Our tried-and-true on-route alpine pack, proven everywhere from the Canadian Rockies to the Fitz Roy massif, the Black Diamond Speed is designed for lightweight performance on rock, snow and ice objectives the world over.
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We trust what we make because we use what we make. All Black Diamond soft goods are warrantied against defects in materials and construction for the practical lifetime of the product.
You can’t tell the history of climbing and mountain sports without telling the history of Black Diamond. Born from the ashes of Chouinard Equipment in 1989, Black Diamond thrives today as a leading innovator in climbing, skiing, and mountain equipment.
Overall rating: 4.5 / 5 from 32 reviews.
The Speed 40 Backpack is praised for its versatility, comfort, and suitability for various activities. Customers appreciate its lightweight performance and updated features like the moisture-wicking back-panel and redesigned shoulder straps. However, there are some concerns about the buckles on the crampon straps.
Review topics: ["fit","size","straps","pack","weight","fabric","material","backpack","looks","design","feel","fan","speed","loads","attachment","climbing","tool","gear","cinches","light"].
"Managed full glacier climb gear very comfortably in this pack for an overnight, super stoked with how packable it was. Looking forward to using it for alpine objectives this summer!"
"Perfect one all pack. Use this for multi day camping/climbing and hiking mainly in Colorado. Also perfect with the external attachments for winter routes needing crampons, snowshoes, ice tools, etc. extremely comfortable to carry even when fully loaded. 40L is large enough to load up but not be cumbersome."
"Bought this as a multi use pack for climbing, alpine missions, hike and fly, and more, and have been impressed with it's durability, comfort, features, and robustness. Its comfortable to carry (sits high and has a feel similar to a running vest, which makes it stable on the trails), is full of great features, and is incredibly ergonomic. Highly recommend."
"I've used this pack for many many days in the mountains. I am finally done with BD packs. My biggest complaint is that the frame sheet rips out of the pack fabric. Sure, they warranty it (I'm on my third!), but come on BD, make better packs. Seams are ripping (also warranty, but also, come on). Small gripes: The ice axe holder string should be longer, it barely fits a Nomic, and almost impossible once the pack is full. The big problem is that these are well-designed packs, made with good materials, but the quality of workmanship is so bad that it belies a good foundation. Use better thread!"
"Light, comfortable, right-sized and durable. This is the perfect pack for my alpine guiding work."
"This is the perfect bag for me - had wanted something a bit larger than my Osprey 32L, as this was not cutting it on Chimborazo, Cotopaxi, etc. This is perfect for bringing up what I need to basecamp and then also for summit attempts. Durable and comfy - will hold up for a long time. Whenever ppl see me with this on the mountain, they ask about it and end up grabbing one."
"Excellent backpack—lightweight and very functional. It can handle heavy loads without any issues. In my case, I’ve carried up to 35 kg, and it performs extremely well. It doesn’t cause shoulder pain at all. An outstanding backpack"
"Great pack for alpine and ice"
"I was looking for a lightweight 40L pack that could handle all my outdoor activities, including instructing skiing and needing to have essentially an extra locker for all the clothing needed to handle changing conditions during any given day. The Speed 40 is outstanding in that it has all the features needed, but keeps the weight down and still stays incredibly durable. I'm pretty rough on gear, but this pack is handling my abuse really well."
"This is an excellent backpack — exactly what I needed. It’s lightweight, and the material looks durable and sturdy. Perfect for working on the route. The only downside is that when it’s fully packed and you have a helmet on, it’s hard to look upward — but that’s an issue with almost every backpack when it’s fully loaded. My recommendation: this backpack is perfect for its intended purpose. I like that it doesn’t have unnecessary pockets or straps — it’s wonderfully practical."
| Size | Torso Length | Waist Circumference |
|---|---|---|
| S/M | 16 - 19 in 41 - 48 cm | 26 - 40 in 66 - 102 cm |
| M/L | 18.5 - 21.5 in 47 - 55 cm | 28 - 45 in 71 - 114 cm |
Measure between the iliac crest (the top of your hip bones) and the C7 vertebra (feel for the protruding bone at the base of your neck while looking down.)
Measure around your hips at the iliac crest (the top of your hip bones), not at your waist.
