Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack Review

Let’s Dive into Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack

The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack is a tried-and-true alpine pack, designed by Black Diamond for lightweight performance on rock, snow, and ice objectives. I’ve used countless packs in my decade-plus of tactical and outdoor experience, from lumbar packs on quick day hikes to full-blown expedition rucksacks on week-long treks. This Speed 40 immediately caught my eye due to its blend of lightweight design and durable construction, promising to be a versatile tool for a variety of alpine adventures.

I needed a pack that could handle everything from ice climbing day trips in the White Mountains to multi-pitch rock climbs in the Gunks. My old pack, a heavier model with a lot of unnecessary bells and whistles, felt cumbersome and slow. The promise of a strippable design and improved comfort was particularly appealing.

Unboxing the Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack, I was immediately struck by its clean, minimalist aesthetic. The updated BD X-rip 210d fabric felt reassuringly tough despite its light weight, and the overall construction seemed solid. The Speed 40 felt lighter than my old 35-liter pack, a promising sign for long approaches.

Compared to the Arc’teryx Alpha FL 45 and the Mammut Trion Nordwand 35, the Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack seemed like a more balanced option. The Alpha FL prioritizes weight above all else, sacrificing some durability, while the Trion Nordwand, while excellent, is pricier. The Speed 40 seemed to hit the sweet spot of weight, durability, and features.

My first impression was overwhelmingly positive; I was excited to put this pack through its paces. It seemed like a well-designed, well-built piece of gear that would become a staple in my alpine kit. The potential for customization, with its strippable features, added to the anticipation.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack on a late-season ice climb in Huntington Ravine on Mount Washington. The conditions were mixed, with patches of ice, snow, and bare rock. I loaded it with ropes, ice tools, crampons, layers, and the usual assortment of climbing gear.

The pack performed admirably in the harsh conditions. The redesigned shoulder straps and back panel provided excellent comfort, even with a heavy load. The new metal dogbone ice tool attachments felt secure and were easy to use with gloves on.

The pack was immediately intuitive. The top-loading design allowed for easy access to my gear, and the drawcord skirt kept spindrift out. No major issues arose during this first outing; the Speed 40 felt like a natural extension of my climbing gear.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use on various climbing trips, scrambling outings, and even some backcountry ski tours, the Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack has held up remarkably well. The BD X-rip 210d Nylon fabric shows no signs of significant wear, even after being dragged across granite and ice. The welded front abrasion patch is a welcome addition.

Maintenance is simple; I usually just wipe it down with a damp cloth after each trip. So far, no repairs have been necessary. The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack has exceeded my expectations. It’s more comfortable, more durable, and more versatile than my previous pack, making it a joy to use.

Breaking Down the Features of Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack

Specifications

• The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack boasts a new BD ”X-rip” 210d Nylon body fabric with UTS coating, offering enhanced durability and water resistance. This ensures the pack can withstand abrasion against rock and ice while protecting your gear from light precipitation.
• The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack weighs in at 1240 g (2 lbs 12 oz), making it light enough for fast-and-light alpine missions without sacrificing durability. This weight is a sweet spot for a pack of this size and feature set.
• It’s designed as a top-loading pack with a removable lid, drawcord skirt closure, and tuck-away rope strap, making it simple to access and secure your gear. The top-loading design is classic and efficient.
• The pack features custom metal dogbone ice tool attachment with micro ice-tool PickPockets and removable 20 mm crampon straps, offering secure and accessible storage for essential climbing tools. The metal dogbone is a significant upgrade over previous versions.
• The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack’s strippable design allows removal of the frame sheet / bivy pad and hipbelt, transforming it into an even lighter pack for summit pushes or minimalist climbing. The ability to strip the pack down is a great feature for experienced alpinists.

These specifications translate to a pack that’s durable, lightweight, and versatile, making it suitable for a wide range of alpine activities. The ability to strip the pack down further enhances its adaptability.

Performance & Functionality

The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack performs exceptionally well in its intended role as a lightweight alpine pack. It carries loads comfortably, distributes weight evenly, and provides easy access to essential gear. Its strengths lie in its balance of weight, durability, and functionality.

The only minor weakness I’ve found is that the internal volume can feel a bit cramped when fully loaded with bulky items. However, this is a common trade-off for a lightweight pack. The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack meets and generally exceeds my expectations for an alpine pack of this size and weight.

Design & Ergonomics

The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack features a streamlined design that minimizes bulk and maximizes freedom of movement. The materials are high-quality and the construction is robust. The weight is well-balanced, and the pack feels comfortable even with a heavy load.

There’s a slight learning curve to efficiently packing and organizing gear, but once mastered, the pack is very user-friendly. The redesigned shoulder straps and back panel significantly improve comfort compared to previous iterations.

Durability & Maintenance

The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack, constructed with durable materials and reinforced stress points, feels like it will last for many seasons of hard use. The BD X-rip 210d Nylon fabric is surprisingly resistant to abrasion, and the welded front abrasion patch provides extra protection.

Maintenance is simple; wiping it down with a damp cloth is usually sufficient. The pack seems easily repairable should the need arise, thanks to its straightforward construction.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack doesn’t come with many included accessories, focusing instead on a streamlined design. The strippable features, such as the removable lid, frame sheet, and hipbelt, allow for a degree of customization to suit different objectives. A raincover is available separately.

While not specifically designed to be compatible with accessories from other brands, the pack can accommodate various aftermarket gear. For instance, you could easily attach external gear loops or customize the ice tool attachment system. The minimalist design encourages personalized modifications.

Pros and Cons of Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack

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Who Should Buy Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack?

The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack is perfect for alpinists, ice climbers, rock climbers, and ski mountaineers who need a lightweight, durable, and versatile pack for technical objectives. Experienced climbers who appreciate a minimalist design and customizable features will particularly benefit.

Beginners or those who primarily engage in casual hiking might find the Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack too specialized and lacking in features like multiple compartments or extensive padding. It’s designed for a specific type of user.

A must-have accessory is the Black Diamond raincover, especially for those who frequently climb in wet conditions. Consider also a hydration reservoir if you prefer drinking water on the move.

Conclusion on Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack

The Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack is an excellent alpine pack that delivers on its promise of lightweight performance and durable construction. It’s comfortable to carry, versatile, and customizable, making it a valuable tool for any serious climber or mountaineer.

At $204.95, the price is justified by the pack’s quality, durability, and feature set. It’s an investment that will pay off in comfort and performance on countless alpine adventures.

I wholeheartedly recommend the Black Diamond Speed 40 Backpack to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile alpine pack. If you’re ready to take your climbing to the next level, this pack is a must-have. Get yours today and conquer the mountains!