Test of the Black Diamond Distance 15 bag

The front of the bag has been designed like a trail vest. There are 6 pockets: two for victuals, two for flasks and two zipped pockets large enough to hold a large smartphone such as an Iphone X.

The barrel of the Black Diamond Distance 15 is made of Dynex ripstop and is much less sensitive to moisture than a conventional trail bag. It opens like a duffel bag, and is secured with a cord. A flap covers the bag to protect your belongings. Its 15-liter volume allows you to carry all your gear for a day in the mountains. There's also room for a water pouch with hose opening. There's also a small zipped pocket with a handy key ring.

On the outside, this Black Diamond Distance 15 bag is equipped with two pockets for folding trail poles, two ice axe holders and two elastic cords to hold a few accessories.

In use:

The first feeling is of putting on a classic trail bag. Sure, it feels big and a bit heavier, but the support is there. Equipped with multiple adjustments, the bag stays snugly on your body, so you can run without any sensation of wobbling. On the downside, the configuration of the pole pockets means that you can't put them back on while running by yourself. You'll have to remove the bag. Over long distances, this is a minor detail. The waterproofing is very practical when it's raining or to prevent perspiration. It also means you don't have to over-protect your gear with waterproof bags, which would weigh down the overall load.

The quality of the workmanship and, above all, the materials used give confidence. You get the feeling that this Black Diamond Distance 15 bag is made to last.

What for:

For a trail of less than a day, it will be a little too big and too heavy. On the other hand, for long distances such as the Tor des géants, the Petite Trot à Léon or the Swisspeaks 360, when the list of compulsory equipment gets longer and, depending on the weather conditions, you're obliged to pack more clothes, this bag comes into its own.

It will also be well suited to dynamic hikers, setting off for the day with equipment and victuals, and who want a bag that doesn't flop around when they speed up a little on the descent.

Technical data :

- Main material in Dynex (Nylon 100d + PE 200d) Ripstop for extreme tear resistance (strength/weight ratio 10 times greater than steel)
- Duffel bag-style top opening with storage pocket for excess drawcord
- Seamless Edge Taping technology for more comfortable shoulder straps, improved mobility and reduced weight
- Two side compression cords with reflective outline
- Two ice axe holders with metal blade holders
- Two pole holders for Z-Pole trekking poles
- Lateral compression system with elasticized drawcord for a more secure fit during running and climbing
- BD Dry anti-perspiration back panel efficiently wicks away perspiration while keeping the contents of the bag dry
- Fully waterproof 4-season/high-altitude main compartment for running and climbing
- Two four-way stretch zipped chest pockets with stretch volume and lockable zip tabs
- Two pockets for BD HydraPac water bottles (sold separately)
- Two stretch front pockets with elastic closure for race supplies
- Deploy pocket for the new Deploy Wind Shell jacket
- Mesh inner divider for cord / water bottles
- Inside zipped security pocket for keys and wallet