In reply to TobyA:
> Well exactly. What percentage of people at Stanage have a pack with them with ice axe loops on it?
Probably because they use the same sack for everything or because it is an old retired sack.
> So, actually large numbers of UK climbers buy packs that are designed for mountaineering and then never use them for that.
They have the ice axe loops to make them versatile, not becauise they are specifically for alpine climbing.
> Your argument otherwise is basically "in my day we all used our mothers' washing lines for ropes"
No it's not; modern ropes are a major functional imporovement on a washing line, but these "crag packs" are a gimmick.
> Isn't all climbing gear a frivolous luxury for over indulged first worlders?
Climbing is a frivulous luxury but not some gear; once you are actually falling off or at -30 degrees, your rope or your duvet jacket certainly isn't. These "crag packs" are.
> But people can choose to spend their disposable income exactly how they see fit.
Of course - more fool them!