Best Climbing Backpacks of 2022

Updated on September 12, 2021

We climbers love our gear. So why not love the gear that carries your gear as well? Whether you’re out for a day of cragging with your friends or settling in for an afternoon bouldering session, you’ll need the perfect pack for transporting your beloved gear comfortably and efficiently. But with so many options on the market, how do you know which is the best climbing backpack for you?

Here at The Adventure Junkies we understand how game-changing the perfect backpack can be. In a sport like climbing, the amount of gear you carry can be overwhelming, and the approaches to the crag long and arduous. To help you out, we’ve assembled a list of the top backpacks climbers are raving about this year, along with what to look for when making the right choice for you.

For more of our top climbing gear recommendations, check out the Best Rope Bags.

 

Quick Answer – The Best Climbing Backpacks

Osprey Mutant 38View at REIREI Co-op Flash 18View at REIArc’teryx Alpha FL 30View at BackcountryBlack Diamond Creek 20View at BackcountryBlack Diamond Rock Blitz 15View at AmazonPatagonia Cragsmith 32View at REITrango Crag PackView at BackcountryMountain Hardwear Scrambler OutdryView at BackcountryBlack Diamond Stone 45 DuffelView at BackcountryBlack Diamond Pipe Dream 45View at Backcountry

 

Comparison Table – Best Climbing Backpack

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Name	Weight	Volume	Price	Rating	Review
Osprey Mutant 38	2 lbs. 13 oz.	38 Liters	$$	5.0	Read Review
REI Co-op Flash 18	9 oz	18 Liters	$	4.3	Read Review
Arc’teryx Alpha FL 30	1.3 lbs	30 Liters	$$$	5.0	Read Review
Black Diamond Creek 20	1 lb 7 oz	20 Liters	$$	4.7	Read Review
Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15	14.2 oz.	15 Liters	$$	4.8	Read Review
Patagonia Cragsmith 32	2.3 lbs	32 Liters	$$	3.7	Read Review
Trango Crag Pack	3.5 lbs	45 Liters	$	4.5	Read Review
Mountain Hardwear Scrambler Outdry	1.7 lbs	25 Liters	$$	4.4	Read Review
Black Diamond Stone 45 Duffel	2.4 lbs	45 Liters	$	5.0	Read Review
Black Diamond Pipe Dream 45	4.0 lbs	45 Liters	$$	4.8	Read Review
Name	Weight	Volume	Price	Rating	Review

Reviews – The Best Backpacks for Climbing

Osprey Mutant 38

Specs

Weight: 2 lbs. 13 oz.Volume: 38 Liters

BEST OVERALL CLIMBING BACKPACK

PROS: Helmet carry is removable instead of sewn into the lid, allowing you to shed weight and leave the lid behind when you’re carrying your helmet on the front of your pack

CONS: Not as lightweight as comparable alpine packs

MATERIAL: Body: 210-denier nylon; bottom: 420-denier nylon

View at REI

REI Co-op Flash 18

Specs

Weight: 9 ozVolume: 18 Liters

BEST FOR: CLIMBERS ON A BUDGET

PROS: Made with all blue sign-approved materials, which helps to conserve resources and protect both the health of the environment and workers.

CONS: Not a very durable pack

MATERIAL: 140-denier Ripstop nylon

View at REI

Arc’teryx Alpha FL 30

Specs

Weight: 1.3 lbsVolume: 30 Liters

BEST FOR: ALPINE ADVENTURES, FAST AND LIGHT APPROACHES

PROS: Designed for climbers and skiers, minimalist design, highly weather resistant fabric and fully seam-sealed to enhance water-resistance, white interior to better find items inside, ultralight, can be used for actual climbing

CONS: Expensive, top pack access only, some issues with shock cord durability

MATERIAL: Nylon rip-stop, polyester and elastane

View at Backcountry

Black Diamond Creek 20

Specs

Weight: 1 lb 7 ozVolume: 20 Liters

BEST FOR: LONG CRAGGING DAYS

PROS: Named after the renowned Indian Creek crack climbing destination — a testament to its durability because the Creek is known for being hard on both climbing gear AND climbers’ fingers.

CONS: Heavy, weighing in at nearly 2 pounds

MATERIAL: 1200D polyester, TPU coating

View at Backcountry

Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15

Specs

Weight: 14.2 oz.Volume: 15 Liters

BEST FOLLOWER PACK

PROS: Top drawstring opening that cinches closed with one hand, making it easy to reach in and fish for snacks on belay ledges.

CONS: Heavy & expensive in comparison to other packs on this list.

MATERIAL: 840 D Nylon

View at Amazon

Patagonia Cragsmith 32

Specs

Weight: 2.3 lbsVolume: 32 Liters

BEST FOR: SPORT CLIMBING, HIKING

PROS: Easy “clamshell” back-access, DWR-treated material, large guidebook pocket, exterior rope strap, comes in four sizes

CONS: Low support while carrying heavy loads, not quite large enough for all gear

MATERIAL: 630-denier nylon with 940-denier nylon on base

View at REIView at Backcountry

Trango Crag Pack

Specs

Weight: 3.5 lbsVolume: 45 Liters

BEST FOR: SPORT CLIMBING, TRAD CLIMBING

PROS: Minimalist design, side access zipper, mesh shoe sack, removable mini-tarp, guidebook pocket, double exterior straps, very durable catch-all “gear bucket”

CONS: Some users reported discomfort on long approaches

MATERIAL: Nylon and Titan Wrap

View at Backcountry

Mountain Hardwear Scrambler Outdry

Specs

Weight: 1.7 lbsVolume: 25 Liters

BEST FOR: SPORT CLIMBING, HIKING

PROS: Super waterproof and weather-resistant, water bottle pockets on outside, exterior gear loops, rope strap and compression straps

CONS: Small, difficult to use side pockets when internal compartment is filled to capacity

MATERIAL: Polyester

View at Backcountry

Black Diamond Stone 45 Duffel

Specs

Weight: 2.4 lbsVolume: 45 Liters

BEST FOR: SPORT CLIMBING, TRAD CLIMBING

PROS: Full length zipper for easy gear access, throw handles, internal zippered pockets, removable rope tarp, lightweight and simple design

CONS: No external loops for extra gear

MATERIAL: 800-denier nylon with 1260-denier ballistic nylon on base

View at Backcountry

Black Diamond Pipe Dream 45

Specs

Weight: 4.0 lbsVolume: 45 Liters

BEST FOR: SPORT CLIMBING

PROS: Three point closure system for easy access, padded shoulder straps and waist belt, pack turns into comfy hang-out spot for those 2-hour rests between redpoint burns

CONS: Heavy, in order to use pad for lounging all gear has to come out of pack

MATERIAL: 840-denier nylon with 1260-denier ballistic nylon on base

View at BackcountryView at Amazon

 

 

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST CLIMBING BACKPACKS

MATERIAL

The climbing backpacks covered in this review are made of Nylon, Cordura Nylon, Rip-Stop Nylon, or Polyester. Each of these fabrics offers great durability to protect your gear and your pack whether you’re tackling gnarly approaches or tossing your pack around at the base of the cliff.

Some of the packs we’re recommending are also waterproof or DWR (Durable Water Repellent) treated. While waterproofing and water-resistance are a plus, remember that you will rarely be out climbing in the rain. An inexpensive rain cover might be all you need to keep you protected when that unexpected storm hits.

 

DURABILITY

Packing your climbing backpack for the day is not like packing for a day hike. If you’re heading out cragging, you’re likely to be filling your pack with a variety of oddly shaped metal objects like quickdraws and belay devices, and maybe some cams and nuts. It is important that your backpack is durable enough that you’re not at risk of wearing through it from the inside out.

Climbing approaches can also be gnarly. You won’t necessarily be following a well-defined trail and often scrambling is required. Greater durability means that your pack is more likely to stand up against rogue branches and brambles or rock abrasion.

Denier is essentially a measure of the thickness of fibers that make up a material. Fabrics with a higher denier rating are thicker and sturdier, whereas those with lower denier are more lightweight. As expected, higher denier materials tend to be more resistant to abrasion and less likely to tear. A higher denier fabric will give you greater durability but with the trade-off of a heavier weight.

 

CAPACITY

The size of pack you choose depends largely on the discipline of climbing you are engaged in and how much gear you might need to carry. If you need a climbing daypack to take on route with you, something in the 16-20 Liter range is sufficient to carry water, snacks, layers and a few other odds and ends. If you’re loading up to carry your gear to the cliff for a day of cragging, you’ll like want to consider a pack in the 30-50 Liter range.

Boulderers require the least amount of gear for climbing. In fact, many boulderers stuff their climbing shoes, chalk, snacks and water right inside their crashpads for the day and avoid using packs at all. If you are a boulderer looking to invest in a backpack, choose something simple and on the smaller side.

Sport climbers and trad climbers haul out substantially more gear. In addition to shoes and chalk, these climbers require a rope and a variety of safety gear. All this equipment is in addition to the typical things you need for a small hike like food, water, first aid kit, and extra layers.

 

WEIGHT

Weight is super important to climbers. Remember that the weight of your gear – especially your hardware – adds up quickly and is only a portion of what you’ll be bringing to the crag. It is important to find an appropriate pack to support all the weight you’re carrying.

Fortunately, many packs for climbers are designed with weight in mind, meaning they aren’t overly heavy to begin with. You are unlikely to notice much difference in weight from one pack to another, so choosing your backpack based on other features may be a good idea. Avoid skimping on quality for a lightweight pack that might not hold up.

 

SUPPORT

You want to be in tip top shape when you arrive at your climbing destination, not worn out and exhausted from a poorly supported heavy load. If you know you’ll be loading down your pack with quickdraws, a trad rack and a rope, ensure you have a backpack with support to make hauling your gear more comfortable.

We strongly recommend purchasing a climbing backpack with a sternum strap and waist belt to help you carry the load. Look for padded shoulder straps and if needed, a frame in the pack for additional support.

Climbing gear weighs a lot so don’t expect your pack to be light while you’re on route to the crag. To ease the stress on your body, make sure your pack is fit to your torso correctly.

 

READ MORE

For more of our top climbing gear recommendations, check out these popular buyer’s guides:

Climbing Harnesses

Climbing Ropes

Carabiners

Climbing Helmets

Climbing Shoes

Approach Shoes

Belay Devices

Bouldering Crash Pads

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