Lowe Alpine Alpine Ascent 32 Pack | Performance

Lowe Alpine has revised its Ascent range of technical mountain packs for this spring 2017 and while the new Ascent Superlight is getting the lion’s share of attention, the ‘next rung down’ Alpine Ascent 32 trades a bit of weight for added durability and support.

It’s still a sub-1000g pack using light but tough fabrics, with beefed-up materials in high-wear areas and a supportive, snow-shedding moulded back panel  with grippy areas to minimise movement against your clothing.

It feels reassuringly sturdy, with great build quality, and carries in a taut, stable way with no swaying, looseness or discomfort. Slim lines and clean profile are ideal for mountain use and the pack’s generally well thought out. The classic Head Locker ice-axe attachment mechanism has been revised for this year and works well – the top point uses the compression straps – and there are twin gear loops on the wrap-around hip-belt.

Good to see a top pocket for stowage of stuff for easy access and just as well given that the tall, zipped profile makes it awkward to reach anything that’s buried deep down inside. You can also add shock-cord to the twin front daisy chain if you choose.

One feature that sounds good on paper is the ability to stow a rope under the top-tensioner straps, but we found it actually made the back system quite uncomfortable, which is fine if you’re just cragging, but could be irksome on longer walk-ins. It also fouls the hydration tube if you used one. Maybe one to try in the shop before splashing out.

Finally good to see easy to grab zip-pulls and a full sleeve and righthand tube outlet for those who use hydration systems.