User Review: Lowe Alpine Contour Mountain 50

Reviewed December 29, 1997 by David Muoio

Rating:
Design: rucksack
Size: 3000
Number of Pockets: 2
Max. Load Carried: 30 lbs
Height of Owner: 5' 10"
Price Paid: $130

I originally bought this pack to use as a summit/cragging pack and for backcountry skiing. I have bad news and good news. First the bad news.

As a summit pack it's okay as long as you do not need to carry much weight. On one trip I carried crampons, harness, rope, helmet, protection, food, water, etc. Since this pack has no internal frame or suspension, it was definitely too much of a load. My shoulders were aching the entire day. The hip belt rides a little too high to rest on my hips, and I am definitely not a tall individual. If you fill up this pack it will most likely be too much of a load.

I definitely like this pack for skiing. I always carry extra clothing, which is usually quite bulky but not that heavy. The shovel flap, wand pockets and reinforced ski slots are quite handy, although leaving the handle on the shovel gets in the way of accessing the pack. I did make a modification by sewing a piece of buckled webbing on the bottom to hold the snow shovel handle in place. I separate the blade and shovel, and place the handle upside down, going through a hole in the bottom of the shovel flap. Also the pack does not interfere with my skiing.

Overall I like this pack a lot, but would pick a different pack if you need to carry a lot of heavy climbing gear. I think the Dana Bomb pack or the Osprey Finesse would be better choices if you need to carry more weight.

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