Pack

From CanyonWiki

Canyon backpacks really have only two requirements: durability and drainability. Like everything in the canyon, backpacks take a beating. They rub up against canyon walls. They get thrown down short drops. They get thrown up over log jams as grappling hooks. Some folks even sit on them to eat lunch. By the end of the day, your pack may be just as worn out as you.

The uniqueness of a canyon pack is limited to its ability to drain. If your pack has a nice waterproof design, well that's great. But, when you go for a swim, the bag will fill up with water no matter how "water-proof" it is. The water-proof design only guarantees that water will stay inside the pack once it sloshes in over the top. Common solutions have been to place a number of large grommets in the bottom of the pack or to replace a side panel with very strong mesh. There are currently only a handful of companies making backpacks designed to drain. Among the most functional are the packs by Imlay. Petzl, Edelweiss, Alp and Metolius have also recently created canyon packs designed to be durable and drainable.

The other needs of a canyon pack are fairly non-specific. Canyons may present moments when you'll want to escape from your pack. Short straps with the webbing flat and not doubled back will help that escape. The new Imlay packs feature clips on the shoulder straps for quick release. Many canyons are narrow, so you'll probably curse that wide framed pack you liked so much on the John Muir trail. Many canyons require ropes, so you'll need to get your rope comfortably lashed on. Many canyons are in the desert, so an in-pack hydration system is nice. Sometimes you'll be tempted to use your packpack as a throw bag, so good webbing will improve its anchor-like quality. You'll usually have a harness on, so a hip-belt that doesn't interfere with the harness is key. You'll also have a lot of gear, because gear is cool! So a nice daisy-chain and some other places to display your gear will make you feel good about yourself.

Technical Tip: When entering a tight canyon section or a stiff current, consider unclipping the pack. This makes extracting yourself much easier if the pack should get wedged or caught up in the river.