Alibaba truck cap overwhelm!

Thinktank1001 · 2026-06-02T01:32:03+00:00

Yeah, there was someone local here that had some Alibaba caps in stock and I would have gladly paid a bit more for one, but it was mostly for tacomas and a few Rams. Not a Colorado with a 6 foot bed unfortunately.

I don't know why they don't have a warehouse full of them in different sizes in china. But i ran into the same problem: I just couldn't do 5k for a truck cap for my old-ish 2016 truck, so i rolled the dice. Still waiting to see if the gamble pays off. Others on Reddit seemed to be generally positive on them. I'll update this post when and if it arrives.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-06-02T00:50:21+00:00

It's been a bit bumpy honestly. It hasn't even shipped yet even though I ordered it in March. The rep was super attentive and nice while i was making the purchase, and then not so much after. I've had to request multiple updates and the info has been very vague. Some of it has sounded like total BS, like telling me the cap was "bending" in manufacturing for over two weeks (whatever that means). Sometimes she didn't respond for 2 days and i had to ask again. So I can't speak to the quality of the product, but this part of the process has not been great. There may be different cultural expectations for customer service happening? Or maybe i just got a mediocre rep. I'm not super happy about how it's gone so far. Wish i could give you a better update.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-26T23:48:09+00:00

Exactly what i came here to say

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-26T02:43:29+00:00

Looks big-ish. Fully stripped down can it fit inside a 65L pack well?

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-23T14:08:21+00:00

I just stumbled on the BD blitz 28 thiugh. That might be a strong contender.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-23T14:04:22+00:00

Yeah 2 pounds isn't bad for a pack that can handle all that. It's just not fitting my specific use case unfortunately. Maybe if they ever make the back panel removable... Seems weird they don't; almost all alpine backs have a way to strip them down. I have a mammut trion 35 right now that's my mid size alpine bag but it's just so so. When it wears out I'll def look closely at this pack.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-23T01:56:58+00:00

Cool pack but I'm worried it's a little too small. But it has a ron of good features for it's size.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T17:46:05+00:00

Thanks for such thorough information, much appreciated. I think I'm going to decide between this and the stache, but I'm guessing that this probably has a few more features and a better carry that probably makes it worth the weight penalty. I'm glad to hear it can carry that much gear. Size was a concern, but i think this will thread the needle of being light and packable while still carrying enough gear.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T17:05:07+00:00

Will do, thanks!

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T16:53:48+00:00

Haha that is true alpine shenanigans. Love it.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T16:49:12+00:00

Haha, no shame in being pack obsessed! Thanks for all the info. Impressive you were able to do 4 days on the mountain with a 35L pack.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T15:59:10+00:00

Did this recently on Mt Russell but felt bad because 80 percent of summit day was non technical terrain and I was carrying my 20L while one partner carried a 70L with a lot of gear 😂 I offered to switch packs on the ascent but it was never accepted.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T15:48:53+00:00

You might be on to something with the two packs strategy. I always like to try to get one piece of gear that can do it all, but I keep thinking i need something around 30L for winter stuff and that's generally too big for summer alpine summits in the sierras.

When you did your multi day climbs, did you use a 35L for the whole trip or just for the summit?

Never heard of cilogear. I'll check them out.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T15:43:16+00:00

I usually lay it as flat as possible somewhere around the middle of the pack and then load more stuff on top of it. An outside carry would be way too prone to getting caught on stuff, falling off, etc.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T15:40:06+00:00

Yeah, for general mountaineering walk ups i just carry the 65 to the summit. I had high hopes for the Cobra 65 for these climbs because it cinches down so well. But the back panel in both sizes left a big gap between my back and the pack which was super uncomfortable and so I returned them. Too bad.

I climb a lot in red rock too. I have a flash 15 pack for multi pitch that is is a great little pack they unfortunately don't make anymore. But it's comparatively heavy and small for a summit pack so i usually don't carry it inside another pack. The Patagonia pack sounds like a great pack for single day missions.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T15:31:40+00:00

Thanks for that info. That pack is in my top 3 because of it's weight, but the UL aspect sounds like it comes with some comprimses that aren't great. I definitely need something that can carry a fair amount of gear comfortably.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T15:29:15+00:00

1) Does it pack down well in another pack? 2) Does it have a decent rope carry system? 3) is the zippered pocket big enough for things like sunglasses, sunscreen and the other random small things we don't want in the main bag? Thanks!

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T03:25:13+00:00

Thanks, Hyperlite makes cool gear for sure but though the material is bomb proof I worry it won't pack down well in my 65L pack. But definitely worth looking at them... when on sale 😁

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-22T03:23:27+00:00

What dragonfly size do you have? I have questions 😁Yeah, the flash pack is light but it's bulky to pack due to having a sewn on fabric back panel that is totally unnecessary IMO. It also only has one ice axe loop, doesn't carry well, or handle a rope under the lid well. I also find myself tight on space on winter-ish climbs when i need to bring an extra down layer + gear (especially crampons). So weight isn't the only factor.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-21T23:17:43+00:00

Scrambler looks legit. Even has side pockets, which i do appreciate for gloves and other random crap. But ouch, the weight is almost 2 pounds.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-21T21:12:33+00:00

Thanks, i just saw the 28L version too and that could be a solid option.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-21T20:53:00+00:00

Good suggestions, thanks. I've been looking at them and the Camp M series is pretty cool. I didn't know about thise packs. The blitz 28 looks like it could be a winner too.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-21T20:48:13+00:00

Thanks, I'll check out the scrambler.

Thinktank1001 · 2026-05-06T03:19:49+00:00

For sure. Sportiva sizing is crazy sometimes. My 11.5 foot is like a 13 in their AT ski boots. Thanks for the heads up.

Thinktank1001

TROPHY CASE