in its category. It’s easy to compress for travel and fits into larger expedition bags without taking up much space.
Its low weight doesn’t come at the cost of stability or structure, which is rare. Some ultra-light packs can feel floppy or unstable when loaded, but the Distance 8 maintains its shape well. It’s an ideal companion for people who value speed and simplicity over bulk and excess padding.
Who It’s Best For
The Distance 8 is designed for people who move quickly through mountain terrain — whether that’s trail runners stretching into alpine zones, fast hikers, or climbers who want a pack that won’t get in the way. It’s perfect for ridge runs, long scrambles, and technical approaches where both balance and agility matter.
However, if you regularly carry heavier loads, photography gear, or extra layers for colder weather, the limited capacity might be restrictive. It’s a pack that thrives when minimalism is the goal.
Pros
- Exceptionally lightweight
- Secure, bounce-free vest-style fit
- Durable ripstop fabric
- Excellent trekking pole attachment system
- Breathable and comfortable during high-output activity
- Weather-resistant materials
- Efficient use of limited space
Cons
- Limited capacity for overnight trips
- Minimal back padding can make hard items uncomfortable
- Hydration bladder space is tight
- Not ideal for carrying bulky gear
Verdict
The Black Diamond Distance 8 Pack is a brilliant example of thoughtful design meeting performance. It bridges the gap between a running vest and a small alpine pack with near-perfect balance. For those who prioritise speed, agility, and simplicity, it’s one of the best options available.
Its lightweight construction, secure fit, and technical features make it ideal for fast-and-light mountain missions, where efficiency matters more than carrying volume. While it may not replace a full-size hiking pack, it excels at what it’s built for — moving quickly, comfortably, and confidently through challenging terrain.
For many people, it becomes a go-to pack for nearly everything except the longest trips.
