What is the Escape Flight Pro?
The Escape Flight strikes the perfect balance between being able to fit on a plane as carry-on luggage and featuring enough space for up to a week of kit (if packing conservatively!). It's ideal for those active, adventurous holidays where you're constantly moving and require a backpack which is as comfortable as it is practical.
What is it made of?
As you'd expect, a bag of this calibre has to be able to withstand some abuse. Lowe Alpine use a super-tough 210D nylon throughout the main body of the bag to ensure it withstands the rigours of world travel. For high-wear areas such as the base, Lowe use an almost armour-like 600D polyester. Both of these fabrics are equipped with a HydroShield water-resistant coating, just in case you get caught out.
What is the backsystem?
Lowe Alpine use their Air Contact+ back system in the Escape Flight. This system comprises of a moulded foam with cut-outs in specific areas where you require greater breathability. The foam not only provides greater breathability but stops items inside the pack jabbing you in the back. Layered on top of this foam is a lightweight mesh to effectively grip to your back.
When choosing a rucksack, adjustability is one of the most important aspects to get right. The Escape Flight features a fully adjustable back system; simply undo the velcro, slide the shoulder straps to the desired height and push the velcro back down.
Moving down, the hipbelt features a comfortable layer of foam to mould to your body and a mesh over the top for added grip. The straps are 'forward pull', so it's easy to get the belt nice and tight without straining.
If all of this wasn't enough, the entire back system can be stowed away when travelling to prevent damage.
What are its features?
Entry into the pack is via a large zip on the rear of the bag — this not only means you can access virtually all of your kit at once but is also safer when travelling as the main compartment can't be accessed when you're wearing the bag. Inside, there's a padded sleeve which will store a 15" laptop and a handy passport pocket. Top and side grab handles make it easy to carry when not on your back, while front lash points allow you to attach extra gear which won't fit inside. A zipped top pocket with a key clip is a great place to store items you need to get to quickly (and obviously your keys!). Compression straps on the side of the Flight Pro compress the load and prevent items rattling around if not fully packed.
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Large zipped rear entry for easy access
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Laptop compatible sleeve (15") with organisation
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Internal passport pocket
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Stowable harness
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Expandable side pocket with internal mesh pocket
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Top and side grab handles
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Front lash points
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Forward pull hipbelt adjustment
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Zipped top pocket with key clip
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Compression straps with metal buckles
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Sternum strap
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.