Metolius Freerider

I'm on the search for a highly durable (read totally bombproof) climbing back that I can use for a long time before retiring it. It seems like the bottom of my packs is usually the first thing to give out. I also want some sort of frame on my pack. I'm not keen on humping loads without a frame. Given my requirements I'm fairly certain that the only thing that'd fill my requirements would be a small haulbag type pack, but I'm open to other suggestions.

Right now I'm looking at the Metolius freerider pack. It seems to be the closest thing out there. *Anyone used one?* I'm leery of buying something I've never seen used. It is supposed to have a foam framesheet - not a true frame but better than nothing. I'm not aware of any haulbag back that has a true frame. Metolius' Express looks decent as well as does the fish delux atom smasher - but as far as I can tell neither has a frame.

The freerider is surprisingly comfortable as a crag pack. Nowhere near as burly as an atomsmasher, but way nicer for day-to-day use. You might also look into BD's 50-Cal, which has a haulbag-style bottom on a normal pack.

Unless you are really, really, really tough on your packs, I'll bet you throw it away because you simply want another pack rather than it wears out.

I also had the problem of the bottom of my packs getting holes in them. I would have the local alterations shop sew a layer of cordura on the bottom to extend the life.

About a month ago, I got the Freerider. What a great pack. The four features I like best about it are:

1. Burly material. I won't have to worry about a hole in this pack (although I've only had it a month, it's obviously pretty stout)

2. It stays open at the top so I don't have to deal with trying to hold the top open while stuffing things into it.

3. It's mostly free-standing where other packs I've had I needed to prop up against something. I say "mostly," because I carry a lot of stuff in the top lid and that makes it off-balance.

4. It has a comfortable suspension for carrying.

I wish it had a hydration pouch for a bladder, but I am very happy with this pack. And the price was right.

Hi Royal, I put a cut to fit size piece of RidgeRest in the bottom of my pack 12 years ago and my pack is (Osprey Exposure 66) is still going strong.
I use this pack summer and winter all the time (craggin', hut trippin', mountaineerin', backpackin', ect) and attribute the small, light piece of foam in the bottom to increasing the durability.
I bet a piece of yoga mat would do the same thing but I like the foam as a sit pad every now and then.
Also you could cut it up and use it as a splint.
This has worked well for me. I just stumbled across this benefit form just wanting a seat for my lady.
This would work with Any pack.
And it's Cheap.

I have a Fish haulbag that I use as my cragging pack. I'm not the first owner so I can't tell you exactly which pack it is - it appears to be a between the Atom Smasher and the Buget Haulbag - maybe it's a custom job?

Anyway, I reckon it gets used 50-70 days per year and will definitely last "forever." Like you, I prefer having a frame for support, comfort, and to keep cams from digging into my back during a lengthy approach.

I took an old closed-cell foam sleeping pad and just inserted it vertically into the pack, cutting it to size so it forms a "wall" of foam around the bag's inner perimeter. This keeps the bag fully self-supported, makes it perfectly comfortable, and I have a built in full-size bivy pad for the unexpected.

Have it, dig it, the end.

FREERIDER IS SOLID. CARRIES WELL, WELL THOUGHT OUT FEATURES, BURLY. BUY THIS PACK.

Thanks for the advice folks! Your nuggets of wisdom are much appreciated. Sounds like both the freerider and BD 50 Cal would fit my needs nicely. Now just to choose . . .