Comfort/Fit
The DMM Flight is only available in one size, and it fit this 6-foot-tall tester well. The back panel is supported by an HDPE frame sheet and padded via mesh covered foam. With single day sport climbing loads, this suspension was adequately comfortable. A 70m rope, a dozen quickdraws, shoes, harness, helmet, 2L of water, lunch and extra layers were all carried comfortably but anything heavier exceeded the limits of the simple frame sheet. The relatively small surface area of the back panel and the mesh proved welcome during hot approaches, allowing airflow to cool the back. 

Stability
The DMM Flight was stable with the aforementioned one day sport climbing load but the simple frame sheet, small footprint against the body and lack of compression straps hinders stability with heavier loads or extremely aggressive scrambling.

Storage
Although external dimensions are on the smaller side, the DMM Flight’s organization prowess carried all necessary items for a day at the sport cliffs efficiently. Dedicated rope storage on one side of the “suitcase” and mesh zippered panel on the other side provided storage for the bulkier items, while racking loops, external stretch mesh side pocket, top loading zippered flat pocket and an external helmet sling handled the rest. Top mounted webbing can also be used to hold extra layers or a carefully coiled rope. The internal volume proved perfect for a day’s outing at the sport crag but not large enough for anything more. 

Durability
The DMM Flight’s exterior panels are lined with foam, giving the pack shape but also protecting the outer fabric from abrasion from internal hardware. The pack’s clean design also aids with durability as there is little to snag. The main zipper is a YKK #10 and thanks to the shape holding foam liner and lack of compression straps, it is never placed under a cross load. Overall the pack proved durable for sport climbing induced stresses. 

Extras
The Extras on the DMM Flight allow the relatively small rucksack to efficiently carry all necessary sport climbing essentials in an organized manner. In addition to the already described gear storage features, there is a generously sized rope tarp with buckled compression strap, a dedicated set of internal straps to secure the rope and tarp, and an internal zippered security pocket with key clip. The top mounted straps and helmet sling completely hide away when not in use. The rectangular shape of the pack and the two-way main zip allow a stick clip to be easily carried. A pair of handles on the long side of the pack make for quick fold and transport between routes and another handle on the top eases hoisting the pack. 

The Verdict

The DMM Flight has a specific location for all your sport climbing needs and carries it all in a clean and compact way. Every sport climbing essential has a secure location and the suitcase design lays it all in view and quickly moveable from route to route. Extras abound on this crag pack, but the clean design makes for a simple package without external loose ends, making it ideal for airline carry on use.