www.lowealpine.com
FEATURES
I’ve been using the Lowe Alpine Airzone Pro 45/55 regularly for two years. The body is made from ripstop nylon for more durability. The Airzone back system has a trampoline mesh panel to hold the pack away from the wearer. The body has a ‘floating’ lid with good pockets scattered around the body and hipbelt. Compression straps, stretch wand pockets and a rain cover are provided. The 1729g weight is a drawback. 4/5
Related: Best Backpacks
FIT
You adjust the back length by raising the shoulder straps, and there are top tensioning straps to refine the fit. The hipbelt and shoulder straps use mesh that is well ventilated, but they are also stiffer to allow a more precise and supportive fit than softer designs. The closest women’s version is the Airzone Pro ND 33:40. Overall, a great fit. 5/5
COMFORT
The Airzone back system allows plenty of airflow across the back, and the hipbelt and shoulder straps are a good blend of soft padding and support, to allow a range of loads to be carried in comfort. The pack is heavier than others at 1729g, but this is compensated by the higher level of fit and comfort than some others when used for heavier loads. 5/5
IN USE
The Lowe Alpine Airzone Pro 45/55 is a good all-rounder and I’ve used it for numerous Lake District and Munro trips. The tough materials allow a fair amount of abuse when scrambling over crags, while the size and placement of pockets is very useful for accessing items easily. It would be great if it were lighter, and in an ideal world I would prefer a fixed lid to this ‘floating’ design. 4/5
VALUE
This pack is £5 higher in price than in 2015, but it’s still very well-priced for what you get, compared to competitors. 4/5
VERDICT
The Lowe Alpine Airzone Pro 45/55 is an excellent hillwalking pack, and only its weight would lead you to think twice before you buy. 4.4/5
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Review by Graham Thompson
First published in Trail magazine September 2016