The Best Climbing (Crag) Backpacks

We researched eight climbing (aka crag) backpacks, and these six were chosen to represent a wide range of the basic design approach. Roughly speaking, these designs could be categorized as: Briefcase,Duffle, Haul bag and Burrito. They ranged from simple to complex. Some were organizational wizards, while others opted to be simple storage and hauling vessels. Brands designed most of the chosen crag packs specifically for sport climbing, with some brands offering separate crag packs aimed at traditional climbing.

Over three months of testing during guiding and personal single pitch sport climbing days, multiple times per week, netted the results. Guiding clients and partners were also encouraged to trade packs for parts of each climbing day, with opinions noted. The Best Crag Packs of 2017 was Gear Institute’s first test to treat crag packs as a standalone product category.

Review Results

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Comfort & Fit

The padding and comfort of the shoulder straps on the Patagonia Crag Daddy 45L (blue) were superior to those on the North Face Cragaconda.

The most comfortable crag pack by far was the Patagonia Crag Daddy 45L. The well-designed suspension system, with its generously padded and sculpted straps, catapulted the pack to the top of the comfort scale. Mesh on the contact points with the body added comfort when the temperatures were higher, allowing some breathability to aid moisture management. It also comes in two sizes to match torso length which is rare to see from other brands building crag packs. The back panel had adequate padding when packed correctly, but haphazard filling and lack of a solid frame sheet allowed metal climbing hardware to create pressure points on the back, a problem that occurred to some degree on all the crag packs that lacked a solid frame sheet. The ability of the aluminum perimeter frame and tensioned mesh panel to move and conform with the trunk, and its superior shoulder strap padding, pushed it just ahead in this rating category over the second place finisher; the North Face Cragaconda.

The Cragaconda did have a frame sheet, which prevented pressure points. It also proved good mobility on the steep, craggy approaches of many climbing areas. The DMM Flight 45L has a frame sheet, but the small footprint and lower density padding limited comfort with anything beyond a light sport climbing rack. The Metolius Crag Station and the Black Diamond Equipment Pipe Dream 45 suffered due to a lack of any rigid suspension components, while the Trango Crag Pack’s back panel lacks air circulation, which lowered its Comfort/Fit rating.

The tensioned mesh “trampoline” suspension system of the Patagonia Crag Daddy 45L provided weight transfer while allowing extreme mobility; the North Face Cragaconda had a frame sheet with stays that didn’t have quite the same mobility.

Stability

The Patagonia Crag Daddy 45L also walked away with the highest stability rating. All the things that contributed to the fit/comfort also played into this rating, as well as the shoulder strap load lifters and hip belt control straps. This crag pack essentially had all the stability enhancing items fully featured backpacking packs have, which allowed it to handle heavier climbing loads effectively. The North Face Cragaconda also scored high in Stability; the only ding was the lack of compression straps, which allowed loads to shift with a partially filled pack. The Metolius Crag Station fared well, the larger surface area of the back panel and compression straps provided the necessary stability for sport climbing loads. The Trango Crag Pack had a load shifting problem from no compression straps, and the larger volume made it more likely to be partially filled. The DMM Flight 45L also lacked compression straps and the small footprint on the back added to instability.  The Black Diamond Equipment Pipe Dream 45’s lack of rigidity and tall stature made acquiring stability (through careful packing) challenging.

Storage

The Trango Crag Pack’s large haul bag style dimensions gave it the edge regarding storage. It was the only crag pack in the test that could accommodate a full load of traditional climbing gear. The 48L capacity trumps the others by a few liters, but the single tubular space and full sized top opening allowed packing large volumes of gear. Generous external pockets handled larger water containers, guide books, and a mesh pocket facilitated shoe drying while switching cliffs. The lid also had a zippered pocket, and buckled straps on each side of the pack accommodated extra ropes, clothing and stick clips. Whether clipping bolts or placing pro, the Crag Pack’s storage capacity ruled all others. The North Face Cragaconda, Patagonia Crag Daddy 45L, DMM Flight 45L, and Black Diamond Equipment Pipe Dream 45 all tied with a lower score due to being limited to sport climbing gear. The Metolius Crag Station scored the lowest; similarly limited to sport climbing gear but with the added disadvantage of no exterior rope storage.

Durability

The Metolius Crag Station’s burly materials and bomber construction gave it a rare rating of 10 out of 10 in the durability department. The “Durathane” haul bag material and ballistic nylon thwarted even slight damage after being dragged across rough granite and sharp limestone. The duffle style bag’s main zip was a large YKK #10 with huge nylon webbing zipper pulls. Two compression straps, with crush proof metal buckles, ran across this main zip to alleviate strain when the pack was overstuffed. The North Face Cragaconda scored next highest; the main fabric was 840d PU coated nylon with a nylon inner liner, which saved it from abrasion from both sides. The metal hip belt buckle also added to the Durability score.  The Trango Crag Pack’s haul bag type material helped it garner the next highest score. The remaining packs all proved durable and scored well, just not as well as these.

Extras

The lack of compression straps on the North Face Cragaconda negatively affected stability; no such issues on the Patagonia Crag Daddy 45L.

The North Face Cragaconda and the DMM Flight 45L were tied, both having features that covered all the bases for sport climbing. Each had a rope tarp, external helmet sling, racking loops, internal pockets for bulky items; these packs organized gear brilliantly. The DMM’s square shape carried a stick clip easily, but the North Face had a padded front panel, which was welcome when donning and removing rock shoes. The nod went to the Cragaconda since this single feature was used on every route, and carrying a stick clip was still possible, just not as easily as on the Flight 45L. The Trango Crag Pack’s myriad of simple additions, including exterior mesh shoe storage and a pocket shaped and sized for guide books allowed it to come in the runner-up position along with the Black Diamond Equipment Pipe Dream 45, which had the unique ability to fold out into a comfy crash pad. The remaining Patagonia Crag Daddy 45 and Metolius Crag Station shared the duffle bag design, which limited available extras.

Review Conclusion

Rock climbers may beg the question, “why not just use a regular backpack?” Although a standard backpack will get the necessary items to the base of the routes, most would require careful packing of small, dense and loose items. It would likely necessitate taking all the contents out to gear up appropriately, leaving unused items out to prevent repacking between routes. Crag packs are designed to ease access and organization of climbing hardware and softgoods, and they prevent forgotten or lost items, most having easily visible organizational systems to identify anything amiss. Most move from route to route more easily as well, withouth gear stacking on top of each other, and if so, they have a way to reach deeper packed items without unpacking. A well-designed crag pack makes the necessary actions of packing for the day, readying for each route, and getting repacked to leave more pleasant and efficient.

The crag packs in this test were best suited, and most likely designed, around sport climbing. A few companies offered different crag packs aimed at traditional climbing, and this trend should expand. Traditional climbing oriented crag packs need to be larger in volume, packed differently and be extremely durable. The dense nature of traditional climbing protection the amount of gear required calls for much heavier loads and larger overall volumes. Getting all that gear into a smaller package becomes more important than convenient features that add to the dimensions of the pack without increasing carrying capacity. These crag packs will likely look a lot more like normal packs but have at least racking options for the vast array of hardware that needs to be tracked and packed. Durability is key since climbing up abrasive slots and chimneys is often a part of traditional climbing routes.

Test Methods

The crag packs were tested mostly in sport climbing situations, both during single and multiple day excursions from a base camp. A standard sport climbing set up of a dozen draws, 70 m rope, harness, chalk bag, shoes, helmet, guide book, stick clip, snacks and layers were used, and approaches took an hour or less. Climbers usually visited multiple areas each day, necessitating several cycles of unpacking and repacking. Testing via trad climbing was done when capacity allowed and consisted of single pitch routes scattered over large areas, both in single-day and multiday outings.

What is a Crag Pack?

A crag pack is a pack specifically designed to transport, organize and allow for efficient access of rock climbing gear. A typical day at the cliff has the climber reach the first area, flake the rope out, put the harness and chalk bag on, rack up with the appropriate gear, put shoes on, then finally climb. Between routes, gear is removed and put back into the pack. Often, snacks and hydration are also needed. Upon completion of the desired routes in that area, repacking ensues, except the harness, and it’s off to the next area. All this repeats until the final route in the last area is completed. Then everything is packed up and hiked back to camp, or the vehicle to end the day. Multiple unpacking, repacking, and gear swapping scenarios happen during the day, where items are easily misplaced. Crag packs are designed to alleviate potential issues and lend efficiency to the most commonly recurring steps.

Racking loops to clip hardware, mesh pockets for soft goods and a way to carry the rope are primary organizational needs, along with having a place for everything required for a day outdoors. Durable materials are a must to ward off the abundant surfaces where the user is often squeezing between them or hauling the pack up. Metal hardware with sharp edges threatens the interior surfaces.  Heavier ballistic nylons and heavy PVC haul bag materials are common and warranted. Crush proof buckles, large zippers and heavy duty loops for hauling are also valuable. Exterior daisy chains and lashing points are plusses for quickly clipping items on the go, accommodating bulky layers or a second rope.

MSRP for these crag packs ranged from $99-$179. For the most part, the quality of materials and features rose concurrently with the price tags. The $99 Trango Crag Pack was an exceptional value, particularly considering the volume allowed use for traditional climbing. Patagonia’s Crag Daddy 45L sat at the high end of pricing, but it did have the most involved suspension system and the associated brand allure and sustainability stance.

Review Year
Best in Class
Overall Rating
Price
Name Overall Rating Ratings The Good The Bad Price
The North Face Cragaconda
89
Comfort/Fit 7
Stability 7
Storage 7
Durability 9
Extras 9

Very organized

Easy to load and unload

Durable materials

No external rope carry option

Shoulder straps uncomfortable with heavy loads

Internal volume limited to small trad racks

MSRP
$169.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
Patagonia Crag Daddy 45L
87
Comfort/Fit 9
Stability 9
Storage 7
Durability 6
Extras 6

Great suspension system

Easy to load and unload

External rope stash and water bottle pockets

Internal volume too small for rope and trad rack

Small organizational pockets

Stuffing/compressing pack stresses main zipper

MSRP
$179.00
BEST DEAL
N/A
DMM Flight 45L
85
Comfort/Fit 6
Stability 6
Storage 7
Durability 7
Extras 9

Well organized for sport climbing

Easy to load and unload

Clean design

Volume limits pack to sport climbing

Suspension limited to sport climbing

Stability limited to sport climbing

MSRP
$140.00
BEST DEAL
Trango Crag Pack
85
Comfort/Fit 5
Stability 6
Storage 9
Durability 8
Extras 7

Large internal volume

Carries heavy loads well

Stands up on its own for easy loading and unloading

Outside dimensions large, awkward in narrow places

No internal pockets

Lack of back panel air circulation

MSRP
$99.00
BEST DEAL
Black Diamond Pipe Dream 45 Backpack
84
Comfort/Fit 5
Stability 6
Storage 7
Durability 9
Extras 7

Keeps all gear off the dirt

Provides a comfortable place to relax

Can be used as a low bouldering pad

Volume limits pack to sport climbing

Tall stature

Careful packing required to maintain shape and stability

MSRP
$169.95
BEST DEAL
N/A
Metolius Crag Station
84
Best in Class
2017
Comfort/Fit 6
Stability 7
Storage 5
Durability 10
Extras 6

Durable materials and construction

Easy to load and unload

Great airline travel pack

Lack of rigid suspension limits load carrying

Volume limited to sport cragging use

MSRP
$119.00
BEST DEAL
The North Face Cragaconda

The North Face Cragaconda is an extremely well thought out crag pack, with all required gear having dedicated locations, making days at the cliff efficient and reducing chances of leaving anything behind. Every gear centric need has been addressed, satisfying even the most organization obsessed climber. Our main gripe however was how poorly the thinly padded shoulder straps handled heavier loads.

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Patagonia Crag Daddy 45L

The Patagonia Crag Daddy 45L pack’s suspension carries sport climbing loads extremely well no matter the terrain and the duffle style handles and main opening allows quick and easy gear access and transport from climb to climb. Patagonia’s corporate stance on sustainability is an added bonus for the environmentally conscious climber.

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DMM Flight 45L

The DMM Flight has a specific location for all your sport climbing needs and carries it all in a clean and compact way. Every sport climbing essential has a secure location and the suitcase design lays it all in view and quickly moveable from route to route. Extras abound on this crag pack, but the clean design makes for a simple package without external loose ends, making it ideal for airline carry on use. 

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Trango Crag Pack

The Trango Crag Pack’s 48L capacity combined with its stout suspension system, handles both sport and trad climbing loads. This haul bag style pack stands up on its own, making packing and unpacking quick and easy. Although simple in basic design, this pack has features that effectively address issues commonly encountered while at the cliffs. These aspects, combined with the price, make the Trango Crag Pack extremely attractive. 

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Metolius Crag Station

The Metolius Crag Station has a simple to use design, and incredibly tough materials allow the climber to dump gear in, throw the pack down, get gear out and climb with no fuss. The haul bag type materials, large zippers and ballistic fabrics mean no worrying or being cautious with your gear, and the single main zippered duffle bag opening makes getting gear in and out at the cliff a simple and quick affair.

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Black Diamond Pipe Dream 45 Backpack

The Black Diamond Equipment Pipe Dream 45 is the most unique crag pack in the test. A cleverly designed padded mat is folded burrito style and capped on the ends to transport your goods to the cliff and then unfurled to provide a clean surface for all your gear and a comfortable place to relax between efforts (for both human and dog.) It’s a little small for trad climbing gear and needs to be packed properly for the best stability while carrying.

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