ClimberMayJune2020

74 may–jun 2020 http://www.climber.co.uk

gear review

Patagonia ascensionist 35L

Weight: 890g RRP: £120

When I pulled the Ascensionist out of the bag I thought they had

forgotten the lid, but that’s the point, this is a minimalist, versatile

bag with all the features you will need for the mountains. It then has

the ability to strip those features back even further for a lightweight

summit bag. If we start at the top there is a long snow collar that can

be stacked full of gear, then the adjustable ‘rope’ closure system clips

over the top to keep everything super snug and neat. On the front

there is an external zip pocket which works well for accessible items.

This was the only feature I would question and this is a personal

thing, but I thought this affected the aesthetics of the bag, though it

adds to the functionality, but I thought it created a slightly odd look.

There is an internal zip pocket for valuables. On the outside there

are two compression straps on each side, these are adjustable and

actually long enough that I could get a roll matt underneath unlike

most of the models tested. These straps are also easily removed.

The ice tool attachments have a sleeve for the blades then Velcro

for the shafts – personally I am not keen on Velcro in this way as it

always clogs up with snow. The waistbelt has two formed pads that

sit really nicely on the hips, they have nice gear loops and are easily

removable. The shape of the ’sack initially looks quite long but this

is because there is no lid and it sits really nicely on the back and the

shape is nicely cut away at the base.

I really liked the simplicity of this ’sack, for such a light weight it

carries really well I think my only reservation would be how to keep

the water out on a Scottish walk-in but that’s what dry bags are for.

ALPINE AND CRAGGING

RUCKSACKS 2020 by Bruce goodlad

When heading into the mountains whether it be to ice-climb,

Alpine climb or just carry your kit on a multi-pitch adventure

you will need a rucksack. You could have one for every activity

but personally, and I think most of us are the same, we want

one bag that will take us where we want to go. On a purely

lazy basis this allows me to leave in my first aid kit and

emergency kit but it also means that I know that every time

I head out I have a comfortable, dependable bag. The sweet

spot for me is in the 35-45L range where the bag will be big

enough to go winter climbing in Scotland, take me up summer

Alpine routes and carry my rack, ropes, etc to a remote

mountain crag, then be light enough that I don’t mind

carrying up the route.

I have found the best way to get this versatility is to look at

a rucksack that has a lid that can be extended or even removed.

This allows you to pack the ’sack to its max for the walk-in

but give a reasonable size with which to climb. It is also worth

considering one where you can strip out some weight, be it

the back sheet, waistbelt and lid. This can save a significant

amount of weight that all adds up over the course of a day.

When looking at size not all manufacturers use the same

concept of volume so be a bit careful buying online, as we are

different shapes and sizes so I would suggest going to a specialist

retailer to try the bags you are interested in as you may find you

would be more comfortable in a smaller or larger back size than

you thought from the online size guide.

When trying on a ’sack make a pain of yourself in the shop

and stick a few ropes in to add some weight then stuff a sleeping

bag in to fill the volume then you will get a better idea about

how it feels and how it will behave. If you plan to use the ’sack

for some nights out on a route, then making sure the compres-

sion straps are long enough to accommodate a mat is really

worthwhile.

It is also worth remembering that the lighter the ’sack the

less robust it will be, so you need to do the durability vs weight

vs cost algorithm before you get your credit card out.

Patagonia

Ascensionist 35L