Black Diamond  Speed 40 Pack

Pros: nicely durable fabric... um, that's about all. Max I would put in this pack is about 25 lbs. For something marketed as a climbing pack, it won't carry a full rack, rope, water, food, jacket etc. With a more typical 30-35lb trad/multipitch load where you'd need this kind of volume, the suspension flexes and most of the weight will be on your shoulder and back. This pack was very comfortable in the store loaded with pillows and weight sacks. On the trail, I immediately got a backache and shoulder burn. If you only need to carry 25lbs max or for non-technical use, this pack is pretty light but you might as well use a *really* light pack like a Vapor Trail that has the same caveats. I had to upgrade to a pack with a more rigid suspension for heavy multipitch cragging.

One of the more comfortable pack I have used when loaded with less than 30 lbs. The load transfer straps actually work on this pack and my tall frame unlike most lightweight no rigid suspension packs. The main improvements would be side pockets to hold the bottoms of pickets and wands, 4 small loops on the top of the lid to attach a cris-cross of elastic chord to, and the cool latches like the osprey variant has. Given the choice to buy a pack again I would go with the Osprey Variant instead.

I can fit all my gear and provisions for a 3 night 4 day stay in the wilderness. It is super slim and you don't even know its on your back because it handles 20 pounds no problem. Any heavier though, and the hip belt won't transfer the load too well. The only downfall is that a day pack conversion would be nice using only the lid and hip belt!

I bought this pack since I liked the size and style. I think that the thought behind the pack is great. I really like the suspension straps as far as the level of padding and placement of the hip belt and shoulder straps. The pack is pretty light and it works good for a day pack or overnight. I don't use the lid if the pack isn't full. If you load the lid without the pack full it flexes the frame in and makes it uncomfortable. I found the after only five months of use (3-5 days a week) it kept digging into my shoulder blades. I tried many different combinations of packing and duct taping places and it just kept digging in and making my back hurt. There is a plastic sheet in the back that won't hold a good shape and pops in all the time. Another friend had the exact same problem with a different one (small model). BD packs seem to cost us a little more than some other brands but I wouldn't expect a better pack. This has been tossed in the closet.