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Expandable/compressible backpack does it exist?

  [ Forums > Climbing Gear Discussion ]		View Latest Posts in this Forum     Page 1 of 1.  

 
By JacobD
From Flagstaff, AZ
Apr 6, 2009
On a delightfully exposed traverse on the North Ridge of Mount Stuart.

Hey,
I'm looking for a backpack the is super expandable for approaches and descents, but then has a way to compress down to a small pack to carry up the multipitch climb? It would be so nice to have a pack small enough that it wouldn't get in the way climbing, but then could expand to be big enough to fit a rope, rack, shoes, and harness. Does anyone know if any brand out there makes a pack like this? Thanks for the help.

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By mtnkid85
From Billings MT
Apr 6, 2009

Look at http://www.cilogear.com/ offerings. All there packs can compress down almost flat, hipbelt is easily removable, can get the dyneema version for the ultimate in burlyness.
Ive just recently got my self the 40L, havent had a chance to get out and use it much though so cant really comment on it. Looks like a very nice versatile pack though.

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By phil wortmann
From Manitou Springs, Co.
Apr 6, 2009
Shredded by the Center Route.

Arcteryx Acrux 40. Very simple design that allows it to expand huge, then compresses small. It is streamlined, with no external pockets to catch on the rock. The hip pads easily come off and the top pops off, and can be placed inside the pack to make it more compact.

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By Brian in SLC
From Salt Lake City, UT
Apr 6, 2009
Climbing in Smuggler's Notch

JacobD wrote:
Hey, I'm looking for a backpack the is super expandable for approaches and descents, but then has a way to compress down to a small pack to carry up the multipitch climb? It would be so nice to have a pack small enough that it wouldn't get in the way climbing, but then could expand to be big enough to fit a rope, rack, shoes, and harness. Does anyone know if any brand out there makes a pack like this?


Honestly can't think of one out there that doesn't do this to some extent...

Almost all "climbing packs" have side compression straps.

BD, Wild Things, Cold Cold World, Vaude, Millet, etc etc.

They all do what you need.

Being taller than my partner, I never considered frame size that important. But, it bugs them to not be able to easily look up especially with a helmet on. So, shorter frame works for both of us.

I see folks climbing with fairly big packs on multi pitch all the time. I always wonder: why? For a bunch of stuff, I can butterfly coil the rope and carry it on my back, the rack is on a gear sling, my approach shoes and water are on my harness. Jacket around my waist. Hat and a couple of food bars in my pocket. Carrying my empty pack up a route makes no sense. Especially on a climb where I come back by the base of the route.

Anyhoo...

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By JacobD
From Flagstaff, AZ
Apr 6, 2009
On a delightfully exposed traverse on the North Ridge of Mount Stuart.

Brian in SLC wrote:
I always wonder: why? For a bunch of stuff, I can butterfly coil the rope and carry it on my back, the rack is on a gear sling, my approach shoes and water are on my harness. Jacket around my waist. Hat and a couple of food bars in my pocket. Carrying my empty pack up a route makes no sense. Especially on a climb where I come back by the base of the route. Anyhoo...


Brian, thanks for the feedback. I guess it depends on what kinds of descents. If I'm trudging through a brush filled 4th class gully I hate having things hanging out of the pack like a butterfly coiled rope, and rack on a gear sling.


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