Any LARGE "Duffle Loader" Crag Packs Out There?

Is anyone aware of any "large" (50L+) capacity crag packs that offer a full U-zip opening like the 45L patagonia cragsmith? I really like the way those bags allow you to load everything super efficiently at the end of the day. The cragsmith would be perfect if it was a little larger. I'm looking for something that can take a 70m rope, trad rack, shoes 3+ L of water, helmet, sundries etc. Thanks!

https://www.patagonia.com/product/cragsmith-climbing-pack-45-liters/48065.html

Top loaders are a pain, the BD Creek 50 seems like it's probably the best fit I've found so far, but I really like the bigger U-zip opening rather than just one zip down the side.

Recently picked up the Creek 50 and I love it.  Easily fits a rope in its bag and a double rack.  Also carries surprisingly well.

+1 for the creek 50. Carried two 70s a double rack, shoes, harness, helmet, burrito and a gallon of water this weekend. The side zipper isnt amazing for loading but getting that one thing you packed first in a hurry is nice.

I think Osprey makes a few big backpack style duffels, never carried one, but they look like they carry poorly.

I also will recommend the Creek 50, it packs more like a 65L. And I do like the side zipper for loading. Zip it about halfway down and fold back the top and it almost funnels the gear in.

Justice Holloway wrote: +1 for the creek 50. Carried two 70s a double rack, shoes, harness, helmet, burrito and a gallon of water this weekend. The side zipper isnt amazing for loading but getting that one thing you packed first in a hurry is nice.

So lets say I put a rope bagged 70 in the bottom of it, then stuff it to the top with other stuff, when I unzip the side zipper can I remove the 70 that's at the very bottom without taking other gear out?

The Mammut Trion 50 mammut.com/us/en/p/2520-008…  is one to check out, full back pannel access, plus top loading, and has a big pocket on the front that is great for guidebook, snack, layer etc.

North Face Cragaconda
Mammut Neon Gear
Arcteryx Muira 
Mammut Trion Spine 50

The creek 50 is way more annoying to grab things from the bottom of the pack than the duffel style bags.

Bill B wrote: Is anyone aware of any "large" (50L+) capacity crag packs that offer a full U-zip opening like the 45L patagonia cragsmith? I really like the way those bags allow you to load everything super efficiently at the end of the day. The cragsmith would be perfect if it was a little larger. I'm looking for something that can take a 70m rope, trad rack, shoes 3+ L of water, helmet, sundries etc. Thanks!

https://www.patagonia.com/product/cragsmith-climbing-pack-45-liters/48065.html

Top loaders are a pain, the BD Creek 50 seems like it's probably the best fit I've found so far, but I really like the bigger U-zip opening rather than just one zip down the side.

Do you have or have tried the 45L Cragsmith? It feels much bigger than a 45L, imo. I thought the Zulu 55, for example, had SIGNIFICANTLY less space.

I can fit, all in the main compartment, a 70m rope, full rack .3-5 + nuts, 2 pairs of shoes, harness, helmet, 14+ draws, gri gri, atc and anchor material. Then in the top compartment a tuperware of sliders, granola bars, Tylenol, bandaids, phone, keys, etc.. The side pouches can hold at least a gallon of water, 2 quart bottles on either side. I know because that's exactly what's packed in it right now. All of this is inside the pack, not accounting for anything you want to lash on the outside.
The belt strap on mine needed to be replaced after 6 months but otherwise it's held up to a lot of abuse without problem. Carries okay but sweaty, though that will always be an issue with this style of pack without a real frame.

If you've tried it and still found it too small, my bad.

Check out the mountain hardwear crag wagon 60. It just came out though so I haven't seen any reviews on it yet. 

I have a Creek 50 and a Stone Duffel 42 and I like the Creek 50 significantly more than the Stone Duffel. I keep my cams/nuts on one sling and my draws/slings on a separate gear sling and can typically get to anything in the bag pretty easily by pulling two gear slings out.  It packs up just as easily.

Jeffrey K wrote:

Do you have or have tried the 45L Cragsmith? It feels much bigger than a 45L, imo. I thought the Zulu 55, for example, had SIGNIFICANTLY less space.

I can fit, all in the main compartment, a 70m rope, full rack .3-5 + nuts, 2 pairs of shoes, harness, helmet, 14+ draws, gri gri, atc and anchor material. Then in the top compartment a tuperware of sliders, granola bars, Tylenol, bandaids, phone, keys, etc.. The side pouches can hold at least a gallon of water, 2 quart bottles on either side. I know because that's exactly what's packed in it right now. All of this is inside the pack, not accounting for anything you want to lash on the outside.
The belt strap on mine needed to be replaced after 6 months but otherwise it's held up to a lot of abuse without problem. Carries okay but sweaty, though that will always be an issue with this style of pack without a real frame.

If you've tried it and still found it too small, my bad.

I fit all of that stuff inside, sans rope of course, of the Cragsmith 32...the rope straps are awesome and I never notice it swaying. 

If you really need larger, I have a nice Deuter Gravity Haul 50L that has the same cragsmith style zippered opening, and has a top that will accept another 15L of gear if you stuff it correctly. Carries like a dream and can double as a moderate weight haulbag but the straps are a tad light for big wall hauling.

https://www.deuter.com/DE/en/climbing/gravity-haul-50-3362317-grey-blue.html

J.Kruse wrote: I have an older version, but the Cinder from North Face is a great pack that just swallows gear. I routinely pack a rope, rack, harness, shoes, water, and food.

https://www.thenorthface.com/shop/equipment-technical-packs-climbing/cinder-pack-55-nf0a2sct?variationId=C8U#hero=0

I'm happy with my Cinder as well. Carries nicely, seems so far to be really durable. Has a vertical pocket on top (lies against your back, in front of the other horizontal top pocket) that's good for wallet, keys, sandwiches. Very easy to load. Usually stands upright without leaning against anything (bottom is very flat). Waterproof. One of very few 55L packs I could find. 

A few dislikes: significantly heavier than other packs in the 50L range (durability and waterproofing come with a price). Access to horizontal top pocket is pretty poor because the top is two flat pieces of material sewn together with no vertical sides to open it up.

Overall a good pack though and, among the choices I found, I'd buy it again. 

Bill B wrote:

So lets say I put a rope bagged 70 in the bottom of it, then stuff it to the top with other stuff, when I unzip the side zipper can I remove the 70 that's at the very bottom without taking other gear out?

Yep, just tried it to make sure. The side zipper has 2 zippers on it so you can unzip it from the top or bottom.

I also +1 the 45L cragsmith if you haven’t looked at it. I can fit everything you mention and then some. 

I've been using the 50L north face base camp duffel as an everyday workhorse job/gym pack and travel pack for three years. Since I started climbing it's also served as crag pack.

The thing is an absolute tank. It's only just showing signs of wear (I found a small partial tear in the material last week, nothing debilitating) as I approach it's 4th year of (seriously) daily use. Great size, easy to load, highly water resistant and loads of durable straps all over the thing to clip things like sweaty shoes and helmets to after a long day. I'll almost certainly be buying another one when this one finally keels over. Definitely recommend. Also comes in other sizes.

https://www.backcountry.com/the-north-face-base-camp-50l-duffel-3051cu-in?skid=TNF041R-BOMBLUBK-ONESIZ&ti=U2VhcmNoIFJlc3VsdHM6Tm9ydGggZmFjZSBiYXNlIGNhbXA6MToxOk5vcnRoIGZhY2UgYmFzZSBjYW1w

Mountain Hardware just came out with this cool
new pack that looks promising. 35,45 or 60L
https://www.mountainhardwear.com/crag-wagon-60-backpack-1854021.html?cgid=equipment-packs-climbing&dwvar_1854021_variationColor=233#start=2

EDIT: Just realized this was already posted about up thread.

The tendon crag bag opens completely like a clamshell so you just pile your gear then flip the lid over and zip it shut. It also opens into an insulated love seat and comes with a rope tarp   Lots of zippering but enough room for what you need. 

Anonymous wrote:

A friend of my has this bag as well. He said he likes it too. Not sure if he's hauled anything with it, though.

Yeah, the haul straps are not exactly what I'd call "beefy," matter of fact I'd be pretty scared to haul it but maybe I'm just a sissy. Either way, it's the nicest large hauler I've owned, well worth it if you can get a deal on it (scored it almost half price a year ago). Carries more comfortably than any pack I have ever used, no question.

Creek 50.  Full Stop.

I love Deuter Traveler.

My husband and I both have them, his is 70+10, mine is 60+10, both packs fit 70m rope and all the gear and water and snacks and extra clothes you could possibly need. I’ve been using it as my crag pack for almost 3 years now, and it is awesome.