What is the Cholatse 32?The Cholatse is perhaps the most supportive, comfortable and feature-packed daypack for year-round use. With an ultra-comfortable, adjustable backsystem and all the features you could ever ask for, there's no reason this shouldn't be on your back!
What is it made of?Lowe Alpine use a tough yet lightweight 210D Robic Ripstop nylon throughout the main body of the pack and a bombproof 420D polyester in the base. The main fabric offers a high degree of abrasion-resistance thanks to its ripstop construction and features a HydroShield coating for added water-resistance if you happen to get caught out.
Which backsystem does it use?This is where the Cholatse shines! Lowe Alpine call it an AirContour+ Carry System, as it's far more than simply a back system; it covers the hipbelt, shoulder straps and essentially the entire rear of the pack. Every contact point has been meticulously refined to offer the greatest comfort without sacrificing heavily on weight. Lightweight foam with cut-outs in certain areas allows airflow to the points of your back which generate heat quickest, then a layer of mesh is added to prevent the pack moving excessively.
This is adjustable to ensure the perfect fit using a simple, yet highly effective, Velcro pad on the shoulder harness that can be easily set to various heights depending on the user. Please remember that your torso length and not your height will determine the back length your need. For more advice on pack fitting, have a look at our video
here.
The hip-belt is pre-curved and hugs your hips superbly. It features a supportive layer of foam layered underneath a grippy mesh to lock into place, carrying the weight of the pack with little to no unwanted movement.
What are its features?Access into the pack is achieved via two methods: either unclip the two buckles and flip the lid over in the traditional fashion or via a large side zip which gives you easy access to stuff nearer the bottom. A front stash pocket provides the perfect place to stash a wet tent flysheet, soggy overtrousers or other items you don't want inside the main compartment. An external lid pocket stores kit you need to get to quickly like a compass or headtorch, while two zipped hipbelt pockets fit snacks, a GPS or your phone. For items that won't fit inside the pack, there are daisy chain loops on the outside.
Other features include a hydration sleeve for a water bladder, a raincover for total waterproof protection from the rain, TipGripper walking pole attachment points and a HeadLocker axe attachment system.
- Zipped side entry for easy access
- Front stash pocket
- Adjustable back-length with easy to use hook and loop backsystem
- Web loop compression strap for fastening poles and axes securely
- HeadLocker axe attachment system
- Secure TipGripper walking pole attachments
- Large stretch mesh side pockets
- External zipped lid pocket
- Daisy chain lash points
- Zipped hipbelt pockets
- Hydration compatible
- Rain cover
- Forward pull hipbelt adjustment
- Durable water repellent coating
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.