Review: Vaude Assymetric 52+8 Backpack
Specs
Price: R3220 (at time of writing)
Capacity: 52L + 8L
Weight: 1.53kg
Dimensions: 72 × 35 × 30 cm
Access points: Top, front, sleeping bag compartment
Material: Main fabric: 79% Polyamide, 21% Polyester; 400 D Diamond Ripstop Polyurethane coated. Contrast fabric: 100% Polyester; 600 D Polyurethane coated (50% recycled). Lining: 100% Polyamide; 200 D Polyurethane coated.
Recommended load range: 7–12 kg
Intro
The Vaude Asymmetric 52+8 is a good-looking, lightweight, full-feature backpack, purpose-built for two- to three-day, hutted hikes. It’s also available in a slightly smaller (38+8) women’s version.
The two main aspects that stand out are its light weight and stylish design — and this approach runs through the entire pack.
Suspension
This bag was purpose-built for light, comfortable hiking between huts, with a suggested load range of 7–12 kg. It still felt comfortable at around 15 kg, but if you’re the kind of hiker who likes to carry the proverbial “kitchen sink”, then this isn’t the pack for you.
The suspension system allows for generous height adjustability – so much so that if women find the 38+8 version just too small, the standard version will most likely be a good fit too.
There are three different attachment points for the shoulder straps, depending on your height.
The back panel, hip belt and shoulder straps are thinly padded but quite comfortable. The padding’s loose weave allows for breathability and quick drying.
Durability
The pack’s fabric is lightweight but tough, with a high denier rating that promises to withstand a fair amount of abuse. Considering it’s not designed for hauling heavy loads, it doesn’t have the tank-like feel of heavier packs — a trade-off that makes sense here.
Fit
Because Vaude didn’t over-engineer the pack to accommodate heavy loads, it sits lightly on your back and allows for excellent freedom of movement. The hip belt easily conforms to the shape of your hips, taking any strain off your shoulders.
Features
This is a full-feature pack with all the expected details: trekking pole loops, compression straps, multiple access points (including a sleeping bag compartment with internal separation), hydration bladder compatibility, a hip belt pocket, a key hook inside the lid and a whistle built into the sternum strap.
The lid height is extendable — perfect for stuffing in those last few luxuries. This gives some flexibility to a pack that’s been streamlined for weight savings.
Vaude also uses an innovative “cinch toggle” on the top collar drawstring. It takes a moment to get used to, but once you do, it’s far more efficient for opening and closing the top of the pack.
The external mesh pockets easily hold a 1 L Nalgene bottle, while the front vertical zip compartment is ideal for a wet rain jacket or hut shoes.
The front access makes lunch stops simple — the zip opens wide enough to reach nearly everything in your pack without unpacking it completely.
The Asymmetric carries Vaude’s Green Shape label — proof of its environmentally friendly materials and sustainable production.
Conclusion
The Vaude Asymmetric 52+8 ditches the “jack of all trades” philosophy in favour of excelling at one thing: lightweight, comfortable hut-to-hut hiking. At R3220, it may seem pricey for a purpose-built pack, but if weekend excursions to mountain huts are your thing, this pack does everything you need — and nothing you don’t.
This backpack was supplied by Mountain Mail Order for review purposes and can be purchased from their online store.