Black Diamond RPM Pack

This is my everything pack. I can stuff my laptop in it, with 3 school textbooks, calculator, and all sorts of school materials, then later on take it all out and throw in my climbing rope, harness, chalk, hook up my quickdraws, hook up my climbing shoes, and still have space at the top to hold my wallet and camera and other things. There are two open pockets on the inside: one is against your back and can hold your water system (there is a hole on the top of the bag where the H2O tube can feed out of) while the other is on the side away from your back and can hold random items. The top flap has a zipper on the inside and out, the storage space in those would be appx. 2 regular size sandwich bags pressed back-to-back. Only two downsides: the compression (cords) system can show early signs of fraying (I've had mine for almost a year now and the compression system is still intact). The second is that when your pack is full its difficult to fit a bottle in the side mesh pockets, solve this by litening the load, throwing your H2O in the pack, or taking out your H2O pouch in your Camelbak. II will buy the same pack once i tear this one up from using it so much.

I bought this for long multipitch climbs and approaches, the kind where you don't leave anything at the base and can't take a big, stiff, heavy pack. I love the zip opening on the top. It's great for access to everything inside with minimal fiddling (no buckles or drawstrings). There's not good way to carry a rope with it, so you partner will have to haul the rope. I've used it to carry a full rack (cams, nuts, runners), harness, shoes, and a 3L water bladder for a 6mile approach. It's comfy. I miss the waistbelt (the little webbing one doesn't take the load, it just stabalizes). The side mesh pockets are accessible without removing the pack if your reasonably flexible in the shoulders. It's a keeper. I picked up the Speed 30 to carry a rope.

Reminds me of GoLite, but far better quality material, doesn’t feel like carrying a garbage bag with shoulder strap.

There are plenty of pockets inside, one under the lid, and the other against main body.

Color is not as expected, on the picture it looks solid color, but many small webbings are orange, so be aware.

I can’t tell how long the compression system will survive…maybe that’s why it has only 1 year warranty (most packs in the market has at least life time…what’s up with Black Diamond???)

Outside mesh pocket is not large enough for 1L bottle. I guess this is more adventure race ready high-speed pack, so its not intended for big water bottle to be pushed in there.

Overall I like it.

Simply awesome, after doing "light" overnighters consisting of no less then 25lbs for several years, I had a revelation. You dont NEED 75% of the crap most of us insist on carrying. I went out to the Trinity Alps in early April for 2 nights with nothing more then could fit into this little 26l monster and the bear can strapped to the top. I had more fun and covered close to 20 miles both days with NO discomfort thanks to this little guy.
If you are looking for a lightweight pack for approaches or bagging summer 14ers then look no further, pack smart and you can go a few days with this little guy!

If you like to go fast and far in the mountains, the RPM is an awesome choice. We use it for late spring ski mountaineering missions and speed hikes of summer 14ers. I strap a water bottle holder on the waist belt of the pack, and sometimes a camera body holder as well. the compression cords work well for a quick taking off of the rain coat or even for strapping your skins on. MY buddy Stian Hagen swears by this pack in Chamonix for everything from all day rock routes to steep ski descents.

This is a solid, balanced pack - perfect for dayhikes. I thought I might miss a load bearing hipbelt, but if you keep it below 15-20 lbs, it doesn't seem to matter.