A backpack that does it all?
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Alas, my old REI pack finally kicked the bucket. A few months ago I went out on a limb and purchased the ArcTeryx Miura 50 online and to my dismay found it to be lacking in many ways. Ultimately it comes down to the simple fact that even at a supposed 55 liters its too small! |
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I own the Osprey Variant 52, and have used it for pretty much all the things you have suggested. I heartily endorse it, I don't think you can go wrong with that choice. |
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Sooooooo, what are going to be doing with that useless old Miura...? |
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Cilogear. It does everything. |
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I really like the Mountain Hardwear south col pack. It is super light weight, has great straps for adding tents and pads on the outside but can pack down smaller for cragging. I use it on high altitude 6 day trips in Chile, trips to the creek, and local cragging. It is even on sale at REI now for $200 which is a hell of a deal. |
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I don't mean to hi-jack this thread, but while we're on the subject; What size of pack is recommended for winter alpine ascents, including ice gear and everything. I thought that the recommended pack size for Rainier was like 5500 or 6500 in^3. I can't remember where that came from, but it has me wondering. I need a new pack and I want something that will make my wildest dreams come true... |
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Check out some of the Black Diamond packs, and I've heard |
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I was just going to tell you to get a Vortex pack but after some research online it looks like they aren't even making them anymore. I own two and have loved them. I guess even a really good product doesn't do well without proper marketing. |
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The BD Quantum 55 eats gear like nobody's business... I tried on Osprey, Arc Teryx, Gregory, and REI packs before deciding on the BD pack. I recommend it. C |
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I've had a Cold Cold World Chaos (4300 in^3 ~ 70L) for a couple years. I love it. It can hold a cart-load of gear (especially if you use the extension sleeve), but it compresses down nicely when you have less stuff too. I typically use it for multi-day ski mountaineering trips, with all my winter camping stuff, skis, skins, crampons, ice axe, etc. It would probably be a little overkill for day trips climbing on rock, but then again it is pretty light for it's size (3.25#), and it sounds like you carry a lot of stuff . . . |
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Ditto on the cilogear. i owned a chernobyl for years, and they are awesome packs and bombproof. but NOTHING on the market is as good as cilogear. they are the ultimate do everything pack. i used my 60l to hike up to chasm view on long's with all my bivy stuff and a huge rack, then stripped and compressed it and did the diamond carrying it as a small seconding pack. plus you aren't dealing with "a company" just graham. and he is awesome. his customer service is absolutely 2nd to none. i just ordered my 3rd cilogear pack (i'll have a 20l, 30l & 60l. |
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Tyler, |
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What about the Mountain Hardwear Direttissima Pack? It seems to have about the same size and features as the Osprey Variant. It is also on sale for $150 at REI right now. Does anyone out there have experience with it? |
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Doug Shepherd wrote:Yeah, just to make sure my offer is open to everyone: If you are on the front range and want to check out a Cilogear (I have a 30, 45, 60, and an older 40) pack, let me know and we'll hook up.Wow, all the folks offering to allow others to try on their Cilogear packs sure makes for some great, free advertising. Is the stuff REALLY that good? If so, then it just goes to show that a quality product is way more valuable than a big marketing budget. |
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So my interest is piqued with cilogear...it's unfortunate that I can't try one on before purchasing! |
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Coz, |
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Personally I am an advocate for the Black Diamond Quantum Pack. They make this in a 45L and a 55L. The 45L should be plenty spacious enough to accomodate all of your rock climbing/cragging needs as well as non-winter overnights or single day ice climbing pursuits. |
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I've got the Gregory Alpinisto(50-55 liters) and it's the greatest pack I've ever had. Fits full rack and rope, shoes, helmet, shell, etc very well, with room to spare. It's fits like a dream and even with all that stuff feels like there's barely anything on my back. With the amount of gear you're looking at though it would be close, you may even need a 60 liter. |
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Jason Hundhausen wrote:...add to that 2 pairs of kids shoes, 2 harnesses, 2 helmets, more food, more water, more clothes, and even an extra rope that I typically stow on the outside...you don't need a new pack. you need porters! |
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Crag Dweller wrote: you don't need a new pack. you need porters!That's what the kids are for. They eat your food, sleep in your house, carrying your gear is the least they can do to earn the food and shelter. |
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divnamite wrote: That's what the kids are for. They eat your food, sleep in your house, carrying your gear is the least they can do to earn the food and shelter.Exactly They're just too little to carry much weight at this age though. I wonder...could I rig up a little bracket that would attach to their harness so that they could tow a BOB trailer fully loaded? Then I could bring the BBQ and a couple cases of PBR no sweat! |