Gear bags backpack?

ClimbingTN · Nov 27, 2023

Any suggestions for a gear bag, backpack style, maybe under $100. I would like something that I can get my 150ft 1.7 rope , Sequoia saddle, helmet and hardware in. I’m not sure what size I should be looking at. This is for my recreational climbing and I don’t think it needs to be a dedicated arborist bag. I would like the stuff to be concealed in pack like other hikers. I see a weaver and rock and arbor online but really bright colors. Some of the backpacks look too tactical. Suggestions?

Steve-o · Nov 27, 2023

check Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace for a good used 50-60 liter backpack with a hip belt. I see them all thetime..

oldoakman · Nov 27, 2023

Good will and other thrift stores, pawn shops that handle a lot of sporting equipment.

Matias · Nov 27, 2023

I use my hiking pack. I have had it 17 years- I had never thought about how old it is- and I have been using it for work for 3 years. It's a Gregory 70 liter, and it's my turtle shell; carry a house in it.

Muggs · Nov 27, 2023

I have a long history of finding good backpacks at yard sales and thrift stores. My current work pack is this Osprey 60L that I got for $10. Holds everything except my helmet and throw cubes and climbing lines.

Tom Dunlap · Nov 27, 2023

Don't get a pack too small. Pile up all ofyour gear, including throwlines and food/water. do some rough math to get a cubic dimension.

Don't get a pack too big. You'll always fill it with...whatever.

Matias · Nov 27, 2023

Tom Dunlap said:
Don't get a pack too small. Pile up all ofyour gear, including throwlines and food/water. do some rough math to get a cubic dimension.

Don't get a pack too big. You'll always fill it with...whatever.

My pack is too big, and I was overpacking for most jobs. It now just lays weirdly in the trucks because it's 30% empty, and buckle straps are cinched all the way down, but it's still super floppy

Muggs · Nov 27, 2023

Arb manufacturers have caught on to the trend of climbers using backpacks for their gear so now there are all kinds of wildly overpriced "Arb backpacks" to choose from, but a good hiking pack is all you need.

oldoakman · Nov 27, 2023

Tom Dunlap said:
Don't get a pack too small. Pile up all ofyour gear, including throwlines and food/water. do some rough math to get a cubic dimension.

Don't get a pack too big. You'll always fill it with...whatever.

Good advice.

Brando CalPankian · Nov 27, 2023

I've used one of these for going on 5 years now. The shoe compartment works great for my hardhat, and I can fit 200' of rope in the compartment if I want. My saddle, extra climb gear, spikes (with gaff protection), PPE, and a second rope can fit in it. It's waterproof and has ample extra storage, multiple handles, removable backpack slings, and external carbineer storage! Honestly I can't speak highly enough about it. I got it for line clearance hiking in miles and miles to do Backcountry lines and I never regretted it. The only issue has been that you can put so much stuff in it that it's rather heavy. I'd even throw the other guys stuff in it to carry it for him and still have room left over. Highly recommend taking a look, especially at the price point.

https://www.miersports.com/products/large-duffel-backpack

Shadowscape · Nov 27, 2023

I'm a big fan of Conterra's Reach packs. Not cheap by any means but hold all I need to hoof in with, and they are comfortable to carry. I like them so much I have two. One just for my climbing system and one for my rigging gear.
But you have to commit to a healthy lay out, so it won't fall anywhere near your under 100 dollar limit.
Far as under 100 dollars I would head to GoodWill and see what they have in the way of backpacks. They usually have a reasonable assortment, at least around here. I bought one from them while in Arizona one fall to carry some photography gear. Think I got it for 15 dollars. Probably was 150 dollars new, and it was in like new condition.
Link to the Conterra pack:

Reach Rigging Pack

The Reach Rigging pack is the ultimate bag for hauling rope and hardware in organized one pack. Say goodbye to hauling multiple bags and digging through them looking for the right piece of hardware. With the Reach Rigging pack you can carry up to 200' of 1/2" rope in the center chamber, and...

www.wesspur.com

Chris Schultz · Nov 27, 2023

I’ve got two osprey backpacking backpacks I’d let go of. I can send pics if you’re interested.

Matias · Nov 27, 2023

Omg, what sizes? I'd toss you a few bucks for a 50l

Chris Schultz · Nov 27, 2023

I’ll check when I get home. I think one’s a 75, the other might be a 55….. I’ll confirm later, and post up some pics.

Zebco Kid · Nov 27, 2023

ClimbingTN said:
Any suggestions for a gear bag, backpack style, maybe under $100. I would like something that I can get my 150ft 1.7 rope , Sequoia saddle, helmet and hardware in. I’m not sure what size I should be looking at. This is for my recreational climbing and I don’t think it needs to be a dedicated arborist bag. I would like the stuff to be concealed in pack like other hikers. I see a weaver and rock and arbor online but really bright colors. Some of the backpacks look too tactical. Suggestions?

Courant Cross Pro Gear Bag - 54 Litre - $160 with a coupon. Nicely constructed.

islandarb · Nov 27, 2023

This will work. I had the 45l years ago..tough enough..

DMM Porter 70 Liter Gear Bag

The DMM Porter range of bags are designed for carrying loads over greater distances with a blow molded back panel and substantial carry system. The Porter also has a detachable waterproof lid

www.treestuff.com

islandarb · Nov 27, 2023

My problem with backpacking packs, are they flop terrible..arb packs stand up to flake ropes easily and hold hardwear in specific spots for easy access. Harness and helmet holds easily and handsaw has a safe spot. Only thing I do not carry in it are my falteimer cubes. I just upgraded to a 65l arbortec pack, from a 55l which lasted 3 years of hard use. Still has life , but hey....

ClimbingTN · Nov 27, 2023

I just looked around on CL and FB. No cheap ones. I found a Kelty Trekker 4300 for $75 but looked well used. I’ll keep searching. Thanks for all the suggestions.

Chris Schultz · Nov 28, 2023

Talon 44. Good shape.

Chris Schultz · Nov 28, 2023

Aether 70. This one has a wire frame integrated into it, so shipping it could be a bitch (I’m no expert). This pack can haul some gear for sure. One feature I liked about this pack is the giant pouch on the top could come off along with the extra padded hip belt, and you could marry the two together for a fanny pack style bag(for small hikes out of base camp).