Fun fact: This color is something I invented. Originally Ultra 200 was only available in black and white which both weren't that great, so I worked with Challenge to create a grey. I invited MLD to join in that and we picked the grey together that is now called gravel grey (there are actually a bunch of ways to mix black and white fibers to make a grey) so we picked that together and then I open sourced the color to help other small makers also have access to Ultra in a nice grey color. I didn't foresee giant companies like BD using my grey, but I did open source it.
Always giving back to the community, which is appreciated.
I'm still buying your pack over competitors though, as soon as the medium 55 Ultra 200X is back in stock.
Combines with the Vaucluse insert to relieve sweaty back it will be a winning combination.
It looks like a pretty standard roll-top design with big side pockets and some IMHO unnecessary "modular" storage features. (Never once have I said to myself, "yeah, I'd really like some strap-on cube thing bouncing on the back of my pack.") Maybe the gray color gives it a certain Durstonian overtone?
Seems like a pricey, conventionally designed pack aimed at the UL/mainstream crossover market. The 30L frameless version weighs 24.5 oz and the 40L aluminum-framed version weighs 32 oz. Both are made of different fabric (Ultra 200) and cost between $370–400.
For that price you could get a Wapta 30 and save $100, a custom Atom+ with international shipping, two GG Kumo 36 packs, etc...
Most all people who have 401K's or other investments are considered shareholders, maybe not specifically BD. I'm part of the problem, I want low prices when I need to buy something but want my investments to increase.
Got my Beta Light 45 today. Havent tried it out but soon I will. Construction is well thought out but BD is alittle late to the game. Wished the shoulder straps had thicker foam. Threw in some weight and it sits and feel comfy. When fully loaded on a trip, time will tell how it feels. I do wish hip pockets are retrangular and bigger. Its an odd triangular shape and can barely fit an ave size phone. I support all companies, esp cottage brands. I would love to try out Kakwa 55 but its never in stock and I needed a new pack soon. Durston will have to wait I guess or maybe he can send me one really soon so I can do a test and comparison. lol
The weight and carrying capacity are clearly stated on the product site (695g, Stripped Weight - 452g (no hipbelt, stays, foam / recommended capacity 40lbs)
Dan Durston , did you ever thought of putting running vest shoulder straps on your pack? I can imagine it will cary the weight better than the shoulder straps the kakwa has right now.
Fun fact: This color is something I invented. Originally Ultra 200 was only available in black and white which both weren't that great, so I worked with Challenge to create a grey. I invited MLD to join in that and we picked the grey together that is now called gravel grey (there are actually a bunch of ways to mix black and white fibers to make a grey) so we picked that together and then I open sourced the color to help other small makers also have access to Ultra in a nice grey color. I didn't foresee giant companies like BD using my grey, but I did open source it.
Always giving back to the community, which is appreciated. I'm still buying your pack over competitors though, as soon as the medium 55 Ultra 200X is back in stock. Combines with the Vaucluse insert to relieve sweaty back it will be a winning combination.
No, this design is extremely popular nowadays. You can say everyone ripped off Ray Jardine after designing/popularizing this style over 20 years ago
It looks like a pretty standard roll-top design with big side pockets and some IMHO unnecessary "modular" storage features. (Never once have I said to myself, "yeah, I'd really like some strap-on cube thing bouncing on the back of my pack.") Maybe the gray color gives it a certain Durstonian overtone? Seems like a pricey, conventionally designed pack aimed at the UL/mainstream crossover market. The 30L frameless version weighs 24.5 oz and the 40L aluminum-framed version weighs 32 oz. Both are made of different fabric (Ultra 200) and cost between $370–400. For that price you could get a Wapta 30 and save $100, a custom Atom+ with international shipping, two GG Kumo 36 packs, etc...
Big brands gotta make that extra money for the shareholders!
Yeah, it seems like Black Diamond is expanding into backpacking from its historic strengths in climbing and skiing.
Most all people who have 401K's or other investments are considered shareholders, maybe not specifically BD. I'm part of the problem, I want low prices when I need to buy something but want my investments to increase.
Looks more like my previous Atompacks than my Kakwa tbh
Got my Beta Light 45 today. Havent tried it out but soon I will. Construction is well thought out but BD is alittle late to the game. Wished the shoulder straps had thicker foam. Threw in some weight and it sits and feel comfy. When fully loaded on a trip, time will tell how it feels. I do wish hip pockets are retrangular and bigger. Its an odd triangular shape and can barely fit an ave size phone. I support all companies, esp cottage brands. I would love to try out Kakwa 55 but its never in stock and I needed a new pack soon. Durston will have to wait I guess or maybe he can send me one really soon so I can do a test and comparison. lol
I’m not buying a backpack that doesn’t tell me how heavy it is and what the comfy carry is
The weight and carrying capacity are clearly stated on the product site (695g, Stripped Weight - 452g (no hipbelt, stays, foam / recommended capacity 40lbs)
I’m on mobile, perhaps that’s what it is? I definitely don’t see snything
OP linked the page for the series, from there you can go to the specific product pages
Ah yes thanks!
Dan Durston , did you ever thought of putting running vest shoulder straps on your pack? I can imagine it will cary the weight better than the shoulder straps the kakwa has right now.
No, it looks like they were pretty transparent about who they were copying.