What is the Distance 8 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 8 pack from Black Diamond comes in. The Distance 8 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 8 made of?
The Distance 8 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 8 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 8 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