Mountain Hardwear Splitter Backpack - 2150-2350cu in

I was originally using a top loading pack for all my gear and it was finally time to get rid of it. I got tired of losing stuff at the bottom and tearing everything out of it to find it. Got this baby for my b-day and have to say it nears perfection! I'm an organization freak and it's got all the spots, allthough wasn't sure about some of the pockets at first. The mesh pocket is perfect for my shoes (and keep them aired out), there is a smaller fold over pocket for your chalk bag and loose change, and a nice roomy pocket I put my harness in which even handles the essentials still clipped to it. The other side has three gear loops for all my other hardwear with plenty of room at the bottom for misc. webbing and stuff. A nylon panel clips to cover and keep it all in place. Oh nice big tarp too! I don't know about sticking a rope in there, with all my gear it was a pretty tight fit, so I'll be keeping that to a rope bag. It's nice to get to your favorite rock, open it up and have everything right there to get ready fast. Even a last minute call to head to the rock gym the other night was easy because I knew everything was in it, where it should be, and ready to go. Comfort on the back is OK, but your not going on all day hikes with it either. I looked at many others and would say if your in the market for a crag bag this is it.

Overall I am very stoked on this backpack. The organizational features are a very clever design and it definitely helps me from getting nervous that I didn't pack my shoes, harness or chalk bag since there is a place for each item. I know before leaving the house that I have everything packed. The thing that sets this pack apart from any other that I've used for cragging before is the feature that allows the pack to split into two and fold out like a suitcase. The burly Cordura (drybag) material is thick and durable so the pack can lay in the dirt, on rocks or on muddy surfaces and not get all beat up and worn like your typical nylon pack. I learned it sheds water very well after I got caught in a hailstorm last weekend. It also comes with a ground tarp useful for laying out your gear or a spot for the dog to lay down. If you are over 6 feet tall I would suggest getting the large/long version since the torso length on the regular is pretty short.

This isn't just a bag, it's an organizer, with compartments and pockets for everything. Comes with a tarp, and has a clip point inside for it. The gear loops have plenty of racking space for a stout sport rack (it gets crowded if you've got a lot of gear), and the internal compression panel allows you to put the heavy stuff against your back, instead of in the bottom of the pack.

As a pack, the harness is comfy and adjustable, no surprises await you here.

Once you're at the crag, it opens all the way up, making everything easy to see and sort- a definite luxury that my buddies comment on. If you're an organization fetishist with firm opinions about everything having its place, this pack has a spot for pretty much everything. The material is plain burly, perhaps over-engineered, but waterproof and confidence-inspiring.

I find that if I put my rack + shoes + harness + a full water bag that getting a rope in there is an iffy thing- even though this is big for a 'day pack', it's not quite big enough for everything- I keep my rope in a separate bag- but it's waay convenient to just grab this and a rope on the way out of the garage!

I love it yet the only down fall is hanging rope on top, there is very little to tie off to.

I've had this pack for a month now and have taken it on several trips. I love it! It distributes the weight beautifully and holds everything!! I have told all of my climbing buddies about and expect to see more of these packs at the gym and crag.