What is it?
The AirZone Pro+ 35:45 from Lowe Alpine is the ideal pack for lightweight, year-round backpacking where comfort and durability are paramount. The ventilated back system is the technological heart to this day pack providing maximum airflow and comfort.
What is it made of?
The AirZone Pro+ is made using and incredibly tough 210D Nylon that is not only highly durable and abrasion resistant, but thanks to its HydroShield coating, will also shrug off light rain and snow. This material is highly effective at protecting all of your kit and will still look great after years of use and abuse!
What is the backsystem?
These back system in this pack is by far one of the most ventilated we've seen. The pack uses a system called AirZone Centro - a ventilated and adjustable back system. The AirZone technology features tensioned mesh and a large cut-out space that not only greatly reduces the overall weight of the pack, but also allows air to move freely between the pack and your back. The pre-shaped AdaptiveFit harness and hipbelt then ensures the perfect fit by comfortably hugging the contours of your body. These two systems combined means you get a pack that not only breathes incredibly well but is also very stable.
What are the features?
The AirZone features a plethora of carry options - the main compartment synchs down to hold 35L worth of kit (and even less with the side compression straps when not filled to capacity), but thanks to the floating lid can be extended to 45L for longer trips. This main compartment can also be accessed form the side as well as the top - this ensures you can get to everything in our pack without necessarily having to unpack it all.
Extra storage comes in the form of: Hipbelt pockets, an ice axe loop, internal zipped security pocket, a large front pocket that's ideal for stashing waterproofs, a large lid pocket that is the perfect place to pop your first aid kit and head torch and large stretch mesh side pockets that will hold a litre bottle in each. The pack is also hydration bladder compatible, if carrying bottles isn't your thing. And if that wasn't enough? The SpiderPlate Bungee system and walking pole attachments ensure you can still carry extra bits when all your pockets are full.
-
AirZone Centro adjustable back-length
-
AdaptiveFit hipbelt and harness
-
Breathable
-
Easy side entry
-
Hipbelt pockets
-
Hydration compatible
-
Ice axe loop
-
Internal zipped security pocket
-
Key clip
-
Large front pocket
-
Expandable volume
-
Large stretch mesh side pockets
-
Rain cover
-
Secure TipGripper walking pole attachments
-
Side compression
-
Sternum strap with whistle
-
Versatile SpiderPlate bungee system for secure external storage
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.