Ascend Rattlesnake 55L Backpack Review

Are you looking for a backpack for weekend camping trips? The Ascend Rattlesnake 55L Backpack is a good option for new backpackers or those on a tight budget. It has all the features you need for a comfortable and organized adventure. With 55 liters of space, it can hold everything you need for a short getaway in the wilderness. Let’s see what this backpack offers and if it’s the right choice for you!

Highlights

Capacity: 55 liters (3,356 cu. in.)
Material: 420-denier HD Oxford nylon and 210-denier Dobby nylon
Frame: HDPE frame sheet and dual aluminum stays
Suspension: Adjustable suspension system
Weight: 5.5 lbs

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Capacity and Durability

This backpack boasts a spacious 55 liters, offering plenty of room for your gear. Whether you’re packing for a two-day camping trip or a one-night adventure, the Rattlesnake can comfortably fit all your essentials. This includes your sleeping bag, clothes, food, and other supplies for a fun and successful weekend trip.

The Ascend Rattlesnake is built to last. It’s made with high-quality materials, including a tough 420-denier HD Oxford nylon for the main body. This fabric is strong and resists tears and rips, so you can trust your backpack to handle the bumps and scrapes of exploring the outdoors. The frame is built with a sturdy HDPE sheet and dual aluminum stays, providing excellent support for heavier loads and making your hike more comfortable.

Comfort and Carry

Carrying a heavy backpack can put a strain on your back and shoulders. This pack is designed to make your hike as comfortable as possible. It features an adjustable suspension system that allows you to find the perfect fit for your torso. This means the backpack’s weight will be distributed evenly, reducing pressure on your shoulders and lower back. The back panel is padded with ventilated mesh, allowing air to circulate and keeping you cool and dry on hot trails.

The backpack also comes with padded shoulder straps and a hip belt. The shoulder straps are contoured to fit comfortably around your shoulders, and they have a sternum strap to help stabilize the pack. The hip belt is thickly padded and has pockets for storing small essentials you need easy access to. It helps transfer weight to your hips, taking the strain off your shoulders and making your hike much easier.

Organization

Staying organized on your camping trip is a breeze with the Ascend Rattlesnake’s multiple compartments. The main compartment opens from the top for easy packing and unpacking. But if you need to grab something quickly, there’s also side access so you don’t have to dig through everything. Several smaller pockets are built into the pack, keeping your gear sorted and easy to find.

Stash your snacks, sunscreen, and map in a hip belt pocket for easy access. Keep your water bottle in a side mesh pocket for quick refreshment. The bottom compartment is a separate space, perfect for storing your sleeping bag or dirty clothes, keeping them separated from your clean gear.

Hydration

Staying hydrated is crucial on any hike, especially during hot weather. The Ascend Rattlesnake is hydration-compatible, meaning it’s designed to work with a hydration bladder (sold separately). This allows you to carry a reservoir of water inside your backpack with a hose that feeds out to a mouthpiece near your shoulder. With a simple sip, you can stay refreshed without having to take off your pack or fumble with water bottles.

The backpack has a dedicated sleeve for the hydration bladder and a port for the hose to run through. This keeps the bladder secure and prevents it from bouncing around inside your pack. The hose clip attaches to the shoulder strap for easy access, so you can conveniently take a drink whenever you need it.

Other Features

The Ascend Rattlesnake offers some additional features that can be helpful on your outdoor adventures. For winter hikes or camping trips, the pack includes an ice tool loop. This lets you securely attach your ice axe to the outside of your backpack, freeing up space inside and keeping it easily accessible. Hikers will also appreciate the trekking pole D-rings. These are loops specifically designed to attach your trekking poles to the pack when you’re not using them. This keeps your poles out of the way and your hands-free.

The backpack also features a removable floating lid. This lid adds extra storage space for frequently needed items like snacks, sunscreen, or a rain jacket. It attaches securely to the top of the pack but can be easily removed if you don’t need the extra space.

Alternatives

While the Ascend Rattlesnake is a great choice for budget-minded backpackers, there are other options available with more features and potentially better fit. These tend to come from established brands and can cost more. If you plan on graduating to longer hikes or backpacking trips and prioritize a perfect fit and top-of-the-line comfort, you might want to consider exploring what other brands offer.

What I like about this backpack

• Spacious: With 55 liters of capacity, it offers plenty of room for a 2-day camping trip.
• Durable: Made with high-quality materials like 420D nylon and a sturdy frame for excellent support.
• Comfortable: Adjustable suspension system and padded shoulder straps and hip belt distribute weight evenly. The breathable mesh back panel keeps you cool.
• Organized: Multiple compartments, including a top-loading main compartment with side access, hip belt pockets, and a separate sleeping bag compartment.
• Hydration compatible: Works with a hydration bladder (sold separately) for convenient hands-free drinking.
• Additional features: Ice tool loop, trekking pole D-rings, and a removable floating lid for extra storage.
• Affordable: A great option for budget-conscious backpackers.

What I don’t like about this backpack

• Potentially difficult fit: Some users find it challenging to adjust the torso and hip belt for a perfect fit.
• Limited adjustability: The adjustable suspension system might not be ideal for everyone.
• Simpler design: Compared to high-end brands, it might lack some advanced features or high-tech materials.
• Heavier weight: Compared to ultralight backpacks, the Rattlesnake itself weighs 5.5 lbs.

Conclusion

The Ascend Rattlesnake 55L Backpack strikes a balance between affordability and functionality for weekend backpacking trips. With its spacious capacity, durable build, and comfortable carrying system, it allows you to stay organized and well-supported on your outdoor adventures. While some users experienced challenges finding the perfect fit, and it might lack the advanced features of pricier options, the Rattlesnake remains a great value for budget-conscious backpackers seeking a reliable companion for short getaways in the wild.