Awesome pack overall

dcr4480687

Member since  Oct 10, 2011

Posted on June 27, 2012

I got this pack a couple months ago and have taken it out a few times. I got it because I was sick of lugging around a 50L bag and having it half empty. I don't have a full trad rack, but I did take full top rope anchoring equipment and a full set of quickdraws out at once, along with all the necessary daytime gear like food, water, first aid, helmet, harness, etc. and it worked like a champ.

Its a simple design, only the main compartment, front pocket, and top pocket. Not much room for compartmentalization if that's what you're into, but it's simplicity adds to the strength of the pack. I'm confident this will never tear with crag use.

I did have a few comments I wanted to state that I didn't read about before I got this pack:

Firstly, the hydration bladder. I've read everywhere that people can't get a bladder into the inside sleeve. I had no issues with this. Yes, it is very tight, but its really not too difficult to get one in. I have attached a picture of the bag with a full 3L Osprey bladder inside it. I should note that this is the HydroForm bladder that has a bit of a rib to it, which helps me push it into the sleeve.

Secondly, the location of the compression straps. Its awesome that you can change the location of the compression straps, but there is an issue with their location. On the outside they block the outer pocket and on the top they block the top pocket. Not so much that you can't use them, but it is an inconvenience when you're trying to get your guide book or bug spray out of the pack while on the trail.

Thirdly (very small detail), there is no bottle pocket on the sides like most packs have. No biggie. If I'm bringing a gatorade or whatever I'll put it in water bottle and attach it via carabiner to the haul loops.

Overall this pack is a great day pack for climbing. Its not a great all-rounder, but it does well on a day hike and excels as a crag pack. The gear loops on the inside are awesome for keeping everything in order and the compression straps and haul loops let you carry an obscene amount of gear for a 30L pack.