No "bells-and-whistles" pack taken too far?

Really this is just a post about my new pack purchase: On a recent visit to the local MEC, I was looking for a general purpose day pack so that I wouldn't have to empty out my school bag every time I wanted to go climbing. I ended up with this thing. I wasn't really looking for ultralight, but for some reason I can't resist the option that is 1/2 the weight of all the rest. I was told they just put them on the shelves this week. I think it may have been an overreaction to the numerous requests for a pack without any bells and whistles.

It was listed as 20L and 200 something grams (I don't remember the exact number), but it's in the vicinity of a 1/2 pound. I think it will hold more than 20L. And it is really just a big drawstring sack with a back panel and a top cover. With the back panel taken out, it stuffs into its lid. No side straps, crampon attachments or ice loops, although I think the two tabs at the bottom are so that you can add your own ice tool loops made out of cord. Can anyone suggest another purpose for them? I am a little doubtful about durability, but at $24, and a no hassle return policy it's not a big risk. Here it is stuffed full of dirty laundry. Oh and it's called the Travel Light Toploader, but I couldn't find any info on their website.

I see it as a popular pack for ultralight summer backpackers, summit attempts, day cragging, or stuffing into a pocket for grocery runs.

similar to REI Flash 18, which I love as a climbing pack. The REI pack far exceeded my expectations for durability - I had the first one for about 3 years and took through chimneys, hauling etc... I am on my second one now. Sorry to hijack your MEC post :-)

That's actually pretty nice, and along the lines of what I've been looking for.

Have you seen the Camp packs? Yikes.

Striking resemblence. I think theres only so many ways to make a ultra light 20l bag. Cilogear lists this one as being 320grams I think. I love this bag.

which mec did u buy it from ... at 24 smackaroos im getting one

who cares if it gets destroyed ... ill just swap it out again at mec

bearbreeder wrote:which mec did u buy it from ... at 24 smackaroos im getting one who cares if it gets destroyed ... ill just swap it out again at mec

The Vancouver MEC store has had the entire line of Travel Light packs in for almost 2 weeks.

Keep that away from sharp rocks!

bearbreeder wrote:which mec did u buy it from ... at 24 smackaroos im getting one who cares if it gets destroyed ... ill just swap it out again at mec

Here is another option, a little smaller, but in the same category.

http://www.backcountry.com/marmot-kompressor-backpack-920cu-in-mar1389?CMP_SKU=MAR1389&MER=0406&CMP_ID=SH_FRO001&mv_pc=r126&mr:trackingCode=3DCDE1DB-F061-DF11-9DA0-002219319097&mr:referralID=NA

My first ever day pack was similar, but lighter (real light nylon). I think it weighed 4 or 5 ounces, and stuffed into a small pocket with belt loops. Somewhere in my gear pile I think I still have that pocket - the pack disintegrated after a year - with a rain cover stuffed in it. A few years later, it became macho to backpack huge loads (my friend's Jansport rig weighed close to 7 lb EMPTY) and carry a 3 lb day pack for summit day. And by that I mean a day pack that weighed 3 lb EMPTY. Full Cordura, heavy leather bottom and trim.

That MEC pack looks a lot like the Serratus Genie. One of the best day packs ever, and a favorite with a number of guides that I know.

Kai Larson wrote:That MEC pack looks a lot like the Serratus Genie. One of the best day packs ever, and a favorite with a number of guides that I know.

MEC actually used to own Serratus and brought back a new Genie not too long ago. It was the bag that I had intended to buy last weekend. They also have the Alpinelite, which was the old version of the new Genie by a different name.

REI Flask 18. As was said before..awesome climbing pack. $30 full retail.

I got the REI Flash 18 for christmas, and it is now my go to pack for day use. it carries enough gear for the day, and i got a nice backpacking cutting board that fits it nicely for a makeshift framesheet, and keeps items from poking me in the back. and it also doubles a great sled!!!! love my flash 18

Then new MEC Genie is a bit more "feature prone" than the original Serratus Genie, which was ultra stripped down, much like the pack in the original post.

DannyUncanny wrote: MEC actually used to own Serratus and brought back a new Genie not too long ago. It was the bag that I had intended to buy last weekend. They also have the Alpinelite, which was the old version of the new Genie by a different name. Genie 30 DSL Alpinelite 30

the flash 18 doesnt have bells, but it does have a whistle!

Actually, the picture of the "Genie DSL" in Danny's post is actually the 45L version of the genie, the Genie 45. The new "genie dsl" does have more features than the original genie, but they're all (straps, bungie, backpad) removable. Replace the stock backpad with a bit of yellow foam and you save almost 100g. They changed the actual packbag design a little bit (for the worse), but overall I think it's a better pack. Genie DSL http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_detail.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524442629340&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302699687

That new pack looks awesome.

Just wanted to add that I've had this pack for a while now and taken it cragging a few times. It is definitely not durable enough to be stuffed with metal objects and scraped against rocks and trees. After about 5 days of climbing there are about 5 holes in the material (now patched with duct tape). I'll probably relegate it to carrying stuff in the city, or bringing as a secondary pack on big trips. I guess the good news is that the rip-stop material did it's job well enough that none of the holes grew large enough to cause serious problems.

Reminds me of the Cold Cold World Ozone pack. Your MEC pack looks larger than 20 liters though. It's definitely a solid and simple design, if the materials are right, it'll last a long time.

The problem with those is that my drills, chisels, hammers, bow saw, axes, boombox, prybars, gasoline, chainsaw, .44 Mag, and spray paint all kinda jab me in the back