Backpack recommendations for the crags?!

Hi All-

I'm in the market for a new ~30-40L pack to bring with me to the crags. Something practical and with tons of features that can be used for storing gear etc. I currently own the Arc'Teryx Bora 65 and really like it. It would be cheesey to get the Bora 35, but I'm tempted to buy it.

Before I do, wanted to see if there is something more economical out there...

Thoughts on:

Marmot Matterhorn 30: marmot.com/spring_2009/equi…

OR

Mountain Hardware Dihedral 40: rei.com/product/765739

What's your favorite pack to take to the crags?

Thanks for the input!

-Chris

I like any thing with a cushy waist belt other than that as long as i can carry my gear why should it matter. whats wrong with what you have now.

Dihedral, I have the larger version and they are bombproof. Its survived backpacking and climbing for 4 months everyday with me. It has a few more pockets than your normal rucksack as well.

The Bora 65 is a beast. I've owned it but never used it for a crag bag. Could be sweet for the Creek though. I've gone through several crag bags from the Acrux 50
trailspace.com/gear/arctery…
to the RT 35
trailspace.com/gear/arctery…
and finally to the crag station
mountaingear.com/pages/prod…

Arcteryx gear is sweet and bombproof but they can't think of everything. Enter the crag station. Overbuilt. Spacious. Carrys well. Easy access. Cheap. Rope, single rack, shoes, harness, water? No problemo. Lunch, dSLR, and puffy jacket too? ...just what the hell is your partner carrying? For everything except the Creek, I use this bag. Judging from the size of the pack you're interested in I'd guess you won't be going far from the car. That's good. This pack is comfy for anything under an hour or two of hiking. However, at 5'8" the pack is a little long for my torso. This is my only complaint.
As for features, it's got what you need.
Outside:
Burly zipper. Never sticks.
Handles.
Extra external pockets.
Haul loops
Inside:
Guide book holder. Secret guide book pocket behind back padding.
Universal hydration unit compatibility. Unzip 1" to create hole for camelbak hose
Free chalk. Just dump the bag upside down into your chalk bag.
Chair. Set bag against rock and put hip straps under your legs.
Rope bag. Stack rope in bag.
Dog carrier. Small to medium dogs only.
Ash tray. Butts go nicely into bottom of bag.

This bag has it all.

Has anyone had any experience with the Metolious Haul Packs? I'm looking for a pack for grade IV climbs that can also double as a crag pack.

Millet makes a few climbing specific packs in that size that are the shit. They fit incredibly well, are simple but still have lots of features, and are of course super well made. My dad has one that I drool over, I use a Dana Designs sluiskin 45 that works great, but it's more of a skiing pack than an easy to access crag pack.

icymonsters wrote:I like any thing with a cushy waist belt other than that as long as i can carry my gear why should it matter. whats wrong with what you have now.

Like Dan mentions, the Bora 65 is a beast, so I wanted something smaller for day trips. Am I being excessive?

Cilogear Packs. All the way. They are built to take the abuse that the crags deliver, and technical and customizable enough to take into the mountains. The 40L model is right up your alley. And pretty damn economical considering what you get.

I've used a Bora 35 for years and it's worked great. It's big enough to pack a full rack, extra layers, and accessories (headlamp, 1st aid, etc.). I can't fit all that in plus a rope but, when I'm carrying that much stuff, I simply take the rope out of its bag, coil it, and strap it under the lid.

I like my Mammut Arete 60. I can fit everything I need in it. I can unzip the divider in the bottom and have ONE big chamber, or I can zip it closed and have two chambers to store stuff in. I like simple, there isn't a lot of external pockets on this pack, just one on each side for water bottles, small gear etc. Ice axe loops on the outside are useful for clipping to, and well... placing ice axes. I love this pack, and have put it through the ringer. It hasn't let me down thus far.

ALSO, for a smaller pack I picked up the Mountainsmith needle, this is also a dope pack for the crag when you want to pack a little lighter. 2200 ci, and worth a look at. Once again, no frills, no big pockets, just one chamber with a spot for a camel back. a few gear loops, and Ice axe loops. Great pack also!

Why hasn't anyone mentioned the Arc'Teryx Miura? It gets 5 star reviews (I like mine a lot), and is built just for cragging.

Check out the Mountain Hard Wear Splitter. They seem alittle weird but I'm super glad I went with it over the Arc'teryx. Find one to hold and check out in person the features are crazy.