Black Diamond Distance 22 Daypack Review
Updated:
Mar 13, 2026The Black Diamond Distance 22 ($230) combines a running vest-style chest harness with a 22-liter capacity, making it a solid choice for those who want to move quickly while carrying a well-organized kit. The on-the-go storage and body-hugging fit give it a clear advantage over a standard daypack. However, while it offers good comfort and minimal bounce for loads under 12 pounds, the lack of a hipbelt limits how much weight it can comfortably carry. The steep price tag is another consideration. That said, for speed- and distance-focused hikers, runners, and climbers, the Distance 22 is one of our top recommendations.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
Weight
14.5 oz.
Hipbelt
None
Suspension
Frameless
Fabric
UHMWPE
Capacities
8, 15, 22L
Pros
Cons
Black Diamond Distance 22
Editor's note: The Black Diamond Distance 22 was updated for 2026 and now features stitch-free seams for improved durability, a redesigned harness for a better fit and carry, and a subtly updated overall design. For more of this season's top models, see our guide to the Best Hiking Daypacks.
The frameless Black Diamond Distance 22 features a running vest-style suspension system that offers above-average comfort—provided you keep the load to about 10 pounds or less. Instead of thick, padded shoulder straps, its stretchy, breathable, form-fitting vest hugs the body and eliminates the need for a hipbelt. You’d need to pack quite densely to max out the Distance 22’s load limit, but we’ve managed to do so with overnight gear on one trip and climbing gear (including a light rope) on another. North of about 15 pounds, the Distance 22 exerts excessive strain on the shoulders and takes a big hit to comfort. It also lies low enough on the back that, with a heavy load, it tends to rub against a vertebra, which can equate to a hot spot over time (especially if you’re running).
The Black Diamond Distance 22 features a thin foam-and-mesh backpanel that doesn't provide substantial padding between your back and pack contents. To minimize discomfort, I found that packing softer layers against the back of the main compartment helped. Additionally, compression cords on each side help reduce bounce when running with a partially filled load. For shorter or lighter adventures, I’d lean toward a smaller version like the Distance 15.
The Black Diamond Distance 22 is downright luxurious in terms of storage options. The pack features a main body compartment with a cinch closure and a flap that goes overtop, secured in place with a hook. Inside, the pack has a hook and dedicated sleeve for a hydration reservoir, and a zippered pouch for stowing keys or other small, important items. There’s also a mesh stuff-it pocket on the face of the pack that easily accommodates snacks or light layers, two side sleeves ideal for BD’s tri-folding Distance trekking poles, elastic compression straps that can hold a rain jacket and cinch things down, and dual ice axe attachment points for when things get technical.
The running vest-style harness offers a storage world of its own. Both straps are identical and feature prominently a large, stretchy pocket designed for soft flasks (but double for a phone or bear spray). The bottom pocket is smaller but fits gummies, snacks, sunscreen, and chapstick. There’s also a small zippered pocket on each side for secure storage—this is where I put my phone and ear pods. All in all, that amounts to a lot of storage. If anything, options are too ample, and, at times, I’ve forgotten where I’ve put everything! Finally, as mentioned above, simply because the pack is so spacious, it did seem necessary to surround bigger and harder items with layers to help keep them from jostling when moving fast.
The Distance 22 weighs in at a feathery 14.5 ounces, or a listed weight of 14.3 ounces for the women’s pack I tested. This is extremely lightweight for a hiking daypack and falls in a similar category as the ultralight 14-ounce REI Co-op Flash 22. For that meager weight, I was deeply impressed by the Distance’s capability and comfort for just about any pursuit—the Flash 22 comes nowhere close to matching its comfort, durability, and on-the-go amenities. The Distance also packs down reasonably small, making it easy to bring along for day outings while on a bigger backpacking trip.
The Distance 22 is made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) ripstop fabric—a mouthful of a name, but an exceptionally light, strong, and weather-resistant material. I put this fabric to the test on slot canyon adventures, involving plenty of squeezing and scraping against rock. After the gnarliest of these outings, I did notice some abrasion, but it was just a small patch of fuzziness—nothing close to tearing. All my zippers and buckles have held up great, too.
Our editors have tested past versions of the Distance, which featured a stretchy cord for securing the lower chest straps—a design prone to fraying over time. Fortunately, the latest version replaces this with a more durable stretch fabric that extends to the backpanel, adding storage and eliminating our previous durability concerns. Overall, I was impressed by how well the Black Diamond Distance 22 held up to serious abuse.
Owing to its water-resistant UHMWPE fabric, the Distance can repel light moisture but is by no means waterproof. As is typical for Colorado, I’ve been caught in a handful of short downpours while wearing the pack and was pleased to see that all the contents stayed dry. However, I wouldn’t be as confident in more prolonged rain. The pack doesn’t come with a rain cover, and the exposed thin nylon at the top seems like a weak point for water penetration. Additionally, any layers, phones, keys, or other items stored in the external pockets—especially the large front mesh pocket—are certain to get wet when the rain picks up.
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Longevity
Choosing durable outdoor gear and keeping it in use for longer is one of the best ways to reduce environmental impact. Our proprietary longevity rating assesses factors like overall build quality, materials, fabric denier, component durability, and real-world performance. A green check indicates that we expect the product to be long-lasting relative to its peers, a yellow check mark indicates average longevity, and a red X indicates a product that may have a limited lifespan.
PFAS-Free DWR
Durable water-repellent (DWR) finishes can contain PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These highly persistent “forever chemicals” are used in outdoor gear for their strong resistance to water, oil, and heat, but are linked to environmental contamination and a range of health concerns. A green check mark indicates the product uses a PFAS-free DWR, while a red X means the DWR contains PFAS.
Recycled Materials
Recycled materials are prevalent in outdoor gear, with nylon, polyester, wool, and down among the most common, but the composition varies widely. A green check mark indicates the product is made with a substantial amount of recycled materials (100% recycled or the core fabric that makes up most of the product is recycled), a yellow check means it contains a moderate to small amount of recycled materials, while a red X means there are no recycled materials in the product.
Bluesign Approved
Bluesign Technologies, based in Switzerland, operates a third-party textile management system that ensures materials are manufactured to strict environmental, chemical, and worker safety standards. A green check mark indicates a product is either a Bluesign Product (contains at least 90% Bluesign-approved fabrics and 20-30% Bluesign-approved accessories) or features a significant amount of Bluesign-approved materials. A yellow check mark means it uses some Bluesign-approved materials but less than the aforementioned category, and a red X means there are no Bluesign-approved materials in the product.
Responsible Manufacturing
This criterion evaluates a brand’s commitment to fair wages, safe working conditions, and reducing environmental impact through certifications and programs like Fair Trade Certified, Fair Wear Foundation, Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production (WRAP), and the Fair Labor Association, while also recognizing brands that manufacture primarily in the U.S. or Europe under strict labor and environmental regulations. A green check mark indicates a brand meets our responsible manufacturing criteria, while a red X means it does not.
Recycled and/or Reduced Packaging
Packaging can add significant waste to outdoor gear purchases, so many brands work to reduce its impact by using recycled materials, incorporating Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper products, and minimizing plastic and paper use. A green check mark indicates a brand uses recycled or reduced materials across all of its packaging, a yellow check indicates moderate or limited use of recycled or reduced packaging, and a red X indicates the brand does not make either of these efforts.
Repair Services
Repair services extend the lifespan of outdoor gear and reduce overall consumption, though programs vary widely. Some brands offer comprehensive repairs for a range of issues, while others provide limited or no repair support. A green check mark indicates a robust repair program, a yellow check mark indicates limited repair services, and a red X indicates the brand does not offer repair services.
Resale and/or Recycling Services
Resale and recycling programs help keep outdoor gear in circulation longer and out of landfills, ranging from trade-in resale platforms that offer store credit to take-back initiatives that recycle products at the end of their usable life. A green check mark indicates a brand offers both resale and recycling programs, a yellow check mark indicates it offers one or the two, and a red X indicates it offers neither.
Carbon Footprint Tracking
This criterion evaluates whether a brand measures, reports, and works to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions using established frameworks such as the Higg Index, Greenhouse Gas Protocol, or The Change Climate Project. A green check mark indicates a brand publicly reports greenhouse gas emissions data, sets clearly defined reduction targets, and uses established tracking frameworks such as Higg or The Change Climate Project. A yellow check mark indicates the brand tracks emissions and outlines reduction goals but provides limited data, lacks science-based verification, or does not clearly report progress. A red X indicates the brand does not appear to track greenhouse gas emissions or provides so little information that its efforts cannot be verified.
Annual Impact Report
Annual impact reports provide transparency and accountability by outlining a brand’s sustainability efforts across areas such as material sourcing, greenhouse gas emissions, waste, water use, supply chains, and packaging. A green check mark indicates a brand publishes a detailed, brand-specific impact report that closely aligns with our sustainability criteria and leaves little room for ambiguity. A yellow check indicates a brand provides some relevant sustainability reporting but lacks detail in key areas or is covered only briefly within a parent company report. A red X indicates a brand does not regularly publish an impact report.
The Black Diamond Distance 22 comes in both men’s and women’s versions, each offered in three sizes: small, medium, and large. As someone who often opts for extra-small women’s gear, I wish Black Diamond offered extra-small and extra-large versions for those who need them. I was initially concerned that the women’s small would run big on me, but I was happy to find that the chest straps provided just enough adjustability for a good fit. That said, I had to cinch them down nearly to their max, and the dangling cords were a bit annoying. While the Distance doesn’t match the finely tuned fit of a Salomon running vest—particularly since it lacks a cinch at the base to pull the rear load closer to the front straps—it still gets the job done, provided you don’t overpack it.
Black Diamond Trail Vista 20 ($190): More Support and Comfort
Running vest-style daypacks are having a moment, thanks to their bounce-free carry and on-the-go storage combined with the spaciousness of more traditional hiking daypacks. Compared to the ultralight Distance, the Black Diamond Trail Vista takes a more comfort-centric approach to the design: It rides lower on the torso and features a nicely padded hipbelt to take some of the load off the shoulders. After extensive testing, we can confidently say that the Distance 22 is the better option for running and scrambling—as long as you keep your weight under about 12 pounds—while the Trail Vista is better suited for fast hiking and carrying overnight loads. To learn more, see our review of the Trail Vista 20.
Osprey Tempest Velocity 30 ($215): Put an Overnight Option on the Table
If you like the Distance’s design but wish it had more storage space, try the Tempest Velocity (men’s Talon Velocity). We’re big fans of the comfort and snack access offered by its running vest-style harness (although the Distance’s harness is slightly better designed for those accustomed to a running vest), as well as a padded hipbelt with zippered pockets that imparts a further degree of stability. While you probably won’t move as fast as you would while carrying the Distance, the Tempest Velocity’s roomy main compartment has enough room for camping gear—ultralight camping gear, that is—and this pack is slimmer and adheres to your body better than traditional daypacks. If you want to turn that ridge run into a stargazing sleepover, pick the Tempest Velocity. For more, read our review of the Osprey Tempest Velocity 30.
The Distance wants to turn you into a mountain-eating speed demon. This light pack has storage for every gel packet and wicking layer you possess, and its beefy running vest-style harness hugs it close to your body on scrambles and trail runs. Make sure not to overload what little support it offers, though.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
The Trail Vista is a supportive, body-hugging daypack designed for hikers who like to move quickly but still want structure and organization. With a lightweight internal frame, generous padding, and thoughtful on-the-go storage, it strikes a nice balance between traditional hiking packs and speed-focused designs.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
A speed-oriented pack that takes some inspiration from running vests, the Tempest Velocity 30 is made for hikers who think “snack break” is an offensive term. This specialized model’s relative lack of structure and support and its high price tag might be offputting for more casual adventurers.
Comfort & Support
Organization
Weight
Durability
Water Resistance
Sustainability
Is the Distance 22 for You?
The Black Diamond Distance 22 is a technically savvy pack built for day missions that are a little spicier than your average outing. Its business-in-front, party-in-the-back (or is it the other way around?) design pairs the body-hugging support and on-the-go storage of a running vest with the capacity of a daypack, making it ideal for moving quickly with a day’s worth of gear. We’ve taken it on two-day overnights, headlamp-to-headlamp mountain traverses, and long trail runs, and found it comfortable for loads up to about 14 pounds. It’s also a great secondary pack for basecamping with a larger backpack or stashing in your luggage for travel. However, there’s a limit to what the Distance 22 this can handle—especially since it lacks a hipbelt. If you need to haul bulkier, heavier gear, you’re better off with a pack that offers more support.
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