Outdoor climbing requires a lot of gear. Unless you’re bouldering, you’ll need a rope, shoes, harness, helmet, chalk bag, carabiners or quickdraws, water, food, and probably a guidebook–at minimum! And if you’re trad climbing, add a rack of gear. Thankfully, there are tons of great climbing packs out there.
We’ve simplified the buying process by breaking climbing packs down into the three most common use categories: Small climbing packs, medium day climbing packs, and large haul climbing packs for multi-day expeditions. We give our top three climbing packs in each category–the very best options for any use!
Read more: How to become a trad climber
Summary Chart
Here’s a summary of the best climbing packs, read on for detailed reviews of each pack.
| Climbing Pack | Size (liters) | Price | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Black Diamond Bullet | 16 | $60 | Black Diamond Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Patagonia Linked Pack | 18 | $100 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Arc'Teryx Alpha FL | 30 | $220 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Black Diamond Creek | 35 50 | $180 $200 | 35 Liter: Black Diamond Backcountry Moosejaw 50 Liter: Black Diamond Moosejaw Backcountry |
| DMM Vector | 45 | $130 | Amazon |
| Patagonia Cragsmith | 32 | $170 | REI Backcountry Moosejaw |
| Black Diamond Touchstone | 70 | $190 | Black Diamond REI Moosejaw |
| Metolius Half Dome | 125 | $220 | Backcountry Amazon |
| Metolius El Cap | 157 | $230 | Backcountry Moosejaw Amazon |
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Best small climbing packs (15-30 liter)
For when you need something fast and light–small enough to comfortably climb with, with just enough space to carry the necessities. Whether you’re on long alpine routes, multi-pitch climbs, or just a day-hike, these climbing packs do it all.
Black Diamond Rock Blitz
Volume: 15 liters
Weight: 14.2 oz
Materials: 840d nylon
Price: $60
What we like:
- Trimmed-down design is great for multi-pitch climbing.
- Top strap doubles as a rope carry, blitz-style main opening for ease of access on route.
- EVA padded shoulder strap and back panel allows for a comfortable carry all day
- Great price point for packs in this size range!
Compare Prices: Black Diamond Ι Backcountry
Check out: Lover’s Leap Climbing Guide
Patagonia Linked Pack
Volume: 28 liters
Weight: 1lb 10oz
Materials: 940 CORDURA
Price: $129
What we like:
- Easy access top loading and a simple draw-string closure
- Reinforced top handles makes hanging at belays easy
- External zipper pocket and internal mesh pocket allow for organization
- Top strap allows a rope to be attached during the approach
- Comes with a hydration-reservoir-compatible sleeve
Compare Prices: Patagonia Ι Backcountry
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Arc’Teryx Alpha FL
Volume: 30 liters
Weight: 1lb 4 oz
Materials: Proprietary waterproof ripstop nylon
Price: $219
What we like:
- Excellent for long alpine routes due to its weather resistant, durable material
- With 30 liters of carrying capacity, the Alpha still only weighs 1lb 4oz.
- External bungee allows for maximum carrying capacity
- Drawstring open is easy to use even with gloves on and top strap allows for easy rope-carrying
Compare Prices: REI Ι Backcountry
Read More: Best Daypacks for Every Adventure 2021
Best medium climbing packs (30-50 liter)
A day spent at the crag requires a lot of gear. A good crag climbing backpack is comfortable, easy to pack and unpack, carries a lot of gear, and can withstand abuse. These climbing packs do all that and more.
Black Diamond Creek 35 and 50
Volume: 35/50 liters
Weight: 3lbs 11oz/4lbs 7oz
Materials: 1200d polyester with TPU coating
Price: $180/$200
What we like:
- Carries a ton of gear without sacrificing ease of access due to its side zipper
- It’s built with the same ultra-durable, waterproof fabric of haul bags
- Has the same bottom as haul bags for upright, easy loading
- Top strap acts as rope or helmet holder
Compare Prices 35 liter: Black Diamond Ι Backcountry
Compare Prices 50 liter: Black Diamond Ι Backcountry
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Osprey Mutant
Volume: 38 liters
Weight: 2.7 lbs
Materials: 210D High Tenacity Nylon
Price: $170
What we like:
- Ideal for long carries of up to 40 lbs.
- 5 compression straps allow for maximum adjustment and flexibility
- Padded waist belt with gear loops that can clip behind the pack when wearing a harness
- Glove-friendly buckles, 3-point haul system, internal hydration sleeve
Check Price: REI Ι Backcountry
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Patagonia Cragsmith
Volume: 32 liters (also comes in 45 liters)
Weight: 2lbs 8oz
Materials: 630d nylon, 940d ballistic nylon, DWR finish
Price: $170
What we like:
- Excels at organization and accessibility
- Has an internal hydration sleeve and small zippered pocket as well as an external top lid zipper pocket and a side zipper pocket
- The pack has a top-loading design, and comes with an access pouch on the back panel that opens the bag completely up, allowing you to instantly access anything in the bag
Compare Prices: Patagonia Ι REI Ι Backcountry
Check out: Guide to the best climbing ropes 2021
Best large climbing packs (50+ liter)
Some expeditions require a crazy amount of gear. Usually this means multi-day big wall climbs, but you also might be someone who needs to carry an exceptional amount of gear for a crag day (re: guides or instructors). Whatever the reason for needing to carry a ton of gear, these large haul climbing packs got you covered.
Black Diamond Touchstone Haul Bag
Volume: 70 liters
Weight: 5lbs 4 oz
Materials: Vinyl-laminated nylon
Price: $190
What we like:
- Great for ~2 day trips, the Touchstone’s padded hip-belt and shoulder straps stow away when you need to start hauling gear up the wall
- An internal zipper pouch keeps smaller items organized
- The vinyl-laminated nylon is incredibly tough and will last you a very long time
Compare Prices: Black Diamond Ι REI Ι Moosejaw
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Metolius Half Dome Haul Bag
Volume: 125 liters
Weight: 7lbs 7oz
Materials: Durathane
Price: $220
What we like:
- Durathane material Metolius uses for their haul bags is super tough
- The external straps stow away easily and a small pouch inside keeps things organized
- A river-style roll top closure keeps water out
- Full strength attachment points on the outside and bottom allow for attaching gear or other haul bags
Compare Prices: Amazon Ι Backcountry
Looking for more gear recommendations? Check out our Buying Guides page for articles like the Best crack climbing gloves 2021
Metolius El Cap Haul Bag
Volume: 157 liters
Weight: 8lbs
Materials: Durathane
Price: $230
What we like:
- Pretty much a larger Half Dome, the El Cap is THE super large haul bag for all your big wall needs
- Same durability and design you get from the Half Dome in a bigger package. If you can’t fit it in here, you don’t need it
Compare Prices: Amazon
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