Little Black Backpack
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As a multi-pitch, wear-while-climbing friendo or miniature cragging pack, the MILLET HOOK 25 ($129.90, milletusa.com) is a bombtruck breath of fresh air. Weighing just 2lbs 1oz, this svelte little back-hugger has all the features climbers need: a three-point hauling system (one top loop and two smaller loops on the pack’s face); an easy-access front pocket with vertical zip; a removable waistbelt with a gear loop and pocket big enough for keys/chapstick/etc.; and an internal mesh pocket for guidebooks. The pack’s main compartment, meanwhile, has a pouch for a water bladder, and a deep, U-shaped opening that let me root around easily for on-route accoutrements. Compression straps and an impermeable 420D HD Oxford nylon and 1300D Ballistics nylon body round out utility and durability.
Matt Samet