This is what I would call an "unconstructed" bag since it has no padding or thick materials to give it structure.

That's actually a plus, if you like to move fast and light. Black Diamond designed it for lugging rope and gear to a climb, not for hauling up with you.

This is essentially a duffel with backpack straps, and that makes it work very good for soft goods (like gym gear - judo or jiu jitsu) or for travel.

Since it doesn't have compartments to help me organize, I use mine in travel as a checked piece to hold my jiu jitsu gear and any extra clothing I might want. (My emergency clothing and toiletries, netbook, knickknacks go in my carry-on bag.)

It's easy to throw this simple duffel into the trunk of a taxi where I arrive, and if I have to carry it myself I use the shoulder straps. Since there is no padding on this bag, you leave fragile stuff out of it or wrap in in clothing.

At first I wondered why the backpack straps don't have a stow-away slot like on a convertible travel backpack. But then I realized that would add weight, bulk, and expense (a convertible travel backpack costs a lot more). Now I like the design just the way it is.

And oh yeah if you leave the rope tarp at home, you can flatten this duffel down to nothing and stow it in another bag to use for over-flow (souvenirs etc.) when you come home.

BTW sometimesI use the rope tarp as a clean place to stand if I am changing into my jiu jitsu uniform on a dirty floor.

This pack can fit everything plus the wife! I've got a rope, shoes, three harness, a load of draws, lots of webbing and an extra tarp and still there is room. Not the best for long hauls (if you have to trek a few miles to the spot) as it's not built for comfort, more of a "get it done". But if your on a budget, for the money it's the best ever!

As noted by others, it's not the most comfortable pack for long distances. And the handles are small and painful for carrying any great distance. But it's easy to pack, simple, tough. A very good rope bag. Perhaps an even better travel backpack.

This was my main gear bag for my first few years of climbing and it was perfect. Rather than having to dig through a top opening pack, you just lay it out and unzip it and have access to all of your gear. Seems like a pretty durable material, but it is pretty thin (which also means lighter.) No support whatsoever, so you may have a stray cam jabbing you in the back every now and then, but I always tried to place softgoods at the very bottom to provide a little cushion. Straps are also really thin and offer little in ways of support. I still use this bag to store anything that I am not taking in my main climbing pack.

Nice material, seems/feels well made. I don't think you should buy this for a day pack, but it's not designed to be one... it's a crag bag - made for shorter hikes in.

I use this bag to carry my skydiving gear which includes my helment, jumpsuit and 8 pound weight belt. Love the gator mouth opening and durable zipper. I use both shoulder straps and find the full pack comfortable. Inside pocket is handy for keys, phone and wallet.

My rock climbing partner has this bag. I really like it. It has the removable tarp to yank out the rope with out taking everything, put it in when it all dirty/wet and it wont get the rest of your gear all gross. Really easy to get the rope in and out, fits well on the back also.

would recommend this for beginners. will accommodate rope harness draws and other gear. other essentials for a day of climbing (food, water, extra clothing, etc.) will stretch this to the limit and beyond.

After a couple of time uses,the inside of back fabric started to worn down quickly.