Black Diamond Bolt 24 Backpack

The reACTIV suspension system is the result of the desire for a harness that moves in reaction to your own movements. The shoulder straps are connected via a cable; pull up on one strap, the other is pulled down. The waist belt features a similar system but with webbing instead of a cable. 

The back panel, waist belt, and shoulder straps are all made with Black Diamonds OpenAir ventilation system. This high flow design offers enhanced ventilation on nearly all body contact points on the bag. 

The top loading design provides a place to carry rope, and a side entry zipper allows access to the bag when the prior feature is in use. The bag has a large main pocket, a top compartment, and two ‘bucket’ pockets that are open at the top with no closure. These two pockets are located on the front and back of the bag. Also on the front of the bag are two gear loops to accommodate the carrying of poles or ice axes. These loops can be tucked up into the front bucket pocket (via two openings at the bottom of the pocket) when not in use. The bag also has a stretchy pocket on either side of the bag, and a waist belt pocket.

Finally, the Bolt 24 is compatible to both hydration and rain cover systems, though these are not included. 

• reACTIV suspension system
• OpenAir ventilation 
• Top loading with side entry
• Two gear loops
• Waist belt and chest strap
• Hydration and raincover system compatible

This is a day bag that won’t disappoint. The reACTIVE suspension system creates a dynamic fit that allows you to move freely while maintaining a super tight fit. Another great addition is the OpenAir system which offers excellent ventilation just about everywhere the bag makes contact with your body. The one spot this ventilation does is not offered is the lower back; this is understandable as it’s potentially the area of highest friction so it requires a more durable fabric. But by the same logic, it might be nice to see a more breathable fabric in this location. 

The bucket pockets I have mixed feelings about; while they do provide convenient access and lower the bags weight and price (zippers mean more materials), they also can’t be closed. This simply means that things could either fall out, or get in your bag uninvited. The bucket pocket closest to the back does have a zipper to the inside of the bag, but it’s sort of in an awkward spot and seems sort of pointless. On the other hand, I like the front bucket pocket as it has openings at the bottom. This is a great spot to put something like a wet towel or clothes as it allows the water to drip out of the bag instead of pooling and making other things wet.

My one complaint is that the bag lacks compression straps at the bottom. Gravity seems to love stuffing all of your bag contents to the bottom of the bag, leaving all the weight and bulk confined to one area. I find the addition of a lower compression strap can keep the load more evenly distributed, especially when the bag is only half full.