Go to sport climbing crag pack.

By Matthew Agarwala Ranked #412 - Daypacks - Technical May 4, 2010

This pack fits everything I need for a long day of sport climbing, keeps it well organized, and carries it comfortably. It is a cragging pack, and should not be confused with an alpine climbing pack. It is not designed to haul gear for 8 hour approaches. The longest approach hike I've had with it was 30 - 45 minutes and it felt good.

Pros:
1. Big enough to fit everything (15 - 20 draws, 10 lockers, grigri, reverso, PAS, 2 pairs climbing shoes (size 43.5) harness (arc'teryx x350a), chalk bag, 70 meter 9.8mm rope, rope tarp, keys, wallet, cell phone, 2 nalgenes, snacks for the day, helmet, sun block, bug spray, first aid kit, and a lightweight compressible puffy.
2. Keeps things organized. 3 gear loops at the top of the pack keep your sport rack organized. Special pockets for 1 pr shoes and chalk bag keep them in place. Nylon divider keeps your rope & rack separate from your other gear. Internal pockets hold snacks, keys, wallet, cell phone.
3. Complete clam shell opening lets you get to your gear fast and easy.
4. front pocket is big enough to fit lots of snacks and clothing even when the rest of the pack is full.
5. included rope tarp is big enough to hold a 70m 9.8mm rope.
6. outer nalgene pockets are deep enough to securely hold a water bottle even when the rest of the pack is stuffed
7. burly zipper takes some serious abuse.
8. daisy chain on the outside of the pack lets you attach extra gear if you need the space
9. shoulder straps and hip belt are padded and comfortable.
10. It carries high density loads very comfortably

Cons:
1. the 'ice axe' attachment on the front of the pack is flimsy and silly - i can't think of a use for it.
2. when you have a full rack clipped to the gear loops, the weight tends to pull the top of the pack down, which wastes space and renders the load lifters useless. (this problem can be minimized but not eliminated by laying the pack on it's back to pack it)
3. I would like to see some sort of secure external helmet attachment

View Details: Mountain Hardwear Splitter Backpack - 2150-2350cu in

Helpful Votes: 2 Yes