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Sign up for the MYSTERY RANCH UK email newsletter and receive exclusive access to new packs, special deals, and updates from the Ranch. Skyline 17 Pack, Tower 47 in central Oregon. Photo Credit: Ben Herndon IG @donofhern, Skyline 23 Pack on Mystery Ranch ambassador Becky Switzer, at The Fins in Idaho. This is one of our trickier metrics, as there are endless ways to use a small backpack. With good packing, most climbers can expect to fit a couple of liters of water, a pair of approach shoes, some snacks, and a layer or two in most of these packs. We felt like the Rock Blitz struck a nice balance of weight and durability. Denier doesn't measure strength but rather the fineness of an individual yarn (determined as the mass of a 9000-meter long strand). Look, I may not be a good climber, but at least I can be a comfortable climber. Our experts test thousands of products each year using thoughtful test plans that bring out key performance differences between competing products. Half of the packs in this test had enough exterior attachment points that we'd consider using them for moderate alpine missions. The same is true in the alpine realm, where extra weight can wear you out before you even get to your route. Packs of this shape give more clearance around the harness so your arms won't bump into them as often. Taller climbers will find the Route Rocket particularly comfortable. Higher denier fabrics weigh more. The Mystery Ranch Skyline 17 also sports ice tool attachments. However, although this might help keep the bottom of your pack from falling out, we believe the more likely places to get worn on a climbing backpack are the front and sides. Its versatile design can meet the organizational demands of mission-critical gear and everyday-use essentials. The North Face Route Rocket tied for first place in two of our five evaluation criteria, grabbing the best overall score and designation as our lead tester's personal favorite. For reference, this is a 9.6mm 70m. Best of all, if I ended up packing in too much beer-weight, the adjustability of the harness meant I could share the load with my wife (who is a real climber). These problem areas usually scrape against the rock during actual climbing and hauling and are where the most reinforcement should be targeted.

A good climbing backpack should be able to accommodate these movements (or at least be haulable when things get a little too "Cirque Du Soleil"). Thoughtfully, the designers have given users have ability to quickly grab odd things they might need on the walk in, by adding a few quick-access pockets as well as a stash area in the non-removeable brain of the pack. A small internal pocket, usually large enough for a phone, keys, and headlamp, is a common feature we've come to appreciate.

Whether carrying tactical gear or your laptop, these packs feature a rip-zip style opening for quick access when time is of the essence. Fortunately, most of these are removable. This is the small pack for you, This well rounded pack is a good choice for long rock climbs, This eye-catching pack is great for all sorts of outdoor pursuits and okay for climbing too, This comfortable and versatile pack is ideal for climbers who want to dabble in other mountain sports. Reproduction without permission is prohibited. The Multi-Pitch 20 has a clever mesh pocket for holding your climbing shoes on the way to and from a route. Material on GearLab is copyrighted. The Creek 20 and Skyline each has a pair of loops that can be clipped together with one locking carabiner when the pack isn't overstuffed. Our reviews are impartial and never altered to keep a brand happy. Photo Credit: Ben Herndon IG @donofhern, The Scepter ice climbing pack worn by Mystery Ranch ambassador Becky Switzer up a multi-pitch route in Hyalite, MT. An important feature that we wish was included on all climbing backpacks is a safety whistle. By using our website, you agree to the usage of cookies to help us make this website better. Smaller, and you could climb without a pack. The Creek 20 is bulky enough that it's only worth packing into a much larger pack and even then only if you need a mini haul bag in the backcountry. Its perfect for climbers with a bit more to carry or for climbers of a taller stature. W. The various pockets keep all your essential gear sorted and easy to access when time is of the essence. GearLab is founded on the principle of honest, objective, reviews. MYSTERY RANCH has been building the worlds most durable assault packs for almost two decades. From its burly 1000D CORDURA fabrication and splay open access to its removable components and comfortable carry, this is the perfect crag pack.

Think about what kind of climbing you do (and hope to do) as you're reading, as this will dictate the type of pack that's best for you. The Rock Blitz has a pocket that lives up against the wearer's lumbar spine and is a great protected place to stash a phone. All trademarks property of their respective owners The challenge posed by long routes is staying comfortable and safe enough to climb your best while hundreds (or thousands) of feet up a rock face. The shoulder straps on the Bug can also be crammed into the special topo pocket on the back of the pack. We researched over 50 different models before purchasing 11 to subject to side-by-side testing. Luckily, the human-interfacing side of the bag is covered by the yoke, so I didnt have the age-old problem of your bulletproof bag eating through my delicate (and expensive) merino wool base layer. Testing The North Face Route Rocket high above the Bow Valley. Overall, Mystery Ranchs foray into the wild world of crag-bags is a raging success. At about 2kg the Tower is not ultralight by any means, but doesnt add too much to my overall base weight. This long and lean pack can simplify your on-the-go needs, whether its cities to warzones or anywhere in between; this will become your go-to performance pack. The Multi-Pitch is made with a blend of 83% cotton canvas and 17% polyester. This study began with market research and the examination of over 50 models before carefully selecting the strongest offerings, which we purchased at full retail for testing. These bags are more robust than a hiking day pack, more substantial than a hydration pack, and smaller and more ergonomic than an alpine climbing backpack. Therefore, we factored in the packable bulk of these bags when empty. It is hard to imagine another sport with as much variety of movement as rock climbing. The simple and solid girth hitch is the best way to attach a hip belt. And, to assure complete independence, we buy all the products we test ourselves.

Looking to keep your rope safe while you climb and travel For this review, our seasoned field testers took out a Sizing up the daypack market and choosing what is best for We spent hundreds of days testing 15 of the best Petzl Bug this rectangular pack is the most comfortable, Mystery Ranch Skyline 17 mysteriously lacked one, the world's most carefully tested and objective gear reviews, Simple, great zippered pocket, streamlined, Comfortable, easy to pack, great packing volume, Limited attachment points, easy to drop stuff, Heavy, average durability, no emergency whistle, Though there are no extra features, this bag ticks all the boxes for multi-pitch climbing, Though it's heavy, this pack makes up for it with durability and great climbing features, This pack is great to climb with and easy to load, though it's not particularly light, An excellent choice for long routes in the desert due to excellent durability, This comfortable and utilitarian pack is light on features but heavy on durability, Cotton/polyester blend with 200D nylon kevlar dobby, One external zip, one external open, one internal zip, One external zip, two internal zip, stowable mesh side pocket, Top strap, side straps, ice axe attachments, This simple pack does what you need with nothing extra to get in the way, This functional and versatile small pack is also durable but on the heavier side, Comfortable with excellent packing volume for a sleek looking pack, This durable pack is a good choice for dry environments, While heavy, this bag is also comfortable, highly durable, and simple, This pack is on the small side and a little fragile, however it's quite light and comfortable, This little pack is perfect for climbers who never want to strap anything to their packs, Alpine climbing mission? How can we improve GearLab? We enjoy discovering gear that's not only inexpensive but also performs well. Our testers compared all the top climbing packs on the market, keeping an eye out for comfort, versatility, ability to climb, pockets, and so on. While no pack is going to tick every box for every climber, the Tower 47s strengths lay in its versatility and durability. He now lives and guides in the Sierra Nevada as an AMGA certified alpine guide and makes annual trips to Red Rock, Yosemite, Washington's Cascades, Utah's desert, and Alaska. Rock climbers should already know how important weight is. All the packs in our review come with decent shoulder straps. Black Diamond is now using their own proprietary 100 denier UHWMPE Mini Rip fabric on the. Built by outdoor athletes, designed to endure the most rugged terrain and conditions, our outdoor packs help skiers, climbers, hikers, and adventure travelers go farther, faster, and without undue strain on the body. While a pack shouldn't be the most expensive piece of climbing gear you buy, the models we've reviewed occupy a range of prices. The pack is not very abrasion-resistant, and it is almost free of external attachments. The Creek 20 as part of a simple hauling setup.

These packs can be used as an everyday backpack while still supplying the mission-specific needs you may require. To shave ounces, designers only use heavier materials on parts of the pack most subject to abuse like on the bottom. When it comes down to it, this bag is really meant to bring gear to the crag and rest at basecamp, and thats what it excels at. Name your alpine exploit, weve got a pack for it.

Join the discussion, here, in our active community of several thousand bag enthusiasts. All of the contenders in our test have slightly different back lengths and shapes. There are no restrictions on filling the main compartment of your bag with books, avocados, or anything else. While your high school bookbag can certainly hold stuff, we set out to discover what packs explicitly built for multi-pitch rock climbing have to offer. The Creek 20 lacks these niceties, but if you prefer to have your water in a bottle, this may not be a dealbreaker. MYSTERY RANCH BUILT FOR THE MISSION. Like a haul bag, the Creek 20 is also pretty heavy. The dual interior/exterior opening on the pocket of the Route Rocket is a tester favorite. This is easy, bomber, and takes minimal gear. I don't even know how tags work on this site, Stays true to the MR standard of high comfort, high quality, Super Clamshell design makes everything easily available at the crag, High amount of customization makes it a great choice for any gear-heavy outdoor activity or travel, Would love integrated hip-belt pockets and maybe a rope-mat, Some of the deeper compartments are very hard to access on the fly, Random buckles everywhere makes the pack seem chossy. All the models except the BD Bullet have a few attachment points and a way to secure a rope.

Beyond these qualities, evaluating versatility becomes more pack-specific. No cherry-picked units sent by manufacturers. External pockets with a "bag" on the inside of the pack can be harder to use because they get squished by whatever is inside the pack. No sponsored content. The Route Rocket scored high for comfort as well due to a fantastic balance of padding and tapering. Guides, first ascensionists, climbers engaged in rebolting projects: if you need a little more volume and want something simple and durable, this is your pack. If you regularly get into the alpine, you might be interested in our mountaineering backpack review. Whether it's for a quick day trip to the local crag or a loftier, the SKYLINE 23 is sized perfectly to host all your climbing necessities. At the same time, a climbing pack shouldn't be positioned too high because your helmet will hit it every time you look up. Most climbers we know wear packs mostly for long moderate routes where weight is less important. Let us know! Unmistakably recognized for the 3-ZIP access design, we dared to venture outside this tried and true design feature. The rest of the packs have a single loop between the shoulder straps. Now if youve made it this far without deleting ThePerfectPack.com from your bookmarks, I can assure you of two things. The way a pack fits your shape is a make-or-break factor that no online review can account for. The setup in a technical backpack is always one of the most difficult things to get right. If youre a regular on this site, youll know about Mystery Ranch harness systems. Climbing bags seem to see more than their share of sharp rocks, while at the same time being crammed full of heavy, bulky gear. Vertical Ice Climbing in Ontario, Canada, eh? Materials we tested ranged from the flimsy 70 denier nylon on the body of the Neon Light to the 1000d on the Skyline. The Black Diamond Creek 20 is like a haul bag but tiny! The smooth exterior of the Creek 20 minimizes hangups when immersed in the underbrush. The Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15 is a good small climbing pack at a nice price. Sign up for the MYSTERY RANCH email newsletter and receive exclusive access to new packs, special deals, and updates from the Ranch. The mountains are where our legs burn, our lungs heave, and our spirits soarand its where MYSTERY RANCH packs shine. Pack designers seem blissfully unaware of this. The packs main compartment can be accessed through the top shroud or full side zip, and pockets provide various organizational options to sort all your essential gear. The sleek Black Diamond Bullet is great up on a rock face or around town. The durable cotton fabric of the Multi-Pitch make it a good choice for desert climbers. Our favorites were contenders that balanced external carry options with a snag-free design. This gives an okay idea of how durable a given fabric is; a higher number corresponds to a higher level of durability. What started as a small Facebook group has turned into a community of almost 6000 members. Unlike a haul bag, it's pretty comfortable on the approach to the crag and also not half bad once you actually leave the ground with it on. Contribute. Get In Touch Snagging your pack on underbrush during an exposed walk-off is also frustrating and potentially dangerous. Testing the Route Rocket in the Candian Rockies. Our Editors independently research, test, and rate the best products. Just real, honest, side-by-side testing and comparison. Join us on the hunt for the perfect pack. That being said, the alpine yoke seems to be more forgiving of a not-so-perfect fit than some of the other MR gear Ive tried. Top zippered opening for controlled access or duffel bag opening for full access to gear, Five removable compression straps with aluminum buckles, Removable frame sheet and fiberglass stays, Handles on top for hauling, on the side and bottom to easily move the bag when open, Three large zippered internal pockets to keep gear organized and an additional zippered pocket on the body panel, Outer access to one internal pocket perfect to grab shoes and a harness without unpacking the whole bag, Your shopping cart stored, always and everywhere. Our testers only seemed to notice the weight of a pack (or lack thereof) when it was really light or really heavy (like the 27-ounce Creek). View all posts by Jeff. Obviously, any good climbing pack needs lots of lashing points and MR doesnt disappoint by trading in their usual MOLLE and PALS webbing for compression straps, daisy chains, and attachment points galore. In the end, we have an overall favorite, a suggestion for climbers on a budget, and an option to go the distance. However, if you have to haul, you probably want to do it using two beefy haul points. The potential emergency signaling use of a whistle is way too valuable for this light, simple device not to be included on any pack designed explicitly for a sport like rock climbing. Certain models are better for certain kinds of climbs. Almost every pack in this review can be slimmed by about two ounces or more if you remove hip belts, sternum straps, and supplemental padding. Ian's climbing career started in New England, and over time, like many, he made his way west, where more rock and bigger mountains are found. The most widely listed metric to describe nylon durability is denier. Ideally, the bottom of a climbing pack doesn't overlap with your harness. And, while its design is simple, this pack is only in the middle of our group when it comes to weight. It is possible to create packs even lighter than what we reviewed, but not without sacrifices in durability, function, or cost. They are best known for their military assault packs, or their tough-as-nails firefighting gear. With over four decades of design and manufacturing experience coupled with simultaneous in-the-field testing and real-world hammering we've learned a thing or two about load transfer, active framing and the importance of using only the most top-shelf materials. For this type of use, all the bags we tested are more than capable, though the bigger bags are more useful at the farmer's market. With over four decades of design and manufacturing experience coupled with simultaneous in-the-field testing and real-world hammering we've learned a thing or two about load transfer, active framing and the importance of using only the most top-shelf materials. Jeff is a trail runner, backpacker, cyclocross racer, fledgling paragliding pilot, and wannabe DIY pack maker.

The Black Diamond Blitz is specifically built for this purpose. True to its looks, it's really durable and stands up straight when empty for easier packing. However, within the metric' climbing utility,' we focused on features outside the scope of those other metrics which still need to be considered. And when things do get truly desperate, you're usually better off hauling a pack instead of wearing it. Or if you just need a simple, multipurpose daypack, we've tested both men's and women's models. Two of the features we missed on this pack were a sternum strap buckle that doubles as an emergency whistle (a feature found on some other BD packs) and external attachment options aside from the rope strap on top of the pack, there aren't any. Climbing-specific packs should ride high on your back to prevent them from obstructing access to the back of your harness. The Rock Blitz is a comfortable pack for medium to taller folks. Differentiation in our tested packs came from designs that taper (wide at the top, narrow at the bottom) to match a body's shape more closely. We genuinely appreciated the simple, utilitarian design. If a pack's main compartment is closed by a zipper it should be a big burly one (Bullet, right) not a little wimpy one (Payload, left). The main pocket zipper of the Route Rocket is very deep on one side. This construction made it difficult for our testers to get things in and out of the external zipper pockets on the Bug, particularly when overpacked. For this reason, we like climbing backpacks with external attachment options. were selected because they can affect a pack's overall usefulness for rock climbing. The Tower utilizes the Futura Alpine yoke, which is a slightly lighter weight and more streamlined system than their normal Futura setup.

Photo Credit: Ben Herndon @donofhern, Adaptive Climbing Photo Feature: Paradox Sports, Advocating for Deaf Climbers: Sonya Wilson, Blind Ambition Builds a World Class Climber: The Story of Jesse Dufton, Paraclimbing Competitions: Althlete Interviews, Featured Photographer: Charlie OlGrady-Kessner, Belaytionships: Maggie and Charlie Odette, Book Review: Paul Preuss: Lord of the Abyss, Hanging with the Monkeys, and Getting the Monkey Off My Back, It Was His Time: Brad Gobright Interview May 2019, John Middendorf : A Big Man for a Big Stone, Sbastien Berthe Free Climbs the Nose From the Ground Up, Shit Happens Or, Why You Need a Walkie Talkie, CHINA - From Yangshuo, to Getu, to Liming, UTAH - Maple Canyon: This One Makes You Taller, Failure is Part of the Price: Rand Abbott Attempts the First Adaptive Lead Ascent of The Nose, Overcoming a Brain Tumor: WeighMyRack Founder Interview: Alison Dennis, Planning for Mt. These compact packs are huge on tactical versatility and everyday use with PALS attach options and carefully thought-out pocket sizes for essential gear. Check out our other climbing reviews if you're ready to upgrade your shoes, harness, or rope. Key clips inside accessory pockets are also almost entirely universal, though the Mystery Ranch Skyline 17 mysteriously lacked one in its zippered pockets. During all these pitches, we discovered which models were the most durable and comfortable and which had the most practical climbing features. This stretchy mesh pocket is perfect for carrying rock shoes on the approach and descent, and tucks away into a pocket in the pack. Got feedback? Some have their second carry a pack for the team so the leader can move freely. The Blitz did not impede balancey mantles. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and we never accept free products from manufacturers. The back of the Bug is surprisingly comfortable despite not being tapered. Made for those that want to get to a bottom of the crag, drop the bag, and have it sprawl out with all of their equipment. As always, a word of warning those new to Mystery Ranch: take the time to adjust the harness! The content of the review was not shared with Mystery Ranch prior to publication. We tasked OutdoorGearLab Review Editor Ian McEleney to find out which models in the current market do this best. In turn, these heavier materials add durability. First, I may not be an excellent climber, but living in New Mexico has given me the opportunity to get to know and climb with a handful of wonderful people who have seen (and probably destroyed) more than their share of bomber gear. We want to be sure that you can get it done, whatever your mission may be. The amount of padding on the shoulder straps of our tested packs varied but was always adequate. Laybacks, stem boxes, offwidths, and shoulder scums can all require you to place your back or sides against rock. This spartan layout allows for heavier materials in the construction without a weight penalty. MYSTERY RANCH builds the best load-bearing equipment in the world. No ads. About The Perfect Pack A light pack like the Rock Blitz is important when linking routes on a big limestone face. At the other end of the spectrum, the BD Rock Blitz 15 is the smallest. Sign up for the MYSTERY RANCH email newsletter and receive exclusive access to new packs, special deals, and updates from the Ranch. We also suspect a lot of rock climbers will want to stuff their small climbing pack inside a larger bag for carrying gear to the cliff or on an overnight trip. If youre not: they are brilliant, which is good because If Im going to lug a bunch of gear a few miles down a trail I want to be sore from the routes I climbed, not the load on my back. While this may limit its uses, it may also be desirable by high-speed adventurers who prefer zero possibility of snagging (mountain bikers, resort skiers). Rainier: Adaptive Climbing, California Still Has Untouched Climbing Wilderness. In stock (2) Available in store: Check availability, Make a choice"Color: Black","Size: SM/MD""Color: Black","Size: LG/XL". Well, dear reader, I am confused about a lot of things, but when I tell you Mystery Ranch offered us the opportunity to test out their newest daily climber, I can tell you I was excited. We conducted our testing out in the field, in locations ranging from Cochamo in South America to Devil's Tower in Wyoming. Another bag is is highly likely. We also really appreciate the Black Diamond Bullet for those that want a super streamlined option and the Petzl Bug for an impressive combo of comfort and volume. Good hydration system features include a dedicated spot for the hose to exit the pack and something to keep the hose on the shoulder strap. This sternum strap buckle doubles as an emergency whistle. Mystery Ranch have added a dedicated climbing-gear pack to their mountain line. Though it scores well in this metric, the Skyline 17 has cords, loops, and other gizmos as potential snag points. The Rock Blitz 15, Route Rocket, and Mountain Hardwear Multi-Pitch 20 are all pretty streamlined but include haul loops and a few attachment points that could potentially get hung up. We suspect that the extra coating on the Route Rocket will boost its durability over the long haul.

The Skyline 17 is a bit too long for this climber. Half of the packs in this review have whistles that double as the buckle for their sternum strap; always at hand, impossible to forget.

Tax $0.00Checkout, You can compare a maximum of 5 productsStart comparison, Copyright 2019 - Theme By DMWS - RSS feed. That being said, this forced us to keep our gear pile small. The back tapers about 2" from top to bottom.

Profile: Wendy Bruere - More Than It Hurts, PROFILE - Marisa Michael - Nutrition for Climbers, Train the Mind: Mental Toughness Tips for Quaratraining, 8 Reasons I Carry a Full Rack on Every Trad Climb, Absolutely Hypothetical: Introducing the Graham Scale. If you're looking for the best climbing backpack to take up multi-pitch routes, you have more options now than ever before. Our testers found this to be sufficient for all but the most problematic hauling. If you're going to be hiking around with a daypack full of water, layers, snacks, big cams, a helmet, and rope strapped to the outside, the total weight can get heavy; support and stabilization become a concern. While we liked the extra accessibility, it could surprise climbers and possibly lead to dropping something important watch out if you have butterfingers at the anchor. The opening is great for quick and easy access with out having to fear the loss of any equipment. This brings us to design. In these situations, it's usually most comfortable to carry as much gear as possible in/on your daypack for the hiking instead of letting it jangle around on your harness or a shoulder sling. Sign up for the MYSTERY RANCH email newsletter and receive exclusive access to new packs, special deals, and updates from the Ranch. We tested these small climbing packs for comfort, climbing utility, durability, versatility, and weight. Nylon's abrasion resistance can vary wildly (think of the tissue-like delicacy of a windbreaker vs. the bullet-stopping force of a flak jacket). With over four decades of design and manufacturing experience coupled with simultaneous in-the-field testing and real-world hammering we've learned a thing or two about load transfer, active framing and the importance of using only the most top-shelf materials. This is a comfortable pack. The compression-molded back panel adds structure and increased comfort during the approach to the base of the crag. Small climbing packs can be great for running errands, like a trip to the post office. When you click on links to buy products we may earn money to support. Every serious sport climber knows that on a difficult redpoint, shedding a pound or two can be the difference between flailing and sending. Privacy | Cookies | Terms, We put climbing backpacks from The North Face, Black Diamond, Mystery Ranch, Petzl, and many more through rigorous alpine days and multipitch climbs to help you find your perfect match. Exploring South America's granite wonderland, Cochamo, with the Creek 20. The Creek is made of a high denier polyester with a thick urethane coating. Our team enjoyed the simplicity of design as well no need to read the manual here. Most of the packs we tested are composed primarily of nylon. The highest value products (meaning a great balance of price and performance) include the Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15 and The North Face Route Rocket. All of our evaluation criteria weight, durability, comfort, etc. We build for a different kind of customer, for folks who inspire us, and men and women with a job to do. At the same time, the 1000D Cordura means it has no problem holding its own against the skin-macerating Albuquerque granite. One of the joys of climbing is getting up off the ground. When it comes to the hip belt, our favorite setup is a removable one, which is what most of the packs have. Throughout, he's climbed on everything from boulders to big walls. We also wish that the top drawcord and cord lock weren't black, as they blend into the black fabric atop the pack.

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