Best Pack for Cragging?

What are your opinions on the best (or your favorite) pack for climbing. I'm looking for something big enough to carry a rope and a Creek rack. I had a 33L but it was a little small. What are people liking right now?

Try a search. This topic has been hit hard with lots of input out there.

Cold Cold World Ozone. Nuff said.

I've found these very useful, ultralight, affordable, material holds up over time, comes in great colors. It's like a top-loader, stripped down to the essentials.

Frakta

CCW Valdez. Good cragging pack, expands enough for an alpine overnighter.

Cilogear makes world class superlight climbing packs (worksacs), and world class near indestructible packs that haul excellent (65L Hauly). (different packs of course). Choose one for your needs and you'll be happy.

Couple times this question comes up for a CRAG pack, why are people talking about lightweight stripped down, top-loading options? Just wondering, aren't there clamshell designs left out there, something really easy to get in and out and to drag a few feet from one route to another.

Luc wrote:Couple times this question comes up for a CRAG pack, why are people talking about lightweight stripped down, top-loading options? Just wondering, aren't there clamshell designs left out there, something really easy to get in and out and to drag a few feet from one route to another.

seconded. cilos are awesome alpine packs, but at the crag when you want easy access to your jacket / guidebook / lunch / tape / other shoes they are a pain in the ass. dump all that out to get at the one thing in the bottom and then repack it to move 30 seconds down the trail to the next route.

I just got the new bd creek 50 crag pack a few months back best thing ever.

I use the Arcteryx Miura 45 and I love it. It's a bit pricey but you get what you pay for. Opens all the way flat so it's simple to access your gear and also doubles as a surface to flake out your rope.

On the downside, the hipbelt isn't padded and it doesn't have load-lifter straps so it's best for short hikes to the crag. Can get uncomfortable on longer walks with a lot of gear.

Luc wrote:Couple times this question comes up for a CRAG pack, why are people talking about lightweight stripped down, top-loading options? Just wondering, aren't there clamshell designs left out there, something really easy to get in and out and to drag a few feet from one route to another.

the think most likely to break on a pack? ... zippers and buckles (well other than mesh) ...

buckles you can fix easily ... zippers not so much

;)

I have the Metolius Crag Station. It's burly where it needs to be with the vinyl material, as well as ballistics nylon so it's not crazy heavy. No real suspension to the pack, but none needed. I never feel anything digging into my back. Simple pockets, durable construction, and carries well. I love it for traveling on planes too because it is good as a "carry-on" and the waist belt can be folded away for easier transport.

I agree with Luc, a crag bag is all about convenience and preferably cheap. I was using a Cilo 45L worksack for my go to bag for everything. Earlier this year I picked up a Mammut Trion Pro (or Guide?) that has a zipper in the back panel for easy access to everything. I can wander around the Smoke Bluffs and stuff a double rack in and out through that instead of dangling everything on my harness like a prospector (Google: Gus Chiggins for the SNL reference). It's also nice to have in the snow so I can lay the pack down and keep the side against my back out of the snow and still have access. Even if I do blow a zipper I'm confident I could make it home with a hasty field repair.

I considered the newer Arc'teryx Miura packs until I actually tried one on with some weight in it. Not comfortable at all for me.

I also have a new BD Creek 50 and love it. EASY access, comfort, and durability are the most important aspects to me.

Tons of room to carry all your gear/food/water/layers for the day.

Easy to find anything you're looking for with full-length vertical zippers to access both compartments.

Additional zippered pockets inside to organize and keep track of smaller items like keys/wallet/phone/contraband of choice.

It has a rain tarp that covers the top of the pack perfectly and the outside is basically waterproof.

It sits upright when placed on the ground because it is basically a haul-bag with clever adaptations for cragging. This also makes gear access awesome.

The only complaint I have is that the shoulder straps could be more comfortable but everything else is spot on so I don't really mind that much.

Good luck with your search!

I have the old style Miura 50 and love the clamshell. But whenever that thing dies I will probably just pick up the Trango Crag Pack.

Kirtis wrote:I just got the new bd creek 50 crag pack a few months back best thing ever.

Oh man, me too. It replaced a BD 50 Caliper, which had been the best bag I ever had. Then I got the Creek 50 and could not be happier. Such smart design, you know people really thought this bag through for cragging! I am super pleased.

The Black Diamond Pipedream!!

DMM Flight

Matt..C, do you think that pack will ever die??? I have one too, that thing is built like it's going to war. Which is also why I sometimes don't carry it - very stable when hopping boulders, but so heavy base weight. Dilemma, especially since I'm sure there are bunch of people here on MP that would buy it from me.

Hiro wrote:Matt..C, do you think that pack will ever die??? I have one too, that thing is built like it's going to war. Which is also why I sometimes don't carry it - very stable when hopping boulders, but so heavy base weight. Dilemma, especially since I'm sure there are bunch of people here on MP that would buy it from me.

I honestly don't know. I am going to have to be almost negligent in my care with it and even then, it'll probably take some time for it to show serious wear. I am so used to the weight for cragging days, anything else would almost feel like cheating.

Hiro wrote:Matt..C, do you think that pack will ever die??? I have one too, that thing is built like it's going to war. Which is also why I sometimes don't carry it - very stable when hopping boulders, but so heavy base weight. Dilemma, especially since I'm sure there are bunch of people here on MP that would buy it from me.

I honestly don't know. I am going to have to be almost negligent in my care with it and even then, it'll probably take some time for it to show serious wear. I am so used to the weight for cragging days, anything else would almost feel like cheating.