Best small multipurpose pack

I'm looking for a small backpack that can be used for  multipitch climbing, running, and mountain biking. Also good if it can be used for skiing, or ice climbing.

Any recommendations? looking for 12-25 liter range.

REI Flash 18 is inexpensive, light, and compact. It's hydration-compatible, as well.

REI Flash, and old model of the Black Diamond Bullet

Patagonia Linked 16.

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/climbing/climbing-backpack/patagonia-linked-pack-16l

http://www.cilogear.com/30lws.html

Cilogear 30l worksack compresses down super small as needed with a unique system (small camelback size). Had one for years and love it for many of the purposes you mentioned plus they're bomb proof, made in Portland, and have great customer service.

I picked up a BD Speed 22 last winter for ice season - it takes tools, crampons, skis and rope reasonably well, considering its size. Pleasantly surprised to find that you can strip parts off and make a good summit pack out of it, too.

steverett wrote:

Patagonia Linked 16.

http://www.outdoorgearlab.com/reviews/climbing/climbing-backpack/patagonia-linked-pack-16l

Seconded!  I use mine for all sorts of things, including all of those you mentioned.  It's easy to forget that you are wearing it at times, and it is a nice looking bag.  The pack is extremely durable, you can just tell by feeling the material-especially when compared to the REI packs.  It does cost more money, but you won't have to replace it unlike the REI packs.  It is also built specifically for climbing, and excels when used in that setting.  The waist strap is optional, just like the chest strap.  It also has double haul loops in the event that you can't wear it.  The bag can also be used to carry a rope in addition to the contents by utilizing a adjustable tie down strap on the top of the bag just above the elastic pull cord closure system; also features multiple gear loops on the exterior.  I highly recommend it.

I personally like the Sidecountry 22 Backpack from marmot. Very sturdy and doesn't rip on rock contact and great for skiing.

I'm really really really stoked on my Tufa Mochilla pack.  Josh added loops to the daisy chains so that I can carry my ice tools on them.  About 20L, light and awesome.

The need to be good for running excludes a bunch of popular climbing options that are simply not all that great for running. Vests are way nice for running, and there are vest packs out there in the size range you want. For example, the Patagonia Nine Trails 15L is better than their Linked Pack if you're running:

http://www.patagonia.com/product/nine-trails-pack-15-liters/49510.html

Ultimate Direction makes several good options:

https://ultimatedirection.com/hydration-packs/

Mountain Hardwear has some too:

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/singletrack-race-vestpack-1714501.html

http://www.mountainhardwear.com/summitrocket-20-vestpack-OU5525.html

Having said all that, the TUFA Mochilla is my favorite cragging pack by far. Carries well, climbs well, just big enough:

https://tufaclimbing.com/products/peaksa-clim

https://tufaclimbing.com/products/mochilla-roll-top-limited-edition-d40

https://tufaclimbing.com/products/mochilla-pack-cuben-fiber-hybrid-2-92-oz

Emmett Lyman wrote:

I picked up a BD Speed 22 last winter for ice season - it takes tools, crampons, skis and rope reasonably well, considering its size. Pleasantly surprised to find that you can strip parts off and make a good summit pack out of it, too.

Second vote for the BD Speed 22

I'm a fan of my Petzl Bug https://www.petzl.com/GB/en/Sport/Packs-and-accessories/BUG#.WTruHViGPVU

The Linked lives up to the hype ime.

Old style Arc Teryx Cierzo 18 if you can find it.

Rei flash is a good follower/on route pack, but it's a poor carry used on a longer approach. If it's a walk/rap off to the base that is great in conjunction with your normal cragging pack. 

Pataguchi linked is a great climbing pack and comfy enough on the approach. Good for draping the rope over. However it has no features for ice and would be a poor winter pack. I've used a partners in red rocks and did like it for taking the rack from the car and using one pack all day.

Speed 22 is just as good as the linked for rock IMO, but great for ice. The tool carry works perfect for modern tools and crampon straps are easy. The extra capacity is nice for carrying my large stance belay parka mid winter. Used it for Louise Falls this year and was happy. I've also taken it on a car to car of the north ridge of Stuart, fit everything but aluminum pons inside the pack on the approach.

The Deuter Speed Lite series is pretty nice (wearing it in my profile pic). I have the 20L, which is the only one of the 3 sizes (others being 10L and 15L) to have compression straps. I've carried a small rack, rope, layers, etc with it. The compression straps could probably stow skis in A-frame or straight on the back (haven't tested that personally yet). The compression straps have L/R sides with opposite M/F clips, so you can bring the straps all the way across the bag in addition to the normal way. It's not as packable as the smaller sizes, but definitely small enough to fold up and stick in a larger pack into base-camp. Has a hidden/stowed ice ax loop and a removable webbing hip belt.

Osprey Talon 22 is my go to pack for everything from riding to traveling to climbing.  I can fit everything for a day at the sport crag in it.  Also, the osprey gaurentee is priceless. 

Also vote for the TUFA Mochilla, Josh made me a new one with x-pax fabric that is light and bomber, the fit and feel is amazing

A bit larger than the indicated size, but will accomodate your bonus activities, Osprey Mutant 28.  

By far the best small pack I have found is the Mountain Tools Stealth pack.  It has an internal vertical divider (that zips out, if you need to put odd shaped things in there) that keeps the pack slim...great for climbing.  Also great for skiing/snowboarding because the slim pack fits super comfortably behind you on the chair lift.  Check it out if you get a chance.

Mike Flanagan wrote:

http://www.cilogear.com/30lws.html

Cilogear 30l worksack ...and have great customer service.

Nice pack, bit heavy but nice and I haven't come across anything else like it. (They had terrible customer service at the time that I decided to never shop from the again, though. I'll give them the benefit of the doubt, they /must/ have improved).