Climbing gear is the primary use. But a rope is heavy enough that it should be carried close to your back and not hung way out back. I generally see ropes carried between the pack body and the top lid.

They can be used then to attach pockets. Maybe that explains the vertical daisy chains.

I do use the vertical daisy chains on the shoulder straps for:

Cordlock & shockcord water holster,

Adjust the sternum strap,

Mitten hooks to hang my gloves from rings,

They are good hydration tube holders, and

Many other things.

Mostly I think daisy chains are marketing features.







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"In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not."
Yogi Berra