I have been backpacking for 15 years and have used nothing but Alpine Lowe packs. I have had my netherworld 90 for 5 years. I have taken it to The Great Smokey Mountains, Grand Tetons, Sedonna Arizona, and my back yard, the North Cascades. I just finished a 10 day 90+ mile trip in the North Cascades along the Pacific Crest Trail. My pack weight at the start was 60 pounds. I had no shoulder or hip problems at all. The ouside pockets are super. The interior room with it's bottom entry kept my wet gear seperate from my dry gear. I carried everything includeing a bear canister along with 20lbs of food and the only thing on the outside of my pack was my sleeping pad. I have carried as much as 68 pounds in this pack. The only thing this pack misses is a detachable top pocket to take out scouting from a base camp. This pack gets two thumbs up from this backpacker!

I purchased this pack after much research and because of Lowe Alpine's excellent reputation. I've had nothing but good experiences with this pack. I have yet to feel shoulder or hip fatigue or chafing from this pack. If not for any other reason I would purchase this pack again for the sheer comfort it provides.

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Kelty Redcloud Kelty Super Tioga

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I love this pack. I tested it out on a short weekender with my wife and loaded it down with all the gear (approx. 40 pounds). It held up alright, although it wore out my hips due to not getting it adjusted right. My next hike was a 5 day trek in the Mt. Whiney Area, reaching the summit on the last day. I adjusted the pack approx. 3 times in the first 2 hours of hiking on day 1. When I finnally got it adjusted, it hardly noticed it on my back. There are a number of reasons I like this pack and will list them accordingly... 1.) the pack is super easy to adjust, taking only a minute 2.) the pack fits my smaller body great 3.) the pack is slim and fits close to the body 4.) pockets, pockets, pockets I love all the pockets. They come in super handy for snacks, and accessories 5.) The bladder and water system is very handy 6.) its many stays allow you to secure the pack close to your body. Out of the six people in our group, I was the only one who didn''t suffer any soreness due to our backpacks. I would recommend this pack to anyone who has the right body type to fit it. I think this pack is one of the best deals out there

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The North Face pack, Remmington External Frame pack

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I spent about a month looking for a pack. I read practically all the review on this web site and others. I tried on every pack at REI and other sporting good stores. This pack fit me the best. I took it on a 5 day trek into the Sequoia and Kings National park summiting Mt. Whitney and comming out Whitney Portal on the last day. There were 6 of us hiking and my pack, by far, performed better than theirs (this does not mean this pack is a better pack, just that it is a better pack on my back compared to thiers). After I adusted the fit to perfection (it took less than 5 minutes thanks) I never had a problem. One of the better features this pack had over the rest of the group was its external pockets. They came in super handy throughout the whole of the trip. I also enjoy the narrow features this pack provides. It fits my body type great giving me the best center of gravity I have ever had carring 36-43 pounds on my back. I have an older more experience backpacker friend who has used Alpine Lowe packs for years and assured me that thier durability is excellent. Not only that, but this pack was a great deal at $140 compared with other packs. I would recommend this pack to anyone with a small or narrow framed body. However, the best bet for finding the best pack is to find the one that fits you best.

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North Face External Frame pack North Face Weekend trip internal frame pack

After using this pack on a ten day trek through the Grand Canyon, I can say that this pack is a great one. Especially for the price. The pack did fine with an 80 pound. My shoulder was really sore after the first day but that was due to poor loading...
The hydration system worked very well and the waist strap was strong and worked well at taking the load off my shoulders. Every pocket on this backpack is useful but I wish that loading the external pockets didn't affect the internal space of the pack. My only other semi-gripe is that the water bottle holders were not accessable when wearing the pack. However, this was not a huge deal because of the hydration system. I would reccommend this pack to anyone who, like me, isn't looking to due insane trips and wants a practical, solid pack for not a lot of dough. Overall a great pack!

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First pack.

Just got back from a backpacking/camping trip, and although I carried the most weight (we all checked; I'd guess I started out with about 50 lbs. or perhaps a little less), I was the only person who didn't end up with sore shoulders or hips. This pack stood up just fine!

I read an earlier review from this site, which complained a bit about the thin shoulder straps and lack of padding. Well, I can't concur, The shoulder straps worked just fine, and the straps which adjust the angle between shoulder strap and horizontal were easily adjustable and when they were loosened so the hip belt carried most of the weight, there was NO problem with the shoulder straps. And the hip belt IS adequately padded.

The built-in hydration system is great, and all my companions were swearing to get one after this hike. All around, a good pack.

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Comfortable and durable.Have used it in numerous backpacking and mountaineeri
ng situations.IT carries close to the body,and has a narrow profile which makes it especially good on steep ascents where hands are needed.
The adjustment system is easy to use even in the field.
Ihave carried monster loads both summer and winter with as much comfort as you will ever get carrying 50-60lbs up steep and rocky terrain.GREAT PACK.

Customer Service

Took the time at the factory store to make sure I had the right fit ,and how to properly adjust the pack.VERY PLEASED.

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I bought this pack last year when I decided my current Lowe pack just did not have enough room for me to go on extended trips. I was looking at a lot of different packs around the same cu in capacity and happened to walk into a Colorado store (not the best outdoor gear store but sometimes they have good deals) and I saw this pack on sale for $110! I had looked at this pack before through Lowe's catalog but I was more impressed whenI saw it in person especially for the price. I love this pack. The outside pockets are great for storing things you want to get to during the day or the things you do not want in your main pack area. I often store my fuel just incase it does leak. The hydration system is a definite bonus. I never thought it would be that useful but having that tube there all day reminds you to keep drinking. A constant flow of water keeps you going all day long. In addition to the hydration system it has two water bottle pockets on either side of the pack which gives you more room also without having to strap your water bottles to the outside of the pack. I go backpacking solo or with my wife and in either case I end up carrying alot of gear. I have had a 60lbs pound load in this pack without a problem. I also have no problems with any wear or tear issues. This pack is an excellent choice for anyone who carries a lot of gear and likes to be organized and you can not beat the price even at full price.

Customer Service

I have not had to contact Lowe because I have had no problems with this or any of the other packs of theirs I own.

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I own a Lowe Alpine Outback pack and a Lowe Alpine Slick Rock pack

For a pack with over 5,000 cu. in. this pack was a steal. I spent an entire day trekking through Whole Earth Provisions with different packs loaded up and this one was by far the most comfortable. Since I am an organization freak I was looking for a pack with compartments and pockets. This one has both. The hydration system is great, but you might find a better bite valve (the platypus tends to drip if there is any pressure put on the bladder). Overall, an excellent pack for the $$$. Try it and buy it.

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After using the same external frame pack since 1975, I finally bought a new internal frame pack-the Lowe Alpine Netherworld 90. It has taken some getting used to (normal stuff, like how to pack an internal, etc) but I am very pleased. The price was incredible ($130.00) but that is not an indication or poor quality. Over the past year I've researched internal packs to death, rented various internals, and read many reviews. I've also spoken with custom pack makers as to what type of material and construction make a good pack. To make a long story short, this pack has all the features and construction of packs costing much more money. I am fairly short, but have a fairly long torso, so the adjustable ladder-suspension really makes for a good fit. The hydration system is no gimmick and is wonderful to have. The drinking tube runs right out through a D-ring on my right shoulder pad allowing me a sip whenever I need it. Most modern packs have no external pockets, but coming from an old external frame pack I just had to have them. All the pockets are large, roomy, and the zippers are of excellent construction. The removeable top pocket has a very generous interior and can be made into a fanny pack without too much trouble. As far as load-bearing capability is concerned, I have yet to hike with more than 50 lbs, and I really try to keep it to no more than 40 lbs. I thnk the pack could probably handle larger loads, but I have a badly herniated disc in my back and have trouble carrying loads over 40 lbs.

In conclusion, I would gladly refer anyone to the Netherworld 90. I think they are probably going to be discontinued at some point by Lowe Alpine, but they still have them listed on their website. If you get a chance to look at one please do so - I think you will be pleased.

Customer Service

I've never had any reason to contact Lowe Alpine.

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REI externals, REI Internal packs