LOAD UP! The Ideal Rope Bag

Lugging around equipment – whether rigging or climbing gear- one piece at a time gets old rather quickly. Make a single trip by storing the equipment inside of a gear bag?! In our world, a gear bag is a mobile workshop, a protective vault for expensive ropes and hardware, and sometimes the difference between an efficient day and a chaotic one. Below, I compare three well-known options used by everyday arborists: Courant Cross Pro XL, Teufelberger ropeBUCKET 50L, and a Notch Hauler 70L.

Quick specs at a glance

• Courant Cross Pro XL – 75L capacity, rugged 1680D fabric, heavy-duty YKK zips, unique opening feature giving the tree climber easy access to equipment, and multiple storage slots for additional gear.

• Teufelberger ropeBUCKET 50L – 50L, near indestructible bucket style, rigid enough to remain upright while feeding rope into, breathable, shoulder straps for backpack carry.

• Notch Hauler 70L – 1680D weather-resistant shell, integrated helmet compartment, outer zip-up pocket for additional gear, additional slot for throwline cube storage, and a side pocket for handsaw storage. 

Courant Cross Pro XL – the organized material station bag

For individuals who value organization and quick access to equipment, the XL bag offers substantial advantages. Upon opening, the bag features internal daisy chain loops for multiple carabiner attachment and numerous transparent pockets, making it ideal for rigging tool storage or climbers managing gear inventories between tasks. Additionally, users who carry two ropes can benefit from the compact Courant Cross Rope bag, which attaches securely to the front of the shoulder straps on the Cross Pro XL via buckles, thereby reducing arm fatigue during extended approaches to worksites.

To accommodate rope storage inside the bag, the user must coil the rope rather than simply flake it into place. While this requirement may be inconvenient for some, others may consider it a minor issue given the exceptional storage capabilities the bag provides.

Notch Hauler 70L – the “if it fits, it ships” workhorse

The Notch Hauler serves as a portable locker, easily fitting a full climbing kit and helmet. Its stiff rods keep the bag upright and open for convenient rope flaking. For reference, 200 feet of 11.9mm Kalimba rope and a DMM Kinisi Max harness fit comfortably inside. The front slot is designed for the Notch Pop-Box, but I can fit two Falteimer throwline cubes if needed. While I don't use the front zip pocket for tools, I store my Silky Zubat in the side zippered pocket.

Teufelberger ropeBUCKET 50L – the tough rope-centric bucket bag

The ropeBUCKET is designed to be highly durable, permeable, and adaptable. Although slightly smaller than the other two gear bags mentioned in this blog, it can still accommodate all items listed in the Hauler bag section, albeit more snugly. Daisy chain loops may be fashioned using accessory cordage to allow for secure attachment of additional equipment; however, this may affect the bag's structure. During warmer weather, as the material becomes heated, the bag may collapse inward, particularly if excessive gear is affixed externally.

In terms of durability, the ropeBUCKET demonstrates notable resilience, maintaining its shape even after significant external pressure. Regarding permeability, the bag allows wet gear stored inside to dry efficiently due to its breathable design. Conversely, during adverse weather conditions, items inside are more susceptible to becoming wet as moisture can penetrate the bag’s material.

Practical Buying Tips

1. Assess the contents of your daily kit by arranging typical equipment such as ropes, helmet, harness, climbing systems, and throwline. If storage is inadequate, consider a larger option.

2. Evaluate both accessibility and capacity; selecting larger storage does not always result in improved functionality for gear deployment and organization.

3. Review transportation methods, including navigating difficult terrain, comfort when carrying on the shoulder or back, and available space in vehicle compartments.

4. Examine attachment points and repairability by identifying replacement parts and features that contribute to long-term use.

Final Thought

There is no single arborist gear bag that suits every need; the optimal choice depends on your specific work requirements. For those who need to transport a comprehensive kit, additional rope, and a portable workstation, the Courant Cross Pro XL provides an ideal solution. If you prefer a minimalist approach and require a bag that accommodates your helmet when not in use, while also offering comfort during transport to the jobsite, the Notch Hauler is recommended. For maximum durability and resilience when storing tree climbing or rigging equipment, the Teufelberger ropeBUCKET bag is a reliable option.