Black Diamond Covert with Avalung Winter Pack - 1343-1953 cu in

This pack is a really good size for a day out in the BC. Fits everything you need, has a-frame or diagonal carry for skis, and the safer than sorry Avalung which is actually better to have on the pack than solo. All in all a really good pack in design and quality.

Without consideration for the Avalung, this is a great pack. It carries skis well (across the back is my preference, not A-frame style). The insulated shoulder strap works, though the end of it could be a bit larger to fit a 90 degree CamelBak bite valve better. The should straps seem flat when you get them, but curve nicely with use. The waist-belt also seems slight at first use, but works well. I use it inbounds as a water bladder holder and out of bounds for a day pack. The 32L is big enough for a poofy coat and lunch and avy gear. The 22L is too small for all of that in my opinion. The 32L adds length to the pack to get the extra volume. At first fit the 32L seems too tall (I'm 5'7" and use the 18in pack) but once it's loaded and the shoulder straps break in it's fine. The avalung is an obvious perk - it's a reminder to me that if I think about getting the mouth piece out, maybe I shouldn't be on the slope where I am. I hope to never use it. But even when I'm on "safe" backcountry slopes, I have the mouthpiece out because I can. I'd feel extra stupid if I was caught in an avalanche, with this pack, and didn't have the mouth piece out. You won't be able to get it out of the shoulder strap while you're sliding the slope in an avalanche. If you're going backcountry, there's no reason not to get it. You don't go without a beacon right?

Hope I never have to use it, but definitely happy to have the extra lifesaver with the avalung. Having it integrated into the pack is really awesome and doesn't impact use of the pack in any way. Love the separate pockets for probe/shovel and gear. Would love to have aa pocket or two on the waist belt for easy food access, but jacket works as well. I have the 32L and big enough for food, water bladder, and extra layers, without being too bulky.

Very impressed with this pack. It fits all my gear perfectly and is comfortable while loaded.

Integrating the Avalung into packs makes things so much easier and safer. Although the Avalung can’t save you from being caught in an avalanche it increases chances of survival once buried, why not have one? I no longer have to take off everything just to shed a layer. Aside form the Avalung, the covert pack is awesome, the outer compartment holds my shovel and probe and keeps them separate from my lunch and other stuff. It holds skis really well for booting and fits snug to my back for shredding and jumping off stuff.

In the tool compartment you can fit a shovel, probe and 50cm ice axe/tool. The main compartment will hold water and a puffy + camera and other goodies. There's room for glacier gear and a rope as well. About the best ski pack available, not counting the avalung ace in the whole

I used the larger size Covert in AK last year and found it was too big. This is a better size for heli skiing. Maybe the bigger one is good for guiding or longer back country day trips.

I've been very happy with this pack, but wish I'd gone for the 32L size. 22L gives me enough room for skins and an extra layer. It would be nice to have a bit more of a buffer. There's a slick rescue whistle built into the chest buckle. The avy gear storage pocket is a great idea -- depending on the shape of your shovel blade you may end up with less usable space in the main compartment.

This thing is the sickest. I keep the avalung out whenever there is even remote avalanche danger, but when I don't need it it stows really well. Great ski carry/ice axe/outerwear strap designs. BD focuses on climbing gear, and their backpacks are just as reliable.

get it - there's no reason not to... there's plenty of room for extended days tours and its simplicity is wonderful. It fit me well and stayed snug on back for both touring and heli skiing. You beat the added safety...

I love the simplicity. One pocket for stuff, one for avy equipment. Easy pulling zipper to access either. No fastex buckles to battle with when the thick gloves are on. The insulated shoulder strap works (OK, I did the blow-air-back-into-the tube trick too - but I still didn't have a freeze up during a 5 degree day). Surprisingly comfortable given the minimal waist and. I'd recommend the 32L - 22L proved a bit small for more than water, gloves, lunch (no extra layer room).

The Black Diamond Covert pack 32 w/ Avalung carries well. The organization within the pack is reasonable. I was a more than a little disappointed that my Life Link snow saw did not fit inside and that there is also no practical method to carry it externally. With shovel, and probe in the smaller pocket there is room to shove a few more small items such as a head lamp in. The main compartment requires some thought to get the basics included for a long day trip; extra clothing, food, first aid kit, bivy sack and skins fit barely with a 3 liter bladder in the included pocket. I would also have liked a more substantial waist belt, but the minimalist approach works well with a harness and does not restrict movement. Overall this is a fine pack for single day BC trips. The idea of always having the Avalung along is nice, but hopefully terrain and route selection will defer its use.

Fortunately not had to use the Avalung itself but the rucksac is extremely well designed for carrying stuff internally and externally. But best of all is it the first rucksacd I've had that has created rucksac envy - when your at the top of an off piste run you can say to your mates "not got one of these then"

This pack replaces a seven year old DAKINE Heli Pro. I spend most of my time backcountry and the Heli Pro is a bit small for fitting everything in, but I've made it work and like it a lot. Picked up the Covert 32 (L) (I'm 5'10) it fits great. Has way more room than the Heli Pro, but packs down nice. I give it two thumps up. Only wish it had a small external pocket for carrying a couple of Clif bars or whatnot, but no biggy there.

This pack makes me feel safe on the mountain in case of an avalanche. The pockets all have organization and having the hydration option is also a plus. It also is very nice for hauling skis and fits very snug on your back. Very good backcountry pack!

What a great idea Black Diamond has here. New this year so only used it a little bit, and never used it buried underneath an avalanche (I will take BD's word that it works under snow). But is very functional, attaches skis very easily and you can access your avy gear in an instant. A great backpack but a bit pricey.

Feel like your tangled up with that old style avalung sling and your old backcountry bag. Black Diamond has combined the two effectively. On your left side you have your avalung and on the right you have your camelback. Both zip away nicely. The avalung exhales farther behind you and away from your body. I found that the 32l is great for a day tour with room for first aid food and extra layers. Carries skis diagonally and a frame style. It has an easily accessed pocket for your shovel probe and saw, I suggest putting longer brighter zipper pulls on that pouch to help opening with gloves and help others locate the pocket

The Covert pack is a super pack for day tours. Hopefully, I will never have to find out how well the Avalung works but the concept and design behind it is genius.