Distance 8L as a multipitch pack?

So I'm currently trying to find arguments not to buy yet another pack for my collection. I'll be bringing a 65L pack for a 5ish -hour hike in with camping gear, and a multi-pitch pack inside that one. I'm told that for approaches at Frey people tend to go with their harnesses on from the get-go as they're reasonably short.

I thought my only option from the ones I currently had was the Creek 20L, but I recently got a Distance 8L for trail running that I'm thinking might fit the bill here. I'm a bit hesitant of the Creek 20L as it's burly as all heck and is a heavy offender on weight.

- It seems really fragile. I'm worried I might wreck it on like, 3 climbs maybe? Has anyone here put this pack to the test? There is potentially one chimney pitch, but it's not too tight.
- It might not carry a double rack that well (but whoever climbs with me can take that)
+ It would be a LOT lighter than the Creek 20L and easier to fit inside the main portering pack.
+ With the harness on me, draws, first aid kit, and a layer in it, it actually feels manageable, like just the right amount of weight. I'm able to also fit a few dried nuts or whatever in the front pockets for food.

https://us.blueice.com/products/wadi-15-pack

right now, $75 at Dick's Sporting Goods online

Another, more low-budget (and low weight/bulk) option is to take a Lowe/Gregory/Mountainsmith, etc accessory side pocket that is designed to be added/attached-detached from a larger backpack, and turn it into a small backpack by configuring shoulder and sternum straps.

Do you want to harness your approach shoes or put them in a bag?

Inside a bag, get at least a ~15l pack

Black diamond makes one that’s very simple that can be found for like $50

That’s basically your starting off point/decision 

I’m a huge advocate for climbing long route with a running vest. I think it’s better personally because I have everything I would like to access on my chest instead of my back, and can put my shoes and jacket in the bag to keep a clutter free harness. I am currently using the BD 8L vest which has been the perfect size for me. That being said be aware 

I’ve never seen a bag fail like this before but I almost dropped this one 2000ft off Watkins this past fall when the shoulder strap broke out of nowhere. Good luck 

Check out this pack, I got the 24L version and love it. Some of the colors are half off for $42.50 and the pack is super lightweight and seems very durable.

https://www.ortovox.com/us-en/shop/backpacks/p249767-climbing-backpacks-trad-zero-18?size=18%2520l

The Mountain Equipment Tupiilak 14 is an excellent, but expensive, choice.  Fits and carries well, good convenience features like a side-access zipper.  Unlike running vest packs, the material is burly enough to take some rock and underbrush abrasion, and there are tool holders for those going super light and fast.  The only downside for me is the fit seems a bit snug.  If your chest is much bigger than 44", even the M/L size may be too tight.

They also make the same style pack in a 20L version.

Tanner James wrote:

I’m a huge advocate for climbing long route with a running vest. I think it’s better personally because I have everything I would like to access on my chest instead of my back, and can put my shoes and jacket in the bag to keep a clutter free harness. I am currently using the BD 8L vest which has been the perfect size for me. That being said be aware 

I’ve never seen a bag fail like this before but I almost dropped this one 2000ft off Watkins this past fall when the shoulder strap broke out of nowhere. Good luck 

This seems...uninspiring to say the least

I've climbed a bit with a BD trail running vest, typically as a single pack carried by the follower on multipitch climbs. It's too small for approach shoes but adequate for water, ultralight puffy, and emergency supplies. It is not at all durable and the attachment points don't inspire confidence. We would always add a sling through the shoulder straps to have redundancy when clipping it to the anchor at belays. I think that it is worth having a purpose-built on route pack like the Blue Ice Wadi 15 or 22.