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Trango Crag Pack?

Original Post
20 kN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,346

I am in dire need of a new pack and this one fits the bill in the space, durability and price range. I am not opposed to spending more, but this guy seems real durable. My concern is there is no plastic backing like most backpacks have. That backing prevents stuff, like cams, from jabbing you in the back which I found to be a real annoyance when using haul bags for backpacks. I do see however that the Crag Pack does have two aluminum bars running the length of the pack for support.

My question is how comfortable is this pack? I may be hiking as much as 7 hours with cams and crap in my pack, so I dont want to have to deal with stuff poking me in the back. Is that an issue with this pack as I suspect it might be?

mattm · · TX · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 1,885
20 kN wrote:I am in dire need of a new pack and this one fits the bill in the space, durability and price range. I am not opposed to spending more, but this guy seems real durable. My concern is there is no plastic backing like most backpacks have. That backing prevents stuff, like cams, from jabbing you in the back which I found to be a real annoyance when using haul bags for backpacks. I do see however that the Crag Pack does have two aluminum bars running the length of the pack for support. My question is how comfortable is this pack? I may be hiking as much as 7 hours with cams and crap in my pack, so I dont want to have to deal with stuff poking me in the back. Is that an issue with this pack as I suspect it might be?
It's the best pack I've owned for cragging and hauling a bunch of crap. The things like the external shoe pouch, ,guidebook pocket and mini tarp are fantastic (the shoe mesh in particular). The top pocket is huge as well and fits plenty of the little things you need to keep separate. My only ding so far is no key fob clip.

Regarding the poking in the back. I haven't had that issue at all stuffing a full rack down into it all the way up to double in #5 C4s. You, like any pack, will need to be a bit careful in packing so obvious issue don't come up but that's been true with other packs I've had too. It's been plenty comfortable so far. The waist belt is not a beefy as say, a true internal frame backpacking setup but for the loads you'll have in there it's been very good to me.

I've been so pleased with it so far that I've seriously considered getting one for my wife so I have another as a backup "just in case".

Awesome pack. I need to post up a review in fact.
Guy H. · · Fort Collins CO · Joined Jan 2001 · Points: 8,318

It is on sale right now at backcountry for 80 bucks. I noticed the missing key clip, also.

CollinT · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 155

I have had this pack for about a month now and have been really happy with it. I haven't taken it on anything beyond a couple miles but it has been really comfortable with a full rack, water, shoes etc on some fairly steep and rocky hikes. Pack seems really durable and the little extras are surprisingly useful (shoe pouch, guide book pouch etc.). I haven't had any issues with cams sticking me in the back but I think that is more from smart packing than anything, I'm sure if you put the cams in there just right they could poke you a little. The tough material and back support would keep it to a minimal but I will have to test it out to see how much. I will try and post a more thorough review soon but highly recommend this pack.

Peter BrownWhale · · Randallstown, MD · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 21

Same experiences here, absolutely love the pack, super comfortable even when carrying a fair bit of weight around and I haven't had any issues with the lack of the plastic back piece. The material the pack is made out of is crazy durable and I love how it stays upright, even when empty but aside from the suspension system, my favorite bit is the guidebook pocket, f'ing genius

Brandon R · · CA · Joined Mar 2006 · Points: 178

My Gregory pack is finally starting to disintegrate after nearly 15 years of frequent use. It's been super comfy and carries well, but I'm now looking into some of these new crag friendly type of packs like the trango to replace it. I'm also a little worried about the lack of support for long hikes with heavy loads. I've used a haul bag before and that definitely sucks - they seem to just fold over and offer no support. Has anyone carried these things yet for a longer approach (>1 hr)?

Anyone tried the DMM Vector yet? They say it has a plastic frame.
dmmclimbing.com/products/ve…

Looks like BD is also coming out with something similar.
blackdiamondequipment.com/e…

Jeff G · · Colorado · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,098

The Trango Crag Pack is Awesome!! The best cragging pack that I've had in 35 plus years of climbing.
It carries a heavy load very comfortably and has very good support and ergonomic design. I've used it on big alpine days in RMNP and I also used it for big days in Red Rocks with big approaches to Rainbow Wall, Nightcrawler etc.. And even with the scrambling and butt sliding on some of the big canyon approaches in Red Rocks, the pack is unscathed on the bottom and holding up incredibly well. Everything is really well thought out on this pack. I would buy one without worry.

rock-fencer · · Columbia, SC · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 265

Misty mountain has a similar pack too

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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