Black Diamond Pursuit 15 vs Black Diamond Women's Pursuit 15
Which one to buy
Nothing on the spec sheet separates the Pursuit 15 from its women's version except the harness. Both cost $179.95, weigh 540 g, hold 15 L, and carry the same external hydration pocket, Z-pole storage, recycled body fabric and lifetime defects warranty. Both are one size.
The catch is that Black Diamond doesn't say how the women's fit differs, or what torso length the single size is built around. So the choice comes down to how each harness sits on you, which only a try-on answers. If your shoulders or chest sit awkwardly under unisex straps, the Women's Pursuit 15 is the one to try first; if unisex packs usually fit you, there's no reason to switch.
Before choosing either, know what you're paying for. At this price, many 15-18 L daypacks cost under $100, the trimmed waist belt has no room for snacks, and 15 L gets tight with cold-weather layers. The pole storage and outside-access hydration pocket are the features that justify the price, if you use them.
Black Diamond Pursuit 15
Fine for anyone whom unisex straps already fit, on short hikes where stowing folding poles on the move matters.
Black Diamond Women's Pursuit 15
Try this one first if unisex shoulder straps tend to sit badly across your chest; it costs and weighs the same.
| Spec | Black Diamond Pursuit 15 | Black Diamond Women's Pursuit 15 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $179.95 | $179.95 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Daypack | Daypack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 15 L | 15 L |
| Weight | 1.19 lbs | 1.19 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | One size | One size, women's-specific fit |
| Material | 100% recycled body fabric | 100% recycled body fabric |
| Back Panel | Padded contact back panel (construction not detailed by the maker) | Padded contact back panel (construction not detailed by the maker) |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | Yes | Yes |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Black Diamond Practical Product Lifetime Warranty against defects | Black Diamond Practical Product Lifetime Warranty against defects |
Pros & cons
Black Diamond Pursuit 15
- ✓Dedicated Z-pole storage keeps folding poles accessible without taking the pack off.
- ✓External hydration pocket means the reservoir can be refilled without unpacking.
- ✓100% recycled body fabric.
- ✓Lifetime warranty against defects.
- ✗$179.95 for 15 L is expensive; many 15-18 L hiking daypacks sell under $100.
- ✗One size only.
- ✗The waist belt is trimmed, with no pockets mentioned.
- ✗No raincover, ventilated back or stated load rating.
- ✗15 L is tight for cold-weather layers.
Black Diamond Women's Pursuit 15
- ✓Women's-specific harness at the same 540 g as the unisex model.
- ✓Trekking-pole storage and an outside-access hydration pocket.
- ✓Recycled body fabric and a lifetime defects warranty.
- ✗Black Diamond does not say how the women's fit differs or what torso range it covers.
- ✗Priced at $179.95 for only 15 L.
- ✗One size, no hipbelt pockets listed, no raincover.
Black Diamond Pursuit 15 vs Black Diamond Women's Pursuit 15: common questions
What's different about the Women's Pursuit 15?▾
Only the harness, which Black Diamond describes as a women's-specific fit without saying how it differs. Price, weight, volume and features are identical.
Is either pack worth $179.95 for 15 L?▾
Only if you'll use the Z-pole storage and the outside-access hydration pocket. Plenty of 15-18 L hiking daypacks sell for under $100 without those features.