Black Diamond Anarchist 42L Avalung pack review (pics)

[Hugh Jass]

I've toured with this pack a few times now. I dig it.

General Characteristics:

Top loader
Burl construction
Top and bottom zipper pockets in top lid
Angled side access zipper pocket to main compartment
A-frame ski carry, or other weird method
Enclosed camelbak hose in right shoulder strap
Enclosed Avalung hose in left
Useless sternum strap whistle
Elastic mesh doohickey to hold a helmet
Lots of room

I got this pack mainly for the integrated Avalung, and because my other packs are a little small for hut trips, spring overnights, and schlepping lots of shit. I generally carry avy gear, a puffy, sometimes a light hard shell, a dSLR, and lots of food. Depending on the day, rope, crampons and at least one axe go along for the ride. The pack is plenty big for all of that. There is excess space without the rope. There's no doubt that it is a big pack. Probably more than you need for leaving the area out the gates, or for something short and non-gear intensive. But it does cinch down well with lower volume loads.

A Few Observations:

The pack is generally well thought out, and really well constructed. The sides are reinforced against ski edges when A-frame carrying. The waist belt is a little wimpy if you compare it to a monster backpacking rig, but does the job. Sternum strap has a whistle, but its pretty underwhelming. Standard top and bottom zip pocket in the top lid. Assloads of capacity in the main compartment. The side access zip is OK - easy to rummage around and find stuff if you're not packing a full/tight load. I'm personally not bothered by the top loader drawstring. Not a real big deal for me to go in there. Some people like panels, and I do too, but the top loader seems appropriate for this pack.

The avy gear pouch on the back is really spacious. Sleeves for probe and shovel handle. I have a small shovel blade in there, and there is still room for wide skins and probably crampons too. You could get a big blade in there no problem.

The A-frame carry works great with 2 compression straps per side. Apparently you can carry skis on the back too, using what appear to be ice axe loops and the upper compression straps as they span the back of the pack. I haven't tried it, as the A-frame works fine.

There are 2 weird elastic cord thingies on the back, which I haven't really figured out. They might retain the shaft of an ice axe. I'm also not sure about the "ice axe loops", and if they are for the back ski carry, or also for ice axes. They're kind of big, and don't seem to work well with limited fiddling. I might yank the ice axe business from my Dakine and sew it on the BD.

edit: Forgot about the elastic mesh business that comes out of the top lid pocket, wraps around a helmet or other item, and hooks to some small webbing loops. Pretty cool, but I can't get a M Giro 9 to fit without a fight. I can get a standard mountaineering helmet to fit. Added a photo.

Half Assed Photos

http://static.flickr.com/102/305322372_ed7433bda3_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/122/305323663_4b4fee4149_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/114/305323079_58cf469f94_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/111/305324732_6ad5f76054_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/120/305324135_e1ba5c0c68_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/109/305325329_b7ffdec8e3_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/118/305325671_ff148d3c1e_b.jpg

http://static.flickr.com/109/305457445_ecc28de001_b.jpg

[Rontele]

Great review, that pack looks like it has some great features, but one question, is that a Lexan/plastic shovel in your pack?

PM me, I have a metal one I will ship to you for free. Your partners will thank you.

[cj001f]

Yes. The elastic ties are for ice axes. Thanks for the review.



Great review, that pack looks like it has some great features, but one question, is that a Lexan/plastic shovel in your pack?

PM me, I have a metal one I will ship to you for free. Your partners will thank you.

:rolleyes:

[Rontele]

Yes. The elastic ties are for ice axes. Thanks for the review.




:rolleyes:

if I recall, you were quite involved in the shitshow that was a shovel thread over on teletips. i know, I would never use a lexan and plastic shovel when there are good metal options available,.

[Hugh Jass]

I'm sure, if we really try, we can keep this thread about the pack, and not about shovel preferences. ;)

I have a giant metal shovel which I intended to carry in the cavernous space this pack provides. Thanks for the reminder.

[Toby]

I want one of the grey outlet mesh sew-in things to retrofit an Avalung to an ABS pack. I emailed BD but they strongly disagreed with my plan. Dunno what I'll use instead.

[Summit]

Well done review!


I want one of the grey outlet mesh sew-in things to retrofit an Avalung to an ABS pack. I emailed BD but they strongly disagreed with my plan. Dunno what I'll use instead.

VERRRRRY iiiiinteresting... keep us posted...

[Hugh Jass]

Added another photo of the helmet mesh thing, which only works for mountaineering helmets or if you have a pea-sized head and ski helmet.

cj is right on the elastics for cinching an axe shaft. Works like a fucking charm. Sweet idea by BD. But I still say the loops are too big.

[cj001f]

cj is right on the elastics for cinching an axe shaft. Works like a fucking charm. Sweet idea by BD. But I still say the loops are too big.

Better than the cinch straps, IMHO, except they need to be big for longer axes leaving you with the pia tails. I ditch the probe sack for probes in the pack slots.

rontele - if I wanted drama I'd watch you naked talking about your mother :rolleyes:

[Summit]

My axe/ski loops on Covert 32 are adjustable in length for axes vs fat skis. The adjustment is inside my pack, not on the outside... perhaps yours are as well?

[Rontele]

Better than the cinch straps, IMHO, except they need to be big for longer axes leaving you with the pia tails. I ditch the probe sack for probes in the pack slots.

rontele - if I wanted drama I'd would fight with my geigh lover over who gets to be the bottom tonight :rolleyes:

fixed it for you

[Hugh Jass]

My axe/ski loops on Covert 32 are adjustable in length for axes vs fat skis. The adjustment is inside my pack, not on the outside... perhaps yours are as well?

Ah-ha! Indeed, mine are adjustable from inside the outer avy gear pouch. Thanks.

[Free Range Lobster]

if I recall, you were quite involved in the shitshow that was a shovel thread over on teletips. i know, I would never use a lexan and plastic shovel when there are good metal options available,.

If I remember correctly that shit fight was a pathetic wanking between people have absolutely no experience or knowledge of plastics and metals. But I digress.

Awesome review, nice pack. The helmet thing is kind of disappointing though.

[Summit]

Man sounds like a knock down drag out shovel fight... I feel like I really missed out on something special... ;)

[Rontele]

If I remember correctly that shit fight was a pathetic wanking between people have absolutely no experience or knowledge of plastics and metals. But I digress.

Awesome review, nice pack. The helmet thing is kind of disappointing though.

I had nothing to do with that thread but for starting it. It turned into cjf and Clyde buttfucking each other over who is a bigger dick on the interweb.

My guess is much like Clyde, who I have met since then, cjf is probably a very stand up dude and someone I would enjoy hanging out with. he is certainly smart and knows his shit.

[powderface]

I don't see an Anarchy symbol?

Where's the dykes, punks, soilders and protitutes?

LMFAO. hahah

[El Chupacabra]

Hugh -- is the 42L the "tall" size (and the 32L the "short" size) on this pack?

I can't find this info anywhere. I'm on the group buy list for a 32L Covert (the "tall" size), but I'd rather have a pack with thicker waist strap padding like the Anarchist.

[Hugh Jass]

Hugh -- is the 42L the "tall" size (and the 32L the "short" size) on this pack?

I can't find this info anywhere. I'm on the group buy list for a 32L Covert (the "tall" size), but I'd rather have a pack with thicker waist strap padding like the Anarchist.

I'm not sure what is "tall" and what is "short". But the torso length on mine, as stamped on the lumbar, is 20 inches / 51 cm.

I'm 6'2" and the torso length is about right, if not very slightly long. Hope that helps.

[hose-man]

Hugh -- is the 42L the "tall" size (and the 32L the "short" size) on this pack?

I can't find this info anywhere. I'm on the group buy list for a 32L Covert (the "tall" size), but I'd rather have a pack with thicker waist strap padding like the Anarchist.

I just did some digging on this very topic. Here's what I figured out......

There are two choices in anarchist avalung packs. The 32L and the 42L
Here is the sizing description copied from BD's site:

"Vitals:
Sizes: 42 L: recommended for 46-54 cm torso lengths
32 L: recommended for 41-48 cm torso lengths
Weight: 42 L: 1.5 kg (3 lb 5 oz), 32 L: 1.48 kg (3 lb 4 oz)
Volume: 42 L (2,563 cu in), 32 L (1,953 cu in)"

The covert has 8 choices. Two volumes of pack, each in two torso sizes, each in two colors: Here's the sizing info on them:

Vitals:
Sizes: 32 L Large:
recommended for 46-54 cm
torso lengths
Medium: recommended for
41-48 cm torso lengths
22L Large: recommended for
46-54 cm torso lengths
Medium: recommended for
41-48 cm torso lengths
Weight: 32 L: 1.23 kg
(2 lb 11 oz),
22 L: 1 kg (2 lb 3 oz)
Volume: 32 L (1,953 cu in),
22 L (1,343 cu in)
Colors: Black, Gray or Mustard

[Core Shot]

WARNING - ALWAYS DIAGONAL CARRY WITH SKIS OVER YOUR RIGHT SHOULDER (THE NON-AVALUNG SIDE)

that's what the fine print says if you read the owners manual.
Doing it the usual way (left side) can kink the avalung airhose system.

[harpo-the-skier]

Does anyone know how to remove the rods in the suspension in the Anarchist 42? I checked with BD before I got the pack and they said you could but didn't say how.