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Metolius Freerider vs TNF Cinder 55 vs Trango Crag Pack vs ??

Original Post
KenH307 · · Laramie, WY · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 25

Heyo. I'm looking to upgrade my daily use crag pack. Right now I have a CCW Ozone which I'm a HUGE fan of, but it's just not big enough to accommodate my Vedauwoo rack (doubles >fingers-BD4, BD5, handful of draws/slings), rope, typical personal gear, layers, lunch, etc. I'd ideally like to get my rope IN my pack and not have to meticulously pack my shiz so that it all fits. Also, since Vedauwoo is my home crag it needs to be durable. No alpine packs for me.

The three packs mentioned in the title all seem like they may be cool, but I'd like to hear from some folks who have direct experience with any/all of them and can comment on how much and how well they carry. I'm also open to other suggestions that don't break the bank.

FrankPS · · Atascadero, CA · Joined Nov 2009 · Points: 276

I have owned the Freerider for over a year now and it is easily the burliest crag pack I have owned. If you don't have too much weight in the top zippered pocket, the pack will stand up on its own (I have a lot of stuff in my zippered pocket).

It is a great pack that will withstand much abuse such as dropping in on the ground repeatedly with cams poking into the side and bottom. It doesn't have a hydration pouch, but the suspension is comfortable (carries well) and at 41 L, it holds plenty.

I think you'd like it. Another one people seem to like is the Trango Crag Pack, but I have no experience with that and don't know how large it is.

Jeff Koperek · · Grand Junction, CO · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 20

I have the Trango crag pack. It's cheap, big (48L) and durable as hell. Holds a load well too. I got mine for about 70 bucks and couldn't be more pleased for a daily pack. Not familiar with the others you mentioned but I'm a fan of mine. Maybe not the most versatile pack (ie you wouldn't go backpacking with it), but that wasn't my main priority when I bought it. Could easily store all those big cams you need for Veda, and then some.

Mike Jones! · · Fort Collins, CO · Joined Dec 2009 · Points: 5

Bought the TNF Cinder and had to return it. I liked the design but the waist belt would not fit. I'm 5'10, 155lbs, and 30in waist. I could not tighten the belt enough to wear the pack. Poor design feature for the waist. maybe they have fixed it by now? Bought the Freerider and it worked great. Super durable, well constructed and simplistic like most Metolius products.

butters · · Mammoth Lakes, Ca · Joined Aug 2013 · Points: 200

i have the cinder 40 and love it. its very burly . heavy duty nylon. plenty of room for rope, draws, rack, . very happy with it. ive had it for a year and dragged it all knds of spot and hauled it up over coarse granite. very durable.

KenH307 · · Laramie, WY · Joined Jul 2010 · Points: 25

Thanks for the replies. That Trango pack is looking pretty appealing, especially for that price. Any other opinions?

Jeff G · · Colorado · Joined Feb 2006 · Points: 1,098

I have the Trango Crag Pack. I would highly recommend the pack!!

BigB · · Red Rock, NV · Joined Feb 2015 · Points: 340

BD Creek 50

Peter BrownWhale · · Randallstown, MD · Joined Aug 2014 · Points: 21

Another big fan of the Trango Crag Pack here

Daniel Chambo · · Chapel Hill, NC · Joined Nov 2013 · Points: 85

Trango crag pack hands down! Good size, durable, comfortable, cheap, easy to use, with specific features (like the mesh shoe pouch, little fear tarp, guidebook pocket) thst are very useful for cragging. I'm glad climbin companies are finally starting to make packs for cragging instead of just alpine packs that really don't work that well at the crag.

benb · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jun 2014 · Points: 0

I love my bd creek

Brian Payst · · Carrboro,NC · Joined Jan 2014 · Points: 10

I have a Misty Gorge Pack. Easily holds a big rack, water, rope, clothes, etc. and carries really well. It's top loading and has a full length zipper which is really a handy combination. Made in NC and super burly.

mistymountain.com/recreatio…

20 kN · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Feb 2009 · Points: 1,346

I have the Crag pack. It's cheap, durable, functional, comfortable and did I say, cheap? Couldn't recommend it more.

Royal · · Santa Rosa, CA · Joined Jun 2010 · Points: 410

I bought a metolious freerider and like it. It's tough, and generally well designed. I would add some sort of a frame and a second small pocket so I could keep keys and my phone separate, but all in all I really think it's great climbing pack.

Ryan Hex · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Sep 2013 · Points: 30

I love my TNF Cinder 55. The haul bag style is the way to go. The BD Creek 50 does look pretty sweet too.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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