Climbing packs, like helmets, harnesses, carabiners, and other climbing gear, is being redefined with light sturdy fabrics and innovative designs for extreme climbing adventures on big cliffs and high mountains. Several of these new packs caught my eye at the Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City at the beginning of the month. While I have only tested one, two of the others look interesting and I look forward to trying them out next year.

The Cliff Org 32 pack from Millet (MSRP $100) is perfect for a day of climbing at Ceuse in southern France, Joshua Tree National Park, or Shelf Road. The pack especially shines on sport climbing days. The pack not only allows you to carry all your gear to the cliff, but keeps it organized as well. The pack's back panel unzips open, allowing you to get inside easily. Organize your gear with an internal rope bag, mesh pocket for rock shoes, water bottle holder, daisy chain, zippered pocket for a guidebook, and a zip pocket with a key holder. The pack, made from abrasion-resistant 600D polyester, looks like it will take the abuse of hiking to cliffs. Ergonomic back panels covered with breathable mesh make a comfortable ride and side compression straps let you tote an extra rope.

Mountain Hardwear makes the SummitRocket 20 an ultralight, versatile, high-performace vestpack built especially for speedy alpinist like Swiss climber Ueli Steck, who have design direction. This stream-lined, minimalist pack, similar to ultra-running vests, has only a single main compartment so you can quickly and efficiently stow gear. No internal organization, including no interior pockets or water bladder pouch. It doesn't have a hip belt, only chest straps, so the pack doesn't get in the way of your harness and gear loops. The SummitRocket is, however, extremely comfortable, lightweight, and snuggly fits your back like a glove and although it holds loads up to 40 pounds, it never feels bulky or uncomfortable for alpine climbing. It has a removable compression system; front and rear grab loops; daisy chains to clip gear outside; and ice axe straps.

The Grivel Mago 12 pack Mago means "magician" in Italian--is a magical little pack designed for speed climbing on big routes or for day climbing on long routes. The 8.8-ounce (252-gram) pack has a unique over-the-shoulder single strap, allowing for total movement while you're climbing, plus it rides high on your back so it doesn't interfere with your harness. The single swivel strap also allows you to quickly swing it in front to grab a sip of water or if you're wedging up a chimney.The ultralight pack, with 12 liters of space, has lots of room and pockets for essential gear--keys, descent sandals, water, energy bars, headlamp, and raincoat. A special pocket on the front of the strap accommodates your cell phone. The pack is imported by Liberty Mountain Sports.