Cold Cold World Ozone

If you are looking for climbing packs specifically . Then Wild Things for sure, maybe some of the new BD packs. All on the heavy side. Serratus Genie packs (no longer in production) were also excellent durability for climbing. I bought several before they went out of business. There are two versions of the Genie one is more durable but a bit heavier. If it's something you are interested in I may be willing to part with a brand new one. PM me.

if this is not for climbing ( high durability) there are several lighter options for 30L /1800 CI packs. Many on here might argue you dont need highly durable even for climbing. I would disagree.

I have a similar CCW pack- same size, features, etc. but mine has a dual buckle lid. I just used it today for a quick 7 mile hike, and use it as a leader pack for ice climbing and alpine.
I do wish it had compression straps (internal would be nice) as when you just have a belay jacket, water and first aid kit, it has some empty space. I also would like a daisy chain on the outside to clip rock shoes, chalk bag, wet gear, etc.

It is tough. Mine is 1000d Cordura (or something like it) and is very well made with a double bottom. The material is burly, but tends to show abrasion. I would like a smoother fabric, something untextured perhaps.

The suspension is a bivy pad folded over and secured in a pocket- easily removed via a velcro flap. This holds the pack shape well, but it's 20×10 inches make it a bit bulky to carry in a larger bag on the approach. The pad unfolds lengthwise to 40×10 inches of 1/4inch foam. I would prefer a 20X20 inch pad folded in half, but this would make it more difficult to get in and out of the pack sleeve.

It's slim profile stays out of the way while climbing- it is hardly noticeable. The bivy pad keeps the pack's shape and does well with 15 pounds (for me). It is a good leader pack and can take some hauling- but I do wish it had the changes I mentioned above.

Mine weighs 1lb 13.5 ounces for th pack and 3 more ounces for the pad (just weighed on a Pelouze digital scale). So at 2 pounds I only take it when I need to size and durability. Otherwise, I use a Mountain Hardwear Scrambler weighing 13.8 ounces. This pack does not carry nearly as well as the CCW, but is half the weight, half the price, and less bulky. It also can not take much abuse at all.

Other options:
Wild Things Guide Pack (pricey)
MEC Genie 30DSL- the old Genie used to be THE alpine pack. Serratus gear was cheap, but tough and purpose built. My 8 year old Icefall served very well until the webbing rotted. I would likely get one of these if I did not have the Scrambler- but again, the CCW is likley tougher for hauling.
Sorry to be so longwinded

Edit: Damnit, Martin beat me to it!

I've had mine for about five years now. I put three grommets in the bottom early on so it would drain while canyoneering. I also replaced the little backpad with a cut down Zrest, which stiffened things up a bit. I then have put tons of days on it, canyoneering, climbing, day hiking, and backpacking.

Last fall I cut the lid off and sewed on a silnylon extension collar. Now I can do 3 day fall trips with it.

It's one of my favorite pieces of gear of all time. I love being able to haul it and beat it up without fear. I finally put a hole in it in Utah last month, a testament to the Ballistics. It scuffs easily, but takes almost forever to actually wear.

Wow that's awesome Dane! I took a look at the Serratus Genie, it looks awesome as well! Decisions, decisions!

I tried the MHW Scrambler, good looking pack but the straps really cut into the shoulders with a rack % rope loaded in to it (thnx to the local gear shop for letting me try it out)

Also tried the Arc Teryc cierzo 35, nice pack! not bad carrying pack….cept lid doesn't sit well on the pack…too bad it isn't removable

I wonder if Randy would be willing to put in an internal compression system and make the lid removable…

thanx for the insights and replies!

It almost seems that in the smaller sizes, that compression straps may not be needed, I've noticed this on McHale's site that he mentions that it's not neccessary on smaller packs, (but I think he's referring to small packs with frames in them)

Also the design of the pack has an affect on the overall lack of need or need of compression straps.

thoughts?

The Ozone is quite narrow and shallow at the bottom, and gets wider at the top. It carries really well stuffed full, which is due I think solely to the shape of the packbag. The only time I've wanted straps on mine has been to carry skis.

I like it less on the few occasions when I've carried very little in it. Things get floppy. But I use other packs for those occasions. For bigger packs, like the one I sewed and posted about a few weeks ago (which was based off the Ozone, but made to be bigger, I like straps. They keep bigger loads in tight, and adapt to partial loads. And they carry skis and what not.

Thanks for the insight.

I just talked to Randy from CCW, and he's willing to put on a compression system, it would seem a string/bungee system may be ideal (option of removing), any other compression options recommended, opinions?