OutdoorGearLab

The DMM Classic is an outstanding rope bag that sports some of the best features that we have seen and works well for all types of climbing. It has a large removable tarp to keep your cord out of the dirt and a space-efficient closure system. Our testers appreciated the comfortable backpack straps on long approaches. And one of these straps is removable if you prefer messenger bag-style carrying.  We could pack a 70m rope and all of the essentials into the main compartment, including a harness, chalk, and one pair of shoes.
We struggled to find many flaws in the Classic. One minor issue is that the main compartment closes with a zipper, which isn't as fast or durable as the more popular drawstring closures. We wouldn't recommend this model as an indoor-only climbing pack. It is far better suited for cragging or long approaches because of its large tarp and compression straps, which might otherwise feel excessive for climbing in the gym. If you're looking for an impressively functional crag bag that is easy to use and comfortable to carry, the DMM Classic is tough to beat. 

The DMM Classic is an outstanding rope bag that sports some of the best features that we have seen and works well for all types of climbing. It has a large removable tarp to keep your cord out of the dirt and a space-efficient closure system. Our testers appreciated the comfortable backpack straps on long approaches. And one of these straps is removable if you prefer messenger bag-style carrying.  We could pack a 70m rope and all of the essentials into the main compartment, including a harness, chalk, and one pair of shoes.
We struggled to find many flaws in the Classic. One minor issue is that the main compartment closes with a zipper, which isn't as fast or durable as the more popular drawstring closures. We wouldn't recommend this model as an indoor-only climbing pack. It is far better suited for cragging or long approaches because of its large tarp and compression straps, which might otherwise feel excessive for climbing in the gym. If you're looking for an impressively functional crag bag that is easy to use and comfortable to carry, the DMM Classic is tough to beat. 
Read more: DMM Classic review

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REVIEW: DMM Soft Goods - Rucksacks and Rope Bags

If climbing indoors is a part of your daily routine and you want to pack everything you need for a day at the office and gym into one bag, then the Petzl KAB is an excellent option. It has a stylish messenger bag-design that doesn't look like a rope bag until you open it up. The integrated, trapezoidal tarp is removable and won't take up too much space if your gym rope is 60 meters or less. The KAB's most unique feature is a padded laptop sleeve, which means it can serve double duty as a messenger bag if you remove the rope tarp. This feature greatly expands the bag's functionality if you want to stop off at the climbing gym during your commute to school or work. It also has extra compartments that can be used for books or additional climbing gear.
The main disadvantage of the KAB is that it does not function well as a bag for outdoor climbing. The tarp is too small to cover much dirt outside, and its carrying strap isn't especially comfortable for long approaches. If you only climb indoors then this will not be a problem, but for those who are hoping to transition from gym to crag, the KAB isn't a versatile choice. It is also one of the most expensive models that we tested, and unless the additional laptop carrying features appeal to you, the Metolius Dirt Bag II is significantly cheaper and equally functional as a rope bag. Yet, in the golden age of gym climbing, this rope bag fills an important niche better than any other.

If climbing indoors is a part of your daily routine and you want to pack everything you need for a day at the office and gym into one bag, then the Petzl KAB is an excellent option. It has a stylish messenger bag-design that doesn't look like a rope bag until you open it up. The integrated, trapezoidal tarp is removable and won't take up too much space if your gym rope is 60 meters or less. The KAB's most unique feature is a padded laptop sleeve, which means it can serve double duty as a messenger bag if you remove the rope tarp. This feature greatly expands the bag's functionality if you want to stop off at the climbing gym during your commute to school or work. It also has extra compartments that can be used for books or additional climbing gear.
The main disadvantage of the KAB is that it does not function well as a bag for outdoor climbing. The tarp is too small to cover much dirt outside, and its carrying strap isn't especially comfortable for long approaches. If you only climb indoors then this will not be a problem, but for those who are hoping to transition from gym to crag, the KAB isn't a versatile choice. It is also one of the most expensive models that we tested, and unless the additional laptop carrying features appeal to you, the Metolius Dirt Bag II is significantly cheaper and equally functional as a rope bag. Yet, in the golden age of gym climbing, this rope bag fills an important niche better than any other.
Read more: Petzl KAB review

Petzl Kab Review

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Small and Mighty: Petzl's Nano Traxion - The Backcountry Ski Touring Blog

The Metolius Dirt Bag II is the best choice for those on a budget due to its solid performance and low cost. It's a fantastic option for climbers who want a functional rope bag and no-frills. The Dirt Bag II has a durable construction, a huge tarp, and enough space for some extra gear. This makes it "dirtbag cheap," as the name implies, and a great bargain considering what it offers. It costs about as much as a large pizza in Yosemite but it will last much longer. 
The spacious zippered opening makes it easy enough to pack and unpack the rope, but it definitely has less volume than other packs we tested. The single shoulder strap isn't great for long approaches, so you probably wouldn't want to carry it for more than 20 minutes or so. Despite being limited in pack space and features, the Dirt Bag II is a solid budget option, and we recommend it to anyone on the fence about whether or not to buy a rope bag.  

The Metolius Dirt Bag II is the best choice for those on a budget due to its solid performance and low cost. It's a fantastic option for climbers who want a functional rope bag and no-frills. The Dirt Bag II has a durable construction, a huge tarp, and enough space for some extra gear. This makes it "dirtbag cheap," as the name implies, and a great bargain considering what it offers. It costs about as much as a large pizza in Yosemite but it will last much longer. 
The spacious zippered opening makes it easy enough to pack and unpack the rope, but it definitely has less volume than other packs we tested. The single shoulder strap isn't great for long approaches, so you probably wouldn't want to carry it for more than 20 minutes or so. Despite being limited in pack space and features, the Dirt Bag II is a solid budget option, and we recommend it to anyone on the fence about whether or not to buy a rope bag.  
Read more: Metolius Dirt Bag II review

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