Scrambling/bouldering pack recommendations...

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Feb 8, 2004
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I have several "military" style packs, but I'm looking for a more svelt day-sized pack to hold 20-30 lbs max, but one that is more streamlined, able to compress down when no full and built for climbing; nothing too technical, mostly bouldering and scrambling off-trail.

I found a smoking deal on an Osprey Aura (35 liter) for my wife:

http://www.campmor.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?productId=39337618&memberId=12500226

It's actually a very nice pack, and she really likes it as it fits her well, carries what she needs with a little room to put the jacket/pullover into when it heats up and compresses when less full. Enough to hold a water bladder, water bottle, small stove, climbing harness and shoes, "essentials", snacks, fleece pull over or light rain jacket. I don't want to get into the contents (that's for another thread), but I'm looking at getting a new pack for myself for when we go out. I've used Camelback's, Maxpedition, Eagle RAID and even a Kifaru (the Pointman is great, but just too big for day hikes). I'm one that likes external pockets, but this isn't conducive to climbing around a bunch of large boulders. I do like the mesh side pockets for throwing snacks or a water bottle into, but when the trail gets rougher, you can toss them into the main compartment. Last time out, my pack was just too bulky (it was a larger Camelback)...excellent for the trail, but wouldn't compress down very well and it didn't distribute my equipment enough without throwing me off balace...several attempts didn't fix it, so I'm looking at trying out a few streamlined packs for our bouldering activities.

Compression is a big deal as well. I need to be able to cinch it down for stability as much as possible. I know 20-30lbs isn't much, but I do prefer a "real" frame as a opposed to cell-foam inserts...internal frame is what I'm looking for. I've handled a few of the light-weight packs at REI, and I know that the silicone/nylon material is pretty tough for the weight, but I do need to balance realistic weight with Kifaru bomb-proof construction; what will reasonably handle a few scrapes, abrasions and drops without failing but also isn't made of 100K Cordura and weight 5lbs empty?

Any recommendations or feedback on what you use now or have used in the past? Here's where we've been doing our climbing...again, there's more technical areas, but we're content at the moment to practice bouldering and hiking through the massive boulder fields:

Bouldering2.jpg


Bouldering1.jpg


Bouldering3.jpg


ROCK6
 
I've been happy with the Osprey packs I have owned. I think I've had 5 different models and still own 2 of them. Black Diamond also makes some good packs. Check out Arc'teryx and Gregory also. The new REI ultralight packs seemed decent to me as well.

As far as durability I've dropped, dragged and jettisoned my packs multiple times and never had a pack fail. Even when dragged through chimneys or hauled up walls. I don't think any of them were more than 500D cordura. One good thing about buying from REI is you can always return your pack if it gets shredded somehow.

I'm not up on all the current models but checking some manufacturer sites should bring up some likely candidates.
 
Thanks, looks like I've found a few and will do a side-by-side comparision. We need to head down the REI in the next few weeks and try a few on.

ROCK6
 
The links above helped me to find new mountain pack, though I need to compare it,which one is more cheaper yet high quality.Thanks again! :D

__________
Life is always walking up to us and saying, ”Come on in, the living’s find,” and what do we do? Back off and take its picture.
GaryMarsh sypder jackets
 
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