Best pack for hiking and big approaches, ~30-35L?

jackscoldsweatwrote:

...have managed to whittle the pack down to just over a 1lb. ...

1lb is a bit surprising considering the stock pack weighs 2.6 (as most packs of this size do).

Fwiw I've had several frameless packs in this size range and currently use a Cilogear. They're all pretty similar for me and work well for carrying a rope or rack, but not a rope and rack, or overnight gear. If I'm carrying around 30lbs and I'm not climbing with my pack, I'd prefer to have something with a real frame. You might look for a pack with "quick release" ice axe attachments if you're planning to use the pack for skiing or snowy approaches.

Hey OP,

Based on the responses here, you should get either an Osprey, Arc Teryx, Gregory, Mountain Hardware, Cold Cold World, Mystery Ranch, Samaya, Big Agnes or a Cilogear. I'm sure that narrows it down for you.

take TAKEwrote:

People recommending the alpha bag on here are tripping - it's light and climbs well but it does not carry weight anywhere near as comfortably as other bags its size. I'll carry a few more ounces if it means my waistbelt isn't literally a seatbelt with no padding.

Couldn't agree more. I have the Alpha FL45 and like it for its intended purpose - carry gear to the base and then climb with it on an up and over type climb, when most of the weight is removed. But it's comfort at carrying big loads sucks. It's more like a durable haul bag than a good backpack to me. Skiing with it when full is awkward, like having a barrel on your back.

But, like a lot of Arc products, it's got a huge fan base who are enamored with its cleanness/lightness. It is crazy durable too, excey the internal pocket near the back panel delaminated after about 3 years. And definitely not waterproof. I think the current 30L and the original, way smaller 30L are probably the best sizes in these packs.

I installed aftermarket load stabilizers on my Alpha 45, and recycled some pads from an Ascension that I could slide onto the hip belt for a little more padding for my bony hips, but it still doesn't carry anywhere near as well as the Mutant or MH Alpine Light packs.

Ben Kraftwrote:

1lb is a bit surprising considering the stock pack weighs 2.6 (as most packs of this size do).

Ben, you're right.

I should qualify this claim. by whittle, i mean cutting unnecessary straps, unneeded features. not using the lid. removing the frame on summit day. I only wish the mutant's hip belt was removable. maybe the newer Mutant 38's hip belt is removable?

thanks for keeping me honest.

jcs