Patagonia Ascensionist 30 Pack | Performance

The Ascensionist packs – there’s also a larger, 40L version – have been redesigned for 2017, still light and minimal, but beefed up with tougher Cordura rip-stop fabric and a foam reinforced base to add structure and durability.

The 30L version weighs a real world 710g, but still feels reasonably robust and Patagonia has paid attention to details like stitching the daisy chains into main seams for security and extending the haul-loop top top a long way down to keep it firmly attached.

The back system is pretty stripped down. Just a snow-foiling fabric panel with a thin, removable foam pad for a little added comfort. It’s fine with light-ish, carefully packed loads backed up by ‘just so’ shoulder straps, but you do need to pack carefully to avoid stuff poking into your back and be wary of overloading which can make the pack into an uncomfortable barrel-shaped object.

Pack profile is tall and slim for easy mountain use and it all stays nicely planted on your back when moving despite a minimal, narrow waist belt – detachable if you choose. We like the unusual wide top-opening which has a simple, cammed, two-cord mechanism. Pull the long one to cinch things securely closed, release with the shorter cord.

Our only slight doubt is how the mechanism might cope with Scottish freeze/thaw conditions and spindrift, but it’s hard to tell in May… Speaking of winter, there are both traditional ice axe loops and head-locker type shock-corded mini-bars to allow the attachment of both traditional and adze-less modern ice tools, which is a thoughtful call. Top straps are Velcro, but you could always swap in shock-cord loops if you prefer.

Minimalism means no hydration reservoir sleeve – just slip it in with the foam pad – though there is a tube outlet if you want to use it. And no dedicated rope loop, though you can improvise by reconfiguring the detachable main closure webbing and relocating it using a daisy chain under the ‘lid’ and a higher anchor point, which works just fine.

Other daisy chains and attachment points on the front panel allow easy cut and paste ad lib gear attachment if you exceed the 30-litre main compartment capacity.

Let but not least, despite the minimal ethos, there are two handy zipped pockets. One hanging in the main compartment for secure stowage of small, valuable things. And a second on the ‘lid’. The latter has neat side opening, which minimises the chance of stuff falling out in moments of carelessness – neat.