Black Diamond Epic 45 Backpack - 2624-2868cu in

I first saw the Ergo-Active thing and went... wha?
Tried it on, and was like... WOAH.

Scrambling sketchy 4th class with a pack on can be scary, but this thing moves with you like no other pack can, keeping your center of gravity from dramatically shifting and throwing you off balance. The material feels super burley, and the fit is very comfortable on my back. The 45 has a very long torso which was kind of strange on me (I'm 5'10" with weirdly long legs and a shortish torso), but the 35 feels awesome.

Big fan of the rope strap/lid, holds a rope great.

I recently used this on a backpacking trip on the Superior hiking trail . It was the 1st time useing this backpack. I was caring about 30 pounds for 4 days on the trail. The epic 45 was amazing I own few different backpacks Out all of them this is by far the best . We hike for about 10 hrs a day i never had any sore spots I dint ever have to adjust the straps with the ergoactiv system it was great on scrambles with the amount of movement that you have and no pain at the end of the day I highly recommend this to anyone ...

The Black Diamond Epic backpack exceeds the functionality of the Black Diamond Infinity 60 backpack for faster lighter climbs and true minimalist gear loads. On any other occasion I use the Infinity 60. The Epic is also 4 season pack and very durable. For me this is essential as I've been hiking and climbing for about fifty years and I don't like re-buying gear. I also want gear that I can depend on. If you get a chance try one out at a store. Pack what you'll be carrying and see how it feels. That's always the best way to go about choosing a pack.

I'm 6'4 with a long torso, so I love the extra long length available in this pack. I was also pleasantly surprised with the weight of the pack; very nice given its size. There is a strap hidden in the top of the pack for carrying a rope, a nice touch that doesn't get mentioned. Also appreciate the single buckle to close. One less thing to do. Hip belt was well padded especially given the low weight, that was also an excellent surprise. I used to be all about the pockets but I have progressed to valuing lower weight over more pockets, so the single big hole on this pack works perfectly for me.

Its a little annoying that the top isn't floating (the back is fixed to the top of the main pack) but I don't think I will massively overload this pack so I am not too worried about it. Also the shoulder straps are a bit narrow around the neck area, but they seem to have known and accounted for that with different material there.

Overall I am extremely pleased with this pack and I will probably make it my go to winter backcountry pack for ice climbing/mountaineering. I'll also going to sell my Osprey Variant 37 and pick up the Epic 35 if I can find it for shorter days.