30-40L packs

I’ve owned several cilogear 30l work sacks over the years and am looking for something similar in the 30-40L range. Ie - a pack that I could use for a couple of night alpine route but also something that’s light and climbs like a 20L once it’s emptied. I could go with another work sack as I felt they carried well, ran a bit big for a 30L which I liked, but in my experience they tend to soak up water easily so I’m in the market for something more water resistant/proof but without the $400 price tag required for the MOB 30 or 30:30.

Do I need to suck up the additional $$$ or are there other options available?

Arcteryx alpha fl 30 or 40 fit the bill for more water/weatherproof. I haven’t seen the latest material update (fabric has a more visible grid) in person but i imagine it performs the same. Plus there’s enough of them around you can sometimes score a secondhand for a good deal

Osprey Mutant series is really good.  

I recently starting using a Blue Ice Firecrest. They have a couple of sizes 28/38. I thought shoulder strap pockets would annoying but found them useful. The top lid pocket could be a bit better in how it fits. They cost $180 which quite reasonable.

HMG Prism has served me well.

raide research

HMG Prism & a tube of seam grip. Go over all the exterior seams from the bottom to partway up, works like a charm.

Im using a Samaya ULTRA35 which turned out as an exceptional bag

- internal rectangular alu frame, hard foam internal back-panel, both removable

- Can be stripped down to <500g

- its 35l volume is an understatement versus other bag stated volumes, and it can also clinched down to behave and weight like a 20l bag 

- Seam taped, dry-bag like construction(which can be tucked away easily and only use the lid, when there is no possibility of rain.

- A-frame ski carry compatible, dual technical tool, helmet holder, compression straps (all removable)

- Dyneema Hybrid 150d main fabric, fully-woven dyneema bottom

- Climbing optimized V shape and ergonomics and i can confirm that it really works, mix-climbed with full multi-day winter sleep/food gear in it.

- lifetime warranty , but its also designed from the ground up in such way that its easy to repair with minimal skill/work

Its an expensive bag, but i think there is a sale right now on their official website in the "re-use" tab, where they sell basically brand new condition, box etc. There was zero sign that it was ever used. 

My other bag is the Ferrino Instinct 40+5, which has a lot more bells to it, also a fairly light, with a lot of padding, zips, etc. Its also well though-out a great bag, its a hybrid of normal DCF and cordura at abrasion spots, unfortunately the normal DCF material has a limited lifetime until it starts to fray, but otherwise its a great bag with a lot of features and comfortable carry, but i plan to sell it in favour of the samaya

climber pat wrote:

Osprey Mutant series is really good.  

I love my Mutant 38. I use it as my cragging pack and my alpine/overnight pack. I haven't really used it on the wall much though, usually I have my Mutant 22 for that. But when I do use it on the wall, it's got a detachable brain, gear loops on the hip belt, haul loops, and just feels really durable in general. It's also got tons of exterior straps so you could really load it up and carry way more than 38L for approaches and overnight missions. 

The pack itself is great, and the Osprey warranty is even better. I used my original Mutant 38 as my only pack for 4 years until the brain zipper failed and the hip belt stitching started to break, and Osprey replaced the pack for free. They also do free repairs! 

Bel Aoros wrote:

Im using a Samaya ULTRA35 which turned out as an exceptional bag

- internal rectangular alu frame, hard foam internal back-panel, both removable

- Can be stripped down to <500g

- its 35l volume is an understatement versus other bag stated volumes, and it can also clinched down to behave and weight like a 20l bag 

- Seam taped, dry-bag like construction(which can be tucked away easily and only use the lid, when there is no possibility of rain.

- A-frame ski carry compatible, dual technical tool, helmet holder, compression straps (all removable)

- Dyneema Hybrid 150d main fabric, fully-woven dyneema bottom

- Climbing optimized V shape and ergonomics and i can confirm that it really works, mix-climbed with full multi-day winter sleep/food gear in it.

- lifetime warranty , but its also designed from the ground up in such way that its easy to repair with minimal skill/work

Its an expensive bag, but i think there is a sale right now on their official website in the "re-use" tab, where they sell basically brand new condition, box etc. There was zero sign that it was ever used. 

My other bag is the Ferrino Instinct 40+5, which has a lot more bells to it, also a fairly light, with a lot of padding, zips, etc. Its also well though-out a great bag, its a hybrid of normal DCF and cordura at abrasion spots, unfortunately the normal DCF material has a limited lifetime until it starts to fray, but otherwise its a great bag with a lot of features and comfortable carry, but i plan to sell it in favour of the samaya

How does it carry a pair of technical ice tools?

Cold Cold World Ozone or Valdez.

Ozone will carry well when there's less inside.
Valdez has all the features you think you need.

https://www.instagram.com/cold_cold_world_packs/

Mountain Hardware JMT 35L - This bag is great.

High Mountain Gear

Hyperlite

Vaude

I like packs that are narrow to get through tight spots and have a minimum of cords, pockets and junk on the outside to snag on stuff. A roll top sausage shape with shoulder straps is ideal. The top should be low enough that you can look up with a helmet on.

I bought my daughter a Hyperlite which she loves and I covet. The Dyneema is very tough.

I have a HMG Wrangler pack and it's a beautiful piece of work. Small US company.

I have had a 35L Vaude pack that has many years of use that I really like with snag free features like the axe loops that tuck away into little pockets. This is a really comfortable pack. The one I have is no longer available.

Tought to beat this for the price: https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/alpine-light-35-backpack-2038171.html?dwvar_2038171_color=107

bearded sam wrote:

How does it carry a pair of technical ice tools?

It has a pretty basic system for ice axe carry, but it has been definitely tuned for technical tools also (but have to have a hole in its head). I used it extensively with a pair of Quarks, which fits perfectly, and it think there is space for more aggressive tools also. Also tried it with straight shaft tools, and has not problem with that either. 

If i have to say something of a con about of the bag, maybe id like to see a full length daisy chain on its front instead of the strategically placed loops, and maybe fully woven side panels also, but otherwise its such a perfect bag for a wide range of outings that i'm selling two of my previous bags. 

Greg Steele wrote:

Tought to beat this for the price: https://www.mountainhardwear.com/p/alpine-light-35-backpack-2038171.html?dwvar_2038171_color=107

I think MHW will soon release the new generation of Alpine Light series, based on that they already got the ISPO award for it: ispo.com/en/promotion/ispo-…

Mystery Ranch Scepter 35. Love mine.  Made in Montana

https://www.mysteryranch.com/scepter-35-pack