The Lowe Alpine brand manufactures backpacks and rucksacks for hiking, trekking, climbing, as well as for air travel and everyday city life. What makes it extraordinary and what did the first Lowe Alpine backpack, which was a revolution in the outdoor industry, start?
The American company was founded thanks to the hearts and souls of true mountaineers. A love for nature and a passion for movement, skiing, climbing, and trekking accompanied its founders from an early age. Greg, Mike and Jeff Lowe became alpinists. The only obstacle in their effort to "go further" at the time were impractical and extremely heavy backpacks that hindered their movement. And since none of the equipment manufactured at the time simply suited them, they decided to design and produce their own.
History Doesn't Ask Questions
In 1967, Greg Lowe designed and launched the Expedition backpack. This led to the creation of Lowe Alpine Systems, the company that handled its sales. The rucksack featured an internal frame, compression straps, and a host of other, previously unseen, features. It was this model that later inspired other manufacturers of modern, technical outdoor backpacks.
A crucial criterion for backpack development was how they proved themselves in practice. If the Lowe brothers found something lacking during their own journeys, they incorporated it into subsequent designs of their products. Thus, extra-light backpacks or rucksacks with first-class features are now available to professional athletes as well as enthusiasts of less demanding active movement in nature and in the city.
Constantly Moving
And what is paramount for Lowe Alpine today, besides sustainable development that goes hand in hand with love and respect for nature?
- durable materials
- innovative and ventilated back systems
- rich functional features
- low weight
Backpacks and rucksacks are suitable for excursions, walks, multi-day treks, and even air travel. Their domain is precisely crafted ergonomic back systems that adapt maximally to movement and support stability and comfort while carrying. The backpacks are adapted for men's and women's figures, so everyone can enjoy the pleasure of movement.
At Lowe Alpine, they know very well from experience that every sport is specific in some way, and that none of us are the same in terms of height and body proportions. That's why they have developed several top-notch back systems. For the latest, lightweight and highly breathable AirZone+ with patented FormKnit™ technology, they even won an ISPO award.
Simply and with Quality
From the very beginning, the Lowes were well aware that active sports and movement are not just about clothing. The key to success (not only in climbing) is the equipment that keeps pace with you and on which you can always rely 100%. That's why Lowe Alpine backpack innovations to this day concern not only back systems and materials, but also opening methods, pocket and organizer design, buckles, and loops for poles, ice axes, or crampons. A clear guarantor of quality is also the guaranteed lifetime warranty.
It's Impossible Without Nature Protection
Even with the best efforts, artificial parks and climbing walls cannot replace unique natural ecosystems, whose functioning is most affected by industrial production. Therefore, it's time to reflect on the consequences of one's activities and try, within the framework of sustainability, to give back to nature at least a part of what it provides to people. Most backpacks are therefore currently made from recycled materials. Lowe Alpine minimizes resource consumption and actively reduces its carbon footprint with the goal of achieving Climate Neutral Company certification by 2023.
Since November 2019, the brand has started eliminating the use of harmful fluorocarbon (PFC). This chemical, which ensures material waterproofing, enters water during washing and is difficult to break down. In the search for an effective PFC substitute, a new goal was born – a commitment that from 2024, all Lowe Alpine backpacks will be made from PFC-free material.
The company has also engaged in cooperation with organizations – the European Outdoor Conservation Association and the European Outdoor Group Sustainability Charter, focusing on ensuring fair wage conditions for workers, sustainable business development, environmental protection, and reducing the waste of natural resources.
Connection with Rab
In 2014, the Lowe Alpine brand was acquired by Equip Outdoor Technologies, which also owns the British outdoor giant – Rab. Thanks to the position of two experts in the functional sportswear and backpack market, the brands began collaborating on development. The result of their efforts was the launch of a joint Spring/Summer 2022 collection, which included exclusive Rab backpacks equipped with functional features and Lowe Alpine's AirZone back systems.
TOP New Arrivals
To ensure life on the road and in modern times is undisturbed and full of experiences you'll fondly remember, we've expanded our range of Lowe Alpine backpacks and rucksacks. With them, you can effortlessly handle treks, mountain hiking, and city commuting. The new season brings several new backpacks that will make your daily life easier. Which ones are they and what are their advantages?
For Work and Play
The design of the Klettersack backpack, visually inspired by Lowe Alpine's early creations, is somewhat retro. As a limited edition, it celebrates a significant milestone – 50 years in the market. For city life, it features an organizer and a 15" laptop compartment, and for nature hikes, comfortably padded back. Also versatile in use with a greater emphasis on features and comfort for everyday wear are the Phase 28 and 32 backpacks, or the sportier Edge 26.
Travel
Are you planning to explore by air? The Escape Flight 36 and Escape Flight Pro 40 cabin backpacks will be ideal companions for journeys across the continent. Thanks to their compact dimensions, they easily meet the carry-on baggage standards of most European airlines. You won't have to worry about check-in or any fees, and you'll always have all your belongings with you. Packing is as quick and straightforward as using a suitcase. Plus, you'll have your hands free while traveling.
Cycling and Light Hiking
Fast movement in terrain, whether on foot or by bike, is ensured by the lightweight Tensor backpack with a top-notch back panel, a hydration bladder pocket, trekking pole attachments, and a removable hip belt that easily adapts to any physical activity.
More Demanding Performance Year-Round
Skiing and ski mountaineering in winter, via ferratas, or summer high-altitude hiking? The Aeon, AirZone Active, and AirZone Trek sports backpacks are designed for versatile use. Various volumes and first-class features, including a perfectly fitting and ventilated back panel, a hydration bladder pocket, and a rain cover, also include attachments for helmets, trekking poles, or ice axes.
Multi-day Treks
A multi-day stay in nature is impossible without a proper rucksack that can be relied upon in all circumstances. The AirZone Trail Camino and AirZone Trail Duo rucksacks will delight with their sophistication. They feature an integrated rain cover, which can also serve as a protective travel cover, and a well-foldable hip belt to facilitate transport in vehicles. You'll easily manage mountain crossings or camping holidays with Altus rucksacks. They are less robust, equally durable, and feature ventilated back systems with adjustable back height.
Not sure how to choose the right backpack for a trek? You'll find basic advice and tips in our article. Learn more about the features of Lowe Alpine backpack back panels in the advice post.
Text authors: Tereza Ocetková, Lucie Pelcová
Photo sources: flickr.com, asolo.cz, lowealpine.com, rab.equipment, eocaconservation.org
