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I don't really climb much anymore, but my husband needs a new climbing pack for Christmas. He wants a pack that will hold his trad gear but won't rip & is light weight. I dont know the latest and greatest stiff anymore? Suggestions?

Get a mini haulbag.

I have a Deuter Guide 35+ that does me pretty well. It has enough room to fit a sport/ small trad rack, harness, shoes, jackets and lunch; has gear loops on the waist belt that I never use, an exterior helmet attachment that I used before one of the straps broke and a rope strap inside the lid that I never use (since I have a rope bag). On longer hikes I'll put the rope bag inside the pack with everything else and it works out fine since you can get, like, an extra 10L out of the top. It seems to be pretty durable (aside from the helmet strap). It also has other goodies like ice tool holders and exterior ski straps for backcountry touring. While those goodies are great for me, they may not be too practical in and around the Red.

The Arcteryx Miura is pretty awesome. It comes in 3 sizes, it's durable and comfortable.

Cleveland wrote:The Arcteryx Miura is pretty awesome. It comes in 3 sizes, it's durable and comfortable.

^This.
The Miura is pretty much the standard of Cragging packs these days. I recommend the 50L if he's going to be carrying a heavy rack.

50-60L size

I use an Osprey Hornet 46- it weighs just over a pound and is surprisingly durable. I've used it with a trad rack and had a few small tears- but It's really good for sport days (or trad days where I carry rope & my partner carries the rack). It's also super-reasonably priced ( I got mine for $90 I think). Basically- if ultralight is his thing- he will really like it.

I love my Mira! Although my partner doesn't like them so I guess they're not for everyone. I wouldn't get an ultra light one - I've had lots of problems when I had one

Miura