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I'm looking to buy a crag pack. Suggestions?

Original Post
CVRIV · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2015 · Points: 0

I am new to cragging and I'm looking to buy a pack as I accumulate gear. I did some looking around on the internet for crag packs and I'm wondering if there is anything about these crag packs that I, being a noob, might not know about? Reason I ask is because I have a Condor 3 Day Assault Bag and love it to death. I actually use it for school. It's big, durable, and comfortable. I don't see why I couldnt use it for craggin purposes. But being a noob, what do I know? I noticed a lot of the crag packs have a hood? Are these packs waterproof? I don't get it. The Condor bag is about 85 dollars where the crag bags can get pretty expensive. Is anyone familiar with the Condor 3 day bag? Does anyone use anything other than crag packs?

Thanks

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

You can use anything you want to get gear from Point A to Point B. Durability, size, comfort and price are variables in packs.

Here's my current favorite:

metoliusclimbing.com/freeri…

Muscrat · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2011 · Points: 3,625

OK, i'll bite. What are you using it for? Rope, shoes and draws? Full double trad rack, 2 ropes, food and water? Walking 60' or 6 miles?
If this is just a keep it in one place, walk to the base of the nearby crag, anything will do. If you are doing the Incredible Hulk car2car inaday, get something high end.
And a high end can cost you what a full C4 .3-4" rack can cost, so unless you are rolling...

Paul H · · Pennsylvania · Joined Feb 2013 · Points: 5

I've been hearing really good things about the Trango Crag Pack. Thinking about taking the plunge once my pack wears out.

trango.com/p-301-crag-pack.…

Eli Buzzell · · noco · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 5,506
CollinT · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Nov 2010 · Points: 155

For cragging I use the Trango crag pack and really like it, durable and has nice features.

trango.com/p-301-crag-pack.…

mattm · · TX · Joined Jun 2006 · Points: 1,885

Another vote for Trango Crag Pack

Michael Brady · · Wenatchee, WA · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 1,316

I use a cheap-o 15 yr old Jansport backpacking rig with ikea tarp bags. It makes me feel pretty sweet and it was pretty damn near free.

Matt N · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 415

Discontinued Arcteryx Miura 50 or 30 w/ rope on outside and less rack.

Will likely need to be used off ebay or MP F/S, though.

For the money, the Trango pack sounds good (wait for 20%+ off), too.

Max Forbes · · Colorado · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 108

Mammut neon gear 45. Sweet bag.

Brendan Blanchard · · Boulder, CO · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 590
Matt N wrote:Discontinued Arcteryx Miura 50 or 30 w/ rope on outside and less rack. Will likely need to be used off ebay or MP F/S, though.
As an owner of one of those, shame on anyone who's selling them. They're that good.
Nathan Sward · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jan 2015 · Points: 145

I'm loving my Black Diamond Demon. Tough, easy to load, a good amount of room, and good suspension. Easy to get stuff in & out of, which is very important. Also on sale right now on a couple sites.

Ashort · · Las Vegas, NV · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 56

Use the pack you have, and already love. Save the money for gear that actually will help you climb more/better.

J TMan · · San Diego · Joined May 2013 · Points: 120

I like my Trango Crag Pack. Having an outside water bottle pocket and the mesh for shoes is a great feature.

Brenna316 · · Unknown Hometown · Joined May 2014 · Points: 5

Another vote for Trango crag pack, it's only $100 and is super durable so you can save your other packs for what they are intended for.

Mike wand · · San Marcos · Joined Dec 2011 · Points: 30

+2 on the BD Demon Duffle. Holds everything and is easy to get stuff out.

Gruff · · Littleton · Joined Dec 2012 · Points: 20

Another thread covered this at length.
Best trad crag pack

lozo bozo · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2015 · Points: 30

I really like using a smaller size haulbag

bearbreeder · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Mar 2009 · Points: 3,065
CVRIV wrote:I am new to cragging and I'm looking to buy a pack as I accumulate gear. I did some looking around on the internet for crag packs and I'm wondering if there is anything about these crag packs that I, being a noob, might not know about? Reason I ask is because I have a Condor 3 Day Assault Bag and love it to death. I actually use it for school. It's big, durable, and comfortable. I don't see why I couldnt use it for craggin purposes. But being a noob, what do I know? I noticed a lot of the crag packs have a hood? Are these packs waterproof? I don't get it. The Condor bag is about 85 dollars where the crag bags can get pretty expensive. Is anyone familiar with the Condor 3 day bag? Does anyone use anything other than crag packs? Thanks
If the stuff fits and its comfortable theres absolutely no reason you cant use the pack u already have

A "crag pack" is the least useful piece of gear you can buy and does nothing to make you climber better or safer

Most folks who climb simply use a "non crag pack" and they do so just fine

If yr fine with yr pack save your money for gear that will make a difference

Better shoes, cams, books/courses, gas for the crag, etc ...

;)
rgold · · Poughkeepsie, NY · Joined Feb 2008 · Points: 526

Bearbreeder is right. Throw your stuff in the Condor, whatever that is, and be done with it.

A crag pack is a luxury, an indulgence, an accoutrement for the modern yuppiebag climber, an expensive and not especially successful attempt to make cragging just a tiny bit more efficient, Your money is almost definitely going to be better spent on something else.

But...sorry...

I do love my (no longer available) Miura 50.

Matt N · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 415

I used to use my backpacking pack, then bought a Miura 50. A great purchase, if you are climbing most weekends - it is my most used pack. I kept worrying I would rip a hole in my BP pack with cams, plus it didn't load as easily and isn't anywhere near as burly. I could feels the gear throw the backpanel. Can't with the Miura 50.

Its a worthy purchase, but I wouldn't put it ahead of a rack or rope, if you need those. You can make anything work in the meantime, it is a "luxury" item, but, as said, my most used pack and worth the investment.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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