Lowe Alpine Vision 40, 30

Review Date
June 19, 2003

Overall Rating
 4 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Troy Maxfield(Unregistered User) ,  Mountaineer , from Tempe, AZ

Price Paid:  $65.00 at REI

Summary:
I have been thoroughly impressed with this pack over the last 3 years. I have used and abused it in ways it was never intended to serve (mountaineering and climbing). The material is very rugged. The pack has been drug/hauled over multiple granite faces that should have destroyed it. The size is perfect for short trips but somewhat small for multi-day outings requiring climbing protection and bivy gear. It is also very comfortable for my 19 inch torso. I had to modify it to accept two ice axes and also created gear loops on the waistbelt. One complaint is that the frame gets in the way on steep routes and knocks my helmet over my eyes when looking up. I solved this problem by removing the frame and replacing it with a triple fold of 1/4 inch closed cell foam pad. This also allows for unplanned bivy protection. Additionally, the lid is sewn on and there is no storm skirt, which limits the amount of overstuffing/ minimizing that can be done. The pack still carries beautifully even after all of these modifications. If you are looking for a rugged and dependable pack to use as a workhorse, this is the one. If, however, you are needing all the bells and whistles I put into it, you might be better off just getting a "climbing" pack in the first place such as the Alpine Attack by the same maker. I ended up doing this as well because I am a gear-head and those extra 10 litres come in handy in some situations.

Similar Products Used:
North Face Thin Air, Dana Design Terraplane, REI Evening Star, Lowe Alpine Alpine Attack 50

Review Date
February 5, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Karl Roberts(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Stoney Creek, Ont, Canada

Price Paid:  $46.00 at Bata- Out There

Summary:
LOWE ALPINE VISION 40***** I bought this pack in Toronto (stores on King St.W. & Front St.) for the amazing price of $69.Cdn ($46.US). I recently used it for an ultralight winter trip, but most often it is used as a large daypack. Wife used it on Mt. Washington, NH. for an ultralight week! I love the back air-channel and the frame (single stay + framesheet are the best. Materials of heavy-duty rip-stop are about the strongest I've seen. Zipper have flourescent pull-tabs that are great in the tent at night. Top stabilizer strabs work well. Three pockets in lid are handy organizers. Not clutered with pockets, straps hanging off. No spindrift collar, but lid covers well/tightly.This is a VERY well made pack, even at full ($100.US) price. Better quality than any pack in its class. *And I researched the hell out of packs before I bought. Seems bigger than the stated 40 liters (Explore Magazine Gear Guide says it is 47 liters) Much better than the MEC pack and Eureka 40 I had before. The best thing about this pack is the bombproof way it was sewn (apparently still by hand). Great attention to detail. Don't anticipate any probs...ever.
The bellows pocket fits my 2 liter platy hydration, the pole pockets fit my Bivy poles, and tekking poles perfectly. I bent the stay and it fits perfectly. The pack weighs about 3.5 lbs (due to kick-ass frame) but can carry enough for a week. I need it up to about 25lbs, but it can handle 35lbs with aplomb. 1999 Pumpkin color is great

Similar Products Used:
Gregory (excellent)Mountain Equipment Coop,TheNorthFace,Eureka

Review Date
February 5, 2001

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Karl Roberts(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Stoney Creek, Ont, Canada

Price Paid:  $46.00 at Bata- Out There...Toronto

Summary:
LOWE ALPINE VISION 40***** I bought this pack in Toronto (stores on King St.W. & Front St.) for the amazing price of $69.Cdn ($46.US). I recently used it for an ultralight winter trip, but most often it is used as a large daypack. Wife used it on Mt. Washington, NH. for an ultralight week! I love the back air-channel and the frame (single stay + framesheet are the best. Materials of heavy-duty rip-stop are about the strongest I've seen. Zipper have flourescent pull-tabs that are great in the tent at night. Top stabilizer strabs work well. Three pockets in lid are handy organizers. Not clutered with pockets, straps hanging off. No spindrift collar, but lid covers well/tightly.This is a VERY well made pack, even at full ($100.US) price. Better quality than any pack in its class. *And I researched the hell out of packs before I bought. Seems bigger than the stated 40 liters (Explore Magazine Gear Guide says it is 47 liters) Much better than the MEC pack and Eureka 40 I had before. The best thing about this pack is the bombproof way it was sewn (apparently still by hand). Great attention to detail. Don't anticipate any probs...ever.
The bellows pocket fits my 2 liter platy hydration, the pole pockets fit my Bivy poles, and tekking poles perfectly. I bent the stay and it fits perfectly. The pack weighs about 3.5 lbs (due to kick-ass frame) but can carry enough for a week. I need it up to about 25lbs, but it can handle 35lbs with aplomb. 1999 Pumpkin color is great

Customer Service:
Don't expect to need it. Called them once...questions answered.

Similar Products Used:
Gregory(excellent),Mountain Equipment Coop,TheNorthFace,Eureka

Review Date
November 20, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Caleb Johnson(Unregistered User) ,  Backpacker , from Roanoke, VA

Price Paid:  $100.00 at Blue Ridge Outdoors

Summary:
I bought this pack a few months ago and it has been my best pack yet. At 2800 cubic, it's big enough for me to comfortably pack for 2-3 days, and it's got the best suspension I've seen yet on a pack this size. I noticed one reviewer complained about the lack of a place to put a hydration system. I found that a 40oz CamelBak bladder will fit perfectly into the outside pocket. An extremely well put together pack for any price, and a steal at a hundred dollars.
I'm not a big fan of the suspension on their large Contour packs, but this Lowe Alpine is the most comfortable pack I've worn yet.

Customer Service:
Doubt I'll ever need any support on this pack.

Similar Products Used:
Dana Designs Bombpack - Great pack, but too overbuilt for what I usually need.
North Face Cascade - Disappointing durability and wasn't very pleased with the suspension system.

Review Date
September 4, 2000

Overall Rating
 5 of 5

Value Rating
 5 of 5

Reviewed by: Keith(Unregistered User) ,  Day Hiker , from Athens, GA

Price Paid:  $100.00

Summary:
This is an awesome pack for under 100 dollars. It is a good size for long day hikes and the air cooled back system helped keep my back dryer than with other packs. I've used it on 20 mile day hikes and climbed some of Colorado's toughest 14,000 footers with total comfort. It is large enough to use on short backpacking trips if you really limit what you bring (2400 cubic inches). I think the quality of the bag is excellent. Highly recommended.

Similar Products Used:
Kelty Red Wing, Lowe Contour Classic, Gregory Reality