UKC

Hi all,

I’m doing my ML training in August and currently have an old rucksack with gear loops etc. It’s done the job so far, but it’s seriously uncomfortable for long days in the hills and definitely due an upgrade.

Money’s a bit tight, so I’m looking for any tried-and-tested recommendations for packs that would be suitable for ML training and still work well for long trad days out.

Thanks in advance

Osprey mutant 38 has served me well for ML training and assessment (including the expeds, but it depends on the rest of your kit as to whether it all fits), and all my climbing requirements too. I picked one up for £50 second hand around 8 years ago and it's still going strong 

Was about to suggest the very same - my mutant 38 lives on my back as a trad sack and a work bag as an ML

I have used a Deuter Guide for almost 10 years which I quite like; it's been good for both walking/scrambling and trad/alpine climbing. I have an older Guide Lite 32; I find it a bit small for year-round use so the 44 might be better suited. I also think they've re-designed the bags in recent years. The new back padding looks less breathable for walking days, but I can't speak from experience on the latest versions.

I also have an Osprey Talon 44 which is much more walking-oriented, but I've also used it a bit for climbing and couldn't really fault it for that.

Mutant 38 here as well. Though I used an older Patagonia Ascensionist 30L for my training days and a lot of my personal walking and overnights. A lot of light kit from OMM racing, so not taking up a lot of space. 

I have one of the new Deuter Guide bags, the back padding is fine for hiking in my experience. I only really get a sweaty back when I have it on for MTB (also a pretty decent bag for that imo) but I've yet to find a bag that doesn't have that issue.

In terms of climbing use, I climbed Pillar the other week with it full of camping gear. Got up the route with little issue from the bag. It even made it out of the chimney pitch in one piece, same can't be said for my water bottle!

Thanks all - I decided to go for the Mutant and putting it to the test in mid Aug. Appreciate the feedback!