Comfort/Adjustability
While it tended to polarize testers’ opinions, the Epic’s suspension got mostly rave reviews. Back panel ventilation was minimal when compared with the trekking-style packs we tested, but was typical of most climb-inspired bags.

Stability
This pack carried well regardless of its load—even the heaviest lumps of climbing kit seemed to float along whilst carried on-trail. In “balancey” situations, however, there is a shifty tendency to the independent suspension.

Capacity
The fixed lid and minimal exterior attachment points are the only things keeping the Epic from carrying absolutely gigantic loads.

Organization/Access
Top-only access is standard for this type of pack; a poorly designed lid is not. The Epic could have gained a couple of points here, were its lid not so floppy and prone to spilling its contents.

Features
As a technical mountain rig, this pack should be more completely and more easily strippable. Though it seems BD has done their best considering the unique suspension configuration, a removable lid should be standard. Users with waists narrower than 36” will likely want to avoid racking ice screws on the hip belt, as the gear-carry slots are mounted too far forward to safely do so.

Value
While reasonably priced for a full-featured alpine pack, the Epic is slightly pricier and considerably less versatile than many similar-sized bags we tested this season.

* One bonus point for BD’s SwingArm harness allowing for actual climbing movement.