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Can the BD Creek 50 be used as a haul bag?

Original Post
Aaron Glasenapp · · Denver, CO · Joined Jul 2012 · Points: 2,665

This is probably a laughable "no", but just wanted to get some opinions from experienced big wallers. I'm looking for a haul bag for 1 or 2 nights on the wall for 2 people, and before I buy one (I'm eyeing the Metolius Quarter Dome), I want to see if it would be stupid to try to use my Black Diamond Creek 50 as a haul bag. BD claims that the Creek packs are "inspired" by their haul bags, but is it feasible to use as an actual haul bag? Or will it shred immediately?

Obviously the fact that backpack straps can't be tucked away is a major argument against this, and 50L is small for anything longer than 1-2 nights.

Creek 50 material: 1200d polyester with TPU coating
BD haul bag material: vinyl-laminated nylon.
Metolius haul bag material: Durathane (claims to be 10x abrasion resistant than vinly coated nylon)

Thoughts?

DaveT · · Albuquerque · Joined Jan 2009 · Points: 233

I would not. You'll probably wear through the body and shred the suspension. Even a poorly packed haul bag can wear through in a handful pitches (speaking from experience).

Max R · · Bend · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 292

It could be done, but the biggest issue you’d face would be the straps. The hip strap comes off, but the shoulder straps would get stuck on things and eventually shredded. I’ve hauled my creek 35 up a steep single pitch before, after rapping into a route. Did fine, but only because it was overhung.

What route are you thinking?

In response to BD vs Metolious. I’ve used both. I definitely think the Metolius is better. My buddies has been up The Nose, Zodiac, RNWFHD, WFOLT, and the Prow. It’s pretty much dead now. The BD i had died after 2 walls, 

MP · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 2

the old-school solution is to strap a length of old carpet around the bag-- this protects the bag nicely. 

Danny Poceta · · Canmore · Joined Nov 2013 · Points: 98

Depends on the route, I forgot to stash haulbag straps once and shredded through one of them after one pitch of hauling on slabby granite. But hauling a backpack on something steep could be totally fine.

Mark Hudon · · Reno, NV · Joined Jul 2009 · Points: 420

It won’t get fully wrecked (depending on the route I guess) but I certainly wouldn’t haul mine more than a pitch or two. 

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

Big Wall and Aid Climbing
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