I have been thoroughly impressed with this pack over the last 3 years. I have used and abused it in ways it was never intended to serve (mountaineering and climbing). The material is very rugged. The pack has been drug/hauled over multiple granite faces that should have destroyed it. The size is perfect for short trips but somewhat small for multi-day outings requiring climbing protection and bivy gear. It is also very comfortable for my 19 inch torso. I had to modify it to accept two ice axes and also created gear loops on the waistbelt. One complaint is that the frame gets in the way on steep routes and knocks my helmet over my eyes when looking up. I solved this problem by removing the frame and replacing it with a triple fold of 1/4 inch closed cell foam pad. This also allows for unplanned bivy protection. Additionally, the lid is sewn on and there is no storm skirt, which limits the amount of overstuffing/ minimizing that can be done. The pack still carries beautifully even after all of these modifications. If you are looking for a rugged and dependable pack to use as a workhorse, this is the one. If, however, you are needing all the bells and whistles I put into it, you might be better off just getting a "climbing" pack in the first place such as the Alpine Attack by the same maker. I ended up doing this as well because I am a gear-head and those extra 10 litres come in handy in some situations.

Similar Products Used:

North Face Thin Air, Dana Design Terraplane, REI Evening Star, Lowe Alpine Alpine Attack 50

This Lowe pack is an excellent day / weekend pack. It has a bunch of pockets to store stuff, and it's internal frame helps to distribute the load. It has a single aluminum stave, which is really nice, but you can't access it to adjust it. Still, having this really helps when you have a heavier pack and you are going to be hiking.

Customer Service

Lowe Alpine is top notch, and I have never had any problems with it.

Similar Products Used:

None

I bought this pack to serve two functions. One being a tech pack for climbing and second being a weekend pack during three season hikes. I love the ergonomics of this 2400 cu inch pack and it serves its purpose well. I like the light weight aspect of it and there is the right amount of gadgets. I have the 2000 Vision 40 and I love the air cooled back system.

Customer Service

none needed

Similar Products Used:

L.L. Bean Mt. Washington, Lowe Alpine contour, arcteryx Bora 60

LOWE ALPINE VISION 40***** I bought this pack in Toronto (stores on King St.W. & Front St.) for the amazing price of $69.Cdn ($46.US). I recently used it for an ultralight winter trip, but most often it is used as a large daypack. Wife used it on Mt. Washington, NH. for an ultralight week! I love the back air-channel and the frame (single stay + framesheet are the best. Materials of heavy-duty rip-stop are about the strongest I've seen. Zipper have flourescent pull-tabs that are great in the tent at night. Top stabilizer strabs work well. Three pockets in lid are handy organizers. Not clutered with pockets, straps hanging off. No spindrift collar, but lid covers well/tightly.This is a VERY well made pack, even at full ($100.US) price. Better quality than any pack in its class. *And I researched the hell out of packs before I bought. Seems bigger than the stated 40 liters (Explore Magazine Gear Guide says it is 47 liters) Much better than the MEC pack and Eureka 40 I had before. The best thing about this pack is the bombproof way it was sewn (apparently still by hand). Great attention to detail. Don't anticipate any probs...ever.
The bellows pocket fits my 2 liter platy hydration, the pole pockets fit my Bivy poles, and tekking poles perfectly. I bent the stay and it fits perfectly. The pack weighs about 3.5 lbs (due to kick-ass frame) but can carry enough for a week. I need it up to about 25lbs, but it can handle 35lbs with aplomb. 1999 Pumpkin color is great

Similar Products Used:

Gregory (excellent)Mountain Equipment Coop,TheNorthFace,Eureka

LOWE ALPINE VISION 40***** I bought this pack in Toronto (stores on King St.W. & Front St.) for the amazing price of $69.Cdn ($46.US). I recently used it for an ultralight winter trip, but most often it is used as a large daypack. Wife used it on Mt. Washington, NH. for an ultralight week! I love the back air-channel and the frame (single stay + framesheet are the best. Materials of heavy-duty rip-stop are about the strongest I've seen. Zipper have flourescent pull-tabs that are great in the tent at night. Top stabilizer strabs work well. Three pockets in lid are handy organizers. Not clutered with pockets, straps hanging off. No spindrift collar, but lid covers well/tightly.This is a VERY well made pack, even at full ($100.US) price. Better quality than any pack in its class. *And I researched the hell out of packs before I bought. Seems bigger than the stated 40 liters (Explore Magazine Gear Guide says it is 47 liters) Much better than the MEC pack and Eureka 40 I had before. The best thing about this pack is the bombproof way it was sewn (apparently still by hand). Great attention to detail. Don't anticipate any probs...ever.
The bellows pocket fits my 2 liter platy hydration, the pole pockets fit my Bivy poles, and tekking poles perfectly. I bent the stay and it fits perfectly. The pack weighs about 3.5 lbs (due to kick-ass frame) but can carry enough for a week. I need it up to about 25lbs, but it can handle 35lbs with aplomb. 1999 Pumpkin color is great

Customer Service

Don't expect to need it. Called them once...questions answered.

Similar Products Used:

Gregory(excellent),Mountain Equipment Coop,TheNorthFace,Eureka

I bought this pack a few months ago and it has been my best pack yet. At 2800 cubic, it's big enough for me to comfortably pack for 2-3 days, and it's got the best suspension I've seen yet on a pack this size. I noticed one reviewer complained about the lack of a place to put a hydration system. I found that a 40oz CamelBak bladder will fit perfectly into the outside pocket. An extremely well put together pack for any price, and a steal at a hundred dollars.
I'm not a big fan of the suspension on their large Contour packs, but this Lowe Alpine is the most comfortable pack I've worn yet.

Customer Service

Doubt I'll ever need any support on this pack.

Similar Products Used:

Dana Designs Bombpack - Great pack, but too overbuilt for what I usually need.
North Face Cascade - Disappointing durability and wasn't very pleased with the suspension system.

This is an awesome pack for under 100 dollars. It is a good size for long day hikes and the air cooled back system helped keep my back dryer than with other packs. I've used it on 20 mile day hikes and climbed some of Colorado's toughest 14,000 footers with total comfort. It is large enough to use on short backpacking trips if you really limit what you bring (2400 cubic inches). I think the quality of the bag is excellent. Highly recommended.

Similar Products Used:

Kelty Red Wing, Lowe Contour Classic, Gregory Reality

Love this small pack. I spent many months looking for a pack for vigorous day hiking, rock climbing etc. I even puchased packs by Gregory and Kelty and returned them. This is one of the few small packs with full waist belt contoured shoulder straps and ridgid back support. It has excellent pull straps to adjust the pack based on the load. It is a perfect pack for a smaller framed hiker and adjusts well to different sizes (my husband and I both use it comfortably).I love it. It has only a couple draw backs. An interior pouch for camel back type hydration system would be helpful but I am making due without. Also a small bottle pocket on the exterior would also have been an asset. It was an excellent value for the buck. I paid alot less then I had expected.

I just purchased the Vision 25 from Sierra as closeout for $65. How can you NOT buy a 1500 cu INTERNAL frame pack at that price!

A perfect "hauling" pack for small, heavy loads like climbing gear and rope or a long day hike where you're carrying all the gear for everyone.

This pack really can't go overnight because it lacks lash points, but could do it in a pinch during the summer.

Nice fit and a lot of features (like the ripstop nylon pack body that's coated on the inside for waterproofing). I am kissing my crappy bookbag style North Face daypack goodbye once and for all. No more bouncing up and down!

Similar Products Used:

I have a bunch of Lowe Alpine gear and am VERY happy with all of it. As The North Face begins selling its products in Nordstroms, I have confidence that LA is more dedicated to outdoors people like us rather than fashion models