How to Choose Daypacks

This product is not available.
An excellent rig for off-trail or high-mileage scrambles, the Black Diamond Bullet 16 pack is tough enough to be hauled through chimneys and streamlined enough to not interfere with the crux lead.
Shop similar productsImported.
View all Black Diamond DaypacksBest Use | Multisport |
---|---|
Bag Style | Backpack |
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Gear Capacity (L) | 16 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 976 cubic inches |
Weight | 1 lb. 2 oz. |
Material(s) | Ripstop nylon |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 1 + main compartment |
Hipbelt | Yes |
Raincover Included | No |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Gender | Unisex |
Adding a review will require a valid email for verification
I love this pack! It is super lightweight and very spacious inside despite its small size. I can easily fit an entire hoodie in it to take hiking along with water and other essentials. I haven’t gotten to take it properly rock climbing yet, but I did have it with me when I did a particularly steep scramble and it was great! It’s very unobtrusive and the straps do a great job of staying out of your way while still securely holding the bag to you. Overall I really like this bag — 10/10 would recommend to anyone looking for a high quality light hiking or climbing bag.
This pack is lean, sleek, and easy to carry. It has a water bladder pouch, which is a must for me in a daypack. It only has three pockets (one main pouch, a zipper pocket in the main pouch, and a front zip smaller pocket), which initially I did not love, but got used to it quickly. It does not have water bottle pockets on the sides fyi. I used the pack as a carry-on/personal item on a flight out to Tahoe and it fits really nicely under a plane seat. It’s small size is also great for a day on the slopes. Downsides for me: lack of pockets, lack of places that anything could be fastened to on the outside. But, these both attribute to its sleek design.
The Black Diamond Bullet 16 backpack is excellent for day hikes, I love the simplicity, light weight and the easy access to the hiking essentials. The hydration part accommodated a different brand water bladder bag which is great, although I wish it had side packets for water battles when I use it as a travel pack. I highly recommend this backpack!
Overall this is a very nice, minimalist bag lacking in some features I've come to appreciate. Pro's I view the bag primarily from a multi-pitching perspective, but also took at out on some hikes and a bike ride and was most immediately impressed with how comfortable it is to wear and how much I could fit in it without adding bulk. The bag rides high and tight by your shoulder blades without restricting motion while reaching for holds or impeding rear visibility. Compared to prior bags I've owned I was impressed with the Bullet 16's ability to store my guide book, approach shoes, water bottle, beanie, snacks, headlamp, phone, keys without really adding any bulk or restriction. It also has a separate compartment for a bladder that can take up to 3L snugly, quick grab zipper up top with valuables pouch. There is a thin foam frame that gives the bag a surprising amount of support and a bit of comfort. You can remove this frame to pack the bag down into its top pocket, but it is obviously not designed to do so (no reversible zipper). Still a useful feature for some. Cons Personally, I would have really like an elastic stash pocket on the outside for dirty shoes, helmet, wet gear etc. I understand BD is going for a streamlined design you can drag through rocks, but I've had prior light bags like this with stash pockets that have never gotten in the way and have always proved useful. Similarly I would have appreciated some daisy chains and strap to fix a rope too over the top. Overall it is lacking in any sport specific features but is a comfortable and functional bag.
The Bullet 16 is a very versatile lightweight bag that is designed for the abuse backpacks endure while climbing. My initial intentions with this bag were for it to be the bag I bring on multi pitch climbs because of its size and sturdy construction. While the bag is a fine choice for multi pitch it is also a great choice for light sport climbing days, climbing in the gym, or commuting to work/school. The bag easily fits my climbing shoes, harness, chalk bag, food, and 1 liter bottle without feeling uncomfortable. My favorite aspect of the bag is how well it goes unnoticed while you are wearing it. The bag is small enough that it does not get in the way while on route, but more importantly sits high enough above your harness to not interfere with grabbing gear.
This pack is perfect for a day hike or a long multi-pitch day at the wall. I can see why it would be good for chimneys too because there aren’t places for it to get stuck/snagged. It’s sturdy and has a little inside pocket for keys/valuables and an outer pocket where I put snacks. Was able to put a packable puffy and lunch in the main compartment, along with my wag bag and set of wipes. I was also pleasantly surprised how the hydration sleeve fits my 2.5L bladder. Highly recommend!
For a couple of decades, the Bullet has been a classic, super-burly climbing pack that you can drag up the side of a rock face and not worry about scrapes or holes. BUT, this latest version has a quirk: The straps are wide-set and angled so that the pack best fits somebody built like a football lineman. If you're not that person, the straps will tend to slide off your shoulders frequently (necessitating use of the sternum strap at all times). The Bullet is a classic pack, and previous versions have been my favorites for years, but I keep hoping they'll tweak this one and put out an updated model that works better for the rest of us. Otherwise, construction and materials -- as usual with BD -- are first-rate. The Bullet works pretty well for climbing or peak-bagging or as carry-on. But those straps, man...
I like the simplicity and lack of straps, hooks, etc. It's very strong and holds a lot more than it looks like it could. Major criticism is that it's almost impossible to get a water reservoir inserted because they built the zippered pocket on top of the space for the reservoir. There's only a small velcro opening to insert it. Also, the zippered pouch is where I want to put keys, wallet, etc but it's right on top of the water and in risk of getting wet.
Took this pack out on a few day hikes in the Cascades during shoulder season (which was more like winter at elevation). It held a surprising amount of gear for its size -- 1.5L water bottle, microspikes, fleece, hat/gloves, food, full trail book, and more. The small zip pocket on the front is a great size for stashing food and maps. Pack was super comfortable, even with the thin hip belt. While I've only used this for day hikes so far, it would make a great summit bag.
This pack has two compartments, one main compartment with a mesh zippered pocket inside to hold some keys and lip balm. The second exterior compartment can hold a cell phone and sunglass case. Don’t put your sunglasses inside of it without their case. Bad decision. The pack is good enough and comfortable. I have one huge problem with it - I can’t find a water reservoir that will work for this pack. Pack has a little Velcro clip that is supposed to hold the reservoir, but it doesn’t hold tight. It ends up falling down to the bottom of the pack and leaking. So I can only sue this pack in winter when I carry less water via bottles. Bummer, right? So unless someone can show you a solid reservoir that actually works with this pack, I’d definitely get something else.