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Black Diamond Touchstone Haul Bag Review

It's comfortable, simple, lightweight, comfortable, and comes at a decent price
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Black Diamond Touchstone Haul Bag Review (Black Diamond Touchstone Haul Bag)
Black Diamond Touchstone Haul Bag
Credit: BlackDiamondEquipment.com
Price:  $230 List
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Manufacturer:   Black Diamond
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief  ⋅  Nov 18, 2016
77
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#6 of 8
  • Durability/Material - 40% 7.0
  • Capacity - 10% 6.0
  • Waterproofness - 10% 5.0
  • Closure systems/Ease of Access - 20% 10.0
  • Carrying/Suspension System - 20% 9.0

Our Verdict

The Black Diamond Touchstone stands out for its value, comfort, and simplicity. Of all the haul bag options we tested, this one is probably the most simple and streamlined for its size. We have used it in Zion and Yosemite and find it a great size for one-day ascents or as a second bag to a bigger bag like the Metolius El Cap Haul Bag.
REASONS TO BUY
Simple
Light
Easy to get in and out of
Comfortable to carry
REASONS TO AVOID
Not waterproof
Not as durable as other options

Compare to Similar Products

(change comparison)
 
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award  Top Pick Award 
Price $230 List
$149.47 at Backcountry		Check Price at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$220 List
$219.95 at Amazon		$190 List
$189.95 at Amazon		$70 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
77
94
92
90
69
Star Rating
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Bottom Line Streamlined and straightforward, though there are better options out thereThis is one of the best haul bags we know of, especially for shorter wallsAn ideal haul bag for short walls or as a supplementary haul bagDue to its small size, we would choose a different option unless you're going on a fast and light missionAn incredibly convenient and intelligent design
Rating Categories Black Diamond Touch... Metolius Half Dome... Metolius Quarter Do... Metolius Sentinel Metolius Waste Case
Durability/Material (40%)
7.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
Capacity (10%)
6.0
8.0
6.0
4.0
1
Waterproofness (10%)
5.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
10.0
Closure systems/Ease of Access (20%)
10.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
Carrying/Suspension System (20%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
0
Specs Black Diamond Touch... Metolius Half Dome... Metolius Quarter Do... Metolius Sentinel Metolius Waste Case
Volume (cu inches) 4272 7600 4200 2800 500
Weight 5 lb 4 oz 7 lb 7 oz 5 lb 1 oz 4 lb 11 oz 10.6 oz
Main container material 37 oz vinyl-laminated nylon Durathane Durathane Durathane Durathane
Closure material 840 Denier ripstop Ballistic nylon Ballistic nylon Ballistic nylon Ballistic nylon
Sewn or welded seam Sewn Welded Welded Welded Welded

Our Analysis and Test Results

Likes


This bag has a very simple and clean design that makes it easy to get in and out of whether on the side of a cliff or at the crag. The process of opening it, accessing gear, and closing it, is about as fast as it gets. It is a great size. We take this on one-day El Cap ascents of routes with mostly aid. It is quick to get things in the bottom of the bag (you are not diving down head first to find things). As a crag pack, it is a perfect big size — it will fit everything and stand up on its own so you can access stuff easily. The suspension systems are one of the best and easiest to use when carrying the bag.

Dislikes


The top of the bag is not watertight. It's difficult to improvise a way to keep water out in a storm if the bag is hanging. You can try and use a trash compactor bag and accessory cord and “make a big version” of using a ziplock bag and rubber band on a mason jar when you close the lid.

While the haul straps are a nice length for big walls, they are a little long for a crag pack (they are more likely to get hung up on branches and snag). Because there are no big compression straps across the top it is not an ideal travel bag or a substitute for a bag like The North Face Base Camp Duffel. Although you can check it in on airplanes, you have to be extra careful about closing it up in a bomber no-snag way. By contrast, a bag with big compression straps and a “lid” like the Quarter Dome is much more travel-friendly.

Value


This bag is a little more expensive than its Metolius counterpart and also a lot less featured. We would recommend the Metolius.

Conclusion


For most applications, this haul bag is too small for single haul bag use. It will likely need to be paired with a bigger model, such as the Metolius Half Dome Haul Bag, on steep routes.

— Chris McNamara
 
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