REASONS TO BUY
Great range of motion
Excellent external carry
Durable
Well-executed side access
REASONS TO AVOID
No lower compression straps
Not water-resistant
Black Diamond Bolt 24 Review
The Bolt 24 excels for mountain adventures with its comfortable carry, durable fabric, and easy to use features
Credit: Black Diamond
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Our Verdict
The Black Diamond Bolt 24 takes Black Diamond's considerable mountain-sport experience and puts it into a high-performing daypack. The swing-arm suspension enables excellent freedom of movement, while keeping loads centered and well-supported. Its crampon pocket is great for a shovel, layers, or other quick-access items. We did find ourselves wishing it had some lower compression straps for ski carry, and we were a bit disappointed with how much water is let in through its side zipper. That said, if you find yourself in the mountains skiing, climbing, or scrambling, for most of your day activities, we'd highly recommend the Bolt 24.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Black Diamond Bolt 24 | |||||
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| Awards |  | |  |  | |
| Price | $145 List | $139 List $139.00 at REI | $115.65 at Amazon Compare at 4 sellers | $60 List $59.95 at REI | $65.00 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Great range of motion, excellent external carry, durable, well-executed side access | Comfortable and stable, intuitive and functional design, modular set-up, utilizes recycled materials | Tons of features, fully adjustable, comfortable, well ventilated, separate hydration compartment | Lightweight, only includes essential features, comfortable suspension for the weight | Simple, lightweight, versatile |
| Cons | No lower compression straps, not water-resistant | Non-adjustable frame, large size for minimalist outings | Runs small, side mesh pockets are debatably small | Uncomfortable with heavy loads, lacks durability | A little small, lacks high-end features |
| Bottom Line | The Bolt 24 excels for mountain adventures with its comfortable carry, durable fabric, and easy to use features | Top comfort and stability make this pack the right fit for hauling your gear on any outdoor excursion | This pack offers a time tested versatile design that is ready for any adventure | This pack is an excellent value, providing all-around performance for light and fast activities at a bargain price | A simple and lightweight hiking backpack that serves a dual purpose with a laptop sleeve |
| Rating Categories | Black Diamond Bolt 24 | REI Co-op Traverse 32 | Osprey Talon 22 | REI Co-op Flash 22 | Osprey Daylite Plus |
| Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Versatility (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (25%) | |||||
| Weight (15%) | |||||
| Durability (10%) | |||||
| Specs | Black Diamond Bolt 24 | REI Co-op Traverse 32 | Osprey Talon 22 | REI Co-op Flash 22 | Osprey Daylite Plus |
| Volume | 24 L | 32 L | 22 L | 22 L | 20 L |
| Measured Weight | 33.1 oz | 41.0 oz | 30.7 oz | 14.0 oz | 20.6 oz |
| Back Construction | OpenAir back panel for airflow | Contured, foam pad | Vented, contoured | Removable foam pad | Mesh over vented foam |
| Hydration Compatibility | External hydration sleeve | Internal hydration sleeve, hook and loop attachment point | Externally accessed sleeve, holds up to 3L, bladder not included | Internal hydration sleeve | Internally accessed sleeve, holds up to 3L, bladder not included |
| Hip Belt | Padded, with pockets | 1 3/8" webbing, countoured padding, ventilated outer layer | Broad, padded, with pockets | Broad, not padded. | 3/4" webbing, removable |
| Number of pockets | 7 | 7 | 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Description of Pockets | 1 top-loader main, 1 zippered lid, 2 side stretchy mesh, 1 raincover pocket (raincover isn't included), 1 hipbelt pocket, 1 outer crampon/stuff pocket | 1 main combo top-loader/side panel zip, 1 internal mesh w/ overlap closure (inside of lid), 1 external zip on top of lid, 2 mesh side bottle w/ button closure/expansion, 2 oversized hipbelt zip | 1 main compartment zippered, 1 stretchy mesh shoulder strap pouch, 2 waist zippered, 2 side stretchy mesh, 1 back stretchy mesh, 1 top zippered, 1 open hydration reservoir pocket behind back panel, 1 internal mesh compartment zipper | 1 main compartment, 2 mesh side bottle pouches, 1 side zippered pocket, 1 top pouch | 2 stretchy mesh side, 1 interior padded laptop sleeve, 1 back zippered with internal mesh dividers and key clip, 1 back expandable waterbottle, 1 back zippered. |
| Materials | 210D ripstop nylon | 300D recycled ripstop nylon | Nylon | Nylon | Nylon |
| Outside Carry Options | Trekking pole lash points, ice axe attachments, daisy chains, bike light clip | Trekking pole lash points, ice axe attachments, daisy chains,attachment loops, compression straps | Bungee helmet tab, blinker light patch, ice axe loop and bungee holder, front-side pole carry bungee loops | Tool loop and bungee holder | Side compression strap |
| Whistle | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Key Clip | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Other Notable Features | Swing-arm suspension | Steel frame w/ 1 internal stay, hydration tube holder on shoulder strap, included rain cover, water bottle pockets angled forward to allow on the go access | Blinker patch, front-side pole carry loops | Removeable foam back panel doubles as sit pad, removeable sternum, removeable Packmod bungee | Compatible as an attachment to other Osprey packs |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
The Black Diamond Bolt 24 stands out with its swing-arm suspension, which allows you to easily bend your torso (e.g., to reach above your head while climbing) while keeping the pack weight centered on your hips. Other than that, this is a pretty traditional, albeit well-designed pack that works great for activities like climbing or skiing.
Performance Comparison
With great features and comfortable suspension, this is a high performing, mountain-oriented daypack
Credit: Dan Scott
Comfort
With a mostly stiff back panel and robust hip belt, the Bolt 24 transfers weight efficiently to the hips. The swing-arm suspension allows the shoulder straps to slide in and out of the lower portion of the pack, keeping the weight centered and moving with you at all times.
While the back panel isn't as ventilating as suspended mesh panels, it still ventilates quite well - better than most packs with similar ventilation. The shoulder straps and hip belt also ventilate nicely, producing a comfortable pack that doesn't get in the way on long days.
With a stiff frame and adjustable suspension, this pack is very comfortable.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
Weight-to-Volume Ratio
The Black Diamond Bolt 24 carries a respectable 26 L at a moderate 33 oz, for a weight to volume ratio of 1.28. We wish it were a bit lighter for its size, but this is a mountain-oriented pack, so durability is a key feature. The Bolt achieves this durability with a simplistic design and thick, often double-walled fabrics.
We tested the Bolt in the Colorado Rockies, scraping it against rocks and on compact snow, and found that it was difficult to even scuff the tough fabric. The side zip is a major vulnerability but looks well-constructed. As a top-loader, this pack is likely to last for years of hard use.
Surrounded by pointy tools, rock, and ice, the Bolt holds up nicely.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
Versatility
We were initially put off by the lack of bungee pole/axe carriers, or lower compression straps on the Bolt 24. However, the upper compression straps, well-placed ice axe loops, and generously sized crampon pocket make it easy to carry pretty much any gear you might need for a day in the mountains. We found it easy to pack for anything from a short day hike to a day in the backcountry with an axe, shovel, probe, and microspikes all easily stored on or in the pack
While the Black Diamond Bolt 24 is primarily an outdoor-oriented daypack, we found that it works fine for urban pursuits. It compresses down well, and the hip belt isn't stiff, so it doesn't get in the way. Most of the straps can tuck away as well, which gives the pack a sleeker look when they aren't needed.
With a range of external carry options and a comfortable suspension, the BD Bolt 24 is highly versatile.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
Ease of Use
The Bolt is a surprisingly easy to use pack. The side zip access is uncommon these days, but Black Diamond executed it well. We liked having easy access to bulkier layers or tools that we'd rather not keep on the outside of the pack.
The side access makes it fast to get to bulky items like microspikes while on the trail.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
The axe/pole carrying system utilizes the upper compression straps, which can be a bit annoying if you find yourself unbuckling those straps regularly. However, they work great for keeping axes and poles secure on the outside of the pack.
The main compartment has an oversized opening, which was great for quickly getting to gear. Combined with the large outer pocket, we found it easy to store layers and tools for quick access. We also liked the medium-sized hipbelt pocket but wished for one on each side (or at least a gear loop on the side without a hip belt pocket). The stretch mesh pockets are high-quality and stored water bottles or longer items securely.
The external pocket makes it easy to carry a shovel and probe in the backcountry.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
Durability
The Black Diamond Bolt 24 is well-designed for harsh, mountain environments. It uses thick fabrics and has minimal straps or other features that could easily break.
In general, zippers and dangly things tend to break quickly on packs. We do worry a bit about the side zip on the Bolt, but at least the pack would still function at near peak functionality without it. Over our months of testing, we didn't manage to scrape up this pack appreciably. It will probably endure years of regular usage before it starts to wear out.
The Bolt 24 manages to come in at a decently low weight, despite its toughness and high-end features.
Credit: Dan Scott
In our rain testing, the Bolt 24 performed a bit worse than similar top-loading packs. It's long side zipper let in water, and the main compartment got soaked. While it probably wouldn't do so poorly in normal rain conditions (our rain test involves minutes of direct spray with a hose), we'd recommend a pack liner for wet hikes or alpine adventures.
Value
For a mountain-oriented pack, the Bolt 24 comes in at a pretty average price. For that price, you're getting a durable, long-lasting, and effective pack. We consider it a great value for a decently performing pack.
Conclusion
With its effective suspension, beefy fabric, and simple design, the Black Diamond Bolt 24 excels at carrying your gear for a day in the mountains. Sure, there are lighter and more featured packs out there, but if you're looking for simplicity, the Bolt 24 is a great, dependable option.
With its swingarm suspension, it's easy to climb and scramble without restriction.
Credit: Ellen Daugherty
—
Dan Scott
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