Thoughts on Patagonia Ascensionist 35L / Recommendations for packs around 35-38L

Wondering if anyone has experience with the Patagonia Ascensionist 35L pack. I read some reviews online but was hoping to hear more, the good, bad, and ugly. Would also like to know if anyone has other packs they like around that size range. 

I've heard nice things about the Osprey Mutant 38. It came up on my list when I was searching, but I wanted something just a touch larger.

I have one of the previous versions on the Ascensionist 35. It is very comfortable for day climbs or hikes. I put small items In the large top pocket, and the main pocket is simple and easy to get things from, but there are no water bottle pockets. If I were to try a different pack, it would be the ULA photon. I like their larger Circuit for backpacking or carrying a rope and gear. It is much more comfortable in the back panel, hip belt, and shoulder straps than the and I bet the Photon is just as good.

I have had zero complaints with my blue ice 

I had the new version of the ascensionist 35 and I hated it. I had always heard the older model was awesome. After a few months I returned it when it started to come apart.I left a pretty detailed review directly with Patagonia but tldr it looks good and carries things bad. The Arc'teryx alpha fl45 (I might have an older model in this as well, not sure) is basically the same bag but actually works. I've been carrying the Arc'teryx bag around for the last month, mostly cragging but occasionally totally full with a rope on the outside (probably 30-40lb) while backpacking around Asia/Europe and the only complaint I have is that the little pocket on the outside is impossible to get into when it's fully loaded. It's also basically waterproof (done a few canyons and swims with it and the inside has never been wet). I did an overnight backpacking trip with it and that was fine as well. Comfortable enough for what it is. I've yet to have to strap crampons on the outside but there are lots of places to put ski straps and bungees come already hooked up. I aframed a split board on it pretty easily using the extra loops on the waistbelt and that worked great as well. I think the total volume is more than 45 but it's hard to say, it's really narrow so you have to pack pretty carefully. I got mine used on gear trade, basically new for 170 and I don't have any regrets. 

I found the ~2018 Ascentionist too wide for my body, and the back panel too soft. Been using a ~2018 Mountain Hardwear Scrambler 35 for years and love it. I’m petite and can carry a double rack and rope comfortably.

I really like my MH Scrambler 35. It strikes the right balance for me between light, tough, and usable. I like the integrated gear loops on the outside and inside, I like that it doesn't have a ton of pockets, I like the huge brain, and works pretty well both understuffed, or overstuffed, as you can always clip a ton of stuff to the outside of the pack if needed. I just don't like that the water bottle pockets are pretty narrow, so it's hard to carry something like a Nalgine while the pack is full. 

I’d recommend the MH alpine light 35, great pack with a great feature set. Last years version was 40% off on the Mh site and there was an extra 20% coupon that could be applied, might still be in stock. Only change id make is change the cord for the upper ice axe attachment to shock cord.