Ferrino Summit 32+5 Review

Ferrino presents the new Summit 32+5, a backpack designed for mountaineers looking for lightness and versatility. Removable elements allow you to customize it according to your needs and the type of activity. The roll-top closure, combined with the water-repellent central zipper, ensures quick and practical access to your gear. The ripstop fabric increases its strength and durability.

Technical features Ferrino Summit 32+5

• Capacity: 32+5 L
• Declared weight: max 1290 g, min 780 g
• Actual weight measured: max 1200 g
• Material: Ripstop nylon
• Back and shoulder straps with Hollow Back System
• Structure: back panel with polyethylene and aluminum elements, all removable
• Removable hood with double zip pocket
• Internal pocket compatible with hydration bladder or shovel and probe
• Top access with roll top closure
• Rope holder
• 2 ice axe holders
• Side ski loops
• Whistle integrated into the chest strap closure
• Country of manufacture: China
• Link to the manufacturer

Test mode

I used the Ferrino Summit 32+5 for all outdoor activities that required a backpack, from April to July 2025, varying the load to test its versatility and practicality.

I traveled over ridge terrain and climbed classic mountaineering routes on snow couloirs and glaciers to assess the backpack’s performance in challenging environments. I also tackled a few medium-level multi-pitch climbing routes.

On some trips, I loaded the backpack to its maximum capacity for overnight stays, including cooking and camping equipment, and on a couple of occasions I carried snowshoes. I also used it for hiking and rock climbing, to test its effectiveness in more “relaxed” contexts.

Ferrino Summit 32+5 on-site test

Closure and shape

The heart of the Ferrino Summit 32+5 is the spacious funnel-shaped main compartment, crossed externally by a double-slider zipper that allows quick access to the contents, even those located at the bottom. A simple but very effective solution.

The main closure is a roll-top, which provides good insulation from the elements and allows you to easily adjust the volume when carrying less gear. I particularly appreciated this feature because, when you open the front zipper completely, the backpack opens like a book, making it extremely practical to pack or retrieve items from inside.

Details and features

The backrest and shoulder straps of the Summit 32+5 feature Ferrino’s Hollow Back System, which has already been tested on other models. This system provides good ventilation and reduces sweating on the back. The upper part has a large pocket with a key hook, which is useful for storing items that need to be accessed quickly.

On the sides of the backpack are compression straps and reinforced loops for carrying skis, designed to withstand contact with ski edges. Between the straps and loops are large, securely closed bellows pockets, perfect for water bottles or various equipment.

The backpack is completed by a system of loops that allows you to attach bulky items such as snowshoes or a foam mat to the outside using the included straps.

Inside, the main compartment is spacious, with a shape that narrows towards the bottom and widens at the top. There is a large pocket against the backrest, useful for both a hydration bladder and, in winter, a shovel and probe.

At the top, next to the access point for removing the back panels, there are two loops designed for hanging climbing equipment and keeping it tidy. Also inside is a print with signals and behaviors to follow in case of emergency: a simple but useful detail.

The Summit 32+5 hood has two large, spacious zippered pockets on top of each other. At first, I was skeptical about this solution, which was different from what I was used to, but with use I learned to appreciate it and in the end it won me over completely.

The belt has a pocket on the right, which is spacious but not large enough to hold a smartphone, while on the left side there is a practical and well-positioned climbing gear holder.

Modularity

The feature that impressed me most about the Ferrino Summit 32+5 is its modularity, which allows it to easily adapt to any need. More than a backpack, it seems like a real “transformer,” ready to face almost any situation. In just a few minutes, you can remove the hood, padded waist belt, and even the back panel, completely changing its configuration.

This modularity allows you, for example, to use the same backpack for outings that combine long approaches (or multi-day traverses) with sections of technical climbing. During the approaches, you can keep the backpack configured for a full load, while for climbing on the wall, you can lighten it considerably by removing what you don’t need.

I also found the system that allows you to hide the main closure buckle and the ice axe (or pole) straps to be practical and well designed: they remain in place but disappear from view, reducing bulk and protruding parts.

Walking behavior

On several occasions, I have had to tackle significant elevation gains with the Ferrino Summit 32+5. I have also used it over several days, staying overnight both in shelters and outdoors without a tent, so I had to carry a lot of gear: climbing equipment, a cooking set, a sleeping bag, and enough food for several days.

In these situations, I was able to appreciate the structure of the backrest (which I remember being removable), which provided solid support. Even when fully loaded, with 13-14 kilos on my shoulders, I found it stable and easy to manage.

Climbing behaviour

As mentioned, I also had the opportunity to test the Ferrino Summit 32+5 on multi-pitch routes and rocky ridges. In these contexts, the backpack performed very well: it always remained close to my back, following my movements while climbing without ever getting in the way. The ability to remove unnecessary parts at the base of the wall was excellent, making it more streamlined and compact.

The only minor flaw concerns the belt. It works effectively, but tends to remain crooked once fastened and needs to be adjusted manually. This detail could easily be resolved with slightly narrower strap guides.

The backpack also performed very well during activities involving ice axes. The Ferrino Summit 32+5 allows you to carry two ice axes externally, making it suitable for those tackling mixed routes, ice falls, or dry tooling. In this regard, I would have preferred slightly larger bellows pockets so that I could also store crampons.

Overall, this backpack facilitates technical movements on both rock and ice, with well-designed storage spaces and easy access to equipment when needed.

One last noteworthy point: the Ripstop nylon fabric used is impressive in terms of strength and water repellency. The backpack is not completely waterproof, but the material it carries does not get wet easily. I was able to verify this myself on my way back from a mountaineering trip: I walked for about an hour and a half in light to moderate rain, and the contents of my backpack remained dry.

The younger brother: Ferrino Summit 25

I also had the opportunity to try out the “little brother” of the new Summit line: the 25-liter model. It is a very well-made backpack, whose strengths are its lightness and modularity. Here too, we have a removable back and waist belt, which allow you to go from 550 to 460 grams in weight.

The capacity is just right and, combined with the slightly square design, offers an excellent compromise between carrying capacity and weight.

I tested it on a rocky ridge, where I only needed to carry the bare essentials, and I found it worked well. Thanks to the double ice axe holder, it can also be ideal for technical speed climbs, when you want to reduce weight as much as possible. Also great for via ferrata routes.

When should you choose the 32 and when the 25? The former is definitely more suitable for multi-day trips and winter mountaineering, where you need more clothing and equipment. The latter is perfect for quick, day-long climbs with less gear.

Recommended for

The Ferrino Summit 32+5 will appeal to those who practice mountaineering intensively, alternating between different terrains and difficulties. Its capacity allows you to tackle long crossings and multi-day trips with plenty of equipment without any problems. At the same time, however, its ability to be literally “disassembled” can transform it into a lightweight and compact wall backpack.

The beauty of this backpack is probably its adaptability, which everyone can exploit according to their own style and habits. In short, it is the opposite of hyper-specialization, but rather a successful attempt to be versatile without sacrificing functionality.

Also available in a 25-liter version, reserved for speed mountaineering enthusiasts or those who frequent challenging via ferrata routes.