13L Ascender from Deuter: A Hikers’ Perspective – Gear Review
Clark Rasmussen
Key Review Points
Quick Features:
- Tight, Adjustable Fitment
- Great for Running
- Great for Trekking
- Total Weight: 0.75 lbs
The 13L Ascender From Deuter is Great For Trail Runners, But What About For Hikers?
As an old fart, with busted knees and a busted back, my running days are long behind me, but I still get my kicks on the trails, albeit in a much slower and curmudgeon-ier fashion than the lightning-fast runners.
Generally, my day hikes would be done by a larger pack like the Groden or the Futura, but about two years back or so, I decided it was necessary to have a smaller pack for those shorter days that don’t require as much in terms of carrying capacity. Enter the 13L Ascender from Deuter, my first attempt at scratching that particular itch.
As of today, I’ve replaced this with the far more functional AC Lite, but for years this was my go-to small pack. The Ascender was frequently left in my Jeep for impromptu adventures, stowed into a larger kit so I could drop pack on overnights, and even made it up Whiteface and Esther on one particularly overcast day.
As a strictly hiking pack, this Ascender is a bit too small, and lacks good support. As a runners pack this is probably a bit too big; but as a hybrid offering, I think this pack might actually have a lot of appeal, particularly for that hiker/runner that partakes in both activities regularly.
THE PROS:
This is definitely a well designed and well thought out pack, with a ton of different fitment adjustments and attachment options. All of these individual things will be addressed, but as an entire package, it’s just highly adjustable, which I consider to be incredibly important. The fit is also fantastic around the shoulder and upper back, where the pack tightly hugs. Non-runners may not love this at first, but it is a fitment that you can get used to pretty quickly. The padding and ventilation in the back are both solid, no complaints there.
This tiny little pack has no shortage of loops, fasteners, pockets and mounting points, which only adds to it’s functionality and appeal. Front pouches can be used to hold water bottles, and there’s even space for a trekking pole when collapsed. everything is kept in relatively tight parameters, but it still feels like everything you’d want is there. Elastic tighteners can be found in several places as well, adding to the fitment.
This pack also has a sort of load-lifter style shoulder tie-down and designated space for a hydration bladder; the two most important and worthwhile features in a pack (in my humble opinion of course). These are my personal must-haves, and they are both here in a functional, practical and light-weight fashion. Everything here is solid, and I have yet to encounter something so feature rich in such a small package.
THE CONS:
I don’t have any major gripes with the 13L Ascender from Deuter, but as I have already mentioned, I no longer use this pack at all, so there must be some negatives, right? Well, kind of, at least when it pertains more so to hiking or trekking than trail running. The unique design and size make it seem like it could be this perfect, all purpose pack, but it never fit that role for me.
The long and short of it is that the ultra light design results in pretty minimal support in the shoulders. Additionally, there are no hip straps of any kind (obviously, that’s by design) which means, for a longer day of hiking, all that weight will be on your shoulders. The 13L Ascender from Deuter has plenty of room and can carry quite a bit, but considering the non-existent weight distribution, you may want to reconsider using the pack in that way.
Carry Your Poles
Full Bladder Functionality
In Conclusion: A Potential Winner for the Hiker-Runner Hybrid Athlete
So, the critical question, do I recommend it? Yeah, I would say this is actually kind of a great mid-ground pack for the trail-runner, trekker, ultra light athlete looking to have it all.
There are compromises everywhere in everything, so to my mind, knowing what your trading off is really the most important part of the gambit. This is light, it fits great and will surely be loved by athletes across the globe!
Purchase links:
Direct from Deuter
Backcountry Purchase Link