Black Diamond Quantum 65l Backpack - Review

About nine months ago I got my hands on Black Diamond’s Quantum 65l Backpack, unfortunately due to life and a few work trips abroad it was only the past couple of months that I got to put my new pack to the test. So a four day trip up Mafadi, a twelve day Grand Traverse and then another four day mini Traverse was enough of a test to see how my new pack holds up. And the verdict is that the Quantam is the best and most comfortable pack I’ve ever owned.

So what do I like so much about this pack???

-To start with, the biggest problem I’ve had with trying a new pack is that I’m not the biggest of people and I can never find a hip belt that fits me, the Quantum fitted perfectly and I could have still sinched it smaller.

-Often when buying a pack one seldom thinks of the weight of the pack itself, well at least I never had until I picked up the Quantum, it’s absolutely feather weight and weights in at a mere 1.88kg. For that summit day on a big mountain the pack can also be stripped down by changing to the light weight hip strap and by removing the lid and bivy pad. The average stripped weight is only 960g.

-There are no unnecessary pockets and straps. I quite like an alpine style pack, even just for a hiking trip, one large compartment to stuff everything into and a lid compartment for easy access to small items such as a map and headlamp.

-The Quantum has a neat side zip for easy access to items at the bottom of your pack.

-There is a highly durable patch in the centre of the pack for strapping crampons on. I found the straps are also just long enough to fit round my tent.

-This may only be a 65l pack but I still seam to fit just as much stuff into it as I did my old 90l pack.

The Quantum 65l pack should be available at all major outdoor stores such as Bush and Bundu; Drifters and 7Summits, though you may need to order.

The recommended retail price for the Quantum is R1999.

To check it out go to http://rammountain.co.za/gear.php?catid=207&subcatid=&prodi... or http://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en-us/shop/climb/climbing-pack...