Patagonia  Cragsmith 32L Pack

If you're deciding between the 45L and 32L Cragsmith, this review is for you. Long story short, the 45L reminds me of something I'd use to go backpacking around Europe, the 32L is sized more like a typical day pack. I'm a 6 ft, 185 lbs dude, climbing sport and top rope routes. Ultimately I find the 45L to be more comfortable, mostly due to the better designed waist strap, and large enough to carry multiple people's gear. The 32L is perhaps better sized for an individual, solo day of rock climbing. However, the waist strap isn't as comfy. Both have similar zipper systems which are TERRIFIC for accessing gear and keeping things organized throughout the day. In the end, I've decided to keep both, but am going to give the 32L to my girlfriend (and borrow it every now and then if I'm being perfectly honest). The longer version of this story follows: I originally bought the 45L thinking it would be best to carry both my gear and my girlfriend's gear. For whatever reason I also liked the idea of carrying my 60 meter rope inside the bag instead of slinging it over top of my bag like I normally do. And WOW! I was able to fit ALL of our gear (4 pairs of shoes, a 60m rope, 2 harnesses, 1 helmet, water bottles, a set of quickdraws, belay devices, chalk bags and probably some other stuff I'm forgetting about) and still had some room to spare. Just as importantly, the bag was really comfy to wear too. The 45L will work really well on longer trips (like if I need to carry a tent, for example) and when the temperatures start dropping so I can pack additional layers. Yesterday I tested the 32L, this time with no girlfriend. I was still able to cram a lot into the pack (1 pair of shoes, 1 harness, 1 helmet, 1 big water bottle, a set of quickdraws, a sling, a quad anchor, an ATC, a Grigri, a Helinox Chair One) and, just like before, STILL HAD ROOM TO SPARE. This can be seen in the photo I posted with the bags opened next to each other. As in the past, I slung my 60m rope over the top of the bag with relatively no issue. The only complaint I have, however, and I've read this in other reviews too: the waist strap is not nearly as comfy as the 45L. I read this complaint before buying the 32L, but since my old bag also had a basic webbing-like waist strap I didn't think much of it. If anything I thought the complaint seemed to be a bit on the fussy side. But after feeling the comfort of the 45L, the 32L waist strap definitely felt insufficient especially considering that I assume most rock climbers CRAM their bags full of gear / water/ snacks. But, if you're the type of person who is fine with carrying all of that weight on your shoulders, I suppose the 32L strap isn't a big deal. Me, however, I before distributing that weight onto my hips.

I have been using “tube” style climbing packs and they make it impossible to quickly grab something on the go. The way the Cragsmith opens is great because I can easily keep the contents of the pack organized and quickly grab a piece of gear without unpacking everything. The interior gear loops are also a nice feature to keep climbing gear in place and organized. The back is light enough and comfortable enough for a long approach and climbing. Not as lightweight as something like the Arc’teryx FL pack, but it’s so much more versatile and functional.

As with all things there are pros and cons to the cragsmith. The size is great for a day sport climbing with the rope in the bag and a trad day with the rope on top. That said, there needs to be lower straps to keep the loose ends from flapping around. My biggest peeve is the waist strap is very uncomfortable. The strap attaches to a plastic buckle on the inside of the shoulder straps and is constantly digging in to your back. After short 2h hikes I get bruises on my lower back because of them. Because the attachment is inside the shoulder strap there is no way to move them or adjust their position, plus they are sewn in place and cannot be moved along the waist strap. Great pack with a couple poor design choices.

we purchased these for a two week trip through Italy. We found this to be so much lighter than our traditional packs and they still held as much! The design of opening from the top or the entire back made getting things easier during the day or at the day's end. It was even easy to hold on our laps if storage was an issue on public transport.

I purchased this for photography gear that is very flexible and customizable the way I've adapted it. Great approach backpack that allows me to carry a DSLR, 70-200mm, 20mm, 24-70mm and a small tri-pod - all inside the bag

Great product with lots of space and comfortable straps. The side straps can easily be used to hold down a rope. There is an internal pouch which is great for stinky shoes! Only thing I would change is including a few more internal loops to clip gear onto, so it's not floating around the pack.

This bag is stylish and holds all that I can fit. It is also weather proof beyond expectations.

I had read that Patagonia had not used padded hip belts on this product. I was bummed to see this was the case. Also, 3 stars for that and the fact that a 70 meter rope plus draws, and harness/shoes and food will not fit in this backpack. Better off going with the 45 L size.

Love the design of the back opening so you can access all your gear trouble free. Pretty comfortable. Fits my rope and harness and all my carabiners and quick draws nice and neat. Love it!