Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an adventure pack that carries like a running vest for all-day backcountry exploration, the Black Diamond Distance 8 (men’s / women’s) is hard to beat. Combining a fully featured chest harness – including seven easy-to-access pockets with a large main compartment and bladder sleeve – the Distance is a fast-and-light hybrid ideal for mountain running.
The Piolet ice axe compatibility, side compression straps, Z-pole storage sleeve, and back padding make it easy to take all your gear with you without breaking stride. We love the airy mesh on the back for staying cool on hot climbs. Our only real complaint is that the main compartment opening isn’t stretchy, which can make it slightly difficult to get items in and out.
Read more about our top picks in our guide to the best running vests.
How We Tested
We took the Distance 8 on multiple fast-paced day trips in a range of temperatures and conditions. Over the course of two months, we took the Distance on all-day treks and mid-length trail runs in the rain in the foothills of the Cascades. We also used it for daily training sessions while visiting Michigan in late winter, where its capacity for layers was key. As spring arrived with teaser warmth, we took it on a handful of longer outings in Washington State as we prepared for summer adventures.
Quick Specs
Black Diamond Distance 8
Best Hybrid Vest for Mountain Adventures
CleverHiker Rating: 4.7/5.0
Price: $190
Capacity: 8 L
Hydration System: Flask- and reservoir-compatible
Sizing: Men’s & Women’s
Pros
- Hybrid design is very functional for mountain adventures
- Large main compartment
- Carries bulky loads well
- Mesh back panel provides solid ventilation and comfort
Cons
- Main compartment is a little difficult to access
- Lack of shoulder padding can make heavy loads feel uncomfortable
Comfort & Fit
Available in three sizes but with minimal adjustability, the Distance 8 isn’t the most customizable option. That said, Black Diamond does offer the pack in both men’s and women’s styles, and it’s clear that they put a lot of thought into both designs. We tested the women’s-specific version for this review, which features curved shoulder straps, a wider neckline, and a shorter torso length than the unisex/men’s style.
The Distance 8 was very comfortable thanks to several features. The internal back padding kept gear from jabbing us in the back, and the diamond mesh didn’t irritate our bare skin. Black Diamond also used their Stitchless Edge Taping Technology on the shoulders, which we loved for mitigating chafing from the harness.
Functionality
The Distance 8 isn’t as packed with features as some other vests we tested, but the simplicity is refreshing. We love the concept of combining a more traditional running vest harness with a rucksack-style pack, offering a versatile capacity alongside easy on-the-go accessibility and organization.
The front of the pack features pockets for flasks or bottles, along with a zippered pocket for valuables and stretch pockets for fuel. The 8-liter main compartment has a zippered pocket and a reservoir sleeve. Additionally, there is a Z-pole sleeve for quick and secure trekking pole storage.
For technical adventures, the Piolet carry system can accommodate two ice axes, and side compression straps help with load management. Simple buckles on the sternum straps are a welcome change from the fussy cord hooks found on a lot of other vests.
Performance
Despite the large rear compartment, we were surprised at how stable the Distance 8 felt. Whether loaded or compressed, we experienced minimal bounce when running. However, we hesitate to put more weight in the pack than we would in a “regular” running vest due to the minimalist style of the harness. With no padding on the shoulder straps, we found heavier loads could get uncomfortable on long excursions.
Additionally, we wished the main pocket opening were wider – or made from a stretchy fabric so that it was easier to get things in and out. The drawcord closure system was also a little difficult to operate until we got used to it. We did like the webbing strap and buckle over the top for keeping water and debris out.
Our only quibble with the harness was that none of the pockets were large enough to accommodate our phone. Aside from that, we were pleased with this pack’s overall performance.
Durability
The use of a custom UHMWPE ripstop body fabric makes for a highly durable pack. In use, the Distance deftly fended off abrasion during early-season trips where we had to clamber over deadfall from the previous winter. The diamond mesh used for the harness seems to be very hardwearing, as well.
We do have concerns about overloading the harness, since the large rear compartment lends itself to overpacking. Lightweight items (even bulkier ones like down jackets) are recommended to avoid shoulder discomfort and a potential stitching failure. Frequent overloading could cause issues at the attachment points between the harness and the main compartment.
Breathability
Diamond mesh in the harness and the inclusion of an air-mesh back pad make this vest one of the more breathable options we tested. In addition to providing excellent ventilation, the back pad offers light padding, which helps with comfort. Taken together, this pack is a serious upgrade over traditional rucksacks that lie flat against the back, leading to a lot of sweat and chafing.
The breeziness of the harness was welcome on hard uphill efforts, and we never felt swampy while using this pack. The mesh back pad also protected our gear and clothing in the main compartment, which was a nice perk on sweaty outings. However, be aware that if the rear compartment flap isn’t properly secured, water can pool inside the main compartment.
Should You Buy The Black Diamond Distance 8?
If you like fast-paced, all-day adventures in the mountains that require technical gear like poles, a helmet, or ice axes, the Distance 8 makes a lot of sense. This summit-ready hybrid combines the close-to-body fit and convenient storage of a running vest with the capacity and carrying comfort of a daypack.
We think most mountain runners will benefit from adding the Distance 8 to their arsenal. Though only 8 liters, the configuration allows for bulkier items that wouldn’t fit in a traditional running vest. Need to pack a bivy? No problem. More casual runners will likely find the specialized features overkill, in which case there are plenty of less technical running vests to choose from.
What Other Hydration Vests Should You Consider?
For something different than the Distance 8, check out these other great options from our best running vests gear guide:
Ultimate Direction Men’s Ultra Vest / Women’s Ultra Vesta 6.0 Review: With plenty of capacity and thoughtful organization, the Ultra Vest/Vesta is a real standout in the market. It checks all the boxes for a wide variety of runners, although the Distance is the more specialized option for technical mountain adventures.
UltrAspire Alpha 6.0 Race Vest Review: The Alpha 6.0 is one of the most comfortable and breathable vests we tested. It’s more of a streamlined race-day option than an all-day mountain companion, but serious runners might find room for both packs in their quiver.
Salomon ADV Skin 5 Review: It’s hard to beat the comfort and close fit of the ADV Skin 5. It will save you a good amount of cash over the Distance 8, although you’ll make sacrifices in storage capacity, technical features, and breathability (the Salomon’s snug fit runs warm).
