Black Diamond Revelation Backpack - 2136-2746cu in

I have been using this pack for the past two months for touring, and it is well suited for day trips or for an overnighter in the hut. Cons for this pack become quite obvious after some use in the mountains though. The back entrance is way to small which means items have to be strategically placed in order to get to them easier without having to take everything out of the pack. The pouch on the inside of the back zipper fold is quite small as well and you can only fit a couple little items (sun block stick, thermometer). Another con is how the pack sits on your back. For a single day and light load it is quite comfortable, but after doing a heavy load multi day trip (50lbs) it is painfully obvious not to use this pack. It seems to sit really awkward and applies excess pressure on your lower back. Last, the pack straps are quite thin and don't offer any support. This may be different for everyone, but i like a little bit of gel, or cushioning to help support the weight. Overall a decent pack, but mostly suited for quick yo yo days.

Overall, I am impressed with this pack. The major things that disappoint me are the shoulder straps. There is very little, if any, padding on them. Granted you are supposed to wear this for a winter pack, and when wearing it with a decent winter coat, padded straps aren't really vital, but due to me being on a K-9 Search & Rescue team, I would like to utilize this pack in the warmer seasons also and this particular bag will probably not convert well (which is odd because it is made in Utah and everyone "converts" here...a small joke for the locals of Utah...sorry). As I previously mentioned, the pack overall is great. I have 2 shovels by BD (the Deploy 7 & and Transfer 7) and both fit well. The hydration slits could be a little larger, but a quick pocket knife can fix this (possibly BD's intention?). I thoroughly enjoy being able to carry my gear on the outside while the vibrant red/orange stands out to others while I am in the backcountry, and, God/Baby Jesus forbid, buried in an avalanche. The overall purpose of this pack is definitely ski/snowshoe related. You may be able to "jerry" rig it to suit a board, however, I would sooner buy a pack for boarding due to the sheer ease of it. The Y suspension is comfortable and the pack's material is very strong/tough. If carrying a sleeping bag and pad, I would place them outside on the helmet holder or buy a few extra straps and cinch them down. I think a 55L model is needed, but the 45L keeps things in perspective and keeps the "overstock" from occuring. I will go with a 4 star rating due to all the pros and cons combined, but don't let this persuade you to buy a different pack. If you purchase this bad-ass pack, you will be happy.

Wondering if the Black Diamond retractable handle large shovel fits in this pack.

I've used the Black Diamond Revelation a few days this year and have been really happy overall. I use the smaller version, which is ideal for single-day tours or supported multi-day trips in the BC. Don't expect to pack much food, a bag, or tent- just the essentials. The pack fits really well, has easy access to avy tools, enough space for extra down layers, socks, gloves, etc, and a top pocket for the small stuff, not to mention a couple of nice pockets on the waist belt for snacks or maybe a radio. The hydration compatibility is mediocre, expect to cut the hole bigger if your hose is insulated. For the most part this pack is bomb-proof, well designed and really durable. It's definitely been made with skiers in mind and I would not recommend it to someone looking for a camping-style backpack or to snowboarders.

This pack is the best possible pack any backcountry skier could buy. I use mine for BC skiing, craging and the occasional weekend long trip. I have the 45L and its the perfect size for taking everything you need for a day in the backcountry. The pockets on the waistbelt are small, but my car keys fit perfect and who really wants big ol pockets on their waist belt anyway. The shovel and probe pocket also work great once you get them in there, it takes a little work but my voile shovel and probe fit fine, and BD says any of their shovels will fit. The helmet attachment works great too. I love this pack. If you're excpecting a fast and light summit pack, look elsewhere. Also, if you're looking for something to go backpacking in for 3+ days, don't buy this pack. If you're looking for something to carry your probe, shovel, repair kit, extra layer, thermos, rope, rack, harness, shoes, etc. This is definitely the pack for you.

The Revelation 45L Backpack has all the accoutrements necessary for a good slog in the backcountry. With a sleeping bag and pad, however, you'll be hard-pressed to fit much else inside. Your stove equipment and (limited) supplies of food and water will top it off, depending on personal preferences/necessities for pad length, bag size, etc. The pack compensates on the outside, allowing you, the backcountry skier/mountaineer, to load skis, crampons, multiple ice tools, and a shovel. For peak baggers, the pack can be used specifically for summit pushes. Take out the frame and leave it at home; it's not a very large pack, the frame is (quite visibly) flimsy, and removing the frame makes the pack surprisingly compactable. It can then be stuffed into a bigger, burlier approach pack. The pockets on the waist belt are barely large enough to fit your inedible "energy" bars, so they will be better suited to carrying chapstick, whistle, knife, and other small items. Happy hunting.

After I bought this pack, I discovered that my Voile shovel and G3 probe do not fit in the front pocket that is intended for them. My boyfriend has the same pack in the larger size, but my gear does not fit in his pack either. He really likes the pack, but I would caution people to check if your gear will fit before you purchase it.

The service from you guys was good. The backpack is pretty good. I wish the padding in the waist-belt was better, but I like everything else. It has really good compartments for your shovel and probe. The lid opening will hold a couple of things (skins, goggles, etc.) while you dig to the bottom of the pack.

I bought this pack to use as a general camping pack rather than for what is recommended, and found that it is so specialized that it cannot easily change roles. The hydration compatibility is highly overrated, period. The pack's interior (and exterior, for that matter) is centered around storing lots of long thin items rather than anything bulky. Padding and load control are excellent. My one big concern for snow enthusiasts is that the flap over the zipper on the main compartment does not want to cover it well until you're severely over packed, so there may be a problem with wetness. The three small pockets (2 on the belt and one in the center of back) are almost too small for anything - certainly too small for the things you really want to keep there. The external straps can really only be used for the things shown in picture...good luck making them work for anything else. For snow it's a 5; for summer it's a 2.

I am really impressed with the fit of all the new Black Diamond packs. The Revelation is a great fitting, light alpine 2-3 day pack. The lack of a top lid pouch makes things simple and prevents the temptation of bringing unnecessary items. A few daisy chains or extra rear lash down points would be nice, but again it prevents you from carrying excess weight. If you’re looking for a great light, compact carryover style alpine-climbing-ski pack then look no farther.

I am pretty impressed with the Revelation pack. I like its top loading simplicity; just a zipper that goes all the way across. Also, the pocket for the shovel and probes is really handy. It has all the room you need for a day of backcountry skiing. I haven't used the hydration pocket, ski loops or helmet attachment yet.