How to Choose a Backpack

Built for moving fast and covering long distances, the Black Diamond Beta Light UL 45 pack delivers the ultimate blend of durability, lightweight construction and load-carrying comfort.
Imported.
View all Black Diamond Backpacking PacksBest Use | Backpacking |
---|---|
Frame Type | Internal Frame |
Ultralight | Yes |
Gear Capacity (L) | 45 liters |
Gear Capacity (cu. in.) | 2,746 cubic inches |
Weight | XS: 1 lb. 15.7 oz. S: 2 lbs. M: 2 lbs. 0.8 oz. L: 2 lbs. 1.4 oz. |
Fits Torso Length (in.) | XS: 14-15.5 inches S: 15.5-17.5 inches M: 17.5-19.5 inches L: 19.5-21.5 inches |
Fits Waist/Hips | XS: 24-42 inches S: 27-45 inches M: 29-48 inches L: 31-51 inches |
Material(s) | Main: Ultra 200; abrasion panel: Ultra 400; front pocket: dual 4-way stretch mesh; accents: 100-denier nylon 4 mm ripstop |
Frame Material | Aluminum |
Reservoir Compatible | Yes |
Pack Access | Top |
Number of Exterior Pockets | 5 + main compartment |
Raincover Included | No |
Hipbelt Pockets | Yes |
Waterproof | Yes |
Dimensions | XS: 23.6 x 17.3 x 3.2 inches S: 25.2 x 22.4 x 1.6 inches M: 25.2 x 22.4 x 1.6 inches L: 25.2 x 22.4 x 1.6 inches |
Gender | Unisex |
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The pack is really thoughtfully designed, nice material, clearly a lot of thought went into it. I did send it back - new unused. The lack of any storage pockets (beyond places for snacks and narrow little water bottles) was a problem for me. I’m off to Europe again this summer and there is no place for my passport or other essentials. And the waist pockets big enough for minor trail conveniences - granola bar for example, stick straight out and I know my arms will be bumping into them every step. That will be super annoying. I like the material, and the weight is impressive. Good size for an extended trip, and I would feel fairly confident in a downpour that everything would stay dry. Give me a zippered secure pocket and do something with the elephant ear pockets on the waist and the pack is a keeper.
Context: 22 days of off-trail hiking and scrambling (low class 5 and steep snow) in the Sierra (lots of exposure to rough granite, minor exposure to brush). It carries up to 8 days of supplies/food for a solo trip without sticking anything in the mesh pockets other than rain gear, water, an ice axe, and sometimes my poles. Pros: Excellent fit and carry (tested up to 38lb with ice axe, 8d food, DSLR). Outstanding construction. Good weather resistance. Good weight and features without extraneous doodads. So far, very tough with no signs of wear. Misses: Hip pockets are poorly designed. It would benefit from more chest storage. Compression cord too thick for the line locks (easily fixable). Load lifters slip (can be mitigated). Ice axe loops are functional, but don't hold technical tools well. Fit: Extremely comfortable, but don't expect it to carry like a standard backpack. The load distribution splits the difference between a normal pack and a running vest. It's easy to shift load between shoulders and hips depending on terrain, but you won't be able to transfer a heavy load completely to your hips. 5'10", 180lb, 46" chest, 34" waist, 18.5" torso length. Size medium fits great, but I almost max-out the chest/sternum straps. Comment: I have the same reservations other's have mentioned; however, on balance the upsides outweigh the downsides for me and I DO recommend this pack. The single biggest fault is the design of the hip pockets, which are too small and strangely shaped such that they stick out to the side. That said, they are functional, and if you're hiking with poles or using your hands for scrambling, they won't be in the way. BD should give serious thought to a redesign of these pockets. My other significant gripe is that I would like more functional chest storage with room for a hard sided bottle and a larger zippered chest pocket. As is, you can use a 500ml soft bottle on the left. Don't expect your phone to live comfortably in the right shoulder zippered pocket, but the pocket holds a small satellite beacon, sunscreen, and a small multitool or knife. The stretch pocket on the right strap could hold a phone, but I don't trust it when doing anything technical. Others have mentioned annoyance with the design of the large front mesh pocket and the top compression strap. I don't find these to be problems; I prefer BD's more streamlined approach for bushwhacking and scrambling through awkward terrain. No snags. Bottom line: While it would benefit from some thoughtful refinements, the outstanding construction and fit/carry of the pack place it above similar products I've used. For week-long trips scrambling in alpine terrain or fast movement on trail, this is the best pack I've found at this capacity.
The Large size Betalight45 fits me very well. The shoulder straps are comfortable with a loaded pack and the hip belt sits properly to take some weight. I'm 6'3",180lbs, my torso is 21.5-22" according to BD instructions. I measured the actual volume of the main bag to be 46L and still able to roll closed. Side/back pockets will be additional capacity.
Just hiked Mt Kilimanjaro with the Beta Light 45 pack. Super light for a long trek. The harness is amazingly comfortable and with the pockets great for cameras, GoPro's, etc... It handled the rain well, 100% of my items remaining dry. Highly recommend this versatile pack.
I have’t had a chance to use it yet but incredible attention to detail and I put weight in it and it’s very comfortable. Very cool way they put the back pad in an outer pocket. I will do a full review on my channel AlpineEarth.
I use to have osprey rook 65l, somehow i am able to fit more stuff in this backpack and still have room for other stuff. TOTALLY WORT IT FOR THIS MONEY.
Bought two high end packs and carry them both. I will post results after a month or two.