The Lowe Alpine Zephyr 55-65
An annual gathering on the edge of the Lake District gives outdoor brands the opportunity to show off new products that will appear in shops next year.
While visitors to the Kendal Outdoor Retail Show might have cast a longing eye on the sun-baked Lakeland fells tantalisingly close to the exhibition venue, thoughts inside were firmly on the months ahead.
Many of the items, clothing and equipment, at Kors and the contemporary Reliable Outdoor Kit Show just up the hill, are aimed at the coming winter and spring 2015.
Lowe Alpine, with a long pedigree in rucksacks, had new packs featuring its Axiom back system, which can be adjusted while the pack is being worn, using two pull cords. This enables the pack to be raised or lowered for best stability and comfort.
The system was introduced on some of Lowe’s packs this year and the company, now owned by the same firm that has the Rab brand, is developing the back system into three levels: basic level two; mid-spec level four and top-spec level six.
A lightweight version will appear in selected rucksacks aimed at trekkers who want to keep their pack weight as low as possible.
The full range featuring Axiom backs will go from 55 litres up to 90 litres.
A Lowe Alpine spokesman said: “Two new Axiom packs are introduced, designed for those starting out in backpacking.
“The Diran is ideal for overnight camping trips, travel and multi-day treks with front panel opening for easy access, and the Axiom Level 2 adjustable back system. The Atlas is a similar design, but with a traditional top-entry and zip-out lower compartment. Both are available in women’s ND versions.
The Axiom Light back adjustment system on one of the women's packs
“In the lightweight category there is the new Zephyr range of lightweight backpacks.
“The Zephyr 65:75, 55:65 and women’s ND55:65 are carefully constructed using light yet tough materials to create super-comfortable, sub 2kg trekking packs with a new fully adjustable Axiom Light back system.
“The TriShield Micro Rip fabric is tough and lightweight, with its silicone content making it almost impossible to rip.”
The twin capacities denote the basic size of the pack, followed by the higher capacity that can be accommodated using their floating lids to cram in extra gear.
Lowe Alpine is also adding to its AirZone range aimed at walkers. The packs feature the breathable air back, which allows air to circulate between the user’s back and the pack by means of a suspended mesh element.
Lowe Alpine AirZone Trail 25
Lowe Alpine said: “The basic AirZone pack has now been uprated to create the AirZone Trail, with side compression straps to compress and control the load. New packs include the 35, 35L, 25, [and women’s] ND32 and ND24.”
Expect to see the new packs in the shops in spring 2015.
More details of the Lowe Alpine range are on the brand’s website.
