Backpack for overnight climbing trips

Bump for input.

Any hiking pack should be able to handle easy scrambles. I prefer to look for something tall, narrow, and with nothing more than a couple straps and a lid. The key is to pack it tight but not have anything hanging outside.

The Altra has a lot of unnecessary features so I wouldn't use it for climbing. You can use it for the hikes you describe, but I think a more streamlined pack will suit you better.

Patagonia Ascensionist 35L comes to mind.

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Gregory Z 30-40. Amazing suspension. Affordable. Legendary rep.

Eos 30 comes to mind

http://katabaticgear.com/shop/eos-30-backpack/

I use this pack mostly for day trips in the winter, but serves me well for occasional overnighters in the mountains. It's a very simple pack that happens to carry very nicely on uneven/difficult terrain.

It will carry loads in the 15# range very comfortably.

An American made ULA CDT at $145 would not exactly suck,either..;)

Appreciate the very good responses and choices.

The Cilogear 30L Worksack would work well or the 30:30 Worksack (40 Liter) if you need a bit more space. Also, if you like a bit more supportive carry, purchase the framesheet w/ stay too.

http://www.patagonia.com/us/product/ascensionist-pack-35-liter?p=47995-0

I like the streamlined aspect of this pack but there isn't a single external pocket except the small pocket on the top closure. So, every time you want a drink of water you have to stop, take the pack off and open the main compartment? I can understand for pure technical climbing (ropes, harnesses etc..) you don't want anything in your way or that can fall out etc. For those that have used this pack for backpacking/scrambling do you find the lack of water access problematic?

It's a climbing oriented pack. Climbers tend to be go go go. Stash some food in your pockets and clip a water bottle to the hipbelt if you need constant access. These packs require some planning so you can keep all your stuff accessible in the order that you might need it.

i can't speak for the ascentionist, but for my cilogear pack i bought a $2 chalk bag out of the bargin bin and thread it through one of the side compression straps if i want to carry a water bottle externally. for pockets, the cilogear brain is pretty well thought out and can swallow all the incidental items like on-trail food, camera, bug spray, sun screen etc. that i might want/need. i am reluctant to open/fish through the main body of my pack on the trail unless i have to. what's also nice about the cilogear pack is its modularity and variety of different ways to configure. is it the lightest pack available; no, but it might be the right pack for you.

i'm editing to add cold cold world packs. while i have used them in the past and like them, i like the cilogear better, but they are the first choice amongst many. i think the valdez would be in the size range you are looking for.

you can call cilo or ccw and they will both be happy to talk (your ear off) about what you are looking for and what they can provide.

As mentioned you can clip a small bottle to the tool loops on the hip belt. When scrambling I prefer to use the Platy drink tube kit with a 1L Platy laying on the top of my main compartment and held fast under the top lid. The Ascensionist also has dual daisy chains to let attach any kind of external pockets you think you need.

I also use a platy and cut down hoser for water, I use a small MLD pocket on the belt for sunscreen, snacks, etc- weighs about an ounce

I've used my Cilogear 45L worksack for climbing and backpacking, anything from day alpine rock trips carrying technical gear to non-climbing multiday backpacks. It is a great pack and can be configured all different ways to keep it simple or to strap a bunch of stuff on.

I actually find it almost too large for day climbs or overnights where I don't need to carry a rope or other climbing gear. According to Cilogear it carries 75L with the collar fully extended. Certainly much larger than my old REI climbing pack rated at 50L.
Durability has been ok but not bomber. I've used it 1-2x a month since December and it shows some abrasion. Nothing functionally compromised, though, and if you are just scrambling and not climbing up chimneys, hauling etc. it would probably be fine. Personally I am considering a 30L "Guide Service" worksack for shorter trips and more durability. This might be closer to the volume you need.

Might also look at the Arcteryx Alpha FL packs as mentioned upthread. They come in 30 and 45L versions. Very sleek, waterproof and seem well designed. A climbing partner of mine has the 45L and loves it.

OK, a bit of a selfish plug, but I do have a brand spanking new pack for sale that fits your needs. It’s a RAB Alpine 45, large torso (19.5″). For the frame it uses a single piece of very dense CCF pad in conjunction with a small diameter aluminum tube around the perimeter of the pad that’s shaped to follow your back, all tucked in a nice tight sleeve. Note that it also has side stretch pockets. They’re not huge, but could carry Smart Water style bottles easy, but 1L Nalgenes would be too big. The lower compression strap can go over the bottle to keep it secure. Finally, the lid can be removed and left home when not needed. The top closure is a very secure “dry bag” style roll top. I think 45 liters is a bit generous.The top roll top extension collar accounts for some of that space, so it’s probably closer to a 40 liter pack.

Here’s a web review: tog-blog.co.uk

That's a good looking pack. I think I'd want a daisy chain or some other attachment points on the back of the pack. Is the hip belt removable?

"Is the hip belt removable?"

Yes, it's the fairly common style that slips behind the back panel and is secured in place with Velcro.