I am hoping to get some input from people who have done the type of trips I like to do. I need a backpack that can handle a regular ultralight backpacking load AND a full trad climbing rack, rope, etc. A typical load would probably run around 40 pounds or so. This will be for trips in the Wind Rivers and Bugaboos and such, where often you’re packing 10+ miles in, setting up a base camp, and then going out to do climbs during each day. I have a super old first generation HMG Porter that just isn’t up to snuff for things like this. Previously, I used a Dana Designs Terraplane, which did well with the weight but weighed more than seven pounds by itself. I am think a Seek Outside model would be ideal, but wanted input on what people have used and how they liked it. It isn’t just the weight the pack has to handle, but the extra bulk of a rope and trad rack, etc. Thanks for any feedback!
Topic
Backpack for climbing trips
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Cilogear worksack
I have a 30L Cilogear worksack that I really like for cragging, but I’m not a super big fan of their bigger models. Kinda fiddly with mediocre weight transfer (for me). I know it’s difficult because pack fit and experience is so subjective (like shoes). I appreciate the input.
>Osprey aether pro?
I got a SO Divide but I’ve only used it 4 times. It’s definitely carries very well imo. No collapse at all. I have only had about 35-40 in it but it was pretty nice. I guess if you were Just carrying a bunch of climbing gear it would be ok but idk about having to get to the gear and if the frame would be a bother while climbing.
To clarify, the backpack would not be going with me climbing, just packing everything in. I have a little 18L pack that I actually take climbing (REI Flash18). I know McHale could make me exactly what I want, but the price is pretty steep. I was hoping for something no more than about $400.
Check out the Osprey Mutant series. I’m pretty pleased with the 38. Carries really well and surprisingly affordable. A little heavier than an ultralight pack, price you pay for the load carrying.
The Seek Outside Divide carries a big load even better, the trade off being some loss of nimbleness.
Wanted to love the Cilogear 30 but sewing quality was visibly poorer than other packs I have from ULA, Seek Outside, Osprey, Montbell.
Climbing from a basecamp? Anything smaller than 100 litres won’t give you enough room for enough beer. OSPREYÂ The biggest Eather and the summit pack fits inside easily
Is it an issue to carry ropes outside a pack? The newer external frames might work well paired with your flash18 and a dry bag or two.
Kifaru Ultralight Duplex Frame
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How much volume are you talking about? My ULA Circuit can handle the weight well, even though I believe they recommend 35#. If that’s not enough volume, you might consider the even bigger Catalyst. Have fun!
The Hanchor FROST comes to mind.


Call Dan McHale. He will build you a custom pack that fits perfectly. Also he has tons of serious climbing experience and knows the special requirements of climbers.
SO Unaweep 4800. Replace the Talon with the Merlin day pack. I can attest to the Merlins comfortability and fitment.
I’m not sure I do the same kinds of things that you do exactly, but I use a Lowe Alpine Crag Attack 42L pack for climbing trips. It weighs 1lb14oz (which sounds more than I thought) and fits a full rack in plus a few extras, especially if you hang the rope across the top and your helmet on the outside. The waist belt is pretty comfortable even though it’s light. I bought this pack around 7.5 years ago and the one issue is that the superlight clips broke really easily. Maybe they’ve improved this feature since?
for hauling anything north of 30 lbs, I want a external frame
Seek Outside with the detachable bag would be a nice setup- rope etc could be stored comfortably between frame and bag
or something like the Divide w/ a Talon
if your climbing kit is in the neighborhood of 40 lbs – you definitely want something made with hauling in mind
Drew Smith recently reviewed the Divide pack. I find this pack to be very comfortable under heavy loads (40+ lb). For context, I’m normally a McHale SARC user for hauling climbing gear.
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