Black Diamond Octane Pack

28L, 1,700 cu in.
2lbs 11oz.
(size Medium)

Outside Magazine's Gear of the Year Award Winner: 2010

Pros: Lightweight, but able to carry weight easily. A lack of extraneous features and a streamlined top-loading design makes 28L feel more like 35L - this allows a surprising amount of gear to be stuffed inside. External stretch pocket makes storage of rain jacket/map/snacks very easy. The new ErgoActive suspension system carries like a dream - comfortable, adjustable, even feels good on the rock, over a laden harness. The Octane's simplicity and functionality stood out constantly.

Cons: Not many! The hipbelt sticks out from the pack, and if not strapped around your hips tightly, it can get in the way during casual use (though it is easily removed for storage). The pack doesn't have as many internal organizing compartments as some other models, but this was never a real issue. A friend complained that the shoulder straps needed some additional padding, but I didn't find this to be an issue either.

The Black Diamond Octane is a superb piece of wearable technology. It is large enough to stuff an entire sport rack, your rope, snacks, and water inside - and it carries 25-35 pounds with superb comfort and mobility. The ErgoActive suspension really does feel like an extension of your body - hipbelt and shoulder harness all moving in stride. I scrambled over scree piles and hiked up steep hills with it stuffed, and I really felt the suspension system working. The load is easily stabilized and compressed with external compression straps, and organization is simplified by an external stretch pocket and a small hipbelt pocket. There is a small top zip for your nick-nacks as well. Trekking poles are easily secured to the pack, and there is a small sleeve inside for your hydration bladder.

Though this pack really excells on large day trips and ultralight multi-day missions in a hiking context, it is durable enough to be used for local cragging too, and is even snazzy enough to be used around town. The 210d nylon face fabric is definitely ultralight (whole pack weighs in at 2lbs 11oz, size medium), but it can definitely take a beating, and it is very weatherproof to boot. Don't worry about durability with the Octane - Black Diamond knows how to make their gear. This pack was used all day every day, for three days of Yosemite adventure. It carried a 25 -30 lb mix of supplies and climbing gear, and every person who carried it was incredibly stoked. I consistently found it challenging to pack the thing to the brim! It is deceptively large.

All things considered, The Black Diamond Octane gets a rave review. It is one of the most intelligently designed large day packs on the market. I've used 35L packs that feel smaller than they are, and the Octane is the exception - the most bottomless 28L pack that i've ever used. If you do long day missions, ultralight solo trips, provide day supplies for a group, or need an all-inclusive rucksack for moving over tough terrain quickly, then the Octane is perfect for you.

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