BD Infinity 60 sweetness
yum! (is it okay to say "yum" as a description for gear?)
We are always looking for new gear. That’s part of being a gear nerd. But what’s more important to us than this new gear just being sweet and cool is the usability of it. We want to know that this new peice of sweetness is actually functional and going to work. So ultimately we play with it until we can say, “yes, I would use this myself”.
Yes! Is the answer for the Black Diamond Infinity 60. This baby is fully functional and has only what you need in a pack,…… along with something that you didn’t think you needed, but will want once you try it on and determine that you do need it! BD calls this the ergoACTIV suspension. Now we’ve tried packs that “move” with your body. The ones that feet like a blind donkey picked out where your hip movement should be. But the ergoACTIV suspension pretty much nails it. The hipbelt is on a single pivot point that allows complete independent movement. And the shoulder straps, get this, are linked at the bottom through the pack via a free running cable. So if you reach up with your right arm the shoulder strap pulls slack from the now loosened left side…. genious! Below are more features that BD states on their website (with our comments of course..)
This pack was listed in Backpacker magazines Gear Guide as “all-day comfort”. You can read the brief review below: http://www.backpacker.com/gear-guide-april-2010-black-diamond-infinity-60innova-60/gear/13885
If you’re a gear nerd (and I know most of you are) it’s worth just stopping in to try it on. Even if you’re not in the market for a new pack, it’s sweet!
Plus, we only have one in right now. So if you stop in to check it out, let us know what you think of it.
What kind of pack do you have? And what do you think of it. Maybe write a quick review here under comments and let everyone in on your thoughts.
Will have to stop by and compare it to the granite gears I looked at. thanks Mark.
For us ULNs (Ultra Light Nerds)…. how much does it weigh ?
3lbs. 13oz. Not the lightest, but that’s the trade off for the mobility. Sometimes it comes down to weight or comfort. There are many packs that are very comfortable and you don’t have to compromise. But this pack is really different. And the mobility and comfort are a step beyond your typical “comfortable” pack. So not necessary for everyone, but very cool too……….
I own the Deuter ACT Lite 65+10. I bought this pack because: 1. It was at the right price point ($189) 2. Shaves some weight off my old pack (the Deuter is 3 lbs, 15 oz.) 3. Has a reputable name behind it, and 4. It has the space that I need since I am still working on getting my gear list pared down. Overall, I love this pack. The Aircontact system really does A LOT of work to keep you cool. There are a lot of small details that I like about this bag as well. The stretch front pocket is great for stowing wet gear, and I like having the dual water bottle holders on either side. The sleeping bag compartment is massive, easily swallowing my sleeping bag and all the clothing I need for a 3-season trip. A couple negatives: First, the hydration sleeve “holder” is just a velcro strap that will come undone if there is any more weight than 2L of water suspended from it. Also, I wish that there were some straps on the bottom of the pack. However, I understand that the point of the ACT Lite series is to shave weight and dollars off of the Aircontact models, so if I need to, I can add a couple of straps later. Overall, I think that this is a great bag and I would definitely recommend it.
Glad you like the Deuter Kyle! It really is a great pack and your assessment is spot on. The pack is missing a few “handy” options, but is definitely a stripped down set up.
Thanks!