POD Black Ice > Reviews > Pod, so much better than the mass produced stuff

Author's product rating:   

Comfort	Extremely comfortable
Weight of bag itself	Slightly too heavy
Design	Excellent
Durability	Very durable
Value for money	Excellent

Advantages:	Comfy, tough, practical and adaptable  -  the best
Disadvantages:	Bombproof fabrics and construction mean its a bit heavy

Recommend to potential buyers:

yes

Full review

Pod ruscacs are probably an unknown to many people, which is a shame because they are so very very good. A lot of climbers use them as they are comfy (with lots of heavy climbing gear in) and tough enough to haul up rock faces without too much harm (sharp limestone or gritstone will still leave its mark mind). Oh, and they dont cost a fortune

The company isnt a big multinational wholesaler who imports or rebadges fashionable walking stuff. These guys and girls make and use the stuff (rumour has it they wreck the stuff too on meat hooks in the garage, to see how it breaks and make it better) and if you are after a tough slim profile rucsac with an extending lid this is one to seek out. The slightly smaller Cragsac has a fixed lid and is a few quid cheaper if that better suits your needs. For proper winter walking with crampons and axes the Black Ice is probably the one to pick.

I am on my second one of these now (first was stolen) and the latest design is even better with a removable waist strap. The simple back system stays the same though which is good (this sack like many Pods has to fit you and you buy the back length to suit, no fragile adjustable back systems here). At 6' tall with a long back length I use a size 3, but its maybe a good idea to try before you buy rather than purchase over the internet to be sure the whole thing suits you and your needs. Capacity wise its pretty big, the claimed 42 litres being generous enough for full winter walking gear, major climbing days out or some long distance lightweight camping. The lid compartment is also pretty generous

So what don't I like, well other than the highish empty weight (but hey this sac will last a lifetime) the lid can be a pain, its held on with 4 straps to allow another 10 litres of capacity for ropes/tent etc but if the sac isnt full all the buckles get in the way - put some weight in the nice big lid pocket and it can be a right pain. The straps are quite long too, so if its windy you can get the odd whip.

Another thing you may find for your tastes are the colour schemes which can be a bit hit and miss. My first Black Ice was all black with bright green shock cords and Pod badge, which I loved. The new one is all black with purple webbing and shock cord and looks a little dated already (but it was a rushed order cos my original sac was stolen a week before a major climbing trip)

So if you need a tough, last a lifetime rucsac go look at a Pod