I picked up the Rock Blitz 15 as a dedicated multi-pitch climbing pack, but it’s since become my go-to for everything from fast-and-light scrambles to gym days and even the odd gravel ride. It’s not trying to be a do-it-all pack—but what it does, it does brilliantly.
Design & Build
- Volume: 15L—just enough for shoes, harness, water, snacks, and a light layer.
- Weight: ~526g (1 lb 2.5 oz)—light enough to forget it’s there.
- Material: Tough 840D ballistic nylon in high-wear areas, with lighter 210D elsewhere. It’s taken scrapes against granite and gritstone without complaint.
- Access: One-handed top-loading drawcord with a top strap that doubles as a rope carry. Simple, fast, and secure.
The design is minimalist but intentional—no unnecessary straps or flaps. It’s streamlined enough to wear while climbing without snagging or shifting.
Fit & Comfort
- Harness: Fixed shoulder straps with light padding and breathable mesh.
- Back Panel: Unstructured but lightly padded—comfortable against a harness or bare back.
- Torso Fit: Best suited for medium to tall torsos. Shorter users may find it sits low and interferes with chalk bag access.
I’m 178 cm and found it rides just right—high enough to avoid harness clutter, low enough to not bash my helmet when looking up.
Climbing Utility
- Rope Carry: The top strap secures a rope neatly across the top.
- Hydration: No dedicated sleeve, but there’s a bladder hang loop and hose port. Shoulder straps have webbing loops to route the tube.
- Pockets:
- Internal zip pocket for keys or a phone.
- External lumbar-access zip pocket—reachable without taking the pack off if you’re flexible or determined.
It’s ideal for multi-pitch days: pack it with approach shoes, a puffy, water, and snacks, then clip it to the anchor and haul it up pitch by pitch.
Durability & Real-World Use
After a year of use:
- No holes, no blown seams, no failed zips.
- The drawcord and cord lock are low-profile—great for climbing, but easy to fumble with gloves.
- It’s been rained on, dragged over grit, and stuffed into haul bags. Still looks sharp.
Pros
- Lightweight and low-profile
- Durable materials in key areas
- Rope carry and hydration-compatible
- Excellent for multi-pitch and fast alpine missions
- Surprisingly comfy for a frameless pack
Cons
- No emergency whistle on sternum strap
- Cord lock is hard to see and use in low light
- Not ideal for short torsos
- Limited capacity—this is a specialist, not a generalist
Final Verdict
The Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15 is a purpose-built climbing pack that nails its brief. If you’re looking for a minimalist, durable, and comfortable pack for multi-pitch routes, alpine link-ups, or fast-and-light missions, this is a gem. Just don’t expect it to carry your lunch, laptop, and layers for a day hike—it’s a scalpel, not a Swiss Army knife.
