I recently took a Backcountry to Rum, stuffed with a half pad and supplies in the back and was pretty impressed by the support system. It still weighs a ton of course but I was getting up there (solid 90 minute bog-trotting up to 400m) without the usual ache in the shoulders as the weight seems very well distributed. And for shorter walk ins I've just slung another pad over the back of it without it being an issue.This looks pretty innovative as a "pad stuffable boulder bag" - if it's of decent quality. https://www.instagram.com/p/BwuV3LjDiTS/
You lot have it easy... Approaches are typically 30-60minutes from the car. Mostly rough trail/talus.Standard kit for a day out: 1 - Big Pad, Organic or Asana - 5" thick, and 4" by 6" area 1 - Regular pad, typically Organic or Asana, but sometimes a BD or metolius if I need more. 1 - 1/2 pad - normally one of the big foldout ones 1 - rope cleaning kit - 100ft rope, harness, anchor gear, ascender, grigri, etc. 1 - Brush cleaning kit - about 4-6 wire brushes of varying sizes, a mini crowbar, gloves, etc. 1 - Climbing kit - all for a day of whatever in the alpine, including puffy, food, water etc. (normal development day is about 6-8 hours in the field)Normal weigh in is about 50-70 lbs. Set up is three bags, one with lightweight and/or bulky stuff, one for cleaning crap, and one fr normal heavier climbing kit. All of the lightweight/bulky stuff goes in large pad. Regular and 1/2 pad get strapped to big pad. Heavier small bag goes on front. Third bag depends on the day, either in large pad, or on front. https://www.facebook.com/groups/157187114329138/permalink/1818043904910109/
Whats the best way you've found to join two highballs?Have 2 and not found anything thats really successful. Be interested to hear!Cheers
This is yet another area of climbing that’s easier if you have lank. Being a short arse by the time I have strapped 3 pads on, they are dragging on the ground.
Slightly off topic, but can anyone actually carry a normal size pad like a brief case and not have it dragging on the ground if your arms are straight?
No commitment.
Avoid taco pads like the plague. Obviously. You can never get the load distribution right.
Not a huge amount to add to this but in my experience the Organic Full Pad's carry system is perfectly adequate. The straps on the Backcountry thing look very bulky. Do they remove? This is a massive faff? I notice that Organic also do a modular hip belt that they call the Muffin Protector. A hip belt is absolutely essential for anything more than a light load.
Joking aside, it's quite noticeable how much she's facing downwards when I carry her on my front with a heavy load on my back,due to me leaning forward. Wonder what thatll do to my posture long term.