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Metolius Freerider vs Express Haul Pack

Original Post
GhaMby Eagan · · Heaven · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 385


metoliusclimbing.com/expres…


metoliusclimbing.com/freeri…

I need to send in my Mystery Ranch to get a zipper fixed, looking at one of these two packs to cover me for the time that my main pack is gone. I typically carry a 70m rope in a rope bag, 18 sport draws, 2 nalgenes, a pair of shoes, rain jacket and fleece, guide book, harness/grigri/atc guide, and some bars.

There is a 2 liter difference between the freerider and express. The express looks like it may take a bit more of a beating than the freerider if I need to haul, which isn't very common or likely since most climbs around me are 6 pitches or less. The freerider retails for $10 more, and looks like it may have a more comfy back panel, but I can get the Express pack on sale-so it's only $90 with shipping and no tax. . .

What do you think?
FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

I have the Freerider and love it. Can't comment on the Express. Sorry. But I don't need some of the features the Express offers - tuckaway shoulder straps, removeable waist belt.

The Freerider is very comfortable and bomber construction.

Jeremy Riesberg · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2012 · Points: 5

It would be worth getting the bag with removable straps if you ever do get on a long route with some hauling. I would want the option of using the pack as a haul bag in some situations.

BobbyReno · · Fairfax, CA · Joined Aug 2010 · Points: 0

I have one of the haulpacks and I love it. Really durable. Perfect for cragging. I can fit full rack + rope + harness/shoes + nalgene in it no problem.

It stands up nicely like a bucket for easy loading, has a top pocket for small stuff...all in all a great little pack.

Couple of drawbacks:

1. no suspension or compression straps so not comfortable for long approaches
2. You have to open up the whole pack to get to the small pocket

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276
BobbyReno wrote:I have one of the haulpacks and I love it. Really durable. Perfect for cragging. I can fit full rack + rope + harness/shoes + nalgene in it no problem. It stands up nicely like a bucket for easy loading, has a top pocket for small stuff...all in all a great little pack. Couple of drawbacks: 1. no suspension or compression straps so not comfortable for long approaches 2. You have to open up the whole pack to get to the small pocket
In contrast to the haul pack you are talking about, the Freerider has a comfortable suspension, compression straps and a good-sized top lid/pocket.
GhaMby Eagan · · Heaven · Joined Oct 2006 · Points: 385

My friend just sold me his express pack for a price too good to pass up, then I saw this:

geartrade.com/item/387150/f…

$91 shipped for a freerider. . .

since I should have my mystery ranch pack back in great working condition I can live with the Express, maybe it will be good second bag for big wall climbing. . .

Nick · · Flagstaff · Joined Oct 2010 · Points: 0

Does anyone know how the Freerider fits compared to the Express or Sentinel for women or people with a smaller waist? I was contemplating purchasing one as a gift.

I currently have a Sentinel and love it, but it seems a bit big for some people; I have a 30-inch waist and have to synch the waistband down all the way in order to put the weight on my hips.

Any thoughts?

Cheers!

Nick

Rich Farnham · · Nederland, CO · Joined Aug 2002 · Points: 297
Nick Kainrath wrote:Does anyone know how the Freerider fits compared to the Express or Sentinel for women or people with a smaller waist? Nick
One of my main criticisms of the Freerider is the waistbelt. The pads don't come very far around my waist and don't really cover the crest of my hips. I'm a 34-35" waist, so it might be more comfortable for someone smaller. Overall, I love the pack for what it is. It's super durable, and a simple design. If I'm hiking a long way with a heavy load I just use a different pack. But the Freerider is a good workhorse crag pack.
Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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