Everything you need, nothing you don’t. Photo: Micah Dilcher
A good backcountry touring backpack should accomplish a few key things: Keep your gear safe from the elements, be easy to access when needed, and also allow for a manageable load that won’t be exhausting to carry up a mountain. It’s clear from the design of their Descensionist 40L backpack that Patagonia knows these things, too. In testing, I found the pack to execute very well on what I’d consider the key points for a backcountry backpack, without any added fluff that might weigh you down or get in the way when things get hectic.
By now, very few people are strangers to Patagonia and their efforts to improve our planet through smart consumerism. By building products that can withstand years of abuse while sourced from materials that don’t pollute, it’s hard not to root for this company’s success. But no good intentions can outweigh our practical needs to get products that do what they are supposed to do – especially in the backcountry when you are carrying life saving equipment. So in order to get in the good books here, the pack needs to do what it’s supposed to do – carry gear efficiently and be accessible within seconds of needing it.
Let’s take a deeper look:
| Pros | Cons |
| Easily expandable main compartment with roll-top | No top storage space due to roll-top design |
| Cinch strap on top to pack things down | Lack of external loops for clipping on extras |
| Large side access panel | No access from back – only top or side |
| Ultra comfortable | No dedicated hydration reservoir space |
| Lightweight |
Who is the Descensionist 40L Best Suited For?
The Patagonia Descensionist is a trusty, lightweight backcountry touring pack that is a reliable asset on overnight or multi-day touring missions. Even for day trips where a bit of extra cargo space is needed for items such as a rope or extra layers, this backpack does the job. The roll-top on the main compartment can extend when you need more space, or roll down into a tighter unit for days where you don’t need to carry as much.
The full-length side zipper of the Descensionist allows for easy access of anything you have stashed inside. Photo: Steve Andrews
Notable Features
The greatest asset of this bag is the simplicity of its design. It has everything you would want in a larger touring backpack, but none of the added frills that might weigh you down. As such, it’s a great choice for those looking to assemble a lightweight rig without compromising on pack space or comfort.
With a padded back and body straps, I could carry a 20-pound load without even noticing. The pack had good weight distribution, and for those who know how to properly load a pack, it’ll feel great for hours, whether going up or ripping down.
Loading the pack with gear was easy through the roll-top enclosure and a burly cinch strap helped pack it all in and ensure that, should you take a tumble, your gear won’t turn into an unnecessary yard-sale.
All the safety gear easily fits into the front compartment without feeling too tight or too loose. Goldilocks would be proud. This is important when faced with a rescue situation where every second counts and you don’t want to be caught fumbling for gear.
Drawbacks
It’s hard to be critical of this pack as it does what it claims to do: be a simple, lightweight and effective backcountry touring pack. That said, there is no access from the back of the pack, so if you need something at the bottom of the pack you’ll need to use the side zipper, which could be problematic in deep snow or times where you need to get to it fast. It also only has access for one side, so you’ll need to pack mindfully and keep the stuff you’ll need more often within reach of the side zip.
Even when opening up at full tilt, the Patagonia Descensionist felt great on my back. Photo: Steve Andrews
In Summary
This pack was made with simplicity and efficiency in mind, and that’s where it shines. The Descensionist 40L is a comfortable, lightweight pack for backcountry touring that can also fit enough gear for an overnight mission.
In addition to a well-made pack, you have the brand reputation of Patagonia and their commitment to sustainability and the environment; not the least of which is keeping your gear kicking as long as possible – if your pack does end up getting damaged, you can send it in for repair, helping to extend the life of the pack well beyond the first frayed strap or busted zipper.
If you’re interested in reliability, simplicity, and lightweight comfort, this is the pack for you.
Editor’s Note: For more gear reviews and features on The Inertia, click here.
The Best Ski and Snowboard Backpacks for Backcountry Day Trips
