User Review: Lowe Alpine Contour IV

Reviewed November 11, 1997 by Jon

Rating:
Design: internal
Size: 90 + 15
Number of Pockets: 2 side + 2 add on
Max. Load Carried: 75 lbs
Height of Owner: 5' 10"
Price Paid: $220 US

As a first pack, I have found it very versitile. I have used it for various trips ranging from 10 days in the Boundary Waters to a couple days on the Superior Hiking Trail and it fits my needs very nicely.

Negative's
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- heavier loads tend to "sway". I've tried a variety of different packing methods and found it to be common, especially when it is a little heavier on top.

- the two side pockets are not very useful for carrying items such as water bottles (the nalgene bigmouths do fit) or items you wish to access easily, but they do secure lengthy items such as tent poles and my Sven Saw.

- The 2 side pockets which can be purchased and attached are of very poor design. Whereas they do add to the overall carrying capacity of the pack and are nice for items such as fuel bottles, I feel they add to the instability of the pack because they do not fasten firmly enough and wobble back and forth when walking. They also widen the pack and tend to get caught on bracnches and in narrow trails.

Positive's
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- The pack is comfortable to wear. It feels nice against my back when I put it on and it is easily adjustable while I am on the trail.

- It has unlimited space to put all your gear. I've had times when I literally couldn't fit anything more in the top section and still managed to fit an extra "something" in there.

- Durable. The outer shell resists abrasion very well and it has taken a lot of abuse across portages (no Duluth pack for me!), down steep trails and for the first 5 months I had my new puppy (he chewed my shoulder stap in half).

Overall I would recommend this pack to most people. As I am not a tall person, I cannot foresee the problems related to height, but being about average size, I can honestly say that there is never an instance that I have not been able to use this pack for a trip or wished it were bigger/smaller/lighter etc... A very good pack.

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