Ice screw bags options

I m looking for a new, more compact, option for the next season.
I like the practicality of having 2 bags, that way I can share the load with my partner.
Today I own 2 ice screw bags from BD, I don't mind it but they are not great either...
I m really trying to find the most compact solution possible, any advice ?
On paper I like the one for HMG, seems really neat.
I was thinking buying one HMG bag for myself to fit half of my screws and keep giving the other half of the rack to my partner in the BD screw bag.

Open to alternative options if you have any...

It may not be very best option if you really want two separate bags that hold say six screws each, but when you divide this bag's weight (95g)  by 12 screws, it is probably the lightest on a per screw basis:

https://highmtngear.com/products/ice-screw-cannon

More importantly, it is by far the easiest screw bag that i have used, which is huge to me since all other bags or rollups I have used were a PIA.

@jimmystrange I would rather stick Trotsky's bloodied ice pick into my thigh than recap 12 screws in the dark after a long climb. And, if I started with 12 caps, at least two would quickly end up in the snow.

Doug Hutchinson wrote:

It may not be very best option if you really want two separate bags that hold say six screws each, but when you divide this bag's weight (95g)  by 12 screws, it is probably the lightest on a per screw basis:

https://highmtngear.com/products/ice-screw-cannon

thanks, I knew about this "screw cannon" and it seems a really nice "all in one" option indeed but as I said, I m lazy and would rather share the load ;)
For reference, I most often take 16 screws on multipitches.

Send gunkiemike a message he has made me a couple options one of which is the main bag I use. Also check out this 

https://neonclimbing.com/products/screw-fold

https://altogear.com/collections/frontpage/products/ice-screw-wrap-2-0-ouray-special-edition

The Alto gear crampon pouch is so simple yet needs nothing else

A couple other options made here in Colorado, that said I’m eyeing that screw cannon (just make your partner carry the rope and hot Skratch)

Fabien M wrote:

thanks, I knew about this "screw cannon" and it seems a really nice "all in one" option indeed but as I said, I m lazy and would rather share the load ;)
For reference, I most often take 16 screws on multipitches.

I have an HMG case, a roll up style, and 2 screw cannons.

The High Mountain Gear design is the nicest for sure. I’d rather take a half full high mountain gear screw cannon than the other options.

The HMG case is a really nice design but the screw teeth catch on the material and require attention I don’t have at the end of a long day when putting things away. I do still use this one at times. Mostly when taking only 4 or less screws on an airplane.  It packs very compactly.   

thanks guys for sharing all this, I like the neonclimbing bag!
I ll let that sink in for a few weeks before I make my decision. thanks again!

Jimmy Strange wrote:

You’re thinking the garbage petzl ones. Blue Ice ones are easy. A second each. Clip hole keeps them secure. 

The Blue Ice ones are definitely the best caps, but I think their best use is when I am carrying one screw on my skimo harness. For 12 or more screws, the High Mountain Gear (the other HMG) Screw Cannon is best solution I have found.

Savage Gear, handmade in N Conway. Sleeves for 10 screws and can add several more loose. The outside zipper pocket is perfect for spare front points, picks, etc. Packs flat and compact in the bottom of your pack  

https://www.savagemtngear.com/store/p/ice-screw-pouch

I’m a big fan of my Mystery Ranch Thread Bead. Fits all the screws I need and has a zippered pocket for Allen keys and extra kit. The screw retention system is pretty slick, and it’s very durable. 

I have the Alto gear wrap. I really like it no complaints.

Doug Hutchinson wrote:

The Blue Ice ones are definitely the best caps, but I think their best use is when I am carrying one screw on my skimo harness. For 12 or more screws, the High Mountain Gear (the other HMG) Screw Cannon is best solution I have found.

Thanks Doug!

In regards to the snagging of fabric in the original neon models, the new models are made with Challenge Ecopack fabric laminate recycled fabric. This gives the Cannon more stiffness, thus reducing the likelihood of the points sticking to the fabric. I’m not going to sit here and tell you it 100% will not do that anymore, but at ~3 oz to hold 12+ screws from 7-22cm is pretty great. Other feature is the slots are slanted, allowing better nesting of the hangers and reducing bulk. 

The large model holds 14+ screws and likely your partner’s rack, too. This size is great for tag lines, bolting bags in addition to ice climbing.

I had a chance to see the Savage Gear Ice Screw Bag two weekends ago, and if you’re the type that wants to splay out your screws this is recommended. Made entirely from 1000D Cordura/textured nylon, it’s basically a larger version of the Hyperlite bag. Lots of zippers/compartments like a traditional crampon bag, it has a lot of sewing and I recognize that work. The idea is you are putting this in the bottom of your backpack, as it seems to fit that shape. I like how it doesn’t even try to be “hung up” from two corners while open because that is completely ridiculous in any climbing scenario. I am “zipper adverse” but it’s great to see all the different models of screw holders out there made by small companies. 

Kyle Willis 
High Mountain Gear
Tacoma, Washington

Screw Cannons in all sizes and colors are in stock, now with Challenge Sailcloth Recycled fabric and new lower clipping loop to ride higher on the harness. Large fits a large belay parka if you are in between carrying a pack or not, and also fits a pair of crampons in with 14 screws(mainly for packing/storage) 3.7oz-Alpine, and 5oz-large. Slanted tube slots for nested hangers, packs down a lot smaller than standard rolls. All sleeves fit Blue Ice screws with covers. New stiffer fabric stands up WITH all the screws in it which is nice for drying out screws without removing them from the cannon over a heat vent. STILL made in Washington!

No you can't have my Jim Bridwell ice screw.

High Mountain Gear

High Mountain Gear wrote:

Screw Cannons in all sizes and colors are in stock, now with Challenge Sailcloth Recycled fabric and new lower clipping loop to ride higher on the harness. Large fits a large belay parka if you are in between carrying a pack or not, and also fits a pair of crampons in with 14 screws(mainly for packing/storage) 3.7oz-Alpine, and 5oz-large. Slanted tube slots for nested hangers, packs down a lot smaller than standard rolls. All sleeves fit Blue Ice screws with covers. New stiffer fabric stands up WITH all the screws in it which is nice for drying out screws without removing them from the cannon over a heat vent. STILL made in Washington!

These bags looks sweet!  Could you post a picture of the Alpine and Large next to a 1L Nalgene water bottle?  Trying to get a really good idea of the size difference.  I don't see specific measurements on the website.

Marlin Thorman wrote:

These bags looks sweet!  Could you post a picture of the Alpine and Large next to a 1L Nalgene water bottle?  Trying to get a really good idea of the size difference.  I don't see specific measurements on the website.

High Mountain Gear wrote:

Thanks, that really helps!  I still couldn't decide between them so I just ordered 1 of each!

Colton H wrote:

I’m a big fan of my Mystery Ranch Thread Bead. Fits all the screws I need and has a zippered pocket for Allen keys and extra kit. The screw retention system is pretty slick, and it’s very durable. 

Thread Bed Link:

I made one of these for a friend if anyone wants a different style than the bucket! 60ish bucks + a bit of shipping if anyone wants one! Happy to make any custom changes too! Cheers :)

Nathan P wrote:

I made one of these for a friend if anyone wants a different style than the bucket! 60ish bucks + a bit of shipping if anyone wants one! Happy to make any custom changes too! Cheers :)

have you ever experimented with making the top diagonal in such a way that the hangers don't bunch up in one spot?  thinking of a stepped version where one could have three short, three medium, and three long slots.  would be cool to see a prototype like that to get a feel for the feasibility of getting a tighter roll/package!

Ryan Jean wrote:

Savage Gear, handmade in N Conway. Sleeves for 10 screws and can add several more loose. The outside zipper pocket is perfect for spare front points, picks, etc. Packs flat and compact in the bottom of your pack  

https://www.savagemtngear.com/store/p/ice-screw-pouch

I really like this design, well-made, well-contained, but took a while to receive.  Much prefer to BD or Petzl versions.

old5ten wrote:

have you ever experimented with making the top diagonal in such a way that the hangers don't bunch up in one spot

That was my main beef with the BD one and many other versions of it.
I bite the bullet yesterday and order the screw case from HMG. The "enclosed case" aspect is really what sealed the deal for me.
I hope I like it enough. If it end up being a half-assed solution that will be on me ;)

Nathan P wrote:

I made one of these for a friend if anyone wants a different style than the bucket! 60ish bucks + a bit of shipping if anyone wants one! Happy to make any custom changes too! Cheers :)

Anyone that takes the time to match thread colors is a pro in my book. Lots of junk shows out there stitching everything up with black thread, when the effort to color match is next to zero.

I think you’re working with by the yard fabric. Challenge Sailcloth Eco Pack is the same spec as VX21 but its all recycled. If the price isn’t comparable let me know and I could price a different color for you.