REASONS TO BUY
Great closure
Bomber
Great as a crag pack
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Not the most useful size for most walls
Metolius Sentinel Review
This is an exceptional model, though its small size is a bit restrictive on the wall
Metolius Sentinel
Credit: Metolius
Price: $190 List
Manufacturer:
Metolius
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief ⋅ Mar 25, 2011
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
 This Product
Metolius Sentinel | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  | | |||
| Price | $189.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | Check Price at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $230 List | $180 List $179.95 at Backcountry | $70 List $69.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Pros | Great closure, bomber, great as a crag pack | Great closure, bomber, great as a crag pack | Simple, light, easy to get in and out of, comfortable to carry | Free-standing, easy to get in and out of, comfy to carry | Lightweight, can haul outside of haulbag, no assembly required |
| Cons | Expensive, not the most useful size for most walls | Expensive | Not waterproof, not as durable as other options | No waterproof closure, hard to clip stuff underneath | Expensive, not completely air-tight |
| Bottom Line | This is an exceptional model, though its small size is a bit restrictive on the wall | One of the best haul bags that can be purchased in this volume | It's comfortable, simple, lightweight, comfortable, and comes at a decent price | Compact and bomber, this bag comes in a variety of sizes and is a decent price | The best off-the-shelf poop tube we know of |
| Rating Categories | Metolius Sentinel | Metolius Quarter Dome | Black Diamond Touch... | Black Diamond Stubby | Metolius Waste Case |
| Durability/Material (40%) | |||||
| Capacity (10%) | |||||
| Waterproofness (10%) | |||||
| Closure systems/Ease of Access (20%) | |||||
| Carrying/Suspension System (20%) | |||||
| Specs | Metolius Sentinel | Metolius Quarter Dome | Black Diamond Touch... | Black Diamond Stubby | Metolius Waste Case |
| Volume (cu inches) | 2800 | 4200 | 4272 | 2136 | 500 |
| Weight | 4 lb 11 oz | 5 lb 1 oz | 5 lb 4 oz | 3 lb 15 oz | 10.6 oz |
| Main container material | Durathane | Durathane | 37 oz vinyl-laminated nylon | 37 oz vinyl-laminated nylon | Durathane |
| Closure material | Ballistic nylon | Ballistic nylon | 840 Denier ripstop | 840 Denier ripstop | Ballistic nylon |
| Sewn or welded seam | Welded | Welded | Sewn | Sewn | Welded |
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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
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