What is the Escape Tour 55+15?
The Escape Tour is a unique yet incredibly versatile travel companion which actually features two rucksacks in one! Use them together when travelling, then when you reach your destination, leave the large 55 litre pack in the hostel and explore with the 15 litre pack.
What are they made of?
Both packs are made largely from a super tough 210D ripstop nylon, giving you the confidence that they'll be able to take all the abuse that you can throw at them. The base of the larger pack is made from an almost armour-like 600D polyester, increasing durability and abrasion-resistance. All fabrics feature a HydroShield coating to add weather-resistance if you happen to get caught out. Please note, this does not make the pack waterproof and we would still recommend using drybags for 100% protection.
What is the backsystem?
Lowe Alpine use their Air Contact+ back system in the Escape Tour. 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 Tour 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 Tour is via a large zip on the rear of the bag, giving you access to all of your kit at once. Top and side handles make it easy to quickly grab the bag off a conveyor belt or the back of a car, while compression straps allow you to cinch your kit down when not fully packed. On the side of the main pack, you'll find an expandable zipped pocket with an internal mesh pocket for quick to access items.
The daypack's features include a padded laptop sleeve (up to 13.5"), an internal passport pocket, 2 mesh side pockets for bottles, lash points for additional kit, a top pocket with a key clip and a handy sternum strap with a built-in safety whistle.
-
Large zipped rear entry for easy access
-
Includes 15lt day pack
-
Day pack has secure padded laptop compartment (13.5"), Internal passport pocket, 2 side mesh pockets, lash points, top pocket & key clip, sternum strap & whistle
-
Front and rear carry options for day pack
-
Stowable harness
-
Top and side grab handles
-
Expandable side pocket with internal mesh pocket
-
Front lash points
-
Compression straps with metal buckles
-
Forward pull hipbelt adjustment
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.