The objective: a multi-pitch rock climb or ice climb in the Sierras requiring hiking at least one day to get either to the base or near the base of the route.  The route is technical and requires a rope, pro, shoes, and is complicated by a steep snow descent requiring an ice axe andEven with light weight summer sleeping bags (if the trip is in the summer) and bivy bags the pile of gear sitting in the middle of the living room floor Wednesday evening is downright formidable. The question is how to move all this stuff into base camp and then how much of this junk gets carried on the route itself. The problem comes down to the pack or possibly two packs.  to the above problem seems to be addressed with two techniques: one, use a pack big enough to get all that junk inside and then (hopefully) it may be adjusted to use on the rock or ice route itself and two, use two packs, one big enough to haul all that junk and then a smaller one for the route

The rational for the second method is the large pack is almost always a heavy and bulky pain to deal with.  I have tried both the single pack method and the two pack method and I am not too crazy about eitherThe problem with sizing the second pack is the variability of theIn general one ice axe loop is good enough but ice routes are a little easier with two.  The volume of the pack needs to cover two quarts of water, rain gear, lunch, possibly a fleece garment, and possibly the room to carry the approach shoes or boots.  requirements for a day of ascent pack that should weigh less than twoA request for suggestions for lightweight alpine packs was put and the responses were very interesting and several new suppliers of packs identified. The dividing line for the definition of the carried second pack suitable for use on alpine routes was set at about 2 pounds.  heavier than that were judged to be too heavy to use as the day of ascent

pack unless they also happen to be useful enough to be the main gear The volume for the following packs has a range of values depending on whether the shroud is pulled out and possibly if the side pocket volume isIn order to determine the exact volume of the enumerated packsrlx backpack ebay the actual data from the manufacturer should be consulted.  kid cudi backpack ebay should serve as a starting point.berghaus 247 backpack a.  ArcTeryx Khamsin 30, 2 lbs 1 ounce (ok, over 2 lbs), volume 1450 togazoo backpackArun uses a larger version, the Khamsin 50, for ice climbingelement mohave backpack review

and likes the larger version.  The particular Khamsin 50 is apparently no b.  Golite Breeze, 12 to 15 ounces depending on the source, volume 2700 to 4500 cubic inches.  This suggestion came from Ron Hudson.  are made with SpectraCloth or SpectraCloth mix of some sort.  kelty 44l backpack c.  LaFuma Activ Light 37, 1 lb 10 ounces, volume 2165 cubic inches. This pack is one of mine and was purchased from the Sierra Trading Post () and has about the right volume and weight.  has one ice axe loop and a nice top pocket for putting little widgets and d.  MountainTools JetStream, 12 ounces, volume 1500 cubic inches.  Curl and I have used this pack.  This is the pack which requires you to work on in order to keep the clips from disappearing off the ends.  ends are turned over and sewn but it isn't enough.  It has two ice axe loops and a bunch of loops on the back for hanging extra gear. 

does not appear to be available anymore.  Despire repeated promises by Mountain Tools that the Jet Stream pack would once again be available (first promised by late 2000, then at various times in 2001, then by Spring 2002, and recently by September 2002), as of November 2002 it is still not being shipped. Don't hold your breath on this one. e.  Vaude Impulse, 2 lbs, volume 1500 cubic inches.  of this pack was suggested by Arun.  This pack does not seem to have any attachment points or ice axe loops.  Vaude seems to be imported and f.  Black Diamond Zippo Pack, 1 lb 8 ounces, volume 1650 cubic inches. Ron Karpel suggested including some information about Black Diamond in the survey, however, nobody responded who uses their stuff.  The site is at a.  Lowe Alpine Contour 40, 2 lbs 3 ounces, volume 2400 cubic inches. This pack was suggested by Allan Ritter.  I also have one of these packs but use it mostly for day hiking. 

It appears to be optimized for ski touring since it has many features for carrying skis and skiing stuff. This is a popular pack in the Bay area and is often on sale at the Sierra b.  Granite Gear Alpine, 2 lbs 15 ounces, volume 3200 cubic inches. This pack was suggested by Kevin Craig.  This pack appears to have many features including tool tubes, gear loops on the webbing belt, removable foam pad as the frame support, daisy chains, etc.  This pack also has a smaller sibling known as the Talus which weighs 1 lb 15 ounces and has 2400 cubic inches of volume.  Granite Gear can be found at c.  Arcteryx Nozone, 5 lbs.  Also suggested by Kevin.  Not much data on this one but recommended. d.  Madden Jambo, 2 lb 10 ounces, volume 2150 cubic inches.  This pack is available from an on-lineThis company does not appear to maintain a web site. e.  Lowe Alpine Attack 50, 3 lbs 8 ounces, volume unknown (fairlyThis pack is used by Ron Karpel and myself. 

It appears to be no longer available so I could not get volume information.  this is a great pack.  It has a lot of features, most of which may beIt came with a Camelback water system which I took out and the left over pockets hold the ToolBox with the gnarly crampons Editorís Note: The Alpine Attack 50 doesnít appears on Loweís website. They still make a model called the Alpine Attack 40.  ounces and has a volume of 40 liters (2400 cu.  In) I use the Lowe Alpine f.  Wild Things Ice Sac, 3 lbs 4 ounces, volume 3200 cubic inches. This pack was suggested by Christopher Jain and Elmer Martin.  seems to have a line of packs in this range including the Andanista whichWild Things is in Conway, NH at 603-447-6907 and g.  Cold Cold World Chaos, 3 lbs 8 ounces, volume 4300 cubic inches. This pack was suggested by Mark Wallace.  Cold Cold World does not seem to have a web site but a dealer in these packs isThe Cold Cold World