Comfort/Fit
The Black Diamond Element 60 is a comfortable backpack. The shoulder straps have enough padding for a heavier load up to 40 pounds, and the waist strap is firm enough to add structure without pinching the waist. The mid-back padding is applied in flexible lateral bands, which allows for airflow to the back. The lower back region has ample, pronounced padding. The sternum strap has a slide adjustment, which ranges farther than other bags.

Storage
The Element’s storage is very expandable and allows it to adapt to a range of loads and trip types. Both sides of the pack have a Z-cinch, which allow it to compress down when being used for day trips. Another good feature for storage is the back sleeve, which is full-length and closes with a zipper. The Element has gear loops on the bottom, which add storage range for summer trips past the 2-3 night range. 

Stability
Some of the compressibility that gave this pack high marks in the storage category also help with its stability, such as the Z-cinch straps on each side, which lock down loads and prevent things shifting around inside the body while moving. The height to width ratio skews towards the tall side, but it’s not so drastic to move the center of gravity onto the upper back and make it top heavy.  

Durability

The durability of the Black Diamond Element 60 inspires confidence, particularly the reinforced fabric of the seams and the tight sewing. The string cinch on the water bottle sleeves could fray, but they’re not weight bearing or essential. The webbing straps on the Z-cinch, load lifters, and brain clips are narrow but well-constructed. 

Extras
The Element 60 has one gear loop that can be used for an ice axe, which is fastened at the top by a velcro strap, which could become loose at an inopportune moment. There are four small loops on the top of the brain, which can be used to fasten a solar panel, or a cord to hang socks, etc. to dry while walking. One feature unique to the Element 60 are the two large water bottle sleeves, which are tightened with a string cinch. The pack also has two hip pouches and a whistle.