I need a pack recommendation

I've done a million searches so save that shit, I'm looking for a pack that I may have overlooked.

This is pack is for ice and alpine. Single day, two days tops. Maybe a 25 mile day. I have bigger packs and smaller packs.

Here is what I'm looking for:

- 30'ish Liters
- Removable waist belt (optional webbing belt a plus)
- Ice tool provisions
- Removable lid if it has a lid (doesn't have to have a lid)
- Ice tool provisions
- Efficient minimal compression straps
- Reasonably lightweight

Here's what it can't have:

- Fixed waist belt
- Fiddly ice tool strings
- Monstrous hole left from waist belt apparatus
- Patchwork of tiny fabric
- Delicate
- 40 yards of straps and elastic

Automatic disqualifiers: Osprey, MHW, Cilo Gear

What's that leave? OK, lay it on me.

hyperlitemountaingear.com/p…

Ask him to add tool attachments and make the top either a rolltop or removable:
coldcoldworldpacks.com/ozon…

wildthingsgear.com/products…

zimmerbuilt.com/gear-deals.…

Another option in a few months:
basegear.com/arcteryx-alpha…
sietovanderheide.blogspot.c…

Custom options of any sort for cheap:
borahgear.com/stealth.html

I have been digging my arc'teryx nozone 35. Single day plus sizing. Minimal waist belt and compression strappiness, with intuitive ice tool holders built in. Burly, but light. Removable/floating lid with big expansion/snow collar for overnighter over stuffing. And I've been seeing it on steep and cheap for $130ish.

I have one of these and it is the opposite of delicate.
Fulfils your criteria, except the waist belt is not removable.
Kinda spensy too
cactusequipment.co.nz/onlin…

Really been loving my Gregory Alpinisto. I have the 50, but it comes in a 35, and I believe it meets all of your requirements. Check it out!

gregorypacks.com/GM323_cfg.…

Mike Mu. wrote:BD speed 30

I have a 2 year old BD speed 30 and like it a lot. My only complaint is the ice axe attachements are difficult to deal with. The attachment is basically a string with a slider to adjust the length. I am not smart enough to figure out the slider. But then I generally put the ice axe before the hike, take them off for the climb and put them back on for the hike out so I don't have to deal with it too much.

I like your pack requirements and can't haves; let us know what you decide upon.

Deuter Guide Light 32 has everything save for the removable lid. You can however, easily mod the pack with scissors to make the lid removable

Quite a few suggestions here Mr Ray.
mountainproject.com/v/looki…

Good luck on your quest.

+1 for the nozone 35
very light 2lbs 3ozs removeable lid and hip belt $148 for the next two days on steep and cheap
steepandcheap.com/gear-cach…

Also check out the wild things guide pack. It's 26L and weights only 28oz. On sale for about $150 with coupon code WILD-HOLIDAY
wildthingsgear.com/collecti…

None of BD packs I owned over the years last more than a few seasons. Gregory packs have always been on the heavy side of things. HMG has good reviews, but I would still recommend CCW. They don't have a pack that's exactly your spec but Randy will customize for you easily and probably well within your price range. I don't know if you like the new hightec fabric, but I had seen nothing but bad luck with Cilogear and Wildthings new fabric.

I would start with the CCW Ozone ($105). Add ice tool straps and compression strap. Add a roll top or a removable lid. You can probably get new fabric if you like. The whole thing will still probably come under $150. And most likely it'll last for 20 years. Honestly, if I was to get another pack, I would go with Randy in a heart beat.

Mike Mu. wrote:BD speed 30

Waist belt doesn't come off and has fiddly ice tool retention.

Beware of non supportive foamy packs. After two long days with a Wild Things Guide pack, I sold it. Not to mention a puncture in the X-PAC material first time out. CCW packs have the same removable foam bivy pad/frame sheet. I guess I wasn't core enough to handle it. With my nozone the stays are removable and the frame sheet is rigid, but not removable. It's more of an optimist's pack when it comes to not having a built in bivy pad option.

The Gregory alpinisto has one, but is heavier. I'd say if you want a fully stripable pack that has the best of both worlds, it may be a good option. Cushy/heavy when you want it. Light and Fast when you need it.

I know that you ruled out CiloGear, and assume that it was because you find it "delicate." Have you looked at their "guide service" 30:30? It fits all your other requirements and is built with tougher fabric.

NC Rock Climber wrote:I know that you ruled out CiloGear, and assume that it was because you find it "delicate." Have you looked at their "guide service" 30:30? It fits all your other requirements and is built with tougher fabric.

No, its because of their patchwork construction, poor quality control, and non existent customer service.

Tits McGee wrote:Beware of non supportive foamy packs. After two long days with a Wild Things Guide pack, I sold it. Not to mention a puncture in the X-PAC material first time out. CCW packs have the same removable foam bivy pad/frame sheet. I guess I wasn't core enough to handle it. With my nozone the stays are removable and the frame sheet is rigid, but not removable. It's more of an optimist's pack when it comes to not having a built in bivy pad option. The Gregory alpinisto has one, but is heavier. I'd say if you want a fully stripable pack that has the best of both worlds, it may be a good option. Cushy/heavy when you want it. Light and Fast when you need it.

Yeah, I'm not that core either. Plus I avoid custom gear like the plague.

I've been looking at the Nozone 35 and Kea/Kata 30.

Deuter Guide 35.

Hmg is killer, but pricey.

I have an older arcteryx kahmsin 38 that sounds like it would be ideal, other than the non removable top. However they stopped making it, they've gotta have a similar bag produced now though.

Cilo gear makes a 30L that sounds like it would work for you too.http://www.cilogear.com/30lws.html

Ray,

Check out this pack from Lowe. I think it fits your needs perfectly! And has multiple colors! Can't beat options!

lowealpine.com/mountain-att…

MRock wrote:Hmg is killer, but pricey. I have an older arcteryx kahmsin 38 that sounds like it would be ideal, other than the non removable top. However they stopped making it, they've gotta have a similar bag produced now though.

The Kahmsin is interesting, Arcteryx makes the Kahmski now. The NoZone I think is closer to what I had in mind. The Kea/Kata would be perfect if the lid came off.

I'm not interested in Cuben. I climbed with a guy that had an HMG bag, it looked like a giant white trash bag. HMG reminds me of 1987. A lot of the small pack manufacturers seem to be stuck in that time period. Lowe, Gregory, and Deuter are stuck in 1997.

+++1 for the Lowe Alpine Packs. I have the 35 L Alpine Attack and I am in love with it. Under three pounds and strippable. I have been using mine for 2 years and it has transformed from just my climbing pack to backpacking and everything else. Awesome really great--very overlooked pack.
Dallen