Black Diamond Sidewinder

Black Diamond Sidewinder – A sleek rock and ice pack.

I have always been a fan of Black Diamond gear. Although I never climbed much, I used their small packs made for climbers quite regularly. I felt that these smaller packs made for great ultra light day packs. And since they were built for climbers, the quality of the gear was outstanding.

The Black Diamond Sidewinder is no exception. This small pack is designed with rock and icle climbers in mind, but is perfect for any short outing. The Black Diamond Sidewinder is a panel loading pack with a modified clamshell design. This design makes it easy to store gear and keep it off the ground when not being used.

The Black Diamond Sidewinder has a molded foam back panel to help keep you dry and let the pack breathe better. There is also a polyurethane framesheet in the back panel that protects your back from the contents of your pack.

The quick & dirty:

Where you can get one:
Amazon: $99

Why the rock:

• Great size for day-cragging
• Clamshell design offers speedy access to gear
• Includes rope straps, compression straps and a haul loop

Why it bites:

• Hydration port is too small
• Has the “squeaky” problem in the shoulder straps

Seat-of-the-pants rating: 8 out of 10

While the Black Diamond Sidewinder may be made with climbers in mind, its ideal for just about any active outdoor sport that is equipment heavy. Climber, bikers, videographers, kayakers, and others are sure to appreciate the Black Diamond Sidewinder design.

Looking to buy? Check out these sites:
Amazon: $99