BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack:

After trying 2 other small, light fastpack for summiting from basecamp. This one is has the right combination lightweight but not light on features or comfort. It allows me to leave my Osprey 65 at basecamp and take along the basics (rainshell, water, a couple of snacks, headlamp) and still have room for my DSLR and fastpack to the summit. The straps are comfy and it wears like iron. I use the front pocket like a "stuff sack" and reverse stuff the pack and straps into it and zip it shut. Its small size fit just right at the top od the spindrift collar in my trail pack. That is my only suggestion for future improvements, make the pocke zipper dual sided and add a couple of lash points to clip it to the ladder ties on the outside of your pack if you're packing a full load.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack:

The Bullet (in various incarnations) has been my go-to day-hiking bag for around a decade now. It has been redesigned over time, but in some ways it's never been better.

It is small, but big enough. It encourages smart packing, rather than carrying the kitchen sink. (It doesn't have a padded back panel, so you need to arrange the contents smartly as well.)

It has a main compartment and a front pocket for smaller items, so you're not blundering around trying to find which gosh-darn pocket you put something in (one caveat: the front pocket zipper is shorter than in the past and you can't stuff quite as much into it).

The Bullet's good for a hike, or on a bike, but I've used it for a month's travel overseas in warm countries -- my only bag for weeks of ultralight travel in the tropics. Or Vegas. It's a great airline bag, too.

If it seems a little small for you, I'd recommend the new Hollowpoint -- a 20-liter pack much like the 16-liter Bullet.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack:

I really enjoy this bag, I don't use it for hiking or rock climbing but I have a field job and wanted a small bag to get around the city with and this is perfect. I usually carry a planner, couple of folders, a book and my eco vessel. Their only con is their lack of a water bottle holder.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack:

I needed a summit pack and realized that bushwacking up a mountain wasn't what most summit packs were designed for. This pack was light, fit easily into my backpack and was rugged enough to take the constant branch poking from the cripple bush in the Adirondacks.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack:

Needed small but durable pack for hiking with dogs. Liked the fit immediately. Chest and waist strap give secure feel even for small pack. Able to pack water,bowl,leashes,snack,treats,poop bags and small first aide kit. And on cold days that warm up I can stuff in my hat & gloves!

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack:

I always carry a camera, stethoscope and book when I walk my Pug around the village. I do not climb, but don't shy away from the occasional trail walk. This little sucker is perfect for this. My iPad fits nicely, as does a chess set and a roll-up vinyl board and clock. The bullet is ideally designed for its purpose, nothing more, nothing less. The cross strap that keeps the shoulder straps from sliding over my shoulders is essential, and I'm very happy with how it fits.
What's not to love about the Bullet? I also use the Black Diamond head lamp, and I have great praise for it as well.
A fine company right up there with the best.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack:

I love this pack. I use it to carry my gear to and from the gym. It has a few other uses, but its good for what i need

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack:

I bought this for my son as a day pack for hiking and snowshoeing but it is just too small. Looks like a nice light weight pack. I will be returning the item.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack:

The best aspects is that it has a sternum strap and a belly strap. That makes it very stable on your back. You hardly notice it.

Comments about BLACK DIAMOND Bullet Climbing Pack:

Though I love to hike, so far I've only used it for trekking and biking around the city. My Macintosh iBook G4 (old laptop) just barely fits inside with some room to spare. I can also fit in a folder with some documents, and I can fit leftovers if I pick up some food...but I couldn't fit too much more.

The #1 con might be the fact that there is no water bottle compartment on the outside. This adds to the sleekness of the pack (a plus for motion and looks) but you will have to put your water bottle inside the pack (no big deal for most). Also: the pack is about as small as a day pack can be. It is definitely enough for the essentials (food, water, layers, and a little something extra) but none more. Most people who pack light should be fine. Also, the little outside compartment is a bit difficult: Its size is good, but 1) the zipped opening is smallish, making it harder to rummage through (and see) your contents, and 2) there is a key latch but nothing else. It couldn't hurt Black Diamond to add a few slats or pockets on the inside to make the pack more versatile (and more equipped for stowing little items).

In summary, this is a well-designed (if imperfect) small pack. Buy it if you are in the market for a small day pack...unless you think the above design flaws/omissions will get on your nerves. I'm fine with it; it's a good-looking, athletic pack that becomes part of your body and motions without weighing you down.