Climbing Gear Bags & Arborist Haul Bags

Buying guide

What makes a good arborist gear bag

Tree work is hard on bags. Look for heavy coated fabric that sheds water and sap, a stiff base so the bag stands open, and a wide opening so you can see what is inside. Backpack straps help when the job is a long walk from the truck. A drain grommet lets water out if the bag gets rained on.

Size the bag to your full kit. Most climbers carrying a saddle, one rope, a helmet and hardware need something in the medium to large range. A large duffel works well as a truck bag holding everything for a crew climber.

Inside pockets and loops help keep small items like hitch cord, spare carabiners and a first aid pouch from disappearing into the bottom of the bag. A light-colored lining makes it easier to see what is inside.

Arborist bags take more abuse than most climbing bags. They get dragged through brush, tossed in truck beds and left in the rain, so the toughest fabric you can afford usually pays for itself. Inspect seams and zippers each season and repair or replace before they fail.

Haul bag or duffel

A haul bag is a tall, tough cylinder with shoulder straps, built for dragging and hauling. It is a great arborist rope bag for a longer line plus some hardware. A duffel opens wide and suits a full kit you want to lay out on a tarp at the tree. Many climbers own one of each.

A small rope bag inside a big gear bag is a good combination: rope stays protected and ready to deploy, and everything else rides in the larger bag.

Packing for protection

Keep sharp items like hand saws and spurs in their own scabbards or a separate bag so they do not cut rope or textiles. Keep fuel, bar oil and battery packs out of the gear bag entirely. Dry the bag and the gear inside after wet jobs before closing it up for storage.

Use packing time for a quick look at your gear. Anything damaged should be tagged and kept out of the bag until it is properly inspected or retired.

Label bags with the climber's name or crew number so gear does not wander between trucks. A tag on the handle is enough.

Choosing between brands

Buckingham haul bags are simple and tough, built for crews. The Edelrid Kurt haul bag is designed to stand up and open wide for rope and gear. The Petzl Duffel 85 is a large-capacity bag that also works as a travel bag for climbing competitions or long jobs. Pick based on how you carry your kit and how much space it needs.

Whatever you choose, look for reinforcements at the base and handles, since that is where bags fail first.

Hang gear bags open to air out at the end of a wet week.