Black Diamond

Speed Zip 33L Backpack

Excellent pack

Had this out on a few summit trips in Canadian Rockies. Very happy with the bag, backing plate curvature sits very nicely between musculature on the back and makes it feel almost part of the body. External crampon attachment are a great feature as well, no need to pack a heavy pouch to protect everything else. Just the right amount of zippered pockets and bag stays upright when you flip it open to grab something out of the main compartment. I will say as others have mentioned the velcro strap for the water bladder is a bit odd how it is in front of one of the zippered pockets, and did come undone on me once but not really a huge issue. Only thing I would possibly change is an extra elastic strap on the shoulder straps a bit lower down to bring water hose a bit lower.

Several annoying features

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Weight:

null

I really wanted to love this pack, but a few things got in the way and I returned it. The major thing was the hydration capability. It's a super weird set up that is hard to describe. The way the bladder hangs in relation to the locations of the slit for the tube and the inner pocket is all mixed up. Basically, the velcro keeps giving out, dropping the bladder, and the inner pocket covers the slit for the tube (or else it just flops around and gets in the way). Second, while I love the idea of the zip closure, you can't really put much in it (I tried a small first aid kit, wallet, and phone). This isn't because of space, but because the weight of the items makes the top flop over when it's open, in a way that makes it hard to utilize the main compartment. I felt like to be able to easily take things in and out of the main compartment, I had to take everything out of the top pocket. Positives are that the bag seems really sturdy and durable, it's pretty comfortable for the weight, and the ability to strip all the accessories off is a huge plus.

Almost perfect

Love the pac. It fits a ton, durable, comfortable when weighted. It is perfect but for the tool carry pocket. I have a hard time securing my ice tools. There is not much room. I have to really press and stretch the t's to secure my tools.

Great pack!

Fits all my gear and then some for a multi pitch day. Nice n light.

Pleasantly Surprised

Familiarity:

I've used it once or twice and have initial impressions

Size Bought:

M/L

Height:

6' 3"

Weight:

null

Just bought this pack and I'm pleasantly surprised that it includes a stowaway helmet carry which I haven't seen listed on any reviews or descriptions of the pack. The 33L is very spacious, honestly bigger than I was expecting. It's big enough for a overnighter if packing the bare essentials. In the photo, I stuffed the pack with a bivy, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, food, water, layers, a cook kit, and all the wilderness essentials with still more room to spare. I also tried over-stuffing it with heavy items and at ~30lb, the pack felt supportive. I think I saw a review complain that the base weight is heavy. If 2lbs is that much of a concern then you should probably save your $200 and spend it on a year-long gym membership. No, it's obviously not ultralight, it's not designed to be. But it's definitely light enough and its weight is justified with all the features and support it provides. The only critique I have is the metal dog-bones for ice axe carry. Not all ice axes have a large enough hole for the dog-bone to fit, including some BD axes, so you're forced to use the bottom side straps. With ice axes that do fit though, the dog-bones feel very secure. Haven't had the chance to take this pack out yet, but I'll update this review when I do.

Missing more pockets

I thinks a great bag pack but is kind of missing places to put bottles of water or external pockets to make it more accesible for a walker.

Great backpack for the alpine

I use this backpack for my alpine climbings in patagonia and works great! Perfect size for all your climbing equipment and food. Comfortable for climbing. I would definitely recommend it.

Speed packs turduckin

I started with the speed 22 and now own literally every size speed pack. I could stuff them all in each other like Russian stacking dolls or a turduckin. I used the speed 30 as my my pack in Patagonia (wished it was the 40) for EVERYTHING. From in-a-day pushes, five day traverses, or 10 day ski tours these packs have been my go-to for all my big adventures. They are super versatile and minimalist. I love to strip them down and stuff my sleeping pad where the frame sheet goes. Awesome work with these packs black diamond at a great price point. Big fan!