Backpack for short hikes.

[smiter]

right now im just stuffing everything into a 30L bag and its pretty hard to organize.

what does everyone else use to put rope and gear in when youre having to hike out further then the parking lot?

 

[k sin]

One backpack, one small duffle bag most of the time. I sewn some medium size bags out of old camping tents to keep things organized.

 

[chiselbit]

Hey Smiter, are you from Citrus Heights California?

 

[Jan_]

I use a 35 l backpack. In order to keep it organized I use a small bag that you can close by pulling a string (we Germans call them "Turnbeutel", that translates into "gym bag"). I throw all the smaller items into this bag. When I get to a tree, I just clip all the contents of the bag into my harness one by one.

 

[CanadianStan]

right now im just stuffing everything into a 30L bag and its pretty hard to organize.

what does everyone else use to put rope and gear in when youre having to hike out further then the parking lot?

I’ve got a couple 35-75L hiking backpacks that are wonderful. Good for organizing and they can handle the weight and the waist strap and chest strap help distribute the weight onto your body making it easier to carry

Rock climbing bags are pretty cool for the purpose as well, they often have a central zipper that can open duffel style just to access the rope and keep the rope separate.

For bomber-rating, Metolius haulbags cant be beat. Waterproof, burly, indestructible

Notch makes a couple cool bags as well with spots to clip in lots of carabiners / accessories.

Lastly rope access companies such as Conterra are pretty well suited.

Ultimately you can pick 2 out of 3 characteristics:
1- Lightweight
2- Well built / durable / waterproof
3- Cheap

How heavy is your rec climbing kit ? How far are you hiking ? Are you including camping gear ?

 

[moss]

I use an internal frame hiking camping backpack, not an ultralight, durability is in your favor. I like to wear my harness while hiking to trees. Photo below is from a multi-day tree climbing/camping trip Sierra Nevada, carrying climbing gear/camping gear, tree hammock is strapped to the back of my pack, custom slingshot poles, 200’ 10mm HTP etc in the pack, definitely had my mini expresso pot onboard ;-)

 

[CanadianStan]

I use an internal frame hiking camping backpack, not an ultralight, durability is in your favor. I like to wear my harness while hiking to trees. Photo below is from a multi-day tree climbing/camping trip Sierra Nevada, carrying climbing gear/camping gear, tree hammock is strapped to the back of my pack, custom slingshot poles, 200’ 10mm HTP etc in the pack, definitely had my mini expresso pot onboard ;-)View attachment 55112

How’s climbing on 10mm rope? What hitch cordage are you using ?

 

[smiter]

Hey Smiter, are you from Citrus Heights California?

yep.

 

[chiselbit]

Hello neighbor, I’m up the hill about 45 miles near Pollock Pines

 

[WaitakKauri]

Interesting hearing and seeing peoples options

I use a ~60L backpack most of the time for my gear. I organize with super lightweight zippered packing bags, normally just two. Helmet in a draw string bag. Original style diy SAKA on it's own flat against the back of the pack. (also where my handsaw goes when I have it)

I have a Harrison throw line bag and it fits in my helmet. That worked out as a surprise.

I have a snow shovel attachment on the outside of my pack that works great for carrying a throw cube.

 

[moss]

So much for reading comprehension, missed that the topic is carrying gear for “short hikes” ;-) for me, same pack short or long hike.

 

[moss]

How’s climbing on 10mm rope? What hitch cordage are you using ?

Used it for accessing tall trees with handled ascenders. Sterling HTP 10mm, not great for a hitch and a rope wrench. Very low stretch, excellent for long ascents and when you want to carry a long rope a long way.
-AJ

 

[CanadianStan]

Used it for accessing tall trees with handled ascenders. Sterling HTP 10mm, not great for a hitch and a rope wrench. Very low stretch, excellent for long ascents and when you want to carry a long rope a long way.
-AJ

So 2 single ascenders or 1 double ascender ?
What do you prefer for descent, RIG style descender or fig 8 + backup ?

I’m trying to imagine this but unless you can hit your final tie in point with the throwline ... you’re kind of going to have to move around in the tree no?

I ascended on 11mm KMIII with hitch cordage and that went fine

 

[moss]

So 2 single ascenders or 1 double ascender ?
What do you prefer for descent, RIG style descender or fig 8 + backup ?

I’m trying to imagine this but unless you can hit your final tie in point with the throwline ... you’re kind of going to have to move around in the tree no?

I ascended on 11mm KMIII with hitch cordage and that went fine

I’ve used various arrangements, classic sit/stand Texas system, hybrid rope walker, microcender with hitch riding below. This was all pre rope wrench, now i’d RW or any of the multicenders. Used an original Grigi for rappel, works very well with HTP 10mm. Grigri 2 is fairly useless.

Typically with big conifers east or west coast or in between your getting a limb in the lower crown, anywhere from 70’ to 130+ depending where you are east or west and advancing from there. In the West I leave the initial access line where it is and tail a second 200’ to set a high TIP when I get there. Different strategies different situations.