The back of the Lowe Alpine Pro 35-45
Lowe Alpine, the brand that can trace its heritage back to a Colorado work-shed, where Jeff and Greg Lowe created a backpack that revolutionised load carrying technology, has unveiled four new innovations for its rucksacks.
Next year will see a new AirZone range, with an update to one of the most breathable air-back systems in the world, designed for trekking and hiking throughout the seasons.
Lowe Alpine said: “This incredible concept and best-selling pack has been redesigned from the ground up, and is now more comfortable, breathable and even lighter than ever before.
“The all-new AirZone mesh has been reduced to an absolute minimum, which in turn has maximised the air space and breathability. The contact mesh has been tensioned and is anatomically shaped, removing the need for additional reinforcing parts without compromising on comfort and support.
“A new wrap around harness and hip belt has increased the stability of the pack ensuring prolonged comfort during long days in the mountains.”
The AirZone Pro 35:45 pack won an Outdoor Industry Award earlier this year.
It was selected from 329 entries to receive an award, which recognises exceptional performance and the highest standards in design and innovation in the outdoor industry.
“It is always an honour to receive trade recognition for one of our products,” said Martyn Hurn, head of design at Lowe Alpine. “We are especially pleased that the AirZone Pro has received this award as it epitomises the innovative approach we take to product design.”
The AirZone Pro 35:45 will go on sale in 2016, priced £115.
Other features of the AirZone range include: large hip belt pockets, unique tip grippers and walking pole or ice axe loop, stretch side pockets and an integrated and detachable rain cover.
Adding to the Lowe Alpine range for 2016 are the Axiom back system, the Eclipse range and the Cholatse range.
Mr Hurn said: “This the most comprehensive range we have ever produced.
“It both builds on the successful lines of the past and introduces a host of exciting new pieces with new innovations and a fresh, modern aesthetic.”
Lowe Alpine Eclipse 25
The company said the Eclipse packs offer unparalleled levels of versatility and comfort in the lightweight pack category. “It is adaptable to fit almost any outdoor pursuit, from hut-to-hut adventures, wilderness camping and single day treks in the mountains.
“For spring-summer 2016 the Eclipse sees a complete overhaul, with the addition of a new length-adjustable, moulded mesh back that has an increased cut-out space for maximum breathability.
“The AdaptiveFit harness ensures a precise fit across all models and provides the stability and comfort that is crucial to the requirements of a multi-purpose end-user. Lightweight yet durable fabrics, combined with the functionality of a fully featured pack takes the Eclipse to the next level of performance across a wide range of activities.”
Lowe Alpine said the Eclipse 45:55 and ND 42:52 cover the requirements of lightweight backpacking, with an additional frame to improve load carrying performance, and a floating lid and adjustable volume. The 35 to 22 litre range cover lightweight day packs and are perfect for hiking, climbing and every-day use, it added.
The Eclipse Superlight packs add a category specific to the fast and light user or adventure racer.
Superlight yet ultra-tough fabrics combined with a padded hip belt and a mesh back with removable padding make these packs a must for anyone looking to save weight on the hill.
Features include: a new moulded mesh air channel back; a new Velcro adjust back system; Adaptive Fit Harness; clam-shell zip entry system; integrated and detachable rain cover and tip grippers and walking pole or ice axe loop.
The brand spokesperson said: “Designing packs that offer unbeatable levels of support and comfort has always been the end-game at Lowe Alpine. The latest development, the Axiom back system, has taken load carrying and length adjustment to the next level of efficiency without compromising on performance.
Lowe Alpine Manaslu
“The Axiom packs are real work horses, designed to do it all. From big mountain expeditions to year-round travel, the Axiom helps to keep you comfortable in the world’s wildest environments. Once again Lowe Alpine have improved this incredible carrying system for 2016.
“The Axiom 3, 5, and 7 models offer a range of load carrying support depending on the amount of weight being carried, and a simple back length adjustment system offers an instant and precise fit.
“The hip belt and shoulder harness have been re-engineered to increase carrying comfort, and ventilation on the back has increased to maximise breathability, without compromising on support.”
The Axiom 7 is a load carrying workhorse. Designed for serious trekking and mountain travel, the 7 is adjustable on your back with 2 pull cords for on-the-go adjustment. The 7 features moulded back, rebound foam and channel ventilation.
Axiom 5 – Manaslu comes equipped with a new, one-pull cord back adjustment system, giving an instant precise fit. A serious load carrier, the 5 features a rotating hip belt and a ventilated aerator back.
Axiom 3 – Atlas, Diran feature the new one-pull cord adjustment system, and has a new channel ventilated spacer mesh for increased comfort.
Axiom Light – Zephyr offers all the qualities of the Axiom in a lightweight package, featuring on-the-go adjustability and a breathable, ventilating aerator back panel.
Lowe Alpine said its Cholatse range offers an aesthetically clean and compact, user-friendly option for backpacking, hiking and travel, yet with all the features and performance of a serious mountain pack.
Redesigned for 2016, the Cholatse features a new, easy to use Velcro adjust back system that is simple, strong and thoughtfully engineered. “A new soft contact mesh has increased comfort and breathability, and an AdaptiveFit wrap around hip-belt has been pre-curved to increase load stability and support,” the spokesperson said.
Lowe Alpine Cholatse
Hidden lash points and a zippered front pocket add to the neat, streamlined design, with a top, bottom and front load entry for optimum load organisation.
In 1967, US climbers Greg and Jeff Lowe started making backpacks out of their Colorado work-shed. The new packs were popular – so much so that Lowe Alpine now has an international reputation for its innovative, high quality backpacks, distributed in over 40 countries worldwide.
Lowe Alpine is now part of Equip Outdoor Technologies and is based in Kendal, Cumbria, UK.
