Black Diamond Anarchist Winter Pack - 1953-2563cu in

well, after using this pack for a good while (refer to my earlier review for additional pros and cons)I have to say I not too impressed. The major annoyance is the lack of proper compression straps. They are located to high and low which leaves a big gap in the middle. My pack, which is the 42L always ends up with a huge bulge in the middle. If your shovel compartment is full that leaves you with an even stranger (and impractical) looking pack. They also made this pack bigger than most 40-54L packs I've seen so be aware of that. All in all, good features and comfortable carry. But the downsides are so many that I'm thinking of returning it.

I have taken it out for 3 single day b/c ski trips so far. The pack is comfortable and feals sturdy. The hydration setup for the hose in the shoulder strap is excelent. I had no problem fitting the G3 guide shovel and a probe in the front shovel pocket (I actually stuffed a pack rain cover in there also.) I have the larger model and it holds a lot more than the 2563cu would suggest. I have not tried the helmet holder and have rigged a crampon holder on the top. As a previous reviewer stated, the pack sits high on the back, so if you are doing any bush-whacking, the crampons (or helmet) will sit very high and snag some branches. The ski carry system is diagonal acording to the booklet. It works great this way, however they tails ride a little low. You can also go with the a-frame which works ok only if the pack is very full. The ice axe loops are very long (so they can be used for ski carry) so they are a bit tricky and require you to spin the axe a few times. All in all, it is a good pack. I will be taking it on the Haute Route later this month!

It seems like a good quality pack and has some essential features for a backcountry pack. Especially the external pocket for shovel, probe and other on the fly gear. The hipbelt is great by the way and has two small attachment points which I guess is for creating gear loops with 6 mm rope. pretty ingenius. Would work very well as an allround pack for mountaineering. the insulated shoulder strap for bladder hose look very well done and the pack seems more sturdy than most - yet lightweight. It will take a lot of abuse for sure. Only cons is that it's a pretty tall pack, I'm 6"4 (mostly legs though but still) and the back above the shoulder straps seems a little too high. wonder if it will conflict with my helmet while skiing when I'm leaning forward tilting my head back. Most ski packs are low on the back to avoid such situations. Could have created a helmet 'groove' in the top as many other packs have. Otherwise the pocket where the helmet cover is, is only protected by velcro and it opens upwards so that rain can rinse straight through the velcro. pretty stupid as it is not designed as a 'wet gear pocket' with rinsing holes at the bottom. Also the protection of the main compartment has only one drawcord, not the usual additional 'extension body' with extra drawcord. This makes it less complicated (faster) to access the compartment but also makes it easier for snow or rain to enter the compartment if it's blowing a bit (which it usually does). could therefore be extra useful with a waterproof liner or packsack. Otherwise great pack for ski touring and mountaineering

Lightweight designed pack to hold just enough gear and enough to make you happy traveling from destinations - The pack holds skis diagonally in two ways, does not offer A-Frame- The pack offers enough room for luggage but I personally do not see it has a ultimate backcountry pack, the waist belt is very simple (no pockets) medium size. I highly dislike how there is a lack of information about this pack though, on the black diamond website and in manuals that are provided, was not planned very well and seems to not be in any spot lights. However! The pack hauls and gets you where you need to go!