New Crag Bag Recommendations

The past year I’ve used the BD Creek 35. Went with the 35 over the Creek 50 because I got it for half off.  Love it.  Used to carry an Osprey Atmos 65, which is  comfortable and cavernous—fits a 70m plus gear no problem.  But they’re quite large, which makes them cumbersome, especially when bushwhacking or rock hopping to a multi-pitch. And  they wear out. Of course, Osprey is great about replacing them.  Wanted something more robust, something for which the Creek packs are renown.  For extra storage, I ran shock cord through the front daisy chains (perfect for flip flops or a jacket). Also, had two lash tags sewn on each side to secure a rope.  The rain cover doubles as a helmet holder. It fits all my gear (trad & sport) and everything else needed for a day’s climbing.  Highly recommend.  (For reference, I’m 5’7”, 140 lbs.; pack fits great.)

https://omcgear.com/Blue-Ice-Moonlight-Climbing-Backpacks/?sku=BI100017-55GNC&gclid=CjwKCAjws7WkBhBFEiwAIi1683rhBxJYgv5L47-i-eB8Ntg0Jc9AuWAGUG3smeMW4TPUpcuu8814gxoCjn0QAvD_BwE

I replaced my BD Creek 50 with the Blue Ice Moonlight 55L.  I like the Blue Ice better.  Much better accessory pockets and better access to the main compartment.  They look to be on sale at omcgear (link above)

Jeff G wrote:

https://omcgear.com/Blue-Ice-Moonlight-Climbing-Backpacks/?sku=BI100017-55GNC&gclid=CjwKCAjws7WkBhBFEiwAIi1683rhBxJYgv5L47-i-eB8Ntg0Jc9AuWAGUG3smeMW4TPUpcuu8814gxoCjn0QAvD_BwE

I replaced my BD Creek 50 with the Blue Ice Moonlight 55L.  I like the Blue Ice better.  Much better accessory pockets and better access to the main compartment.  They look to be on sale at omcgear (link above)

Looks like it has some nice features, though I wish both BD & Blue Ice would put lash tags (or the equivalent) on the sides to secure the rope.  

Scott360 wrote:

Looks like it has some nice features, though I wish both BD & Blue Ice would put lash tags (or the equivalent) on the sides to secure the rope.  

Agreed.  

And I’ve done the shock cord (like you showed above), I wish someone would build that system in as well.

+1 for Blue Ice Moonlight

I’ve been researching for a year. After comparing them in person I say crag wagon or Konseal. Konseal Carries a bit better in my opinion 

MEC Cragalot:

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6020-275/cragalot-45-pack

Burly fabric.  Two sizes to fit different back lengths.  

Zip opening is on the back panel, so you don't put the harness face down in the dirt when you open the sack.   More water resistant design than the Cragwagon.  

Kai Larson wrote:

MEC Cragalot:

https://www.mec.ca/en/product/6020-275/cragalot-45-pack

Burly fabric.  Two sizes to fit different back lengths.  

Zip opening is on the back panel, so you don't put the harness face down in the dirt when you open the sack.   More water resistant design than the Cragwagon.  

Wish I’d seen this before I bought my Creek 35.  I like the Cragalot’s size—45L. The side compression straps double to secure a rope.  The load lifters might make it more comfortable to carry. The internal gear loops aren’t something I’d fuss with—too much trouble for me. Nice pack, especially if you can get it on sale. 

Been pretty happy with my 35L crag wagon. I wish I was able to get a 45L honestly. Carry-wise it's adequate but not the most comfy. I have the older model with the super beefy fabric and it truly seems quite indestructible after being very ungentle with it. Been interested in how the new crag wagon fabric feels, but from what I've read, it's a big downgrade in durability over the older fabric. 

Have an old version Crag Wagon 45 for sale here if interested.

Jeff G wrote:

https://omcgear.com/Blue-Ice-Moonlight-Climbing-Backpacks/?sku=BI100017-55GNC&gclid=CjwKCAjws7WkBhBFEiwAIi1683rhBxJYgv5L47-i-eB8Ntg0Jc9AuWAGUG3smeMW4TPUpcuu8814gxoCjn0QAvD_BwE

I replaced my BD Creek 50 with the Blue Ice Moonlight 55L.  I like the Blue Ice better.  Much better accessory pockets and better access to the main compartment.  They look to be on sale at omcgear (link above)

Another vote for the Blue Ice Moonlight. Great pack. I just wish the zippers on the side pockets were on the other side. When you have the bag on the ground with its main zipper open, it's hard to access the two side pockets.

The pipe dream is a single pitch luxury pack, absolutely amazing. 

Scott360 wrote:

The past year I’ve used the BD Creek 35. Went with the 35 over the Creek 50 because I got it for half off.  Love it.  Used to carry an Osprey Atmos 65, which is  comfortable and cavernous—fits a 70m plus gear no problem.  But they’re quite large, which makes them cumbersome, especially when bushwhacking or rock hopping to a multi-pitch. And  they wear out. Of course, Osprey is great about replacing them.  Wanted something more robust, something for which the Creek packs are renown.  For extra storage, I ran shock cord through the front daisy chains (perfect for flip flops or a jacket). Also, had two lash tags sewn on each side to secure a rope.  The rain cover doubles as a helmet holder. It fits all my gear (trad & sport) and everything else needed for a day’s climbing.  Highly recommend.  (For reference, I’m 5’7”, 140 lbs.; pack fits great.)

Those are super cool modifications - I am going to do this. 

What exactly do some of you need all the accessory pockets for? What are you trying to get in and out of your pack when you are hiking to a crag? Let's assume its a 5-30 minute hike (average approach) - do you really need to get shit in and out of your pack? 

I get that this pack isn't ideal for longer approaches (60+ min) I would use something like the Osprey Atmos for that. 

grug g wrote:

What exactly do some of you need all the accessory pockets for? What are you trying to get in and out of your pack when you are hiking to a crag? 

I like to have pockets for things like keys, phone, inReach, food, first aid, bug spray, sunscreen, water, headlamp, gloves, and guidebook.

Basically, all the little items that I don't want getting jumbled up with (and banged around by) my actual climbing gear.

It isn't so much about getting it in and out while hiking so much as staying organized.

Obviously stuff sacks would work, but pockets are a nice alternative.

mbk wrote:

I like to have pockets for things like keys, phone, inReach, food, first aid, bug spray, sunscreen, water, headlamp, gloves, and guidebook.

Basically, all the little items that I don't want getting jumbled up with (and banged around by) my actual climbing gear.

It isn't so much about getting it in and out while hiking so much as staying organized.

Obviously stuff sacks would work, but pockets are a nice alternative.

Okay - there are pockets in the front of the Creek 50 for all of that stuff. Why do you need access to any of that in the 5-30 minute hike between the car and the crag? 

grug g wrote:

Okay - there are pockets in the front of the Creek 50 for all of that stuff. Why do you need access to any of that in the 5-30 minute hike between the car and the crag? 

I get back to my car after a long hot day of cragging and all I want to do is grab my car keys and wallet from the Creek and open a beer, but first I need to dump out half the stuff in the front pocket of the pack to access the lower zippered pocket with the key clip and fight the tightness of all the gear I have jammed inside the packs body to get at my keys.

It's not the end of the world, but I want a crag pack that is comfortable and convenient, and the Creek is only the former.

Rexford Nesakwatch wrote:

I get back to my car after a long hot day of cragging and all I want to do is grab my car keys and wallet from the Creek and open a beer, but first I need to dump out half the stuff in the front pocket of the pack to access the lower zippered pocket with the key clip and fight the tightness of all the gear I have jammed inside the packs body to get at my keys.

It's not the end of the world, but I want a crag pack that is comfortable and convenient, and the Creek is only the former.

This sums it up almost perfectly for me.  I could never get to anything I had stowed in the front pocket of my creek 50.  

grug g wrote:

Okay - there are pockets in the front of the Creek 50 for all of that stuff. Why do you need access to any of that in the 5-30 minute hike between the car and the crag? 

I've definitely needed to check approach beta in my phone or guidebook on the way to a crag, especially if it's one I've never been to before.

The dmm classic is really good for the price, I also had the blue ice octopus and was really well thought out and well made, but kinda floppy. I'd still recommend it though. 

Trango Crag Pack 2.0 - trango.com/products/crag-pa…

It has great big side pockets, a real hip belt for hiking in a few miles to a crag, a mesh pocket for airing out your shoes, and a small, detachable gear tarp that steps away.