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Metolius Sentinel Review

This is an exceptional model, though its small size is a bit restrictive on the wall
Metolius Sentinel
Photo: Metolius
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Price:  $155 List | $159.95 at Amazon
Pros:  Great closure, bomber, great as a crag pack
Cons:  Expensive, not the most useful size for most walls
Manufacturer:   Metolius
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief  ⋅  Mar 25, 2011
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90
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#4 of 8
  • Durability/Material - 40% 10
  • Capacity - 10% 4
  • Waterproofness - 10% 10
  • Closure systems/Ease of Access - 20% 9
  • Carrying/Suspension System - 20% 9

Our Verdict

This is an excellent haul bag. Durability is top-notch and the closure is both relatively fast to close and weather resistant. For a haul bag, it's comfortable to carry (but not nearly as comfortable as a daypack). However, the Stubby is a great value. Still, if you can afford it, get it. It's a great bag for big walls and would also serve as a lifelong crag pack. If you are on a budget, there is more bang for your buck elsewhere.

Compare to Similar Products

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Metolius Sentinel
This Product
Metolius Sentinel
Awards  Editors' Choice Award Top Pick Award  Top Pick Award 
Price $159.95 at Amazon$229.95 at AmazonCheck Price at Backcountry
Compare at 2 sellers		$170 List$60 List
Overall Score Sort Icon
90
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92
74
69
Star Rating
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Pros Great closure, bomber, great as a crag packBomber, great size, comfy, one of the most waterproofGreat closure, bomber, great as a crag packFree-standing, easy to get in and out of, comfy to carryLightweight, can haul outside of haulbag, no assembly required
Cons Expensive, not the most useful size for most wallsTakes some time to get in and out of topExpensiveNo waterproof closure, hard to clip stuff underneathExpensive, not completely air-tight
Bottom Line This is an exceptional model, though its small size is a bit restrictive on the wallOur favorite haul bag for any climbing adventure you can dream upOne of the best haul bags that can be purchased in this volumeCompact and bomber, this bag comes in a variety of sizes and is a decent priceThe best off-the-shelf poop tube we know of
Rating Categories Metolius Sentinel Metolius Half Dome... Metolius Quarter Dome Black Diamond Stubby Metolius Waste Case
Durability Material (40%)
10.0
10.0
10.0
7.0
10.0
Capacity (10%)
4.0
8.0
6.0
3.0
1
Waterproofness (10%)
10.0
10.0
10.0
5.0
10.0
Closure Systems Ease Of Access (20%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
10.0
9.0
Carrying Suspension System (20%)
9.0
9.0
9.0
9.0
0
Specs Metolius Sentinel Metolius Half Dome... Metolius Quarter Dome Black Diamond Stubby Metolius Waste Case
Volume (cu inches) 2800 7600 4200 2136 500
Weight 4 lb 11 oz 7 lb 7 oz 5 lb 1 oz 3 lb 15 oz 10.6 oz
Main container material Durathane Durathane Durathane 37 oz vinyl-laminated nylon Durathane
Closure material Ballistic nylon Ballistic nylon Ballistic nylon 840 Denier ripstop Ballistic nylon
Sewn or welded seam Welded Welded Welded Sewn Welded

Our Analysis and Test Results

Likes


This bag nails pretty much all the details both big and small. Big picture: it is very bomber, has a comfortable carrying system, and has a great closure system. It's the type of bag that may live longer than you will. The carrying system easily stows away. The haul straps are long enough to be useful but not too long to get hung up on branches when hiking.

On the more detailed side, the closure system opens up to give you great access. While the lack of drybag closure means less weather protection, it also means better access. For most applications, where you are not operating in bad weather, we think this is a good tradeoff.

Dislikes


While comfy, this bag does not breathe well. Even in cool weather, expect sweat to accumulate on the back panel. Because it doesn't have a dry bag closure system, it's not quite as weather-resistant in a downpour. It also required the bag to be filled to the top or water will pool on the lid and make its way in. If you're expecting bad weather, we would bring a trash compactor bag and extra string to securely protect the top of the bag.

Conclusion


This bag can replace a small duffel bag or daypack. However, for most applications, you will be better serviced by just having a great daypack, crag pack or duffel. So it's for the person that wants one super burly back to do it all in this size.

— Chris McNamara