"First impression" - Review of Black Diamond Anarchist Winter Pack - 1953-2563cu in

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
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