day pack for climbing

+1 for the Deuter Guide 35.

I bought one five years ago when I started ice climbing. The packs seen a ton of use and hasn't worn down really all. The pack's dirty and full of black streaks but functioning as well as the first day I bought the pack.

Sometimes I wear the old Arcteryx 16L pack, one with the drawstring on top while climbing multipitch. Super light and it's held up well too. The only thing that sucks is if it rains water gets in the pack.

I'm a big fan of Ospreys...I currently use a Talon 33, which I love to death. Lots of storage, and excellent hip/collarbone straps that really take the load off of your back. On most of the climbs I've done, there's usually a pretty substantial hike to get to the crag, and having a good bag REALLY comes in handy.

I have a bigger deuter bag, much bigger than needed but I think for quality and the prices deuter bags are awesome. I love mine. Definitely recommend them.

For those long days in the mountains, it's hard to beat the Osprey Variant 37l. True, it's a bit large. But if you're going car to car on something the Diamond or Spearhead, it carries a load better than any of the aforementioned packs. And when you get to the base of the climb, you can remove the lid, hip belt and frame sheet to make it more comfortable to climb with.

I'm a Gregory fan, so I really want a Verte pack for this purpose.

I always consider Cilogear and Cold Cold World, though, just haven't pulled the trigger.

exped.com/en/product-category/backpacks/core-25

I'm looking to start selling bags. I designed one for multi-pitch that ranges from 10L to 30L, I haven't heard of any other bag with that large of a volume range. No awkward bulges from excess fabric when compressed or zippers to break, fits up to a 3L bladder, and has a removable hip-belt. Should easily fit a full rack to hike to the base of the climb then compress out of the way while still leaving space for rain gear, approach shoes, water, and food. Made to order, so you'll have to allow some time for me to make it, you don't pay until I'm ready to ship. Price is negotiable for now, this post is my first attempt at selling any bags. We can also discuss adding/removing features.

I have a BD Bullet. I haven't noticed that I've been wearing it whilst climbing.

Seems like the shoulder straps come in towards the neck more than regular packs do. That plus the narrow design and high, thin waist band really help keep it out of the way. I was actually really surprised by how it seems not to restrict my movement at all.

I've been using a Black Diamond Axis 33 and find it's a great size with pretty cool features.

By far my favorite pack for actually climbing in is the dueter speed lite 10. It's shoulder straps are thin and breathable, it's got a little pocket that's accessible on the outside, the zipper pulls are awesome, super durable, Delrin rod keeps the back flat against yiur back, it tapers slightly wider towards the top so it doesn't sag into a blob at the bottom and get it the way. Very durable and unobtrusive while climbing. Yeah it's small, but the zipper opens wide so it's easy to get stuff in and out, and it's just big enough for water, approach shoes, snacks, and windshirt or light puffy. If yiu need more room, get the speed lite 15 or 20.

For a cragging pack to actually carry gear to the climbs, I've been using the REI pinnacle 35 for about a year and love it. You could strip it down and climb with it (which I used to do in big mountains with my ol Dana designs sphinx), but haven't used it that way yet. The deuter speed lite 10 fits nicely in it's front pocket too ;)

REI Flashback is cheap and great for long days.

Anyone have any experience with the Patagonia Ascensionist line? I'm looking at getting the 35 liter for long approaches and then taking out the frame/hipbelt.

Looking to change up my lineup. Currently have a Miura 50 and Flash 18. Cliogear work sack 30 looks like it will fit my needs quite well. I am a fan of the CCW packs though. Anyone used an Ozone or Valdez for climbing? Trad/alpine mainly.

BD bullet is nice but if you're looking to put shoes in there and have large feet you won't be able to fit much else.

BD hollow point is a nice size for a long day since it can fit a full double rack on the approach and shoes and everything up the climb. For shorter climbs, or where you rap or walk back to your main pack, a std hydration pack with room for headlamp, layer and snacks would suffice.

To OP: Buy a pack, figure out what's wrong with it, then buy the right pack
Multipitch climbing with helmet makes how high the pack sits above your shoulders a concern. Weights always a concern. And buy the right size for the type of person you are. "Wow I carry everything (I've got beers bro)" to "I hike in with my harness and I figured how many draws I'd need and took two less"

Ethan Little wrote:Anyone have any experience with the Patagonia Ascensionist line? I'm looking at getting the 35 liter for long approaches and then taking out the frame/hipbelt.

Bought the Ascentionist 35L in October. It's cool, it's light, it's cheap! Don't buy the 45L this is a lightweight pack design and not meant to haul heavy loads, the 45L is a gimmick in the lineup to appease the dudes who think the pack is cool, but carry a ton of shit. You will remove the hipbelt and back panel before ever taking this bag out. Then probably throw them out X months later. They are not needed for a 35L version. You will learn to pack your bag correctly, learn to take less. I filled my 48L Osprey brimming before getting this, with junk dangling all over, now I don't even fill this bag. The closure system has a miniscule learning curve and takes some time getting used to, then it's pretty cool, minimalistic. I never have a problem climbing in this pack, ever.

I really like this bag, but there is one mistake with it. The minimalist closure system has a rod through loop on the opposite side of the aluminum closure buckle. This is to do some moving around with the closure system. They cut corners here and made this piece a half cm too small and it can come out under certain loading conditions. I forget exactly if it is understuffed bag rope draped over top - tucked under hood or I think it is overstuffed bag rope draped over top etc. But long story short it's blown through and dropped my rope 3 times now. One time was bad and we got real lucky to not end up epic'd. It cannot be trusted. This would be an easy mod to fix yourself.

Some google searching will bring up reviews showing addition of shock cord mesh back panel - stuff net - thingy, awesome idea, probably adds less than an ounce of weight. If your ice climbing great for crampons, or anything else, hiking and decide to strip a layer, well stuff a jacket in there quick.

Most guidebooks will fit in the zippered hood pocket, some won't. Let me know if you want pics.

Matt,

I have a Valdez and an Ozone.

Ozone us basically all I use for rock adventures. Valdez for ice adventures. If multi day I also have a Chernobyl. I've had custom mods made to my Ozone. Others are standard.

Off topic - was just in Chico last Tuesday. Did the Sierra Nevada tour (and hit up Russian River, Lagunitas, Firestone Walker and this gem in Paso Robles - Barrelhouse Brewing). Business trip with great ops to get to these breweries.

Mark

Mark NH wrote:Matt, I have a Valdez and an Ozone. Ozone us basically all I use for rock adventures. Valdez for ice adventures. If multi day I also have a Chernobyl. I've had custom mods made to my Ozone. Others are standard. Off topic - was just in Chico last Tuesday. Did the Sierra Nevada tour (and hit up Russian River, Lagunitas, Firestone Walker and this gem in Paso Robles - Barrelhouse Brewing). Business trip with great ops to get to these breweries. Mark

What sort of mods have you done to the Ozone? It really seems like a top notch pack, I'd be hard pressed to pick a WorkSack 30 over the Ozone.

Sounds like you had quite tour. Those are some great choices. Did you get to try any of the new Sierra offerings? Hop Hunter, Nooner, and the Beer Camp one. Also, next time you're around the Bay between there and Santa Rosa, keep an eye out for offerings from Moonlight Brewery. Death and Taxes is an all-time favorite for me.

Thanks for the beer tips!

Oops, my mods were to my Valdez. Answer this morning was before coffee. Valdez has new ice ice holder like Chernobyl and pull down instead of up. Though I've gotten use to the pull up shoulder straps as I've carried the Chernobyl for years.

Dane at cold thistle has had some ozone mods. I like mine just the way it is - minimalist!

And yes, really enjoyed Hop Hunter!

Someone recently gave me Patagonia's new climbing pack, the Linked.

patagonia.com/us/product/li…

If it hadn't been a gift, I'd never pay that much for a bag that I'm planning to thrash by dragging up all day climbs in Yosemite, but the thing feels pretty burly. Good solid materials.

Sirius wrote:Someone recently gave me Patagonia's new climbing pack, the Linked. patagonia.com/us/product/li… If it hadn't been a gift, I'd never pay that much for a bag that I'm planning to thrash by dragging up all day climbs in Yosemite, but the thing feels pretty burly. Good solid materials.

Any comments on how it climbs or it's design? Sales always pop up but I'm with you, this thing should be awesome to be 2x a BD Bullet Pack.