Big Agnes Ditch Rider 32L Pack

The Big Agnes Ditch Rider 32L Pack is ultralight and frameless, with two access points and some unique features, and completely built from recycled materials. 

Key features & benefits

What is in the name

This is one of daypacks which Big Agnes launched recently in a larger group of packs, and as their first packs ever. So the series includes also their Big Agnes Prospector 50L Pack for Men, Big Agnes Sun Dog 45L Pack for Women, and several other bigger packs.

There share some of the features, but there are many differences. So this relatively small Big Agnes Ditch Rider 32L backpack is a top loading type but with a roll-top closure shown in the picture below. There are two buckles on the sides which you use to close the pack. 

But this is not all. The picture above shows also that there is a large U-shaped zippered access behind the back panel. This looks great but I wonder if something like this is really needed for such a small day pack.

The picture also shows that there is an inner sleeve for a 2-liter bladder (which is not included), a bladder hook, and a tube routing port.

Suspension

You have a padded shoulder harness and a contoured, anatomically curved back panel with a body mapped foam. There is no metal frame here.

The picture below shows you how this looks, note that there is a sliding and adjustable sternum strap as well. You can also see the orange zipper pulls of the mentioned back access.

The hip belt is wide and with a cut-out V-shaped profile which they call the Open Range Hip Belt so you have a very good hugging of the hips.

Pockets

The pack has the following set of useful pockets:

• Two side stretch mesh pockets.
• One large front stretch pocket with a buckle.
• One top zippered pocket, see the picture below.
• One inner zippered pocket.

Attachments and straps

• The pack has their unique Hoist Compression system. This is a pair of straps on the sides, each of them is attached at the bottom and then zig-zags on the side to the top. These are the orange straps that you see in the pictures.
• The picture above also shows that it has two daisy chains on the front. So with a piece of string you can attach some gear here.
• A top grab handle is available.
• It has dual bottom loops for trekking poles, paired with bungees higher on the front.
• There is also a longer loop for an ice axe, see the pictures.

Materials

This pack is 100% made from recycled materials, and it is GRS certified, these letters mean Global Recycle Standard.

The main fabric is a puncture and tear resistant micro-fine denier yarn Mipan regen robic nylon with a solution-dyed ripstop grid. This means that pigment is added directly to the molten plastic solution before the fiber is made.

It has an UTS environmentally sustainable coating with a 1500 mm rating. The bottom is a heavy-duty twill fabric for maximum reinforcement and increased durability. 

Please see more in this short video, it presents two day packs:

Who is it for

Regarding the size, you have a pack with a 1953 in³ (32 l) volume, and with plenty of attachment elements. So you can use it for day tours in practically any situation. But this is also a pack that can be used for commuting and for travel. They have built it as a unisex backpack.

Regarding the weight, the pack can be described as ultralight, the volume-to-weight ratio is 35 liters/kg. You can compare this with the Osprey Talon Pro 30 pack for men where this value is 26 liters/kg but this pack has a wire frame.

Specifications

• Weight: 2 lb (907 g).
• Volume: 1953 in³ (32 l).
• Dimensions (H x W x D): 28.5 x 8 x 7 in (72 x 20 x 18 cm).
• Maximum load: 25 lb (11 kg).

Final thoughts & rating

Below you can see how I rate this pack against my usual rating criteria so that you can easily compare it with other items of this type:

Big Agnes Ditch Rider 32L Pack

9.3

Volume-Weight ratio

9.4/10

Features & bonuses

9.2/10

Comfort

9.2/10

Pros

• Ultralight.
• Plenty of attachment points.
• Recycled materials.
• Unique design.

Cons

• No rain cover.
• No frame.

BEST PLACEs TO BUY

Backcountry
Amazon

For more options, please check under the category Day Packs. Check this Osprey UNLTD AG 32 pack which is with the same volume. But see also these Osprey Sportlite 25 Pack and Arc’teryx Aerios 30 Pack for Men and Women if you would rather have something smaller.

Bookmark this site and come again, this will keep you informed because I add texts here regularly. Let me know if you have questions or comments, there is a comment box below. Have a nice day.