Episode 124 | Fastpacking Pack Design with Black Diamond

Episode Summary

In this episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast, host Ryan Jordan speaks with Black Diamond athlete Joe Grant and product designer Derick Noffsinger about the conception, design process, and field testing behind Black Diamond’s fastpacking-oriented pack systems—including the Distance and Beta Light models. The discussion covers the challenges of designing hybrid load-carrying systems that merge the comfort and mobility of running vests with the load-bearing capacity of traditional backpacks. Joe provides context from real-world testing, including an 11-day, 400-mile fastpacking loop through the San Juan Mountains of Colorado, while Derick explains the rationale behind material choices like Challenge Ultra fabrics and the progression from early prototypes to commercial models. Additional topics include pack fit, load distribution, scaling harness design across different volumes, and how specific design elements—such as ice axe attachments and pack tapering—optimize performance for scrambling, climbing, and off-trail travel. The episode concludes with insights into ongoing refinement strategies and how incremental improvements in gear design support more efficient and confident movement in technical environments.

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together with Garage Grown Gear

Today’s episode of the Backpacking Light Podcast is sponsored by Garage Grown Gear, your hub for all things ultralight. Garage Grown Gear is dedicated to supporting the growth of small, startup, and cottage brands.

See what's new at Garage Grown Gear

Show Notes:

What’s New at Backpacking Light?

• Masterclass: Flashlights & Headlamps: Technology, Design, and Performance – May 14, 2025 @ 12pm MDT
• Newsletter: A bear walks by a food canister…, Backpacking Light Email Newsletter. April 16, 2025.
• Find information about all of our upcoming Member Q&A’s, Webinars, Live Courses, other live events, and more on our Events Calendar Page.

Featured Brands and Products

Nylofume Pack Liner

The Nylofume Pack Liner is a waterproof, odor-resistant nylon polymer bag weighing 0.91 oz (25.9 g). With a 52L capacity, it protects gear from moisture and odors. The clear material allows easy content visibility. It's designed for durability and can be trimmed to fit various pack sizes. Use two (inverted to each other) inside an Ursack or bear canister to hide your food from bears (by containing odors).

See it at Garage Grown Gear

Black Diamond Beta Light 45 Backpack

The Black Diamond Beta Light 45 (1 lb 15 oz / 890 g) features Ultra 200 fabric, a vest-style harness, internal frame, two side pockets, large stretch mesh back pocket, and storage in pockets and pouches on the hip belt and shoulder straps. Roll-top closure and over-the-top strap, cord compression secures gear on side panels and pack bottom.

See it at REI, Garage Grown Gear, and Black Diamond.

See it at REI See it at Garage Grown Gear

Black Diamond Beta Light 30 Backpack

The Black Diamond Beta Light 30 backpack features a lightweight yet durable Challenge Sailcloth Ultra 200 fabric, a roll-top closure with taped seams for weatherproofing, and a modular design with removable components like the hip belt and frame pad, while its running vest-inspired harness system enhances comfort and accessibility for fast-paced adventures.

See it at Garage Grown Gear See it at REI

Interview with Joe Grant and Derick Noffsinger

Today’s conversation dives into the intersection of product design and real-world mountain performance. I’m joined by two guests from Black Diamond: Joe Grant, a multi-sport mountain athlete and fastpacking specialist who is an instrumental part of how Black Diamond’s Gear is tested and used in the field, and Derick Noffsinger, a senior product designer with more than a decade of experience bringing soft goods from concept to production.

Links, Mentions, and Related Content

• Podcast: Episode 123 | The Five Fs of FastPacking
• Gear Review: Mountainsmith Zerk 40L Pack Review