What is the Distance 15 Pack?
Somewhere between the trail runners and the single pitch climbers are the people who have discovered 'link-up' adventures and fast packing. These adventures tend to entail a bit of easy climbing, some scrambling, some fell running and some walking - or just about whatever you can string together. In order to move comfortably and efficiently, you need a pack that can keep up with you. That's where the Distance 15 pack from Black Diamond comes in. The Distance 15 is a hybrid between comfortable running pack and tough-as-nails day pack. It sits snug to your body for optimum stability when you run whilst boasting a 210D nylon material in the body and the ability to carry your alpine gear.
What is the Distance 15 made of?
The Distance 15 pack uses UHMWPE (Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) 10x Ripstop in the body which is an incredibly durable 210D Nylon that is not only surprisingly lightweight but is able to take a massive beating from the weather, rock, accidental tumbles - you name it; this material has been constructed with the mountains in mind.
What are the features?
The generous, water-resistant main compartment of the pack includes a quick Blitz-style main opening with a zippered security pocket to tuck away essentials like your keys and wallet. This main compartment also features a stretch mesh divider that will hold alpine cordelette or, along with the packs integrated hose routing, a water bladder. Moving to the outside of the pack you'll find elasticated compression straps either side of the main bag - these can either be used to synch down the pack and take out some volume, reducing the bounce, or they can be used to stash extra bits like an extra layer that you might need at the top of the climb or, along with the help of the packs integrated dual Piolet, a pair of ice axes. This nifty add on means that the pack works well all year round. Integrated into the main compartment you also have dual Quiver Sleeves that mean you can stash collapsed z-folding walking poles really easily, and take them out again without needing to take the pack off. The exterior pockets consist of two 4-way stretch zippered chest pockets, four front stretch pockets that fit flexible water bottles and snacks in them and a deploy pocket that is compatible with the Deploy wind shell (not included).
What is the back system?
The Distance 15 has a next-to-skin fit and wraps itself around you, so the carry system is different from any other backpack we sell - it fits more like an item of clothing than a backpack. However, unlike our other running packs, the Distance 15 has a built-in BD Dry Vapor barrier back panel that lets sweat escape whilst keeping the contents of the pack dry. The shoulder straps harness system uses Black Diamonds Stitch-Less Edge Taping Technology meaning that the shoulder strap edge binding is fully edge taped instead of sewn; this means that the whole harness system not only breathes well but ensures a close, comfortable, chafe-free fit. To further improve the fit the harness has elasticated drawcords that can be adjusted to fit snugger or loser depending on how big you are and how many layers you have on.
Summary
Whether you're out hiking from dawn-to-dusk, scrambling across beautiful cascading Welsh ridgelines, ski touring in Norway or climbing fast and light in the Scottish Munroes - this pack will not only will not only carry all the gear you need to thrive outside but will also keep you comfortable all day whilst offering you exceptional freedom of movement and an innovative feature set.
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210-denier nylon body material with UHMWP ripstop yarns offers tear-resistance that is 10x stronger than steel per weight
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Quick, blitz-style main opening with slash pocket tucks all excess skirt cording
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Stitchless edge taping technology offers shoulder strap comfort
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Dual side compression with reflective ticking secures your load and offers additional visibility in low-light conditions
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Dual piolet/ice-tool carry with metal dog bone offers secure pick attachment
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Dual Z-Pole Quiver Sleeves securely carry your trekking poles when you want your hands free
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Adjustable elastic cording side compression system provides a more secure ride while running and scrambling
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BD.dry vapour barrier back panel lets sweat vapour escape while keeping pack contents dry
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Fully water-resistant main compartment is designed for high-altitude/4-season running and climbing
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Dual 4-way stretch zippered chest pockets with expandable volume and locking zipper pulls
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Dual front stretch pockets with elastic closure are a great place to store energy snacks
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Deploy pocket is compatible with the Deploy wind shell (not included)
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Interior stretch mesh divider wall holds alpine cordelette/water reservoirs (not included)
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Interior zippered security pocket holds your wallet and keys
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.