REASONS TO BUY
Large removable tarp
Comfortable backpack straps
Useful compression straps
REASONS TO AVOID
Thin fabric
Not as durable as other models
DMM Classic Review
A top-notch model that is comfortable to carry and easy to pack
Credit: Steven Tata
RELATED: Best Rope Bags for Climbing of 2024
Our Verdict
The DMM Classic is one of the best rope bags that we tested and quickly became a favorite of our testing team. The bag features a large tarp, comfortable backpack-style straps, and plenty of space for your essential climbing gear. Between outdoor cragging and gym climbing, the Classic is an excellent all-around model if you only want to own one rope bag. It has a removable tarp and zippered opening, which greatly improves its user-friendliness. The compression straps are great for packing a rope and gear for long approaches, making it feel more like a daypack than a rope bag. The Classic doesn't have any specific features for indoor climbing, but our testers didn't have any issues taking this bag to the gym. Its large tarp and compression straps might feel like overkill if you primarily climb indoors, though. We struggled to find many flaws in this bag and would recommend it to any climber who seeks a well-designed and versatile rope bag. Our article on the best rope bags will show you how it fares versus other competing products.
Editor's Note: We updated this review on July 30, 2024, to include new recommendations for other top performers.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
DMM Classic | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Overall Rope Bag |  Best for Gym to Crag |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best Buy | Simple Design That's Easy to Use |
| Price | $64.95 at Backcountry Compare at 2 sellers | $70 List Check Price at Backcountry | $39.95 at REI Compare at 3 sellers | $33 List $29.95 at Amazon | $40 List $39.95 at REI |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Excellent rope bag for cragging and long approaches | This bag offers a thoughtful and feature-rich design that's perfect for those who are looking to haul their lead climbing gear to the gym or for those who are cragging near the car and don't need a ton of layers, food, and water to sustain them for a full | Exactly as the name implies, this bag is affordable and easy to use for those climbers on a tight budget | This affordable rope bag is perfect for those seeking a simple design that will keep their rope out of the dirt while providing enough surface area and basic features | A sleek and stripped down bag that is incredibly easy to pack and unpack |
| Rating Categories | DMM Classic | Petzl Kliff | Metolius Dirt Bag II | Edelrid Liner | Black Diamond Full... |
| Packability (30%) | |||||
| Carrying Comfort (25%) | |||||
| Rope Protection (25%) | |||||
| Ease of Use (20%) | |||||
| Specs | DMM Classic | Petzl Kliff | Metolius Dirt Bag II | Edelrid Liner | Black Diamond Full... |
| Bag Design | Burrito | Burrito | Burrito | Burrito | Burrito |
| Tarp size (inches) | 43" x 51" | 55" x 55" | 52" x 58" | 40" x 44" | 40" x 40" |
| Accessory Pockets | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Number Shoulder Straps | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Compression Straps | Yes | No | No | Yes | No |
| Metal or Plastic Buckles | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | Plastic | None |
Show full specification details ▼Hide full specification details ▲
Our Analysis and Test Results
The Classic has many advantages over its competitors. While it stands out for being a versatile model, it performs especially well on longer approaches. It has three compression straps, two horizontal and one vertical, that cinch down tight and help it feel more like a day pack than a rope bag. Its backpack straps are breathable and wide enough to be comfortable when the bag is packed full with a rope and essential gear.
Performance Comparison
Packing out after a full day of climbing with the Classic in tow.
Credit: Steven Tata
Packability
When it comes to long approaches, the Classic stands out for its superb packability. It has several compression straps and a backpack-style design, which make it an excellent rope bag if you plan to hike long distances with gear for cragging. The Classic has a volume of 32 liters, which is barely enough space for a 70-meter rope, rack of quickdraws, shoes, chalk, and a harness. We had a hard time fitting more gear inside the pack during testing and often ended up having to clip our water bottles and additional climbing gear to the outside of the pack. It is the ideal size for a half-day of climbing, or a full day if you split up gear with your climbing partner. The compression straps help to cinch down any extra space when it is not full.
If you prefer to pack your rope bag inside of a larger backpack, the Classic will likely feel too bulky and works much better as a standalone bag. If you need significantly more space than the Classic's pack has to offer, it is possible to remove the tarp and use that to protect your rope inside of a larger backpack.
For a day of sport climbing, the DMM Classic will have you covered.
Credit: Steven Tata
Carrying Comfort
The Classic feels more like a day pack than a rope bag when it comes to carrying comfort. We wore this pack on several long hikes and had a hard time finding flaws in its carrying comfort. With two breathable backpack straps and three compression straps, it packs down nicely for long approaches and was among the most comfortable rope bags that we tested. The mesh of the straps is great for hot days when thicker straps would feel stuffy or cause chafing.
A unique feature of the Classic is that it has one removable backpack strap, enabling it to be carried as a satchel. We didn't find many applications where this was more comfortable than using both straps, but it does add a bit of versatility. Despite not having a waist belt or chest strap, the Classic is comfortable and stable, even when fully loaded.
The DMM Classic has breathable straps that are comfortable enough to wear for multi-mile approaches.
Credit: Steven Tata
Rope Protection
With a removable 43" x 51" tarp, the Classic has ample space for a thick 70-meter rope with some room around the edges to ensure that your rope stays off the ground. This tarp is marginally smaller than average among other models that we tested but still felt spacious enough for all but the most uneven belay spots. It is rectangular and feels thick enough to last for many seasons of frequent use. The colored tie loops are convenient for distinguishing the top end of your rope, which saves some time when you unpack at the base of a climb.
The Classic's main pack has a zippered closure system with compression straps to further cinch down the bag. This design reliably protects your rope during travel, and the material is thick enough to withstand most road trips and approaches. Its material isn't as thick as that of some other models, but this isn't a significant problem unless you drag the pack over abrasive rock repeatedly.
Our testers enjoyed using the DMM Classic and found it to be adequate for covering uneven surfaces.
Credit: Steven Tata
Ease of Use
The Classic is one of the best rope bags available when it comes to ease of use and convenience. It has a zippered pouch that can be easily accessed even when the pack is closed and fully loaded. The compression straps are nice for carrying extra gear, such as helmets, layers, and water bottles, that doesn't fit inside the pack. The removable tarp is definitely one of the best features in terms of versatility and functionality. This is useful for cragging where you move the rope around between climbs or if you want to use the bag independently as a day pack. It features has a removable backpack strap, which also increases its versatility for those who prefer to have a rope bag with only one carrying strap.
The main disadvantage of the DMM Classic is that it doesn't feel as durable as some of the other rope bags that we tested. The main pack is constructed from a relatively thin material and the zippers are also thin which poses a problem for those who climb in areas where sand and dirt can cause the zipper to fail. This wasn't an issue during testing, but you might have to replace it after a few seasons of heavy use.
The zippered pouch is easily accessed even when the pack is closed.
Credit: Steven Tata
Should You Buy the DMM Classic?
The Classic is a top of the line rope bag that provides excellent value. Though it is one of the most expensive rope bags that we tested, the overall performance is hard to beat. While some of the more simple rope bags cost much less than the Classic, none of the cheaper models come close when it comes to versatility, functionality, or performance. If you're looking for a rope bag that offers a feature-rich design rather than just trying to protect your rope from the dirt, the Classic should be at the top of your list of considerations.
What Other Rope Bags Should You Consider?
The DMM Classic is a top-notch rope bag that works well for storing and transporting your rope. It stands out for its functionality as an outdoor cragging pack, and we recommend it to anybody who climbs outside. Although there are better options for gym climbing, no other models that we tested are as versatile or functional for such a wide variety of climbing. The only other option to rival the features of the Classic is the Petzl Kliff. The Kliff is also similar to a day pack with two backpack-style straps, but also offers a sternum strap to help distribute the weight of the load. The design only supplies one compression strap but provides a zippered pouch on top for small items like snacks, keys, etc. The pack and tarp are also slightly bigger in size. Wanna keep it simple and just keep your rope off the ground? Check out our favorite more affordable options such as the Edelrid Liner and the Metolius Dirt Bag II. Both designs easily protect a 70 meter rope for a fraction of the cost.
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Steven Tata
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