Black Diamond RPM Backpack - 1587cu in

This is my everything pack. I can stuff my laptop in it, with 3 school textbooks, calculator, and all sorts of school materials, then later on take it all out and throw in my climbing rope, harness, chalk, hook up my quickdraws, hook up my climbing shoes, and still have space at the top to hold my wallet and camera and other things. There are two open pockets on the inside: one is against your back and can hold your water system (there is a hole on the top of the bag where the H2O tube can feed out of) while the other is on the side away from your back and can hold random items. The top flap has a zipper on the inside and out, the storage space in those would be appx. 2 regular size sandwich bags pressed back-to-back. Only two downsides: the compression (cords) system can show early signs of fraying (I've had mine for almost a year now and the compression system is still intact). The second is that when your pack is full its difficult to fit a bottle in the side mesh pockets, solve this by litening the load, throwing your H2O in the pack, or taking out your H2O pouch in your Camelbak. II will buy the same pack once i tear this one up from using it so much.

I bought this to use for my over nighters, climbing, and for day trips. It takes over for my bora 35 which has a hard internal frame and doesn't pack down for as a second bag very well. This pack has a foam "frame" that is semi-stiff and keeps its shape but can be rolled up and stuffed if need be. It is also just about the perfect size to throw a lunch, a couple extra layers, and some water in but has the versatility to carry ice axes/shovels, poles, sleeping bag... all in addition to the clothes and water. My one complaint is that I wish the top pocket was big enough to carry a book in. Its about the length of a toothbrush and but not quite wide enough for a small paperback, and the zipper makes it even more difficult to get that in. I also kind of yearn for a daisy chain on it.

Reminds me of GoLite, but far better quality material, doesn’t feel like carrying a garbage bag with shoulder strap. There are plenty of pockets inside, one under the lid, and the other against main body. Color is not as expected, on the picture it looks solid color, but many small webbings are orange, so be aware. I can’t tell how long the compression system will survive…maybe that’s why it has only 1 year warranty (most packs in the market has at least life time…what’s up with Black Diamond???) Outside mesh pocket is not large enough for 1L bottle. I guess this is more adventure race ready high-speed pack, so its not intended for big water bottle to be pushed in there. Overall I like it.