How to Choose a Gear Bag According to Paul
Climbing is an exhilarating activity but also can be dangerous (like sailing the seven seas!) without the right gear—or ship! With that said, me hearties, choosing the right climbing bag is necessary.
Many different factors can affect what bag you choose. We’ll go over everything you need to know about gear bags below.
Volume
Gear bags come in many different sizes, and choosing the right size for your journey is important. Also, storing booty—doubloons and the like—is a lot easier in a bag than in a wooden chest. You can also stuff scallywag chalk bags like MORITZ the chalk bag in it, too!
If you’re going on a day climb, a 70-liter bag may suffice. This lessens the burden of carrying extra weight, and also makes for a cheaper bag.
If you’re going on a multi-day trip, you’re going to want to go for a 90-liter bag. While these bags can hold a lot more equipment, it’s also more cumbersome and more expensive, so make sure you need a larger bag before you invest. And if you do, always opt for the lightweight kind.
Durability
When the rough surfaces you place your bag, it is sure to get banged around. You don’t want a bag that’s going to tear in the middle of your climb and dump all of your belongings onto the ground below.
When reviewing climbing bags, durability is often one of the most critical factors for determining the best pack. If you are taking it outdoors, you’re going to encounter some rough terrain.
This factor is also important If you’re carrying pokey treasure things like me.
Weight
Weight is an important factor in climbing packs. Apparently, the less weight, the better when you’re trying. In addition to packing light, the actual weight of your bag can make a huge difference in the overall weight that you’re carrying.
The weight of your bag determines a lot of other factors that can affect its quality. Often, the more durable bags are also more massive. In this case, you need to decide what’s more important, which more often than not, should be durability.
Fortunately, 8PBLUS gear bags are both lightweight and durable.
Waterproofing
The importance of a waterproof bag depends on the climate you’re regularly climbing. If you live in the Pacific Northwest, a waterproof bag is mandatory. If you live in Arizona? Not so much.
I sail a lot so this is a big requisite!
Waterproof bags are usually more expensive and a little heavier than non-waterproof bags. So while it may seem obvious to go with a waterproof option, if you don’t encounter much rain where you climb, then there’s no need for it.
If you find yourself in a rainy climate without a waterproof bag, there are always covers that can go over it, so you’re not entirely screwed.
Comfort
You’re stuck on a mountain, reaching for that next grip. Your muscles are already aching. All of a sudden, your bag straps start cutting into your already sore shoulders.
Comfort is important. It may seem like a second priority, but when you’re already putting yourself into physically demanding situations, you don’t want your pack to add to that.
Where Do I Get a Gear Bag?
Glad you asked! Climbing bags are available everywhere, in a wide variety of styles, but those that fit all the requirements are right here.
