Denali Duffel and Backpack Thoughts

My 2023 Denali Team is discussing luggage for the mountain. Backpack, sled duffel, and cache bag. This is what I think on the topic:

First, think of the total capacity of the two primary bags. Added together, you should have capacity of at least 200L. If you choose a relatively small backpack (80L), ensure that your duffel is very big (130-140L).

Duffel:

Get the biggest, lightest duffel you can. Ideal is 130-140L capacity and less than 1 kg in weight. I use the REI Roadtripper 140. The sturdiest "expedition" duffels can be as much as 2-3x the weight of something simpler and lighter. The good news is that a lighter and simpler duffel is also cheaper than the heavy and sturdy ones. I have an inexpensive, light duffel that I use for specific trips like Denali. All-around expedition “luggage” is way more robust (and heavy) than is required on Denali.

Some sample sizes and weights of commonly available duffels. From lightest to heaviest:

  • REI Roadtripper 140L. 800 grams.

  • Outdoor Products Deluxe Duffel. XL. 130L. ~900 grams

  • Patagonia Black Hole 100L. 1640 grams.

  • Gregory Alpaca 120L. 1860 grams

  • The North Face Base Camp XL. 130L. 1950 grams.

  • Mountain Equipment Wet and Dry 140L. 2370 grams

  • Sea To Summit 130L. 2450 grams

Backpack

And get a backpack that is comfortable and supportive, with capacity 80-100L. On the small end of that range, you will wrestle to get your gear in on the few camp move days, but enjoy less backpack bulk on the remaining days. The decision you make about the capacity of your backpack is a very personal one. I personally prefer a smaller capacity backpack (80L, frameless, ultralight. "Cold Cold World Chaos" model). This smaller backpack is more comfortable for the 8-10 lightly laden days, but requires a great deal of effort and attention on the 4-5 fully loaded days. A 100L backpack will be awesome on those few big-load days, but "overkill" the remainder of the time.

Some backpack make and models that I have seen work well on Denali:

  • Osprey Aether Plus 100

  • Osprey Aether Plus 80

  • Mountain Hardwear AMG 105

  • Gregory Denali 100

  • Cold Cold World Chaos. This is my chosen backpack for Denali. It is on the small end of the spectrum, and offers no built-in rigid frame. As a result, it requires great care in packing for the hand full of heavily-laden days, but I get a very compressible, nimble backpack for the remainder of the time.

  • The North Face Prophet 100. Other guides love this pack. Though it currently appears to be discontinued.

  • Black Diamond Mission 75 (very much on the small end of the spectrum. Users of this pack must be very, very diligent with their packing on big move days)

  • Hyperlite Mountain Gear 5400 Porter

  • Alpine Luddites Alpine Machine 80L (the biggest 80L pack I’ve ever seen. This was a custom made pack that is perhaps the most ideal Denali Pack I know of).

Cache Bag

We will leave gear in various strategic locations on the mountain at various times. Group gear will be packed in its own bags suitable for caching, while each person will need their own individual cache bag. The Sea To Summit Ultra SIL Dry Sack 35L is perfect. Other acceptable options include something homemade from tent-type fabric, one of those Latin American style “Rice Bags”, or even a very, very sturdy plastic bag. As is sold as “contractors bags” in the US. Light and high volume is better than small and very sturdy. Whatever you choose, make sure it will hold up to some movement, tossing, and shovel impacts and weighs no more than 2-300 grams.

Jediah Porter