Another crag pack/backpack thread

This one's a little different, I promised! I'm in the market for both a cragging pack and a backpacking pack.

The bag I'm using for cragging is 30L (MH drifter pack). I'm carrying your standard sport rack, harness, shoes, plus layers, a little dog gear if the pooch comes, guidebook, first aid kit, headlamp, food, water. I can pack it all okay, but it's a squeeze. The main problem is the pack does not carry well with the weight of the rack (no suspension system). This makes bushwhacking, scrambling, and longer approaches uncomfortable.

I'm also in the market for a backpacking pack for 4-5 day trips. Being poor, the ideal situation would be a pack that I could use for both. Being poor also means that I don't have the smallest or lightest of anything. So I think I would need a pack that's at least 50L.

Outside of those parameters, I'm a bit overwhelmed by the selection. Obviously I need to try on the packs, but my question is: if you were in the market for a do-all cragging/backpakcing pack, what would your must-have features be? If you have specific pack suggestions, I love to hear them too, but I'm more concerned about what I should be looking for. Minimal and lightweight like TNF prophet or MH South Col? Full-featured with all the bells and whistles (but heavy) like the Deuter Aircontact? I'm stumped.

My favorite feature for a pack to have is a lack of superfluous features. Obviously everyone has their own preferences, but it's my experience that the happier people on the trail have simple packs and the experience to pack and use them well.

For example: instead of a bunch of pockets that limit versatility, you can use pouches and sacks tailored to the mission at hand.

When you think about it, a pack's only job is to carry stuff. It's not a personal organizer. Anything extra that doesn't help it carry compromises that.

Size wise, I rarely use more than a 55L. I have no problem filling it up with more crap than I need. I occasionally borrow a larger (and very high quality) bag, but that's only for extended, equipment-intensive climbing trips.

My wife and I really, really like our REI Pinnacle 35s. The side-access zipper is pretty handy. And the buckles/straps on the outside make it easy to strap something else on that way -- we often keep a static rope there that we use for anchoring.

Haven't used the 50L version, but I've heard good things about it.

Also, for whatever reason, it happens to be 50% off on the REI website at the moment. :)

rei.com/product/816103/rei-…

Edited to add: The reviews posted in 2013, however, appear noticeably different from those posted in 2012. I wonder if the product was updated (specifically, they made the zipper crappier). I suppose you could always get it and return it if the zipper sucks.

> Also, for whatever reason, it happens to be 50% off on the REI website at the moment. :)

You already figured out the reason. ;-)

> I suppose you could always get it and return it if the zipper sucks.

I had to do just that.

I bought one of these about a month ago. Was psyched about the price, and it had exactly the features I wanted: A basic pack with one external compartment to carry an extra layer.

But the zipper on the external pocket was junk. Didn't last a day. Bummer, because the only alternatives I can find are about $200.

Look at the Lowe Alpine- Alpine Attack 45/55 This is an awesome pack that I have been using for about 2 years now. It carries weight well and easily can do 5 day trips if you plan things out and don't take the kitchen sink. I have used a lot of 50 liter packs and absolutely love this one. it comes in 2 sizes so you can get a really good fit.
Dallen