A lifesaver, almost literally

By Angus Bohanon Ranked #303 - Overnight Backpacks (2000 - 2999 cu in) August 10, 2008

First of all, this pack has been great at everything I've used it for (mostly 30 min to 3 hour approaches to climbs, probably 35-50 pounds). I use the 42L and I am 5'9", 145 pounds, and it fits great. Surprisingly spacious given its streamlined appearance, as I have fit a rope, 16 draws, some additional gear, harness, 3 pairs of shoes, jacket, raincoat, lunch and a water bottle in it with little trouble. A notable plus is that no matter how much you fill the body, the brain remains easy to access. Some downsides are that the brain doesn't detach and that there are no outside pockets on the pack, but they are outweighed by its general functionality. The title of this review refers to the fact that a while back, a few friends and I were hiking near the Flatirons when one of them took a nasty spill, sustaining an open fracture to his shin. Turns out the spine of this pack comes out, as does the foam backing, and with some extra padding we were able to splint him up and get him out, using just a few jackets and this pack. Not a feature that will be used often, but nice to know it will work. He's fine, by the way.

View Details: Black Diamond Sphynx Backpack - 1953-2563cu in

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