Black Diamond Trail Vista 28 Review

The Black Diamond Trail Vista 28L backpack is a fast hiking backpack that incorporates some features typical of trail running backpacks. The wide shoulder straps, well-adjustable back panel and stability on the back will appeal to those who walk fast in the mountains or simply appreciate a design philosophy inspired by the world of running.

Overall, it is a backpack with innovative solutions, such as the Slide-Fit shoulder strap adjustment system, which eliminates the upper straps in favour of Velcro. It also offers a range of solutions that make it versatile and interesting for winter use and light mountaineering.

Technical features of the Black Diamond Trail Vista 28

• Volume: 28 L (also available in a 20 L version)
• Declared weight: 969 g (900 g weighed)
• Slide Fit adjustment system to adapt the fit to the length of the torso
• Waist belt with continuous directional padding in soft ribbed velvet
• Ventilated EVA back panel
• Z-pole hook loops
• Two elastic side pockets, one rear pocket, one on the front shoulder strap and two zipped pockets on the waist belt
• Ice axe holder
• Compatible with hydration bladder
• Available in two sizes: S/M and M/L
• Made in Vietnam
• Link to the manufacturer

Materials

• Body: 100% RC Robic Nylon
• Frame: 100% steel
• Straps, finishes, rain cover: 100% nylon
• Lining and mesh: 100% polyester
• Shoulder straps: 100% EVA

The body fabrics are 100% post-consumer recycled and dyed using a Bluesign-approved process to reduce chemical impact.

Test mode

tested the Black Diamond Trail Vista 28 on several day trips, including one on snow during a ski touring excursion and a two-day trip with an overnight stay in a mountain hut. During the latter, with a maximum load of about 6 kg, I covered 15 km with 1,200 metres of elevation gain while maintaining a steady pace.

On daily outings, including the one to the beautiful Monte Freddone in the Apuan Alps mentioned above, my backpack weighed around 3 kg, on routes with elevation gains of between 300 and 1,000 metres and an average length of 8 km. The weather conditions were generally favourable, with temperatures between 0 °C and 15 °C and clear skies, except for one trip where I encountered light rain for about an hour.

The Trail Vista 28 proved to be up to the task, light, stable and comfortable, even during more dynamic activities.

Black Diamond Trail Vista 28 on-site test

Backrest: the new Slide Fit system

The backpack is available in two sizes: S/M and M/L. In addition, Black Diamond has introduced a new feature: the Slide Fit adjustment system, designed to adapt the backpack even more to the length of the torso. It is quite intuitive to use: lift the Velcro tab marked ‘Slide Fit’, release the Velcro securing the shoulder strap and slide it up or down. The stitching with size indications (S/M or M/L) helps you find the right position, then reposition the Velcro and close everything with the tab.

Once you have found the correct adjustment, the backpack fits really well, almost like a trail running backpack.

However, the system is not without its flaws. The adjustment must be made carefully, with the backpack resting on the ground, and it is not always easy to align both shoulder straps perfectly. In addition, during use, I found that I had to readjust the straps as the load changed. In short, it takes a little getting used to.

Shoulder straps, lumbar belt and straps

The shoulder straps, like the back panel, are made from ventilated EVA, in line with the lightweight philosophy of the Trail Vista 28. They are thick enough to ensure comfort, but designed not to add unnecessary weight.

The waist belt is one of the most successful features: padded with a soft, directional pad in ribbed velvet, it wraps snugly around the waist, offering high comfort even with heavy loads and after many hours of walking. It does not create any uncomfortable pressure points and distributes weight effectively. The closure strap is easy to adjust: pull it inwards to tighten and loosen it easily using the side buckles. Perhaps an extra centimetre in height would have been beneficial for a larger support surface, but it is still effective.

Overall, the stability of the backpack is excellent: it fits snugly to the body and does not shift, even on technical terrain or during rapid movements.

However, this feeling of support and stability comes at the expense of breathability, which is not the best: even at temperatures around 15°C, I noticed heavy sweating, with my T-shirt becoming wet. Direct contact with the EVA back panel, which is functional in reducing weight and stabilising the pack, limits air circulation.

Main compartment and pockets

The main compartment of the Trail Vista 28 has a minimalist design: a single, large pocket that is easily accessible from the top, making it easy to load and distribute weight well, contributing to the overall stability of the backpack. The 28-litre capacity may seem generous for day trips in spring or summer, but it proves ideal in winter, when clothing and equipment are inevitably bulkier. During a two-day trip with an overnight stay in a mountain hut, the space proved perfect for everything we needed: a change of clothes, a sleeping bag, food and personal items.

The external pockets are one of the real strengths of this backpack.

• The one on the shoulder strap is perfect for a soft water bottle or snacks and small items you want to keep close at hand.
• The two pockets on the waist belt are practical for storing frequently used items such as energy bars, lip balm or your phone, without compromising comfort.
• On the back there are three elasticated pockets: two side pockets for water bottles or gloves, and a larger central pocket, which has proven to be excellent for the shovel in the car emergency kit during winter outings, while the probe can be stored in the main compartment. This detail makes the backpack suitable for activities in the snow, such as ski touring, glacier trekking or snowshoeing.

The elasticated pockets offer great versatility and accessibility, but they are not indestructible. They did not damage during testing, but it is clear that this is not a backpack for wall hanging or intensive use on technical terrain.

Finally, the top pocket with a capacity of approximately 3 litres is also very useful, perfect for gloves, buffs and hats, and there is a practical and functional internal pocket with a key hook.

Overall, the layout is well designed and the backpack is flexible, spacious and comfortable, even for demanding outings.

Black Diamond Trail Vista 28 accessories

Although not specifically designed for trail running, the Black Diamond Trail Vista 28 nods to that world with two well-designed accessories: a soft water bottle pocket on the shoulder strap and a Z-pole (foldable) pole holder system. Both are practical and functional for fast or technical hiking. It’s a shame that there is no specific support for classic telescopic poles. A small elastic strap on the hood could have solved the problem, making the system more versatile.

Alternatively, you can insert the heads of the poles into a side pocket and secure the upper part with a compression strap. This solution does not guarantee optimal stability but is useful for freeing your hands quickly.

The ice axe holder is simple but well designed: the head is inserted into a slot and the handle is secured with a compression strap. It proved stable during use, although there is always a slight fear that the upper part will move slightly during more turbulent sections. In any case, the presence of this accessory, together with the possibility of storing the avalanche rescue kit, makes this an extremely versatile backpack, which can even meet the needs of light mountaineering.

However, there is no support for a helmet net. If used for via ferrata, where it would be ideal for its stability, the helmet must be placed inside or hooked on the outside.

The hook for the water bag is well positioned and stable, although the tube outlet hole is a little small and needs some work.

Finally, the integrated rain cover is stored in a pocket at the base and is attached to the backpack itself by a seam. This is useful for preventing it from getting lost, but it limits drying as it is always attached to the backpack.

Overall, the Trail Vista 28 in terms of accessories and features is reminiscent of those intelligent and brilliant but slightly distracted students. It has many practical and innovative solutions, but also some small areas for improvement that separate it from perfection.

Sturdiness

The Trail Vista 28 has a compact, clean and essential design, without too many straps. And what isn’t there won’t break!

The body is made of Robic Nylon, a material that is lighter and more resistant than standard nylon. It offers good protection against abrasions and tears, perfect even in technical or winter environments. On the other hand, the elasticated pockets are practical but more delicate and should not be mistreated.

The steel frame is thin, lightweight and functional. It stabilises the backpack, maintains its shape and fits snugly against the back.

Overall, this backpack strikes a good balance betweenlightweight, stability and durability.

Recommended for

For those who come from trail running and have a fast approach to hiking and want a backpack that is stable and comfortable even when you slow down and choose to walk instead of run. But also great for those who, as seasoned hikers, want to move away from classic designs to experiment with new and hybrid shapes and solutions.

The 28-litre volume is ideal for high mountain routes, short walks with stops at refuges, or day trips where you need extra space for equipment. Useful, for example, for via ferrata or in winter, when your equipment is bulkier.