Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack Review

Let’s Talk About Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack

The Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack is designed for climbers seeking a balance between lightweight performance and durability. Black Diamond has long been a trusted name in climbing gear, and the Litewire Quickpack, a set of six quickdraws, is engineered to be versatile for everything from sport climbing at the local crag to multi-pitch alpine adventures. It features their hot-forged LiteWire carabiners and a robust 12cm Dynex dogbone.

My climbing partner, Sarah, and I have been pushing our limits on longer routes, and our existing quickdraws felt cumbersome and heavy. We needed a lighter, more efficient solution without sacrificing strength and reliability, leading us to research options like the Litewire Quickpack. We were also considering the Petzl Djinn Axess quickdraws and the Mad Rock Concorde Wiregate quickdraws. Ultimately, the Black Diamond‘s reputation for durability, coupled with the integrated Straitjacket insert, swayed our decision.

Upon receiving the Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack, the first thing I noticed was how light they felt in my hands. The LiteWire carabiners are remarkably light, and the 12mm Dynex dogbone seemed sturdy yet flexible. The build quality appeared excellent, with clean lines and a smooth gate action on the carabiners, exceeding my initial expectations.

My first impression was one of excitement. This quickdraw set looked like it would significantly lighten our load and improve our efficiency on the wall.

Check Best Price HERE

Real-World Testing: Putting Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack to the Test

First Use Experience

We tested the Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack at our local crag, a popular sport climbing area known for its varied routes and challenging clipping stances. The routes there range from gently overhanging to vertical, and many require long reaches for clipping. We tested the Litewire Quickpack on several different routes, ensuring we used them in various positions and under different loads.

The Litewire Quickpack performed admirably in both dry and slightly dusty conditions. The wiregate carabiners clipped smoothly, even with gloved hands. The Straitjacket insert kept the bottom biner oriented correctly, simplifying clipping even in awkward positions.

The initial use was intuitive, requiring no adjustment or learning curve. The light weight was immediately noticeable, reducing fatigue on longer routes.

We did notice that the narrowness of the 12mm dogbone, while contributing to the light weight, might make it slightly less comfortable to grab for aid when projecting a difficult route.

Extended Use & Reliability

After three months of consistent use, the Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack has held up remarkably well. We’ve used them on granite, sandstone, and even some less-than-pristine limestone routes. The LiteWire carabiners show minimal signs of wear, and the Dynex dogbones are still flexible and strong.

The only visible wear and tear is some minor cosmetic scratching on the carabiners, which is expected with regular use. Cleaning the quickdraws is relatively simple; a quick rinse with water and a mild detergent removes dirt and grime effectively. After cleaning, they are allowed to air dry.

Compared to our previous quickdraws, the Litewire Quickpack is significantly lighter and easier to manage on long routes. They outperform our older, heavier quickdraws in terms of ease of use and reduced fatigue.

Breaking Down the Features of Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack

Specifications

• Hot-forged LiteWire carabiners on top and bottom: These carabiners are designed for optimal strength-to-weight ratio. The hot-forging process ensures durability, and the wiregate design eliminates gate flutter, preventing accidental unclipping.
• Dual wiregates eliminate gate flutter: Wiregates are lighter and less prone to freezing than solid gates. Black Diamond‘s design minimizes the risk of the gate bouncing open during use.
• Equipped with a 12 mm Dynex Dogbone: The Dynex dogbone is lightweight, strong, and abrasion-resistant. The 12mm width balances weight savings with a comfortable gripping surface.
• Straitjacket insert keeps the bottom biner in the optimal clipping position: This insert prevents the bottom carabiner from rotating, making clipping easier and faster, especially in challenging positions. This is incredibly useful for quick and efficient clipping.
• Available in 12 cm: The 12cm length is versatile for most sport climbing applications. It provides enough length to reduce rope drag without being excessively long and unwieldy.

Performance & Functionality

The Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack excels in its intended use: providing a lightweight and reliable connection point between the rope and the climbing protection. The smooth clipping action of the LiteWire carabiners, combined with the secure orientation provided by the Straitjacket insert, makes clipping fast and efficient. The light weight noticeably reduces fatigue on longer routes, making a real difference on multi-pitch climbs.

One potential weakness is the 12mm width of the dogbone, which some climbers might find less comfortable to grab when using the quickdraw for aid. The Litewire Quickpack meets, and in some cases exceeds, expectations for a lightweight sport climbing quickdraw set.

Design & Ergonomics

The Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack features a clean, functional design focused on minimizing weight and maximizing ease of use. The carabiners are ergonomically shaped for comfortable handling, and the dogbone is flexible enough to prevent awkward twisting.

The set is very user-friendly and requires no specialized knowledge to operate. Climbers of all skill levels can benefit from the Litewire Quickpack‘s intuitive design.

Durability & Maintenance

The Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack is constructed from high-quality materials designed to withstand the rigors of climbing. With proper care and maintenance, these quickdraws should last for many seasons.

Maintenance is straightforward, involving regular cleaning and inspection for signs of wear and tear. Replacement of worn components, such as carabiners or dogbones, is possible, extending the lifespan of the set.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack comes as a set of six quickdraws, ready to use right out of the box. There are no specific customization options for the quickdraws themselves.

However, climbers can choose to replace the carabiners with different models if they prefer. The Litewire Quickpack is compatible with most standard-sized climbing carabiners and ropes.

Pros and Cons of Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack

Check Best Price HERE

Who Should Buy Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack?

The Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack is perfect for sport climbers and multi-pitch climbers who prioritize lightweight performance and ease of use. It’s also an excellent choice for climbers looking to upgrade from heavier, bulkier quickdraws.

Climbers primarily focused on aid climbing, or those who prefer a wider dogbone for easier grabbing, might want to consider other options. The Litewire Quickpack would benefit from having a belay loop or knife for emergency situations.

Conclusion on Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack

The Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack delivers on its promise of providing a lightweight, reliable, and easy-to-use quickdraw set. The combination of LiteWire carabiners and the Straitjacket insert makes clipping a breeze, and the durable construction ensures these quickdraws will withstand the rigors of climbing.

At $104.95, the price is justified for the quality and performance offered. The reduction in weight and increase in efficiency are well worth the investment for serious climbers.

I would absolutely recommend the Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack to any climber looking to lighten their load and improve their performance on the wall. Upgrade your climbing rack with the Black Diamond Litewire Quickpack today and experience the difference for yourself!