mountainering packs

[dbconlin]

I second the Osprey Aether 60. It is way light for that size. It is not specifically designed for mountaineering, so it doesn't have tool tubes or a crampon patch or an extension collar. But it hold alot for its weight, has a minimal yet functional frame and you can strap nearly anything to it. It is a very similar design to the Ceres...series, but with less climbing-specific features and, thus, lighter weight.

 

Also, if I were buying a new pack, I would really consider the Cold Cold World packs. Everyone mentions the Chernobyl, but I would look at the Chaos. It is bigger (4000 v 3000 ci), for minimal extra weight. I have seen photos of this pack in Alaska on serious climbs. My buddy has the Chernobyl and it is really maxed out when going multi-day. I would also look at the Granite Gear Alpine Light. This pack looks really good.

[dbconlin]

Also, regarding the Aether 60, it has a nifty feature whereby you can use the compression straps, attached further across the pack (the compression straps are on the front, not sides), to really compress the pack to a small size while climbing. I used this on a moderately hard alpine route where we carried minimal day gear up from a base camp. You hardly notice the pack on your back while climbing, but when you need your jacket its there.

[Dustin_B]

The shoulder strap tightening at the base of the straps is a little funky.

 

That is funky but with custom mods, mine tighten top down, the way I like it.

 

The shoulder strap was designed this way on purpose .... to keep the loose ends from slapping you in the face in windy conditions

 

I have never, ever had the ends slap me in the face! Has anyone else? Maybe I'm not out enough in really windy conditions...

[Ade]

 

I have never, ever had the ends slap me in the face! Has anyone else? Maybe I'm not out enough in really windy conditions...

 

Yes, I have. It really hurts.

[Braddo]

Seems counter-intuitive to gather opinions AFTER your purchase. Perhaps you could get out there and let us know what YOU think of it.

Well REI was having a 20% off sale and it was one of the packs i was looking at so I thought I would buy it while it was cheap. I could return it if I decided to get a pack elsewhere

 

I went to the Marmot store and checked out what packs they had. Marmot definitely had a better selection of alpine packs. Although many people here have recommended the smaller frameless packs I’m not sure that’s what I want so I decided to stick with the Mercury pack. I loaded up a bunch of gear into it and went snowshoeing Saturday. It held my gear, has straps for ice tools, is big enough for weekend outings and was comfortable.