Black Diamond  Mission 55 Pack

I usually don't write reviews but I wanted to give BD a shout out for this incredible pack. I've had the Mission 50 for years and I use it for anything from a leisurely day hike with the family to back country skiing, ice climbing and mountaineering. No nonsense features - plain, simple & durable pack for the mountains. I've been waiting for it to die so I can justify buying a new one but it keeps on going. Well done guys! Please bring back the lower beefy side straps for the skis though by the time I'll buy the next Mission. Being able to strap the skis and have them not wobble is important.

I have used this bag for ice climbing and cragging. There's plenty of capacity for a full double rack, belay parka, rope, draws, multiple liters of water, and snacks. The bag carries pretty well for how much gear it can haul. My main complaint (and the reason why I will likely sell this pack) is that BD did not design the ice axe attachments to fit all tools (likely just theirs). I have Nomic ice tools, which many ice climbers have and the little toggles that fit through the heads of the tool are just tool long on this pack. It's extremely frustrating to try to get my ice tools on this pack, so I will either have to cut the toggles longer or sell the thing. Bummer as I otherwise liked the pack a lot.

I thought this pack had everything I was looking for, but within 5 uses it popped a hole in the bottom. It has taken me years to pop a hole in the bottom of any other pack I have owned. I do not recommend this pack due to its lack of durability.

Good pack with each of the features working well individually, but do not work well together. Found that rope storage is good, but if the side straps are needed for other bulky items (pickets, big sleeping pad), the rope does not sit well on top of the objects and can't use the side straps, only the rope buckle which is hard to secure the entire rope. The shoulder height adjustable buckle works well but pops off very easy. Usable for overnight trips and can hold large amount of weight, pack suspension system works well.

I love the minimalism provided by Helio packs for quick powder forays. But the Mission is a dream for longer hauls when one needs to haul more hardware. This said, it did not feel heavy. Rather, it felt burly and supportive in the right places and I felt unencumbered on the up and the down. Form and function mashed up for this puppy. I only wish it came in a different colors so my vanity would be gratified.

Great pack for big one day outings or shorter overnight trips. Holds a lot of gear and has functional attachment points to keep ice axes/crampons on the outside. Holds all my overnight gear along with a full rack but compressed down to something that is easy to climb with.

Lightweight and very durable material. The customized sleeves for crampons and ice axes are appreciated. The swing arms allow for easy movement while swing axes and climbing with the bag on. Fits a single or two double ropes nicely. No complaints and highly recommended.

So far, I've only been using it to train. So, I put sandbags in the pack for weight. I really like the rocker system so the weight on the shoulders is always evenly distributed. The waist belt tightens easily to transfer the weight onto my hips.

Very good backpack, durable, easy to carry and load. However, was not mindful of how I loaded the pack and ended up constricting blood flow to the arms and shoulders. But it was all fine after distribution the load around properly.

Always love the Mission packs, simple, low frills, low weight do it all pack. Excels in extended backcountry tours and gear hauling. I've owned 3 over the years, they all are still being used because they are durable!