"Black Diamond over the past few years have produced some really well engineered packs with the main focus being on climbing. Given they’re a climbing oriented company.
The hard facts about the Axiom 40 –
• Fabric: 210d Nylon Ripstop & Twill, 70 X 210d Dobby
• Patent-pending reACTIV suspension with OpenAir backpanel
• Top-loading roll-top closure with removable top pocket for quick and clean volume adjustment
• Soft, breathable 3D mesh on hipbelt and shoulder straps
• Trekking pole/ice axe loops
• Dual hipbelt stash pockets, side stretch pockets and front compression stretch pocket
• Hydration compatible
• Also available as women’s-specific Astral 40
• Weight 1.150 kg
I’ve used the Axiom 40 now for over a week in work with several trips into the hills. I particularly like the large opening the rucksack offers giving ample room to slide a full rack of gear in with ease and the roll-top closure didn’t prove to be much hassle, which I first anticipated it might be. In fact this could lead to better protection of your dry gear if skiing etc.
The top lid unclips really easily which I find really useful as when I’m on expeditions I’d use the likes of the Axiom as a day bag between camps. I’d always have the little essentials in the top and the ability to bring this separate pouch into the tent leaving the larger compartment in the tent’s vestibule. Making tent life easier and more comfortable on 20/30+ day trips is essential and having things to hand with space helps.
Black Diamonds patent pending reACTIV suspension system I must say is really comfortable and I could see the benefits on extended journeys, particularly if scrambling is involved. Both straps work independent of each other and make the pack feel extremely secure on your back. Last Saturday we got a sunny/warm day here in the Mournes, ‘VERY’ rare, but the back mesh allowed for ample ventilation for the walk in.
The rucksack has three stretchy pockets with the front one being adjustable, ideal for me personally for crampons. The side pockets would certainly be useful for drinks bottle/snacks between camps or en route to the crag. Two zip pockets can also be found on the hip-belt which again is just another nice little feature that saves having to stop to get something from the main compartment.
A nice addition would have been an internal pocket for the water bladder instead of leaving it floating in the bag, but not a massive issue. The build quality of this rucksack, I have to say, matches Black Diamonds usual high standard. The Nylon Ripstop material will take a battering and it’ll be sometime before you’d have to replace it. The straps are much more lightweight than my own pack, but both straps & clips are strong.
My final conclusion on the Axiom 40 is it’s a super comfy pack offering a really accommodating 40lt for my own personal gear and the group climbing kit. I find that the Axiom 40 compares very favourably with the top rucksacks in this range."
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