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Description

A tech-savvy pack for the journey away from the ground.

Whether you thrive on rock, ice, or both, the Black Diamond Epic 45 Backpack strives to thrive with you. Built with patent-pending ErgoActiv suspension, the Epic offers a removable hip-belt and SwingArm shoulder straps for maximum versatility and comfort during long days of making vertical.
  • ErgoActiv suspension system features an innovative free-floating hip-belt that pivots with your body's movements for improved load stability and comfort when traveling over uneven terrain
  • SwingArm shoulder straps link each shoulder strap to the other by cable, which allows you greater arm mobility when placing a tool and greater load stability during your approach
  • Thermoformed, vented back panel helps keep you comfortable when things heat up during the approach
  • Ice tool PickPockets and welded crampon patch help you keep your ice gear organized during the pre-ascent mess
  • Hydration compatibility lets you conveniently stow nourishing liquids (although not the kind that come in cans and make your head feel funny)

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Black Diamond Epic 45 Backpack - 2624-2868cu in

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Here's what others have to say...

5 5

Ryan Hamilton

Member since 

This pack has been on many many alpine and ice climbing trips. My workhorse for sure. Most of the time I only need 35L, but the extra 10L has come in handy now and then. The Crampon patch works great, and the ice axe holders are the best I've used. I wish the lid floated, but it's not bad, the two pockets in the lid are great to keep things sorted. Super comfortable even on extended day long alpine climbs. Everything stays secure and comfortable on shoulders, back and hips.

5 5

shep304163

Member since 

This is by far the best climbing pack I have had so far. I've been through an EMS 2800, and a Cold Cold World. Recently did a long alpine route in the White Mnts and boy what a great thing the ergo-active is. From high angle post holeing to vertical ice it didn't feel like I had a pack on at all. The only comment so far is the frame makes it a little tough to climb vertical, hard to look up without the pack pushing the helmet forward.

5 5

Pat Palmer

Member since 
  • Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

The crampon strap and pick pocket are handy features, but what makes this pack shine is the ball joint belt connecter and swing-arm shoulder straps. The weight of the pack stays in your center of gravity when leaning and reaching. For me, the pack is extremely comfortable. Many will find the lumbar pad odd feeling or uncomfortable. It's one of those "love it or hate it" things.

5 5

Duncan Poling

Member since 
  • Gender: Male
  • Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

I never imagined that I would say this about a pack, but the BD Epic 45 is so comfortable that I plan trips just so I can have an excuse to use it. It's that good.

It is loaded with a ton of features. I notice something new every time I put it on (did you know there is a whistle built into the chest buckle?). To be honest, I doubt that most people who choose this pack, myself included, will ever use this thing to its full potential. It can do almost anything that could be expected of a pack. Most importantly, it will keep you comfortable and on your feet no matter where you are or what you are doing.

If you have yet to try out a BD pack designed with the ErgoACTIV system, do so. You will be impressed. The way it distributes the weight of the load and allows your torso to move freely is incredible. After using this pack, I can't believe I was satisfied with anything else.

I'm a medium sized guy, 5'10", and the medium fits me superbly well. Great fit, easily adjustable, amazing pack overall. Oh, and that Cobalt blue is BLUE. Still loving it.

5 5

mas5659461

Member since 
  • Familiarity: I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Light, very comfortable!

How is the hip belt removed? Is it the hex...

David Grant

Member since 
Posted on

How is the hip belt removed? Is it the hex nut found near the ball joint?

Duncan Poling

Member since 
Best Answer Responded on

Yes, there is a hex bolt located behind the lumbar pad. If you turn the pack over, the "ErgoActive" lettering on the spine will point directly to it. It is a bit fiddly to get to, since you have to pry the padding back to gain access to the bolt. Once you are in there, a 5/32 allen key will do the trick (a key with a 90 degree neck will make this much easier).

Be certain this is what you want before you head out to the mountains. While not impossible, field stripping the hip belt will be significantly more difficult in the elements (cold hands, tiny tools, etc.). Putting it back on will be even trickier. Hope this helps, and enjoy your wonderful, versatile pack!

1 5

pell

Member since 

Pros:
* sooo cool color. Sooo cool look. Soooo good to leave at home

Cons:
* rope strap buckle broke in my hands at trailhead
* I had to unstitch a hydration port joint a little to pull out Platipus drinking tube
* shoulder straps are too sharp and uncomfortable
* waist belt attachment hurt my back badly in 3 days
* hydration port somehow was blocked when the pack was closed. The only way to hydrate was to open the top lid

Resume: get 2010 Black Diamond Speed and replace velcro ice tools straps with something more reliable (e.g. 6-8" of 4-5mm cord).

pell

Member since 
Responded on

upd. 2 gear slings are cool. It's a very convenient feature.

Duncan Poling

Member since 
Responded on

Found a replacement for your Epic 45 yet? If there is something better out there, I would love to hear about it.

pell

Member since 
Responded on

Osprey Variant 52.

Is this pack waterproof?

Mickey C

Member since 
Posted on

Is this pack waterproof?

Hayden Beck

Member since 
Responded on

Completely submersed underwater? no, for use around snow, ice and rivers it should do fine though... but it won't be COMPLETELY water-proof. If you plan to use it as a river bag get something else...like a Dakine surf- roller bag
(http://www.dakine.com/p/packs/surf-packs/2012-summer/12s-cyclone-dry-pack)

5 5

Thomas Ogasawara

Member since 

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 am 5'11" with a 33 inch inseam. I am...

jam3663054

Member since 
Posted on

I am 5'11" with a 33 inch inseam. I am unable to try the pack on anywhere. Size medium or large?

Dave Marcus

Member since 
Responded on

http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/uploads/black-diamond/media/sc_pack_unisex_201111314154.png

Torso measurements are taken from the C7 vertebra to the top of the hip bones.

Duncan Poling

Member since 
Responded on

Medium will fit, but a Large will probably be the most comfortable for you. I'm 5'10" with a 30" inseam, and a Medium is perfect.

Ryan Hamilton

Member since 
Responded on

You most likely want a medium. I'm 6'3" and the large fits me, but in other packs a medium fits better. I'im betting you're a medium on this.

What is the maximum weight capacity? (lb...

Hurhansol

Member since 
Posted on

What is the maximum weight capacity? (lb Or Kg)

Sterling Watson

Member since 
Responded on

35lbs is the top recommended comfortable weight capacity, but it can carry up to about 45lbs.

Ryan Hamilton

Member since 
Responded on

I don't think it's big enough to max out the recommended weight. I bet you can only get 35 lbs or so in there.

5 5

mno3751438

Member since 

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.

5 5

mofo

Member since 

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 ...

5 5

John Roorbach

Member since 

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.