Aug 27, 2012, 6:14 PM
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Who makes the best small haul bag (sub-pig)?
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So, I've decided to become THAT guy. I'm tired of wearing out the bottom of my pack while butt-sliding on the approach or descent from stuff, and anyway, I keep inching towards big-wall climbing. I figured I'd get a small haul-bag so that, worst case scenario, I'm out $150, and I can recoup some of that if I sell it. Still, I want a bag that I don't have to buy twice. I'm looking in particular at the BD Stubby, the Metolius Sentinel, and the Fish Atom Smasher. Any opinions (based in experience) on these particular models?
Aug 28, 2012, 2:13 AM
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Re: [petsfed] Who makes the best small haul bag (sub-pig)?
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I have read many posts from folks (on here, MP, and on the Taco) who say the Metolius packs hold up much better than the BD haul bags, but that's for actual big-wall use.
Many people also sing the praises of Fish gear and the Runout Customs looks like a good alternative, but in the end I have no first-hand knowledge to pass along, so good luck with your search.
(This post was edited by acorneau on Aug 28, 2012, 2:14 AM)
Aug 28, 2012, 2:39 AM
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Re: [petsfed] Who makes the best small haul bag (sub-pig)?
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I'll pimp for Fish because I've got one and it has been great. Least expensive one out there and way bomber.
I will say that it is designed for hauling. THat is, there is no fancy suspension on it, no back pad, etc. It is not the most comfortable carry, and so for approaches over 45 minutes I use something else. I don't know how the other guys compare on that front.
Aug 28, 2012, 4:21 AM
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Re: [petsfed] Who makes the best small haul bag (sub-pig)?
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I have had several bags, A5's were great ( Made in Flagstaff,AZ). So were the ACE bags sans(TNF/ Conrad Anker) BD was great when made in the states,same with Met, I like Fish and Yates quite a bit, and totally bombproof is a understatement with these bags. If I were to support just one I would go with Russ over at Fish. I HAVE NOT OR WILL NOT SUPPORT ANY MAKER//MANUFACTURER THAT MAKES SAFETY GEAR USING CHINA/PRISON MADE GEAR.
Aug 28, 2012, 3:31 PM
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Re: [anthonymason] Who makes the best small haul bag (sub-pig)?
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anthonymason wrote:
I HAVE NOT OR WILL NOT SUPPORT ANY MAKER//MANUFACTURER THAT MAKES SAFETY GEAR USING CHINA/PRISON MADE GEAR.
Well that's good to know. I'll be sure not to take buying advice from you in the future.
Do you know how Russ gets away with such low prices? I'm willing to bet he's whittled his quality of life down to the point where *I* look extravagant. Buying American made is great, but it costs a lot more, and as long as people chant "American-made!" while shopping at Walmart, we'll keep seeing jobs shipped overseas, to factories that still hold an ISO certification, and still produce high quality gear. BD or whoever just doesn't have to pay for their worker's 2nd or 3rd in-home television.
Aug 30, 2012, 2:44 PM
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Re: [caughtinside] Who makes the best small haul bag (sub-pig)?
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I agree the Atom Smasher is durable and built for utility and not so much comfort.
The straps and waist harness are simple and do the job. They have good padding, even for the lower back. I add a chest strap to keep the shoulder harness together when on a long hike with a full load.
Key to comfort is to pack the thing with soft goods against where your back will be.
Sep 1, 2012, 2:45 AM
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Re: [mckbill] Who makes the best small haul bag (sub-pig)?
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I have a Sentinel that's been up a couple El Cap routes now. Its a good size pack that is durable, comfortable and serves well as a haul bag (sub bag).
I too have a Metolius Mescalito, roughly a decade old. Holding up well, I've dragged it up plenty of cliff, usual with awkwardly packed stuff in it.
I own two medium size haul-bags from Black Diamond for walls. I wanted decide on two instead of one big bag for versatility. On smaller wall like Leaning tower or the Column, or the North Side of Looking Glass I can use just one, sometime with the Mescalito under.
On El-cap, I used both. Made it easy to access stuff since things were divide between the two, and when it was time to walk, my partner and I both had a "pack."
(This post was edited by guangzhou on Sep 1, 2012, 10:42 AM)
Sep 1, 2012, 9:25 PM
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Re: [petsfed] Who makes the best small haul bag (sub-pig)?
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I have a partner with an atom smasher and he sings its praises every chance he gets. I love it too, and it's been super durable. You might also consider a cilogear wally, might be just what you're looking for.
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