Review: Mystery Ranch Tower 47 Pack

A "crag pack" may seem like a highly-specialized piece of gear, but both climbers and non-climbers alike will surely appreciate adding this type of backpack to their gear arsenal. And the all-new Tower 47 Pack from Mystery Ranch is an awesome choice.

What exactly is a "crag pack?" In short, it's a bag with easy organization and access, that's comfortable to carry for a long distance. The Tower 47 has a wide array of different pockets and access points to keep all your gear in place and at hand. There's a small pocket in the lid for items such as keys, bars, and a headlamp; five internal pockets of various sizes for shoes, layers, chalkbags, etc.; and a large main compartment for big items like gear and ropes.

The pack's exterior features five removable nylon straps for cinching a rope to the outside, and two sewn-on daisy chains for additional lash points. The large main compartment has a total of three access points: a U-shaped top zipper for vertical loading, a 3/4 circumference panel zipper for loading the pack like a duffel bag, and a small side zip for quick access to items at the bottom of the pack such as water bottles.

The Tower 47's exterior fabric is burly 1000D Cordura that will hold up to lots of abuse at the crag, or wherever else you might be lugging this bag. I've also found that this pack makes a great travel bag: it's just the right size for a large airplane carry-on, and the pockets make it easy to separate items like travel accessories, clothing, books, and snacks.

To maximize comfort, the shoulder straps sport plush padding, and the waist belt has a removable pad as well. Not only is the torso length adjustable, but the pack also comes in two different frame sizes for different body sizes. This is sure to make the pack feel much more tailored to each individual's physique.

Available at mysteryranch.com; $325.