Article by Markus Zinkl and Sam Winebaum
Beta Light 30 Backpack ($369.95)
Introduction
Markus: The Black Diamond Beta Light 30 Backpack is, as far as I know, the first pack from a big brand, which uses a more rare ultralight fabric like Challenge Sailcloth Ultra. It is designed for those who need to cover long distances quickly and with its running style shoulder straps would count it into the fast packing category. I was really excited to test this pack out and compare it to the other packs I reviewed, which mostly come from smaller cottage companies.
Sam: The Beta Light is my first ultralight backpacking pack although I have previously trekked with the Ultimate Direction Fastpack 40. My testing included an 8 day trek in the Queyras region of the French Alps and a 2 day hike the White Mountains of New Hampshire both with moderate loads as we were hut to hut hiking.
Technical Details
Weight: 695 g, Stripped Weight: 452 g (no hipbelt, stays, foam)
Weighed on scale: Weight: 530 g without Hipbelt, Hipbelt: 143 g, Webbing Hipbelt: 52 g
Materials: Ultra 200 (main body), Ultra 400 (abrasion panel), Dual 4-way stretch mesh (front pocket), 100d nylon 4mm Ripstop (accents)
Volume: Main Pack: 29L, Side Pocket: 0.5L each (1L total), Stretch front and hip pockets are bonus volume
Capacity: Recommended capacity 40 lbs / 18 kg
Front Pocket Layout: Softflask pocket on the left, zipper pocket on the right
Shoulder Straps: Running vest-inspired with extra storage pockets
Closure: Roll-top with taped seams for weatherproofing
Frame Pad: Removable for added structure
External Storage: Power Mesh stretch outer pocket, two oversized ripstop side pockets
Hip Belt: Removable system, weight 143g, webbing hip belt 52g
Compression Straps: Four adjustable and removable Dynex core straps
Hydration: Internal sleeve compatible with hydration bladder
Modular Design: Compatible with Beta Light Satellite 4L Bag
Durability and Materials
Markus: One of the most impressive aspects of the Beta Light 30 is its construction. Black Diamond partnered with Challenge Sailcloth to use their Ultra 200 body fabric, which is known for being both lightweight and incredibly durable. This fabric is tear-resistant, making it perfect for rugged trails and harsh conditions.
Additionally, the pack features taped seams and a roll-top closure.
This ensures that it remains nearly weatherproof and can handle daily use without compromising on performance.
Sam: I will not add to Markus’s details but can say that during our trek we had 2 days of often heavy rain and wind and the contents remained totally dry. I did fall in a torrent and got the bottom of the pack submerged with some water/moisture coming in through the bottom.
Comfort and Carrying System
The carrying system of the Beta Light 30 is inspired by running vests, which is evident in the broad, minimally padded shoulder straps. These straps are designed to distribute weight evenly and provide a comfortable fit, even during long hikes.
The shoulder straps also come with extra storage pockets, for keeping snacks, water bottles, or other small items within reach. This dynamic carrying system ensures that the pack stays close to your body, reducing movement and increasing stability.
As a disclaimer I have to mention that I was only able to test the pack in the size S and not my usual size M, because it was not available. Based on the sizing BD’s recommendation with a height of 6 ft/ 183 cm and a torso length of 19 inches / 49 cm I would have needed size M. I don’t usually wear any hipbelt any more so the smaller torso length was not a real issue. The pack carried pretty well. Although, it could be improved a bit by decreasing the depth of the pack to get the weight of it closer to the body. Especially on the first day of a multi day trip with all the food left, it pulls a bit much on the minimal shoulder straps.
Sam: I am a bit shorter than Markus at 5’9” 176cm and also received a size small pack. While the pack carried comfortably I found the shoulder pockets inaccessible for all but very small items.
I also think the shoulder straps towards the top are not broad enough as I found at times that they wanted to slide off one shoulder. An adjustment for length where they meet the pack main body might help.
I used the waist belt at all times as I wanted accessible storage for my phone and a few essentials.
The thick short padded rear back bolster may have contributed to the side tilting of the pack. It is also essential to carefully load heavier items down low and in line with the center of the back. Doing so helped keep things more aligned.
I think straps to draw the top of pack forward to the shoulder straps would be useful
Interestingly, while pictures show the pack tilted to one side, an annoyance more than anything, loads were very comfortably carried at all times even on very uneven technical terrain.
Storage and Accessibility
Storage options are plentiful with the Beta Light 30. The pack features an external Power Mesh stretch pocket,
and two oversized ripstop side pockets, providing ample space for all your gear.
The front pocket layout has got a soft flask pocket on the left and a zipper pocket on the right.
However, the zipper pocket can be pretty tight for larger phones. Even my smaller Pixel 8 was a thigh fit. To solve this, I found it more comfortable to store my phone in the lower stretchy pocket and keep smaller items in the zipper pocket. This prevents the phone from digging into my chest and makes accessing it more convenient.
The pack also includes shock cords on top of each shoulder strap, which are great for stowing items like sunglasses, buffs, or gloves.
The side pockets are easily accessible, allowing you to grab essentials without having to take off the pack and on top of those there are side compression cords to compress the pack or secure items like trekking poles to the side.
Sam: Storage is as Markus has described with again my comments about the shoulder pockets being essentially not functional for me.
This is in sharp contrast to my recently acquired Instinct Alpi 40 (review soon) where front pocket are commodious, plentiful and very easily accessed including soft flasks of all size. It has broader top of shoulder straps in a more harness type arrangement which kept the pack square on the back at all times despite no waist belt.
I particularly like the deep well shock corded side pockets. By not using mesh but pack cloth and a big shock cord everything stayed secure (water bottles) and was very easy to reach at all times making the shoulder pocket issues less important.
The external giant mesh back pocket is outstanding. It has huge capacity and is very useful
The pack has essentially no internal organization beyond an against the back panel mesh pocket which appears to be for reservoirs as there is a pass through port. This said there is no loop to attach the top of a soft reservoir so they tend to sag as they empty. While adding a bit of weight a few zip internal or external pockets beyond the belt might be in order to help organize smaller items
Versatility and Customization
One of the standout features of the Beta Light 30 is its modular design. The pack allows for the quick and secure attachment of the Beta Light Satellite 4L Bag, providing additional storage when needed. This is an additional accessory and I did not test the pack with the Satellite Bag.
The removable hip belt system is another great feature, allowing you to reduce weight or modify the pack to suit your needs.
For a more lightweight option it also comes with a modular webbing hipbelt. The removable frame pad adds structure to the pack without a significant weight penalty, making it versatile for different types of adventures.
Improvements and Suggestions
Markus:While the Beta Light 30 in general is a great pack, there are a few areas where it could be improved.
The zipper pocket on the front could be made slightly larger to accommodate bigger phones more comfortably.
Additionally, adding a second pocket over the left pocket would provide extra storage for those who choose not to use the hip belt. Speaking of the left soft flask pocket, this was also another tight fit. Even Black Diamonds own soft flask only barely fit in there. Lastly, it would be great to include snap buttons or a magnet to close the main compartment, making the roll-top closure easier to manage.
I have already mentioned before that I was only able to test the pack in size S instead of my usual size M, but I don’t think the front pockets will have a different size in M, at least they shouldn’t be.
Sam: As stated above the top of the shoulder straps and pockets there need to be rethought. Wider more harness like shoulder straps, lower pockets, some adjustment ability to the top of the straps are my thoughts. A removable top pocket with zippered compartments covering the roll top would be a nice add or option.
Conclusion
Markus: Overall, the Black Diamond Beta Light 30 Backpack is a versatile and durable pack. Its lightweight construction, combined with a comfortable carrying system, makes it an excellent back on paper. However some details still need refinement to make it an exceptional pack. It is awesome to see one of the big manufacturers use a more rare ultralight fabric and also feature all the necessary things I expect from an ultralight backpack. If Black Diamond manages to tweak it a bit, it will be a standout even out on the trail.
Sam: Excellent main pack material, light durable and totally weather resistant along with having superb side pockets are the highlights. The shoulder strap fit and front carrying capacity issues were an annoyance although overall the pack carried weight hour after hour in great comfort.
7 Comparisons
Ultimate Direction - Fastpack 20 (RTR Review)
Markus: The Fastpack 20 is probably the least comparable pack in this list. It uses a pretty standard ripstop polyester fabric and with 23l capacity is quite a bit heavier (+119g) compared to the Beta Light without a hipbelt. Where it beats the Beta Light is in price. If you are looking for a good fastpacking pack for an overnight trip it is a great affordable and widely available option.
Sam: I have the Fastpack 40 1 and 2 and my wife trekked with it around the Queyaras. While it is heavier it is a more versatile pack with in the v2 excellent front and side pocket storage. It is not nearly as weather resistant and requires a rain cover for bad weather unlike the BD. It is also lower priced.
Gossamer Gear - Fast Kumo 36 (RTR Review)
Markus: I found the Fast Kumo 36 much more comfortable than the Beta Light 30. The thick padded shoulder straps on the Kumo do a great job distributing the weight. Material wise the Beta Light 30 takes the cake. The Ultra fabric used by the Beta Light is awesome. It is ultralight and exceptionally durable for the weight. If the Kumo and the Beta Light could have a baby, this would be it.
Dandee Packs - The Standard (RTR Review)
Markus: The Dandee Pack is the best example on how a less deep pack increases the weight distribution. To this day it is still my favorite pack to carry. It uses DCF fabric, which is similar to the Ultra fabric, but not as durable. So I would love to have it in Ultra 100 fabric. Everything else from comfort, minimalistic but functional features to price, it beats the Beta Light.
Volpi Outdoor Gear - Fastpack 30 (RTR Review)
Markus: Those are very similar packs. They both use Ultra fabric and are carrying very similar. However I like the layout of the front pockets of the Volpi pack more and it also comes in lighter, because it uses the lightest Ultra 100 fabric. There will also be an updated version out soon, which addresses most of my issues in my review. So it’s a pack to look out for.
Outdoor Vitals - Skyline 30 (RTR Review)
Markus: While the shoulder strap system is very similar on the Skyline 30, I found it to carry a bit better than the Beta 30. Also the front pocket layout of the Skyline 30 is superior to the Beta Light 30. The Beta Light 30 uses the better material in my opinion. The overall package of the Skyline 30 at around 200$ is hard to beat though by the Beta Light at almost 2/3s of the price.
Durston Gear - Wapta 30 (RTR Review)
Markus: The most notable thing on the Wapta 30 is the use of the new ALUULA Graflyte fabric. Which is even more durable than Ultra fabric at a similar weight. I really didn’t have a lot to complain about the Wapta 30. Only the seam taping inside the pack needs improvement, which I could easily fix with some Ultra TNT tape. The overall package at a lower price beats the Beta Light.
Instinct Alpi 40 (RTR Review soon)
Sam: This elaborate pack from run vest and belt specialist Instinct has far superior front carry with multiple big accessible pockets but has no side pockets although with the elaborate (overly so) system of straps they could be attached. Organization in the Alpi is superior as it has a lower back zip accessible compartment with above the roll top area separate. It has a multitude of external/ internal zip mesh pockets including on the over the top pocket over the roll top area. Slightly less expensive it is a far more versatile pack if maybe going to the other extreme of being overly elaborate in features (straps, pockets, etc..) whereas the BD is more streamlined.
Available at Black Diamond here: Beta Light 30
Tester Profile
Markus Zinkl: I’m 33 years old and live in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I started hiking and backpacking 5-6 years ago. Coming from trail running and with light and fast in mind, I started hiking and fast packing with ultralight gear. Over the years I tried and tested a lot of gear, always in search of weight savings. Although still trying to stay out of the ultralight rabbit hole. I spend most of my days off from work on the trail, with at least one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the more well known trails I have hiked over the last few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn) and Via Alpina Switzerland. As you probably notice by now, I’m at home in the mountains. So if I’m not running or thru-hiking a longer trail, I’m probably somewhere in the Alps checking out some shorter trails.
Sam is the Editor and Founder of Road Trail Run. He is in his 60’s with 2024 Sam’s 52th year of running roads and trails. He has a decades old 2:28 marathon PR. These days he runs halves in the just sub 1:40 range if he gets very, very lucky. Sam trains 30-40 miles per week mostly at moderate paces on the roads and trails of New Hampshire and Utah be it on the run, hiking or on nordic skis. He is 5’9” tall and weighs about 164 lbs, if he is not enjoying too many fine New England IPA’s.
The products that are the basis of this test were provided to us free of charge by Black Diamond. The opinions presented are our own.
We welcome comments and questions in the comments section.
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