What is the Black Diamond Women’s Distance 22 Running Backpack?
The Women’s Distance 22 is a high-capacity hybrid running and alpine pack designed for mountain athletes who move fast and cover long distances. Combining the agile, vest-style suspension of a running pack with the load-bearing structure of a technical alpine pack, it excels on full-day missions and ultralight overnights where efficiency and stability are essential.
What is it made of?
UHMWPE Ripstop Body Fabric
The main body uses a custom-developed ripstop fabric composed of 87% recycled nylon, 7% UHMWPE, and 6% recycled polyester. UHMWPE provides outstanding tensile strength and abrasion resistance, making the pack highly resistant to tearing, snagging, and wear against rock or gear. The recycled nylon and polyester components keep the material flexible and lightweight while limiting water absorption, ensuring it remains stable and comfortable even in wet conditions.
Diamond Mesh Lining
The back panel and harness feature a 100% polyester diamond-pattern mesh engineered for breathability, sweat management, and long-wear comfort. Its open structure enhances airflow across high-contact areas, while its soft, hydrophobic fibres wick moisture and dry quickly to reduce irritation over long or intense efforts. The mesh also provides cushioning to distribute weight evenly across the back and shoulders.
Smooth Edge Binding
All harness and back panel contact points are finished with smooth-edge binding, a soft, low-profile seam detail that eliminates chafing and friction. This enhances next-to-skin comfort, especially during hot-weather runs or long-duration efforts involving continuous movement.
What are its features?
Stitchless Edge Taping Technology
The vest-style harness incorporates Stitchless Edge Taping Technology for a streamlined, low-friction fit. By removing bulky stitched seams, this construction reduces weight, minimises pressure points, and improves mobility while maintaining stability on uneven terrain.
Women’s Fit
Tailored specifically for women, the pack features a shorter torso length, narrower shoulder spacing, and contoured strap shaping. These adjustments ensure an ergonomic fit that reduces strain, improves balance, and distributes weight evenly across the upper body for comfort throughout long days in the mountains.
Compression System
A dual-sided compression system paired with a front load-stabilising strap keeps gear secure and reduces bounce during movement. This stabilisation allows the pack to remain close-fitting and balanced even when carrying heavier or overnight loads.
Z-Pole Carry System
The integrated Z-pole sleeves allow trekking poles to be stowed or deployed mid-stride without removing the pack. Positioned close to the torso, the system minimises movement and maintains stability while running or scrambling.
Smart Storage Options
The pack offers versatile, well-organised storage including:
- Two side stretch stash pockets for layers or bottles
- Large front stretch woven pocket for a helmet or quick-access essentials
- Two zip and two stretch pockets on the shoulder straps for snacks, gels, or a phone
- Internal zip pocket with key leash for secure valuables
Each pocket is strategically placed for fast access and even load distribution.
Hydration Compatibility
Dual front soft flask holsters (compatible with 500ml flasks, not included) hold bottles securely against the chest to minimise bounce while providing quick, efficient hydration access.
Piolet Carry System
Dual piolet carry attachments allow secure transportation of ice tools or technical equipment, increasing the pack’s versatility for alpine routes and shoulder-season objectives.
Features:
- Women’s fit for ergonomic comfort and stability
- Harness with Stitchless Edge Taping Technology for seamless, flexible comfort
- Compression system reduces bounce during movement
- On-the-go Z-pole storage system for quick deployment
- Dual side compression straps for adjustable volume
- Dual piolet carry system for alpine versatility
- Large front stretch woven pocket for extra gear
- Two soft flask pockets (flasks not included)
- Two zip and two stretch pockets on shoulder straps
- Two side stash pockets and one internal zip pocket with key leash
- Reflective details for visibility in low light