10 Best Climbing Backpacks in 2023 – Buyer’s Guide

Finding the best climbing backpack is not an easy task. Whether you’re out with your friends for a day of cragging or settling in for an afternoon bouldering session, you’ll need the perfect pack to comfortably and efficiently carry your beloved gear. But how do you know which is the best climbing backpack for you with so many options on the market?

The days have gone when climbing consisted of swami pants, hobnailed boots and weeks spent nailing pitons into granite swaths. Current climbing gear preferences have changed to simplicity, durability, and careful design, and packs have followed suit. We look at the best climbing backpacks in the following categories: crag, summit, alpine, haul bag, and gym bag. Each balances different demands, but all of these packs share an organizational focus and are generally lightweight and durable.

In a Hurry? The test winners after 11 hrs of research

Best Climbing Backpacks – Overview

The amount of gear you need at the crag for a full day is usually pretty much more than a day at the gym. Not only do you need to carry your climbing shoes, belt, and chalk, but you’ll also need your own quickdraws, belay device, rope, and any other equipment you’ve acquired for the particular type of location you’re going to climb. So depending on the type of climbing you’re doing, the backpack you’ll be needing would be different.

Climbing Backpacks Reviews

1. Osprey Packs Mutant 38 Climbing Backpack – Best for Alpine

Designed by guides and athletes, the Osprey Packs Mutant 38 Climbing Backpack fits perfectly between its bigger and smaller siblings; great for long days in the mountains that don’t require setting up basecamp but might require a ledge-bound shiver-bivy. The backpanel sheds snow and easy-to-use ice tool attachment and glove-friendly buckles mean less time fiddling with your pack.

With a hipbelt that includes gear loops and stashes behind the pack to provide access to your harness when you need it, plus integrated helmet and rope carry, the Mutant 38 is a nimble and capable alpine machine that fits better and feels more comfortable than what you’re used to. Whether you’re enjoying a North Cascade’s classic or getting showered by spindrift in the Canadian Rockies, the Mutant 38 can do everything you need except belay you on the next pitch. 

Key Features:

• Dual ToolLocks with bungee tie-offs
• Front panel daisy chain for additional gear attachment
• Three-point haul system
• Internal hydration sleeve
• Quick release upper side compression straps

Specifications:

• Brand: Osprey
• Capacity: 38L
• Dimensions: 28.7″ H x 12.6″ W x 11.8″ D
• Weight: 2.8 lbs

2. Black Diamond Unisex Creek 20-Pack – Best for Cragging

The Black Diamond Unisex Creek 20-Pack is a simple crag bag with all the toughness of a haul bag and all the versatility of a modern pack to secure the needs of your on-route essentials. The Black Diamond Creek 20 Pack is constructed of the same durable, lightweight nylon as the Black Diamond haul bags, with the same standing shape and top drawstring but with super comfortable dual purpose shoulder straps and hip belt, including a thermoformed back panel for extra comfort on long approaches.

Apart from that, Black Diamond has given the Creek 20 Pack a large zip-up front pocket for shoe storage, and a smaller inside zip pocket to keep your essentials safe, plus a stowable rope strap and handy rain hood that doubles as a helmet or rope holder.

Key Features:

• Top-loading design with drawcord closure
• Zippered front flap with internal zippered organizer pockets
• Tuck-away rope strap and stowable rain hood that doubles as helmet or rope storage
• Flat base keeps pack standing upright for easy loading
• 1200d polyester with TPU coating

Specifications:

• Brand: Black Diamond
• Capacity: 20L
• Dimensions: 17.3″ H x 13.8″ W x 5.9″ D
• Weight: 1.1 lbs

3. Arc’teryx Alpha FL 30 Backpack

Ultralight and fast, highly weather-resistant, alpine strong, and a sterling example of refined, use specific Arc’teryx design, the Arc’teryx Alpha FL 30 Backpack is for built for climbers. An intense focus on the realities of moving fast in alpine environments led to this versatile, streamlined pack that combines leading-edge, Arc’teryx developed fabric technologies, performance-focused design and a confident simplicity.

Working together, the highly durable, weather impermeable N400-AC² fabric, taped seams, and RollTop™ closure combine to shut out the elements and protect the pack’s contents. With no extraneous materials or aspects, the Alpha FL 30 sheds grams but does not sacrifice necessary features. An external bungee attachment secures tools, crampons, belay parka, helmet or sleeping pad. A simple strap at the top secures a rope, and the unique laminated shoulder strap construction delivers a comfortable carry without unnecessary weight. An external security pocket stores small essentials.

Key Features:

• Rigid formed backpanel provides support and structure while remaining comfortable against the back
• Fully seam-sealed for water resistance
• Extendable collar with drawcord for additional capacity
• Adjustable, removable sternum strap
• Thermoformed shoulder strap

Specifications:

• Brand: Arc’teryx
• Capacity: 30L
• Dimensions: 24.4″ H x 13″ W x 8.3″ D
• Weight: 1.27 lbs

4. Black Diamond Stone 42 Duffel Pack

The Black Diamond Stone 42 Duffel Pack blends all of a backpack’s convenience with a duffel bag’s durability and easy access, making it the perfect pack for long approaches and long days climbing multiple single pitches. The Black Diamond Stone Duffel 42 Pack, with an emphasis on lightweight comfort, features a lightweight framesheet and a foam backpanel for the best fit, complete with tuck-away padded shoulder straps and a basic webbing hip belt for improved flexibility once you’re on the crag.

The carrying handles and full-length zip offer simple carrying choices and the easiest access to all your equipment while organizing is perfect with two internal zip pockets. Perhaps the best thing is that the Stone 42 Duffel comes with a removable 1.2mx1.5m rope tarp for the versatility.

Key Features:

• Lightweight framesheet with foam backpanel for comfort
• Tuck-away padded shoulder straps and webbing hip belt
• Two internal zippered organizer pockets
• Full-length zipper access
• Includes a removable 1.2 x 1.5 m rope tarp 

Specifications:

• Brand: Black Diamond
• Capacity: 42L
• Dimensions: 24″ H x 14″ W x 4″ D
• Weight: 2.4 lbs

5. Petzl Bug Climbing Backpack

The Petzl Bug Climbing Backpack is a climbing pack built to include lots of climbing-specific features that make it ideal for multi-pitch climbing over a day. The Petzl Bug is ideal for both approach and climbing; strap your rope to the bottom; store your jacket or a water bottle in the mesh side pocket; place your guidebook in the secret top pocket and add your emergency headlamp to the top of the pack’s internal loop.

It does everything, actually! The bag is also compatible with a hydration system and features a waist-belt that can be stowed, daisy chains down the back for extra storage, and buckled compression straps.

Key Features:

• Compact, ergonomic shape for maximum mobility
• Adjustable strap for attaching a rope to the top of the pack
• Adjustable sternal strap ensures the pack is stable when climbing.
• Full-length zipper access
• Interior compartment for hydration system

Specifications:

• Brand: Petzl
• Capacity: 18L
• Dimensions: 12.6″ H x 8.3″ W x 0.4″ D
• Weight: 1 lbs

6. G4Free Climbing Backpack

The G4Free Climbing Backpack is made with thick shoulder straps and breathable mesh backpanel which helps relieve weight on the shoulder and make the heat quickly spread out, this makes it comfortable and lightweight for a long time use. Ample internal and external pockets are available and side pockets give you plenty of storage space for your gear. A water-resistant removable rain cover is included. 

There is one large front zipper pocket for quick access and one large deep main pocket as well as one special zipper pocket for shoes or dirty clothes. Other features include 2 hipbelt pockets and 2 side pockets for your water or umbrella. It also comes with 1 rain cover for those rainy days.

Key Features:

• One large deep main pocket
• Mesh padded hipbelt with zipper provides quick access to essentials
• One special zipper pocket for your shoes or dirty clothes
• Comes with a rain cover

Specifications:

• Brand: G4Free
• Capacity: 50L
• Dimensions: 22.8″ H x 13.7″ W x 9″ D
• Weight: 2.5 lbs

7. Black Diamond Bullet 16 Backpack

Daylong climbs call for the Black Diamond Bullet 16 Backpack. With a volume of 16 liters, the Bullet has plenty of room for food, layers and the climbing gear you need for the next slope. For the extreme toughness that the rock demands, Black Diamond built the Bullet out of ballistic nylon.

A streamlined design guarantees stability as you pull through the crux, or when you submit, you can tuck your shoulder straps and webbing belt to carry the pack up. Of comfort, the Bullet also includes a removable back panel, a hydration hose port for your own reservoir and zippered internal and external pockets for the small stuff.

Key Features:

• External zippered pocket
• Internal mesh zippered pocket
• Easy-to-remove 20 mm webbing hip belt
• Hydration hose port
• Removable foam backpanel

Specifications:

• Brand: Black Diamond
• Capacity: 16L
• Dimensions: 18″ H x 11″ W x 3″ D
• Weight: 1.16 lbs

8. Metolius Crag Station Crag Pack

Metolius Crag Station Crag Pack blends the transporting ease of a backpack with the supreme versatility of a duffel bag. It’s as usual until you get to the crag, where the bag then lies flat and zips open wide, allowing easier access to the gear than any top-load pack. Metolius has also lined the Crag Station’s sides with Duathane — the same substance used on their haul bags — to enhance longevity.

This pack won the Climbing Magazine’s Editors Choice award. To ensure easy access to your clothes, it provides a duffel-style opening. The waist belt and tuck-away shoulder straps are ideal for travel. It has the iconic Metolius aluminum buckles which are unbreakable-guaranteed for life! This spacious backpack duffel will carry 200 of 11mm rope, a saddle, and a helmet.

Key Features:

• Tuck-away shoulder straps and waist belt
• Aluminum buckles
• Dual external side pockets
• Dual carry handles
• Dual compression/lash straps

Specifications:

• Brand: Metolius
• Capacity: 41L
• Dimensions: 28″ H x 13″ W x 10″ D
• Weight: 2.62 lbs

9. Black Diamond Gym Gear Bag – Best for Gym Climbing

The Black Diamond Gym Gear Bag is a compact and convenient option for all the things you need to climb like your harness, rope, cord, belay glasses and chalk pack. The Black Diamond Gym 35 features a one-hang drawstring closure and a padded shoulder strap for quick closes and convenient handling of large loads for storing of climbing-specific necessities.

Internally, the Gym 35 features an elasticated pocket to hold your gear apart from the cord, while a zippered pocket keeps important items such as keys, telephone, and tape safe and protected, so you can keep all your stuff together and go on with your session.

Key Features:

• Separate elastic gear pocket
• Zippered essentials pocket
• One-handed closure system
• Padded shoulder strap

Specifications:

• Brand: Black Diamond
• Capacity: 30L
• Dimensions: 18″ H x 12″ W x 3″ D
• Weight: 1.68 lbs

10. Mammut Climbing Backpack

The Mammut Climbing Backpack is the ideal climbing companion. You can store all the gear you need and access it whenever you need it. The padded hip belt ensures comfort and can be removed entirely if necessary. It has a large internal mesh pocket for organizing your material and an internal zippered pocket with a key clip. The huge back zipper provides direct access to the main compartment.

The flap compartment has an internal pocket and an external pocket, and there is a rope fixing strap on the flap. There is also an integrated rope bag, which can be removed and spread out so that your rope remains clean and does not tangle. Ideal for an all-around successful climbing tour.

Key Features:

• Detachable, padded hip belt
• Large internal mesh pocket
• Good back ventilation thanks to 3D EVA foam with air channels
• Adjustable 5 mm aluminum U-frame
• Internal zipper pocket with key clip

Specifications:

• Brand: Mammut
• Capacity: 45L
• Dimensions: 23″ H x 12″ W x 12″ D
• Weight: 3.09 lbs

Buying Guide

Weight

Weight to climbers is super important. Remember that your gear’s weight – especially your hardware – adds up quickly, and is just a portion of what you’re going to bring to the crag. It is important to find a suitable pack to support all of the weight that you carry. Luckily, several packs are made for climbers with weight in mind, ensuring they aren’t too bulky to start with. You are unlikely to notice a lot of difference in weight from one pack to another, so it might be a good idea to choose your backpack based on other characteristics.

Capacity

The size of the pack you use depends largely on the climbing you are participating in, and how much gear you may need to bring. If you need a daypack to ascend with you on the way, something in the range of 16-20 liters is enough to carry water, food, blankets, and a few other odds and ends. If you are loading up for a day of hiking to take your supplies to the mountain, you’ll want to find a pack in the 30-50 liter range.

Materials

Nylon, Cordura Nylon, Rip-Stop Nylon, or Polyester are the climbing backpacks included in this review. Each of these materials promises a high degree of toughness to secure your equipment and bag whether you’re tackling gnarly approaches or dumping your pack at the cliff edge. Some of the packs we endorse are also either waterproof or packed with DWR (Durable Water Repellent). Although waterproofing and water-resistance are a bonus, note that you are rarely going out in the rain to climb. An inexpensive rain cover might be all you need to keep you protected when that unexpected storm hits.

Support

Once you arrive at your climbing destination, you want to be in tip-top shape, not tired out and drained by a heavy load, which is poorly assisted. When you know you’re going to stock your bag with quickdraws, a trading rack, and a rope, make sure you’ve got a harness to make hauling your stuff more comfortable. We highly advise you to buy a climbing backpack with a sternum strap and waist belt to help you bear the load. Look for padded shoulder straps and, if necessary, an additional frame inside the pack.

Durability

It’s not like carrying your climbing bag for the day for a day walk. You’re likely to fill your pack with a range of oddly shaped metal objects such as quickdraws and belay tools, and maybe some cams and nuts if you’re going out to cragging. It is critical that your backpack is sturdy enough that from the inside out so you are not in danger of wearing it through.

Types of Climbing Backpacks

Crag Pack – If you’re just hiking out into rock climbing outside, you’re probably best supported with a backpacking pack or, when you think you’re serious, a crag pack. The basic climbing bag also called a crag pack, is specifically designed to carry climbing gear to the crag: quickdraws, rope, climbing shoes, food, water, unpredictable weather materials, etc. You need to carry this bulky gear up potentially steep and scrabbly terrain and then be easily accessible at the destined crag.

Alpine Pack – Alpine packs are designed for more landscape types, including rock, snow, and ice. They typically have external bungee cords or chains to connect ice climbing tools and crampons without cutting the bag. Alpine packs tend to be top-loaded and made of lightweight materials for cutting weight and making things as simple and comfortable as possible when holding anything. These do appear to have simplified closure mechanisms that can be used when wearing gloves. For one day or less adventures, a good size is 35 to 50 liters.

Haul Bags – The well-named haul bag is intended to be hauled up a wall after longer climbs. They are built to be lightweight and highly robust because they are pulled up by the rope across a rock face. The two most commonly used textiles are urethane and vinyl-coated nylon. Many bags of the haul are shaped like large buckets with belts on top. While they require shoulder straps, haul bags give priority to durability and capacity.

Summit Packs – Summit packs are built to be lightweight enough to carry without hindering mobility when climbing. This is the smallest climbing pack type, 10 to 20 liters. Since most of the real climbing protection will be on the harness loops of the climber including quickdraws, slings, cams, and nuts, the summit bag is for carrying water, food, and an extra layer or two of storm protection. Summit packs may be placed inside a larger pack when reaching the base of a climb.

Gym Bags – This relatively new group is ideal for climbers who go to the gym after work. These tend to be smaller and could be a simple messenger-style bag or a commuter backpack with compartments for keeping your gym climbing gear and office gear separate.

Conclusion

We hope this guide was helpful for finding the best climbing backpacks as well as our guide on features to look for in a climbing backpack. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this guide, feel free to let us know in the comments section.