Lowe Alpine Frontier 65+15

I purchased this pack to replace my Lowe Contour IV which I carried until I realized I didn't need to carry as much gear as it will haul. I used the countour for about 5 years before the padding in the straps really started to break down (the rest of the pack is worn but still bombproof).

I first carried the Frontier in Snowdon Park in Wales. Compared to the Contour IV, this pack is luxurious. It breathes well for your back and carries loads comfortably. My average pack weight is 35-50 pounds fully loaded (depends on how much food I need). Easily adjustable using the APS 5 system. The load adjustment straps let you move the weight where it's most comfortable while you're on the trail. The foam in the straps is stable enough for support but supple enough to feel comfortable. The bellows side pockets work great for a hydration bladder. Construction is top notch and I haven't found any loose seams or failed zippers.

I would like a third compression strap below the two already there, but other than that I wouldn't change anything. I usually backpack about two weeks each summer season and use this pack for various camping and traveling trips. I highly recommend Lowe Alpine for simple, affordable, bombproof equipment. Great attention to simple, effective details make all their equipment nearly perfect.

This is a perfect backpack for anyone going out for a week or two, loads of space for a tent (mine is a Vaude ultralight). It is very simple but very well thought out, even the zips inside are dayglow orange so you can see them at night.

The CamelBak bladder holder is in just the right position (at the top of the pack) and the side belows pockets really do stretch for the bottles of isotonic drinks / camera etc,

The torso fit system is great too. I have only got a small back (17 inches) and it fits perfectly, the hip belt carries the load in comfort. It is a simple back pack but very very well thought out.

Ok it's not got all the bells and bangles like a gps pocket and waterbottle pocket on the hip belt etc, but it does the job and does it very well indeed.