10 Best Climbing Backpacks In 2020

Sleek and thin, but nonetheless providing ample storage space and durability, the Black Diamond Bullet 16 alpine pack is an excellent all-rounder that will satisfy pro climber and amateurs alike. Sporting a very respectable 16 liter capacity, the climber pack features an external zippered pocket in addition to the main, padded one, as well as a removable foam backpanel.

Also included are a 20 mm webbing hip belt which can easily be removed if need be and a hydration hose port so you can drink in any position you may find yourself, without having to take the bag off your shoulders. The straps are contoured to snugly fit around you without hindering your movement and the shell is made from ballistic nylon, providing enough toughness to challenge the harshest climbs.

For those climbers who need storage space, the G4Free 50 liter backpack may be one of the mountaineering packs that is the most suited for the job. Built out of tough, waterproof nylon, this climber pack retains its shape whatever effort you put it through and comes with a plethora of extra pockets. Inside, you'll find a dedicated shoe compartment and enough room to store clothes or equipment for several days.

In the main storage compartment sits a place for a hydration bladder, should you decide to add one to have a nearby water supply. Also included is a rain cover to complement the already excellent water resisting capabilities of this alpine climbing pack. To complete the package, you'll find two hipbelt pockets for phones and essentials, two side pockets for umbrellas or tissues and a large front zipper pocket for quick access. 

The TETON Oasis1100 climbing gear backpack features an 18 liter capacity and an included 2 liter hydration bladder, to keep you going even on overnight trips. The backpack's design is squarely aimed at maximizing comfort, allowing you to adjust straps around the shoulders, chest and waist to give you the perfect fit and not hinder your movements. The chest strap is also shock-absorbing to reduce bounce.

The outer shell is made of honeycomb ripstop while there is an air mesh panel on the back to allow for airflow and ventilation, a must-have since you'll be probably wearing the bag for several hours. Stored in the bottom is an integrated rain cover which blends perfectly with the lines of this low-profile bag, topping off an excellent all-rounder not just for climbers but for hikers and bikers as well.

If your wish is to stand out on the rocky wall with a unique bag, the Cotopaxi Tarak is probably the best rock climbing backpack you can find. Out of all the other climbing packs, this is the only one that is made out of excess fabric that is repurposed by the factory's employees themselves, who keep creative control. This means that no two bags are exactly alike.

Aside from the unique styling, the Cotopaxi Tarak is also a top rated rock climbing backpack. Its light weight and toughness combine nicely with a 20 litre capacity, and its sleek design provides comfort even for users who still want to be able to move around a lot. Also included is the space to house an internal hydration sleeve.

The Black Diamond Crag 40 mountaineering backpack is a no-frills model which pros and amateurs alike will appreciate for its ease of use. The storage space lets you accommodate much more gear than the one that would fit in a couple of quickdraws and the design is simple and foolproof. The backpack is closed at the top with a single flap and features a single zipper on the side, to minimize the chance of error when it is less needed.

The shell is made out of a combination of 840D nylon and 1260D ballistic nylon, resulting in an extremely durable body that will endure even the worst situations. Your back is always shielded by unmovable rigid padding, which is also present on the straps and waist belt, to guarantee your comfort and let you tackle trails for as long as you have to.

Not only is the Mammut Neon Gear 45 L one of the best rock climbing backpacks available today, but the company also makes it clear that they devote special care to the environment and the ethical production of its goods. Nature lovers will surely appreciate this extra attention, all the while enjoying the performances of the bag, which are second to none.

The bag provides a huge amount of storage in the main compartment, accessible through a flap on the top or a back zipper, and also features a large internal mesh pocket for valuable items. Included is a rope attachment cord and an integrated rope bag to protect it from dirt, while ventilation is guaranteed on your back thanks to 3D EVA foam with air channels. The sleek design is also optimized for climbing, making the Mammut Neon Gear 45 L a true gem between ice climbing backpacks.

Lightweight and portable, the Peztl Kliff climbing backpack is also an excellent option for those climbers who can't afford to spend what some of the best climbing backpacks go for. Made entirely out of polyester, the bag has enough space to hold the essentials you need for a day's climbing plus a rope whose length is up to 100 metres. 

Gear is easy to access without having to lay the bag on the ground and a rope bag is included. Adjustable foam straps make the bag comfortable to carry and the fit easy to adapt to your own needs, while zippered pockets on the outside provide quick access to items you might most commonly need. Overall, an inexpensive pack that nicely covers your basic necessities if you're out on the walls for a day.

The Petzl Bug climbing backpack is an adjustable and tough bag which snuggles nicely on your back when you're out on your daily adventure. The bag is ergonomically shaped and very compact, never slowing you down as you maneuvre around the holds. The bottom and sides are lined with high-tenacity fabric to reinforce the weakest points and prevent tears.

The inside compartment sports a capacity of 18 litres while on the top you can find an adjustable strap designed to attach a climbing rope. Also provided are a wide exterior pocket, a wallet pocket, a top pocket in the back and a foldaway waist belt. Should you decide to add one, the bag comes with a space designed to hold a hydration bladder.

The Black Diamond Rock Blitz 15 might well be the climber's dream backpack. It combines storage space with a snug design that is studied especially to work well on multi-pitch missions. The main opening is easy to operate with a blitz-style closing mechanism and the top strap also comes in handy as a rope carry when extended.

The pack features EVA padding on shoulder straps and back panel so you can wear it for hours on end without tiring and the sternum strap and waist belt can be removed to save weight and space if speed if what you're after. The Black Diamond Rock Blitz also sports a hose routing if you want to carry water with you, making it one of the best designed climbing backpacks we have ever seen.  

The unique design of the Black Diamond Stone 42 climbing backpack lets you carry your gear in two equal internal pockets, instead of the usual big central storage compartment. Full-length zippers make them very easy to access and the bag also includes a removable rope tarp.

Focused mostly on light weight and comfort, the Black Diamond Stone 42 is made out of a combination a nylon the likes of which is found in the best climbing backpacks on the market. The padded shoulder straps can be tucked away so the bag can also be used as a simple duffle, adding versatility to the already long list of its qualities.