Black Diamond
Black Diamond Beta Light 45
Black Diamond's entry into the ultralight wave pairs Ultra 200 and Ultra 400 laminates with two removable stays. It is the most expensive pack in this catalog's ultralight group, and the only one from a major climbing brand.
Specifications
Features
Pros
- ✓Combines Ultra 200 and heavier Ultra 400 so the tougher laminate sits where wear happens.
- ✓Two removable stays allow the pack to be stripped for lighter trips.
- ✓4-way stretch mesh holds external loads better than flat mesh.
- ✓Black Diamond's retail presence and support are far stronger than any cottage brand's.
- ✓31.7 oz is competitive with cottage packs of similar volume.
- ✓Ultra laminates are waterproof rather than merely water-resistant.
- ✓Easier to buy, return and warranty than a made-to-order cottage pack.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
Cons
- ✗$450 is the most expensive ultralight pack here, by $50 over the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra.
- ✗45 L is modest capacity for the price.
- ✗OutdoorGearLab notes design elements that still need refinement -- this is a first-generation product.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗Ultra laminates are hard to field-repair.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Black Diamond has far less ultralight pack heritage than the cottage brands it competes with.
- ✗Heavier than the Bonfus Framus while carrying 13 L less.
Compare the Black Diamond Beta Light 45
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