I love traveling with packable ultralight daypacks. These types of bags are made with lightweight materials and can be packed inside a larger backpack or carry-on. This way, you can use the ultralight daypack at your destination as a smaller bag for when it isn’t practical to carry around your larger gear.
I find these packable backpacks incredibly useful when packing for any sort of outdoorsy trip. Whether I need a lightweight day hiking bag or a way to transport gear to the lake, I appreciate the flexibility of having a smaller bag available when I am traveling.
The best packable backpacks are light, easy to fold up, and offer more functionality than a basic drawstring bag. Internal organization is a plus, but too many features could add extra weight or bulk. It is all about striking the right balance. After all, these bags are supposed to be simple and budget-friendly.
About Ascend Outdoors
Ascend Outdoors is one of Bass Pro Shops’ many in-house brands. There isn’t a whole lot of official information available as far as brand identity goes, but walking around any Bass Pro store will reveal that the Ascend brand is stamped on everything from camping clothes to entry-level kayaks. There’s really nothing more to it than that. This is just a big store’s attempt at selling competitively priced outdoor goods, and it worked on me.
Specifications
- Dimensions: 17” x 10″ x 8″ (Length x Height x Width)
- Capacity: 12L (732 cubic inches)
- Weight: 8.8 ounces (0.25 kg)
- Material: water-resistant 70D nylon
- Hardware/Buckle Material: plastic
- Zippers: YKK
First Impression of the Dash 720
The first thing I noticed was just how light this bag feels on your back. Weighing in at roughly half a pound, this can easily be packed away in any sort of bag. The nylon material feels strong enough to hold some weight without any issues. While the materials are a far cry from premium, this Dash 720 does not feel like a cheap bag. A single zipper pocket on the front of the bag is large enough to fit a cell phone & wallet, and a daisy chain runs from the zipper down the exterior of the bag.
The backside of the bag has minimal padding to allow it to be packed away as tightly as possible. It is covered in a thin-profile airmesh that looks like it should help in hot climates. The top of the bag has a dedicated hole for a hydration pouch/straw, though it does not come with a bladder.
Form
It is hard to go wrong with a black & gray colorway. While the design errs on the blander side of the spectrum, you cannot say that it doesn’t look like the Dash 720 is up for the task. The exterior daisy chain gives this bag a rugged feel, and the silver airmesh on the back lends itself to a modern look.
The top panel surrounding the drawstring system is the thinnest material on the bag. Close inspection of my bag will reveal that shoving items into this bag for years has taken its toll on this thin fabric. To Ascend’s credit, the wear and tear is limited to battle scars. After years of abuse, this Dash 720 backpack still doesn’t have a single rip or tear. This back may not be made of expensive materials, but it is certainly durable.
Fit
Packable daypacks like this Ascend bag lack any sort of real structure, and that is evident when you start to fill up the Dash 720’s main compartment. Smaller loads will sag down to the bottom, and being too top-heavy might throw off the weight distribution. Let’s be real though: you probably aren’t packing 20 pounds worth of gear into this 12 liter backpack, so this shouldn’t be a concern.
I have found this harness system to be rather impressive for this type of bag. The straps drape nicely on the shoulders and provide good support. I am very comfortable hiking with this backpack, and the chest buckle is a nice touch on a budget bag like this. The airmesh straps are breathable and provide much-needed relief on hotter hikes.
Function
For a minimalist bag, the Ascend Dash 720 comes with some nice features. The daisy chain provides 6 attachment points, though I would hesitate to put anything heavier than a water bottle on this bag. The small zipper pocket above the daisy chain is the perfect size for keeping my wallet & cell phone accessible. I also use it to hold granola bars or small snacks that I bring along.
The main compartment is just large enough to fit my cheap Amazonbasics camera cube and a change of clothes which makes this a versatile travel item. Leaving the camera at home frees up enough room in the bag for a towel (or more snacks!). Be warned that the main drawstring closure is basic and will not keep out water if you get caught in a downpour. This bag will hold up to a light shower, but a downpour would surely soak the contents of this bag.
I have not opted to outfit this bag with a hydration system, but there is a dedicated pocket in the main compartment to keep it separate from the rest of your gear. This is my one pet peeve about this bag: it is easy to accidentally pack something into this pocket which makes it harder to find when you are rummaging through the main pocket.
Conclusion
The Ascend Dash 720 backpack accompanies me on more and more trips these days. I keep thinking of new ways to put a packable daypack like this to good use, and it is a no-brainer to throw it into my carry-on bag no matter where i am heading.
This bag is durable, light, and easy on the wallet. When it comes to travel accessories, that is the holy trinity. For $25 bucks from Bass Pro Shop, it is hard to think of a reason why I shouldn’t recommend this bag to anyone looking for a packable daypack.
The Dash 720 isn’t going to win any fashion awards, but you cannot beat its versatility and value.
Pros
- Minimalist harness system is comfortable while hiking
- $25 price point is hard to beat
- Hydration system compatibility
Cons
- Front zipper often catches on the protective flap
- Hydration system not included
- Not waterproof
Recommended for:
Anyone who is looking for a practical hiking backpack to take on day trips in nature.
