Comments on: New Black Diamond AvaLung Packs: Bandit, Alias & Outlaw http://www.feedthehabit.com/new-gear/new-black-diamond-avalung-packs-bandit-alias-outlaw/ Mountain Biking, Backcountry Skiing and Outdoor Gear Reviews Tue, 07 Feb 2012 16:02:28 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Jason Mitchell http://www.feedthehabit.com/new-gear/new-black-diamond-avalung-packs-bandit-alias-outlaw/#comment-1283 Jason Mitchell Tue, 12 Feb 2008 18:39:43 +0000 http://www.feedthehabit.com/new-gear/new-black-diamond-avalung-packs-bandit-alias-outlaw/#comment-1283 You're right... if you want a best-of-breed combo, going with the AvaLung and a pack of your choice will do that. I do like the combo, but there are some tradeoffs with BD packs. However, their new lineup seems to cover a lot of bases. With the new BD Outlaw pack--though it is targeted at snowboarders--the compression strap doesn't cover the avie toolkit sleeve. I'm fine with a compression strap covering the clamshell, but I'm not fine with it covering the avie toolkit pocket. That was one negative I pointed out with the BD Covert AvaLung pack. If you are in an emergency situation, you want access to that pocket to be quick and easy. The other cool thing about the new BD Outlaw pack is that it has back-panel access, thus reducing the complaint of the compression strap over the clamshell access zipper. In the end, if you want a best-of-breed, go with the AvaLung and a pack of your choice. But, I really like the new BD pack lineup for Fall 2008. You’re right… if you want a best-of-breed combo, going with the AvaLung and a pack of your choice will do that. I do like the combo, but there are some tradeoffs with BD packs. However, their new lineup seems to cover a lot of bases.

With the new BD Outlaw pack–though it is targeted at snowboarders–the compression strap doesn’t cover the avie toolkit sleeve. I’m fine with a compression strap covering the clamshell, but I’m not fine with it covering the avie toolkit pocket. That was one negative I pointed out with the BD Covert AvaLung pack. If you are in an emergency situation, you want access to that pocket to be quick and easy.

The other cool thing about the new BD Outlaw pack is that it has back-panel access, thus reducing the complaint of the compression strap over the clamshell access zipper.

In the end, if you want a best-of-breed, go with the AvaLung and a pack of your choice. But, I really like the new BD pack lineup for Fall 2008.

]]> By: Brig Graff http://www.feedthehabit.com/new-gear/new-black-diamond-avalung-packs-bandit-alias-outlaw/#comment-1282 Brig Graff Tue, 12 Feb 2008 15:04:56 +0000 http://www.feedthehabit.com/new-gear/new-black-diamond-avalung-packs-bandit-alias-outlaw/#comment-1282 I like the idea of combining the Avalung with a pack, but to me it seems you have to give up some things since BD's packs don't seem to have some of the design features that I like in a pack. For example, many don't seem to have compressions straps. Or the compressions straps go over the main clamshell-zipper of the pack...making it annoying to get in & out of your pack. For me, I'm fine wearing two items since your pack just goes over your avalung. But I think it's a great thing that Black Diamond is trying lots of different pack designs, because soon they're bound to hit on one that I have no complaints with! :-) I like the idea of combining the Avalung with a pack, but to me it seems you have to give up some things since BD’s packs don’t seem to have some of the design features that I like in a pack. For example, many don’t seem to have compressions straps. Or the compressions straps go over the main clamshell-zipper of the pack…making it annoying to get in & out of your pack. For me, I’m fine wearing two items since your pack just goes over your avalung. But I think it’s a great thing that Black Diamond is trying lots of different pack designs, because soon they’re bound to hit on one that I have no complaints with! :-)

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