Lowe Alpine (Daypack and service)

[soa]

I use a Lowe Alpine Contour Runner 30 litre pack for a work "briefcase". My laptop slips into an Eagle creek sleeve, and so do my papers. Together with a Camelback Unbottle70oz, it makes a really good commute pack.

Cause I'm clumsy, I stepped on the waist belt, and broke the buckle (I'm a 238lb monster).

I left it a day or so, then got cross, and decided to look for someone at Lowe Alpine to complain to. Their international website had a clear FAQ, sent me to the UK distributor.

I emailed them, got a clear response in 25 minutes, and they'd got the spares in my hand in about 18 hours - less than a day. What exceptional service!

Anyone else use their kit for commute?

 

[Zardoz]

How waterproof is the Lowa? I have a 20-30 litre daypack on my Xmas wish list, but there are literally hundreds out there. Are there any good review sites?

 

[DonL]

I've used both a Camelbak TransAlp and a Mountainsmith Caldera for daily commute and "briefcase" duty, as well as for their intended outdoor uses.

While the TransAlp has the advantage of lots of pockets and dividers to separate all my "stuff", the pack itself is heavy, stiff, and uncomfortable to use for the longer dayhikes and things it was intended to be used for. I'm kind of disappointed.

The Caldera isn't really designed to be specifically a hydratin carrier, but it has accomodations that work for pretty much all the standard large and "biggie" water bladders. It's basically a big sack with a lid pocket and a small inner pocket. While this would tend to get things cluttered at the bottom, in practice I've found that as long as I'm careful on what I try to carry and how, it's not a big issue at all. The pack is also light and very comfortable, even when fairly well packed and stuffed with a hydration bladder.

I've had outstanding product support from Mountainsmith, and average support from Camelbak. Customer service and support are becoming one area where some companies really shine. If a company offers just "average" support, they'll never get the sales that they have the potential for.

Sounds like L-A really have their heads screwed on straight, and good for them to take care of their customers so well.

Zardoz, a good site to check on alot of camping, hiking, fishing, watersport and snowsport equipment is www.outdoorreview.com

 

[Sid Post]

I have used a Lowe Alpine backpack (Special Expedition for 6 months hard use and a Countour IV 90/15L) for a long time. Built very well, very comfortable, very tough. Never had one leak either.

The only other packs in this class I have seriously considered are the Greggory models.

In smaller sizes, the Camelbak Military models are nice. They are built tougher then the corresponding civilian counterparts. I have good experiences with Eagle Industries gear as well. There are world of choices in these smaller packs that all offer good features at similar pricepoints. Lowe Alpine is a well known and well respected brand but, not the only one worth considering.