Petzl Bug for Multipitch - if you own it, please comment

I'm looking into Petzl Bug for Multipitch and possibly around the town/during travel. Looks like it's the most comfortable bag for Multipitch (and rope can be attached to it from above pretty well!) but it didn't get high scores in comparison with other bags in other aspects. Several reviews online rave about it nonetheless. So here's my question to you if you own and use this bag for Multipitch: would you buy it all over again, or would you buy something else (if money wasn't an issue)? Perhaps you can also compare it to your friend's Multipitch bag: any pros/cons...

Oh and if it makes any difference, I'm female and 5'10".

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone, by the way!

Have an older Bug. Love it. Very durable and comfortable, and climbing it’s easy to forget it’s on your back. Recently also bought a BD bullet (I think it’s called the bullet) and I’d buy another Bug over another bullet if I needed another.

My Bug has a small hole in the bottom from hiking out an awesome rock the size of a football with fossils on it about 6 years ago but surprisingly the hole hasn’t grown at all since then. The other way the Bug is better then the bullet is the multiple clip loops on the back, if the new ones still have those. 

• Chris treggE wrote: The other way the Bug is better then the bullet is the multiple clip loops on the back, if the new ones still have those. 

Thanks for the answer!!! Yes, the new Bug has those multiple clip loops too. I just really wish I could see one in person in a store before buying online but I can't find it in stores!

It is a great multi-pitch pack.  Fits comfortably, has a rope strap down, many outside gear loops, and just big enough to carry H20/Emergency gear/Shoes w/o being too big.  Try a designated crag store.  South of you, Nomads at J Tree is where I bought mine.  

Outdoorgearlab give it a tepid review.  The older model has worked fine for me as climbing pack;  a touch heavy by modern standards, but better padded.  I like the stowable waist belt; OGL complains it should be removeable (so you can lose it or forget it).  I especially like the Bug for travel and around town because of its rectangular shape, which accomdates file folders and computers much better than the more sculpted forms of most packs.  For travel, the topo pocket on the back is perfect for maps , passports, and brochures and other things you want to get at quickly without rummaging through the pack.

I have a Bug and the BD Bullet.

Bug is way more versatile as it can be used to carry gear and ropes on the approach for climbs that go up and over, while the Bullet is far more limited in what it can carry with no rope straps and no clip in points. I use the Bug for these types of climbs.

I think the Bullet is more durable and is slightly smaller on the climb, so I use it when I am taking a larger pack on the approach and just want a pack to take on route.

I also have a CAMP Phantom 2.0 that I like. 

If I had to choose only one to buy, it would be a Bug. 

The Bug is pretty great. I agree with others above that it is better than the BD Bullet. My wife climbs with a DMM Zenith, which is a nice bag, but I find the zippers a bit flimsy, the interior zip pocket ill-positioned, and the opening shape fairly inconvenient. It has helmet carry and side gear loops though, which the Bug lacks.

Another great option is the Blue Ice Squirrel 22, which has helmet carry and rope carry. It also has a nice hydration hanger, which is missing from the Bug.

I adore my bug for multi-pitch.

It’s lightweight, comfortable, fits perfectly above my harness, and doesn’t interfere in the slightest with my climbing.

There’s enough room for a reasonably-sized water bladder, snacks, a few pieces of gear, and any clothes I need to shed along the way.

The compression straps are useful either for extra rope or — my favorite use — to strap my approach shoes to the sides of the bag (as opposed to having them hang off the back from a biner).

I couldn’t recommend the bug more highly.

I just ordered it, MP friends! Thanks so much for helping me to make the decision!!! Happy Thanksgiving!!!

It's a Marry Poppins bag! 

Dr. VARMENT wrote: It's a Marry Poppins bag! 

Explain!

Leliko Mana wrote:

Explain!

It's bottomless.  You can keep filling it and filling it, and it won't run out of room.

I use my Bug for multipitch, lite day-cragging, daypack for mountains, and for the gym.  It does all of this nicely.

Leliko Mana wrote:

Thanks for the answer!!! Yes, the new Bug has those multiple clip loops too. I just really wish I could see one in person in a store before buying online but I can't find it in stores!

What do people even use those exterior daisy chains for on a pack? Any time I've tried to clip something to one, it just carries weird because it's so far from my body, flops around a lot, and is generally annoying. I feel they just add those on for looks.

skelldify wrote:

What do people even use those exterior daisy chains for on a pack? Any time I've tried to clip something to one, it just carries weird because it's so far from my body, flops around a lot, and is generally annoying. I feel they just add those on for looks.

ext daisy chain: approach/climbing shoes, nalgene bottle while at belay stance, gear that we know the leader wont need on next pitch.  think 've mostly used that daisy chain while at belay stance.  keeps everything clipped together and not crowding the anchor or belay ledge

I use it as an on route multi-pitch bag as well as an approach bag for those longer approaches where I'm trying to save weight. Those daisy chains are essential for clipping bulkier items like shoes and helmet while on approach.  I usually strap my harness under the bag then drape rope over the top.  It's amazing how much you can actually carry with this tiny pack if you get creative.  

I’m trying to make this same decision too, and the Bug seems great - but what’s with the lack of a loop to hold the water bladder up? No one else finds this to be a critical miss? I’m thinking if I keep the bag I might sew one on myself. 

WYF don’t all climbing packs come with a decent secure rope strap, top access zipper compartment for ez access items out of the way of abrasion areas, interior key stash pocket, hydration sleeve hanger and port, a stretchy helmet cover, and removable padded hip belt with gear loops in a 18L, 30L, and 45+L sizes with removable molded frame?

M L wrote:

WYF don’t all climbing packs come with a decent secure rope strap, top access zipper compartment for ez access items out of the way of abrasion areas, interior key stash pocket, hydration sleeve hanger and port, a stretchy helmet cover, and removable padded hip belt with gear loops in a 18L, 30L, and 45+L sizes with removable molded frame?

Ok, ok, I hear you. Can't be all things to all people. But still, feels odd to have water reservoir features without that like 1oz of velcro. Having those things slosh around is no fun.

I love mine. The rear daisy chain is  great to carry a kailas stick clip up multi pitches or let a sweaty harness dry. Topo pocket stuffs things nicely. Rope straps get your rope secure and on your back. You’re going to like it!