Speed 40L Backpack

For alpine-style climbers of the cunning and savvy variety, you need a fast and light backpack like the Black Diamond Speed 40 to get you up in a hurry. Weight becomes the central focus if you're lugging all your own gear, so Black Diamond put the Speed on a serious diet by including only the features you're sure to need, like PickPockets for your ice tools, removable crampon straps, and a three-point haul system. You can trim it way down by removing the floating top pocket and padded hip-belt, but you'll still be able to carry your rope in the tuck-away top strap, and stay hydrated thanks to the bladder-compatible design. Best of all, the Speed has an Active suspension system that pivots and flexes with you as you move, allowing the pack to shift as you do without unbalancing your load and tipping you over.