What is the Uprise 40:50?
The Uprise is designed to house all the gear you'll need for multi-day climbing trips in winter conditions, yet can be compressed down to offer greater agility on more technical routes. Thanks to its extendable size (40 litres to 50 litres), it'll become one of the most versatile mountain packs you'll ever own.
What is it made of?
The entire bag is made from Lowe Alpine's 210D 4 Axis Ripstop fabric. As the name implies, it features a Ripstop weave to reduce the chance of holes developing if you happen to snag it on sharp rocks. Needless to say, this fabric is designed to take a beating and will put up with plenty of regular abuse. To further increase the durability, the base features a double-layered 210D fabric. A Hydroshield Dura coating is applied to the outer of these fabrics to ensure rain, snow and mist beads off the surface. Further adding to the overall weather-resistance is a stiffened weather flap which protects the contents.
What is the backsystem?
The Uprise features Lowe Alpine's X-Shield carry system. The back panel is made from a snow-shedding material with a a layer of foam underneath to prevent items jabbing you in the back (this can be removed to dial back the weight), while the shoulder straps use a thicker foam layered with a weather-resistant material to provide plenty of comfort when not using the hipbelt. The hipbelt itself is incredibly simple yet effective; it is far thinner than your standard walking/trekking bag to allow it to fold back when tackling technical routes, yet offers support when you're carrying plenty of kit.
What are the features?
Starting at the top, you've got a drawcord entry into the bag with a weather-flap to protect the contents. Rope compatible top-tensioners allow you to quickly stick your rope on without emptying/opening the bag up, while a rear grab handle doubles up as a haul loop. An extremely weather resistant external pocket stores items you need quick to hand.
Two HeadLocker attachment points store your axes, while a pick-retaining panel on the rear of the bag keeps the sharp tips safely tucked away. Compression straps on the top and bottom of the Uprise pull the weight closer to your back when not fully loaded, increasing stability. Daisy chain loops allow you to attach extra gear. Lastly, all buckles are winter-friendly and are still usable in freezing conditions.
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Flexion Technology hipbelt
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Removable EVA back shield
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Removable spring steel frame
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Flexion Technology harness
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Rope compatible top tensioners
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Anatomically pre-curved back panel
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Grab handle / Rear haul loop
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Snow shedding back panel
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Roll-top and drawcord access with stiffened weather flap
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Extremely water resistant external pocket
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Double thickness bonded base panel
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Double HeadLocker axe attachment system with pick retaining panel
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10mm lower compression with tension lock
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10mm upper compression with SR Buckle
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Daisy chain with haul loop points
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LoadLocker buckle
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Winter friendly buckles
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Key clip
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.