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TUFA Climbing - Mochilla Pack

Original Post
Chris Johnson · · Denver, CO · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 66

First, I’d like to say that the owner, Josh, was super responsive and helpful through the whole ordering process. He helped me decide which material I wanted, answered all questions I had about design and materials, and got everything completed very quickly. I ordered the bag on the night of Wednesday, July 6th, 2016 & received it the morning of Monday, July 18th, 2016. An 11 or 12 day turnaround is pretty dang quick for a quality, hand-made item.

Josh said he’d be able to use any fabric of my choosing. At the time I asked (July 2016), he had 1000D Cordura in every color, VX21 fabric in most colors, and an 840D Ballistic Nylon in black on hand. I think the straps are done in VX51, not positive. VX pack weighs ~15 oz but I chose the 1000D Cordura which weighs ~16.5 oz (not sure on the Ballistic Nylon weight). Pack has an 18” back (23” with extension) and rides above the harness; it is ~18-20 L with a short, 5” tall extension.

Pack (Front)

Pack (Back)

Now down to business… The Cordura on this pack is thick and feels very durable. I probably wouldn’t drag it through a chimney, but that’s mostly because I’m a bit paranoid when it comes to those sorts of things. It would be more than durable enough for tossing around at the crag if you are using it as a crag bag. It fits really well empty and fully loaded and is super comfortable. I was surprised how much I could actually fit in it (normally don’t actually carry all of these things, was just testing its limits) and by how light it felt, especially with no hip belt.

Pack (Top)

Pack (Open Top)

There is a pocket right behind the neck that’s good for snacks, first aid, TP… things like that. One word of advice for packing would be to pack this pocket first. I packed it last and it was kind of a pain to squeeze everything in there. There is also a pocket inside that you can use to take out the foam insert. I like the support of inserts so I left it and could easily fit a guidebook in there (if you feel like carrying a guide book up a climb…). Could also probably fit a bladder in here, but I doubt that is what it’s meant for. The helmet tabs are a nice touch. Only thing I didn’t fit that I may want is some approach shoes, but those could easily attach outside the pack on the haul loop, or I could get rid of some unnecessary items to make room inside.

Pack (Neck Pocket)

Pack (Interior Pocket)

There wasn’t much info on these packs that I can find so I figured I’d put this out there in hopes it would help someone that’s interested in TUFA products. I’m certainly not a professional reviewer as you can probably tell but hopefully people will get something out of it. The only complaints that I have, which can probably be fixed by just asking for custom changes, would be no axe loops, and the haul loops aren’t long enough to close together when the bag is packed. You would have to use a sling or something to haul it, not a huge deal.

Other than that, not too much to say so far; I plan on updating this review after taking it out on some climbs (just received it today, so take this review as it is). I’ll also be traveling to San Francisco soon so I’ll test it as an all around/city pack as well. Here is a list of items I was able to fit (pictured):

• 12 draws
• Full set of nuts
• Half set of offset nuts
• Set of hexes
• Shoes
• Harness
• Rack organizer
• Tape gloves
• A few lockers
• Pulley for Tyroleans
• TP and shovel
• Snack(s)
• Headlamp
• A few slings and Autoblock
• Helmet
• Nalgene
• First Aid
• Patagonia Houdini Windbreaker
• Nut tool
• Guidebook
• Pocket Knife
• 70M Rope
• Last but not least, TUFA Houdini chalk bag (I’ll review that also)

Pack (Contents)

Pack (Packed, Ground)

Pack (On, Back)

Pack (On, Side)

I really do love how comfortable this pack is and how well it fit. Again, I'll update this once I get some real world experience with it, just wanted to get the pictures and first thoughts out there! Hope it helps.

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

I too have one of these packs. I love it! Josh was indeed super to deal with. If you're looking for a small climbing pack look no further.

Jason L. · · Unknown Hometown · Joined Jul 2014 · Points: 40

I've been looking and looking and after a year of pondering, I purchased 4 or 5 chalk bags, the salathe, Mochilla and 3 kids bags for family and friends. I had some specific color choices I wanted to work with (Go Hawks) and a few special colors for kids. I'm excited to get some quality, handmade and matching gear for the family.

Many emails exchanged with ideas, preferences and annoying correspondence from my part I'm sure, but Josh is above and beyond easy to work with. Customer service like this is rare, and i'm sure i'll look for more reasons to buy from him in the future as i'd rather deal with Josh than 99% of customer service out there.

I'll edit the post once gear is received and used on a couple of climbs to give my 5.9 crushing opinion on it all.

If looking to get something custom that fits your aesthetic eye and not be another sheeple buying the same gear as the dude 2 routes over, look at TUFA.

Climb on,

nathanael · · Riverside, CA · Joined May 2011 · Points: 525

Only problem with TUFA's stuff is my chalkbag was so cool someone snagged it when I forgot it at the climbing gym.

Josh Kornish · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 800

Hey Chris,

Thank you for taking the time and effort to write this up, I really appreciate it! The Mochilla is a continuous work in progress and in-depth feedback helps me tremendously. I'm stoked to hear that the first thing you did upon receiving the bag was max it out, I always do that with my gear!

I'll look into the haul loops and see what I can do to pair those when the bag is stuffed, sans sling. I designed the mochilla primarily for multipitch rock but a tool attachment is a really good feature that I'll keep in mind moving forward.

I'm psyched to hear you're happy with your happy with your pack and I'm stoked to hear what you think after some serious use!

Thank you for the kind words and great pictures, Cheers!

Thank you for the support, Royal, Jason, and Nathanael! You're support means everything.

-Josh

Locker · · Yucca Valley, CA · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 2,349

TUFA = Quality stuff

Josh Kornish · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 800
Locker wrote:TUFA = Quality stuff
A Positive Resoles X TUFA collaboration must happen!

I'll send you some photos of those buffalo sandals I made with your rubber a while back!
Parker Wrozek · · Denver, CO · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 86

Looks just like what I need. Just ordered one.

Locker · · Yucca Valley, CA · Joined Oct 2002 · Points: 2,349

Josh,

"I'll send you some photos of those buffalo sandals I made with your rubber a while back!" (For the record, the rubber still contained a little of my essence)

Please do!

Would love to see them.

Josh Kornish · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 800

Thank you for the support, Parker! I'll throw your pack together immediately when I get back from Squamish, rad color choices!

Locker: I made sure not to wipe off the essence ;) Might need to have a second go with the Birckenstock rubber though haha

Parker Wrozek · · Denver, CO · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 86

Thanks Josh, Looking forward to it and jealous that you are in Squamish.

Sdm1568 · · Ca · Joined Aug 2012 · Points: 80
Locker wrote:TUFA = Quality stuff
I approve this message! All my Tufa gear is going strong 2 yrs and counting.
Justin Barrett · · Russellville, AR · Joined Mar 2016 · Points: 88

Is there a possibility of ordering a similar pack, but with slightly different webbing placements?

Josh Kornish · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 800
Justin Barrett wrote:Is there a possibility of ordering a similar pack, but with slightly different webbing placements?
Hey Justin, always happen to do custom modifications. Shoot me a message to josh@tufaclimbing.com with your ideas and we'll make it happen.

Thanks for the kind words, SDM!
Parker Wrozek · · Denver, CO · Joined Mar 2012 · Points: 86

Pack turned out nice. I did a three pitch route with it on to try it all out. Leading was great with it, hardly noticed it at all. It is pretty comfortable to hike in although a really long approach fully loaded might wear you down (had about a 10 min approach on the climb yesterday). I will see how it does on a big approach hopefully soon.

Tonight I just was messing around and here is what I put in it.

X4 - .1, .2, .3, .4
C4 - .3, .4, .5, .5, .75, .75, 1, 1, 2, 3
DMM Offsets - 7-11
BD Nuts - 4-13
Nut Tool
Belay device with biners
8 spare biners
Cord
Prusik
4' runner
8 alpine draws
8 quick draws
Belay gloves
Chalk Bag
Harness (with PAS)
Helmet
Shoes
Restop
Water Bottle (full)
4 bars
70M Rope

Hopefully you would be splitting this with someone since it weighs in at 29 lbs.

Here is the before I packed



Here is the after


Hopefully I will be able to fill in a few more details in the next few weeks.
Josh Kornish · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 800

Thanks for posting up, Parker!

Psyched to see you guys stuffing the bag to the absolute max! haha

It's been a constant work in progress but I've been really happy with how lastest rendition (VX-51 straps) performs a variety of tasks (approach, climb, haul).

It really has been a communal effort designing these bags and I really appreciate the feedback.

Have a stellar Sendtember, y'all!

ChuckSchick · · San Francisco, CA · Joined Mar 2013 · Points: 0

Can confirm TUFA stuff is awesome and Josh was great to work with. I got what is now called the Salathe bag (chalk bag sized pack) and it's indispensable. Anything less than a half day climb and I can leave the follow pack in the car.

Josh Kornish · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 800
ChuckSchick wrote:Can confirm TUFA stuff is awesome and Josh was great to work with. I got what is now called the Salathe bag (chalk bag sized pack) and it's indispensable. Anything less than a half day climb and I can leave the follow pack in the car.
Thank you, Chuck! I'm stoked to hear the Salathe Sack has been serving you well! :)
Josh Kornish · · Whitefish, MT · Joined Sep 2009 · Points: 800

I haven't had time lately to update the website with new photos, but here are a few I snapped today of the latest rendition of the pack.

Primarily showing:

  • the addition of helmet tabs
  • rope catch / top compression strap
  • new outside zipper location right above shoulders (holds iPhone 6, wallet, bars, etc)
  • VX-21 Fabric (grey)
  • VX-51 Fabric (marigold)


YKK Uretek Zipper, rope catch

After a quick slip in the river
Suburban Roadside · · Abovetraffic on Hudson · Joined Apr 2014 · Points: 2,419

I love it . The quick slip made me re-think and that you might find a dual market.
If you added a single 1/2 inch Groumet, a hole in the bottom as a drain & a rope capture point.
Then it would make it a Canyoneering pack, that could be thrown or used in & out of water.
(Canyoneering often utilizes a 'Dead Man' anchors to rappel from, I am not a fan)
I've only descended three canyons so I do not know enough to comment more.

I see you have rejected any extioror daisy chain or clip in point, Other than the haul loops.
This is just my input but I like the way that the certain haul bag like sacs , (the smallest ones even)
from one of the biggest companies, have a three pocket Daisy high on the pack.

Also, now this is going back 30 yrs, but WildThings use to make a full strength built in swami belt.
This was on an oversized Fanny pack.
The square-ish shape had a twin line of daisies, across the top allowing one to rig it to haul or carry back pack style. Tie on the rope or helmet gloves etc.
This pack was paired with a removable ensolite type foam back pad/seat, gear loops and a clam-shell zipper opening.

I and others soloed, and climbed ice with it so the gear loops also worked as tool holsters.
It was a very vesitile little pack. 1/2 as long as yours.! So kinda to small, I like the looks /size of the
Mochilla more.
The WildThings carried in two or three ways (very well) and could be used as a belay seat/ boson's chair. It was great for, bolting kit, tool bag. & All sorts of pedestrian uses.
It was a specialized item I bought two over a ten year period. But Jon Bouchard , was a friend so my last one, had some custom treatments. I like to tie in, so along with the buckle, also provided
were doubled, rolled, and barracked tie in loops. Also the daisys were beefed up. His production version the daisys were not linked instead 4 simple bar tacked 1inch long flat tape attached to the top.

Ugh! It seems 14 posts is the limit? I didn't know, I'm at my 24 hour posting limit ?

Brie Abram · · Celo, NC · Joined Oct 2007 · Points: 493

Hey Josh! I was considering getting a Mochilla. Have you done away with the vertical zip on the main body? If I got one I was going to request no main body zip.

Just got notification that my chalk bags have been shipped. Less than a week from placing the order is really quick for custom stuff.

Guideline #1: Don't be a jerk.

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