Climbing backpacks

Whether you’re spending the day at your local crag or undertaking an alpine expedition, a climbing pack has all the space you need to haul gear, food and water.

Climbing rope and climbing carabiners can be hefty. To keep you climbing and hiking pain-free, it’s important to learn how to fit your pack. Climbing packs have extra padding on the shoulders to support heavy gear and sit high on the back to make way for a climbing harness.

Large main compartments fit a huge amount of gear and make up for a lack of outer pockets, which could get snagged on rock features. Smaller inner compartments fit things like headlamps and a GPS. Practicing how to pack your backpack will help make room for everything you need to bring on the most gear-intensive trips.

If you’re gearing up for a long approach or a chill day at the climbing gym, MEC climbing packs offer the versatility needed for lots of trad gear or just a pair of climbing shoes and a water bottle. Make the most of your climbing trip with climbing pack features like wide zippered openings so you don’t have to do any digging.

Once you’ve picked your pack, head over to the rock climbing checklist to make sure you don’t leave anything behind.