Whats the best gear pack? For getting all your stuff to the crag.

i have a trango crag pack, i got it as my 1st pack since i did not want to spend alot of money, and not sure on what features i would like or dislike, but its pretty nice and carrys well i used it on alot of long up hill approaches and no issues. id like to get something alittle nicer one day but for now this one is going strong. 

Since you're talking packs, anyone have any experiece with the North Face Cobra pack, eIther the 52L or 60L?  Wouldn't necessarily call them cragging packs, but I'm looking for an upsize from my Gregory 32L Alpinisto which is essentially my all-around climbing pack whether single-pitching or heading to the alpine.  I love the pack, but it's getting a little tight for big trad outings or longer alpine days.  

I have been using the REI Mars 80 pack, which is the largest they offered when I bought it. So far so good. It doesn't have a lot of mesh stuff to rip up on thorny bushes and the main compartment zips all the way around, giving you access to the bottom. I can keep my Beta Clip clip stick in the pack at all times, too, so tall it is. And if I want to go backpacking, hey, I'm set. All of my medium sized packs just sit around these days. I use the 20 liter one for alpine multipitch and the Camel Rogue for sunny multipitch cragging sometimes, but those 35 liter packs just aren't big enough for the rope and a rack without lots of stuffing and grunting. I love having a full suspension for the hike, too. Smaller packs do not fit my torso, so the waist belt does nothing. I'll also add I like to pack my helmet inside the pack, not hanging on top or flopping around. You have to have a huge pack for that. It also has a nice compartment in the middle of the back for your guide books.

CREEK all the way, 35 for sport 50 for Trad pick your poison

Another for the creek 50. Fits all my beer and water and snacks. Holds my gear and my picnic basket

Boissal wrote:

The Creek 50 is awesome. It's big enough for a lot of gear, isn't that heavy, and carries well. I've logged miles with a 70m rope, 2 full racks + draws and runners, helmet, shoes, water, etc... and am impressed how well it handles. I tend to trash around brushy areas and drag the pack around instead of picking it up and it's holding up really well to wear and tear. I probably have had up to 80 lbs in it when I haul the drill & bolts + chains and it was still manageable. My quads hated me but that's a different issue.

Second the note about amount of gear. I've done 2 racks, 70m, 2 liters of water, 2 pairs of shoes, and all the other misc stuff just fine. 

I really like my Patagonia Crag Daddy. The duffle style opening is great because you can find stuff a lot easier. 

I can squeeze in my gear and my wife's. Rope, helmets, and shoes stay outside though usually. It holds weight really well and feels solid even when scrambling to crags. 

I wish it was compatible with a water bladder because it is impossible to get a water bottle from the side pocket without taking off the bag and I wish it had a zippered outside pocket that isn't covered by the rope. 

Another vote for the Creek 50. I love mine for bashing around in the bush with lots of gear. The massive front zip pocket is also really awesome for storing all of your incidentals.

I have been using a Mammut Trion Pro for everything mountain related but I think cragging wore it out.  I love the easy access back panel!  

I recently picked up the Black Diamond crag duffel and think it'll fill the crag bag niche in my gear room.  It'll easily swallow a double trad rack plus draws, personal gear, lunch, etc.  If my partner carries the rope we're in good shape but I think I can fit it if she doesn't want to.  It has a couple of loops inside to organize gear, a rope tarp, and it's sort of cheap.  Not Ikea-bag-cheap but in the grand scheme of things it's better than wearing out another $200 pack.

No mention of Wild Things Guide Pack?  I'm pretty sure it is equal to or superior to anything else mentioned here so far.  Although, that Freerider looks equally worthy

Stephen Lander wrote:

Trango Crag Pack is a piece of garbage, would not recommend. The mesh pocket on the side started ripping after about 4 uses, and the main compartment material is not very durable. Mine started getting holes after only a bit of rubbing on rock. There's a reason it's so cheap.

Agreed. I’m searching for a new pack now because I destroyed one in less than a year. Sizeable holes in the “durable” material, ripped stitching, etc. Currently comparing Creek 50 and Misty Gorge pack. 

Jake Jones wrote:

I have a Creek pack.  I've worn it on 2 hour approaches, beat the hell out of it and treat it like a duffel bag and that thing still looks new.  Minus the dirt.  I have the 50 and I can typically fit my rack (including big cams) harness, water, food, helmet and a rope inside the pack with some room left over.  Not the most comfortable pack I've ever owned- that esteemed honor goes to the Arcteryx Altra I used to have, but it's still pretty comfy and cavernous.  Highly recommend.

I also have the Creek 50.  I haven't been able to fill it to capacity, despite trying.  It's built like a tank, easy to use, and carries decently.

DAM Vector

Haha! DMM Vector

One more vote for the BD Creek 50, one of the better packs I've owned

The pack i reach for the most is my mammut Trion guide 45. It can fit an extra 7L, is bombproof, very water resistant, and has a narrow profile so it can be climbed in if need be. 

I got the Osprey Farpoint 55 on a whim because it was virtually brand new at an REI garage sale. I've only been using it for about a week now, but it's been great so far!

It has a detachable day pack that I use for sport climbing, as it holds harness, chalk bag, and draws perfectly. If I'm going trad climbing, the full bag holds a double rack, rope, shoes, and helmet while I keep the harness and chalk bag in the day pack attached to the front.

Just buy whatever you can get a good deal on dude, check the clearance sections of steepandcheap, campsaver, etc. A 35L pack is enough for sport climbing. If I have more gear I just fix my rope to the outside of my bag. If all you're doing is cragging there is no reason to get too crazy. One of the strongest dudes I know uses his high school backpack for shoes and metal and carries his rope.

If you are only going a mile you can also consider duffels intended for travel but with pack straps. I have an old Alpaca 60L duffel that has survived the worst baggage handlers in the world and the crag; it barely shows a hint of fabric wear even with all the kicking around we do with our crag packs. I think all expedition duffels are pretty equal in this regard. Also cool: large opening and daisies on the outside are super burly. Obvious con is that it sux to carry more than a couple miles unless I can fashion a hipbelt.