Best of the crop of 15-25L packs?

MattHwrote:

Man, I gotta be honest: I just don't get it. What justifies the price tag of these $200+ boutique packs? They're not lighter, they're not more ergonomic (if anything, the opposite), they're not more feature-filled, so what's the incentive?

I own a Built to Send X0 pack.  

Why is it expensive?   The fabrics it is made out of (X-pac) is expensive.  It's not made in Asia.  It's not mass produced.

Why do I like it?  It's extremely durable.  It's comfortable.  It's functionally water proof.  Modular/removable straps and attachment points.  Works well for summer or winter.  It's not "feature-filled." 

And, finally, I like supporting small, climber-oriented businesses.  

+1 for a Tufa Mochilla.

It's a great pack if you can find one. 

+1 on the osprey mutant 22. Rope strap, all day comfort. Easily customizable for more carry needs. I added a lid-lock to easily carry the helmet externally and a few alpine draws easily holds the rope sides when you have to venture through the bush and don't want to get snagged. Plus, it is a "mainstream" pack so it easy to snag one off of ebay with low miles for half the retail price. The ONLY negative it has... is when the rope is strapped on, it takes a little magic to get in the brain without undoing the rope synch. Oh yea, the forever guarantee means you just send it in if anything ever fails. : - ) 

I have been using different small Blue Ice packs for about five years now. The Chiru is at the top end at 25l. I used the 32l version and found it ride quite well. I have Dragon Fly 18 as well.

Allen Sandersonwrote:

I have been using different small Blue Ice packs for about five years now. The Chiru is at the top end at 25l. I used the 32l version and found it ride quite well. I have Dragon Fly 18 as well.

Blue Ice now have their more durable Wadi climbing pack in 15,22 and 32 L!  

Daniel Navarrowrote:

It's pricey, but I got my wife the ortovox trad 26 and I'm a big fan of it. We brought it up an 8 pitch climb with a hike off descent and use it for cragging too

+1 to the Trad series packs. I have the Trad 28 and it’s the best pack I’ve ever had, it’s very comfortable to climb with and is very lightweight, has a good rope and helmet carry system, and is pretty durable too. Compresses down pretty small too when you have hardly anything in it, and if you take out the frame sheet it can roll really tight to be strapped onto or stuffed inside a backpacking or expedition bag. 

Anyone tried the Squirrel from Blue Ice? Seems like a nice middle ground between the sturdy Wadi (which is hefty enough they don't even list the weight) and the dragonfly. Adds 50g but IDK if the added support is worth it.

MattHwrote:

Anyone tried the Squirrel from Blue Ice? Seems like a nice middle ground between the sturdy Wadi (which is hefty enough they don't even list the weight) and the dragonfly. Adds 50g but IDK if the added support is worth it.

I have the 12L squirrel and it’s excellent. Durable and feature rich.

This pack has been amazing. 

Radical Light 21

Mutant 22 for $60 OBO

https://www.mountainproject.com/forum/topic/124347768/two-bd-c4-racks-osprey-mutant-22-mura-vs-445-beal-opera-golden-dry-60m

Elijah Bensonwrote:

I have the 12L squirrel and it’s excellent. Durable and feature rich.

I have used the Squirrel as my go-to for the past couple years. If you don't mind packing judiciously, here's what I can fit inside/on it, in addition to 1.5L of water. Often I need to carry at least one of the water bottles in my hand, but no biggie. Yes, all that gear fits inside a 12L pack, with the exception of the 2 and 3, which clip to the carry handle *before* the rope is strapped down. Also, the harness goes under the rope, and the whole shebang tightens down against the stems of the larger cams, keeping them from flopping. Finally, helmet straps are clipped around the rope prior to the rope being cinched, which also reduces that flop factor. Whole thing rides nicely, though that is kinda pushing it on the weight. Any more than a 2mi approach with that much weight and I would go for a beefier pack, otherwise the Squirrel is the shiznit, for sure.

B Hwrote:

I use a mystery ranch skyline 23. It’s fairly expensive but with certain pro deals you can buy it for over half off. The material is very durable, the outside compression straps are perfect for putting a rope over top and the shoulder straps are comfortable when carrying a full pack. It also has daisy chain attachment points on the outside. Mystery ranch makes quality equipment and I have no doubt this pack will last me a long time. 

my only wish is for them to bring back the orange color.....

MattHwrote:

Anyone tried the Squirrel from Blue Ice? Seems like a nice middle ground between the sturdy Wadi (which is hefty enough they don't even list the weight) and the dragonfly. Adds 50g but IDK if the added support is worth it.

I've had a squirrel 22l for a few years. Seems reasonably durable, but it has worn a few very small holes in the bottom after probably 20-30 multi-pitches. I think the culprit mainly was having it stuffed full of hardware on the bottom and throwing it on the ground repeatedly, rather than actual abrasion while on route.

Otherwise, it's been great. A very good set of features that has everything you'd need and nothing you don't. The helmet carry is nice, as are the haul loops to clip it at the anchor and have quick access to the inside. It doesn't carry the best, but none of these packs really do, and the rope strap isn't as well designed as the dragonfly. I can fit a full double rack, harness, water, and layers for the day, and it wasn't the most comfortable but tolerable for a 16-mile round-trip hike and IAD alpine route. I'd probably use it again just take more care to pack it a bit more carefully so cams aren't digging into my back. It's on sale right now for $60 USD which seems like great value.

The dragonfly is tempting for being a little lighter and more purpose-oriented, but the squirrel has been a great, do-it-all pack from climbing to around the city and other activities too.

I am surprised the Osprey mutant 22 hasn’t been suggested more! I have rested many packs over the years and I suggest:

1. Osprey Mutant 22

2. Mountain Hardwear Scrambler

The Osprey fits all of your specs as does the scrambler aside from a designated rope strap on top, but you can put it under the brain. I use the Scrambler 35 for ice/ mixed/ alpine climbing and it’s insanely durable as said before. The Osprey is right behind it in durability and will probably outlast many of the other packs mentioned. 

Of all the small packs I have had, the Mutant carries 'over-loading it' better than my others. More than that and you have to move up to the 35l range,
FYI: a Mystery Ranch COULEE 25L BACKPACK, S/M for $67 is on Gear Trade. (Sorry Jim, its black, not Orange, but hey... nothing a rattle can can fix? : - ) 

https://www.geartrade.com/item/893319/coulee-25l-backpack-black-sm-good

Seems like the Mutant and Blue Ice packs are leading the 'endorsement count' right now. How does the Mutant climb? Do the padded hip straps get in the way? Does the body of the pack sit high enough to not interfere with your chalkbag/rear gear loops/movement?

Shaniacwrote:

Of all the small packs I have had, the Mutant carries 'over-loading it' better than my others. More than that and you have to move up to the 35l range,
FYI: a Mystery Ranch COULEE 25L BACKPACK, S/M for $67 is on Gear Trade. (Sorry Jim, its black, not Orange, but hey... nothing a rattle can can fix? : - ) 

https://www.geartrade.com/item/893319/coulee-25l-backpack-black-sm-good

I've got the MR urban assault 22 as my laptop pack.  basically coulee without the compression straps or ice axe attachments.  MR makes great kit 

MattHwrote:

Seems like the Mutant and Blue Ice packs are leading the 'endorsement count' right now. How does the Mutant climb? Do the padded hip straps get in the way? Does the body of the pack sit high enough to not interfere with your chalkbag/rear gear loops/movement?

The mutant 22 doesn’t have a padded hip belt like the 38L/ 52L versions. It sits high and doesn’t get in the way of the harness. I haven’t used the blue ice packs. 

Review of the Mutant 22, click on the IMAGE GALLERY to see some picks how it fits, loaded. (or just google image it) Like Zach said, the hip belt is just a simple nylon strap, no padding, I clip mine around the rear of the pack when climbing so it never interferes. I just use the chest straps while climbing. The pack does not climb as well as say the BD Bolt, those articulating chest straps are hella nice on the BD... but the rope strap and the comfortable carry when loaded (on the Mutant) more than makes up for that. I added a LID-LOCK to mine to easily carry my helmet without it flopping around on the hike in and out. And if you are packing a rope on top and going through brush, snag a few alpine draws and lash them to the tie in points, and it keeps your cord more secure. (AKA: Manzanita so grabby grabby!)

The new version of the pack has two straps you can use for that but alpine draws work fine.  
I would think you could easily do these mods to almost ANY pack in this thread. MP just loves first world problems. : - ) 

Someone just posted  a new mutant on geartrade if anyone is looking

https://data.geartrade.com/item/898900/osprey-mutant-22