Lowe Alpine 75+20

[thecyclops]

Found this bag NEW w/out tags on craigslist for $75,then talked him down to $60...Couldnt find a lot of info on the bag online,other than its big,and seemed to have got good reviews...Anyone have any 1st hand experience with Lowe Alpine?Or more specifically this model? Any info is appreciated!!!!
Oh,and BTW I sold a mil-tec 3 day assault pack and a MOLLEII GIANT rifleman pack to finance this purchase.I got $60 for both bags,so ended up breaking even on the trade...

[whiteOak]

I had a lowe alpine backpack. it was excellent in many ways, but still not comparable to the Gregory, which outlasted the Lowe and was better designed

[thecyclops]

I had a lowe alpine backpack. it was excellent in many ways, but still not comparable to the Gregory, which outlasted the Lowe and was better designed

OK,thanks.I just had never heard of it,and it seems to be a UK brand though,which is maybe why it passed under my radar...Thing is HUGE though.

[Gershon]

I think you will eventually save money if you make a list of the gear you want in your next dream pack. 75 liters is a big pack and it weighs over 5 pounds. There will be a big temptation to fill it which will make it too heavy to be comfortable for a long trip. If your interests lean more to hiking shorter distance and living it up in camp, that's fine. If your interests lean towards more miles, it will end up being to heavy.

Here is a list I made of gear that can be bought from REI. It's mostly for target weights and an estimate for the cost of each item. The only items that seem unnecessarily expensive to me is the raingear, but windproof raingear is an important outer layer which transforms a fleece into a waterproof parka.

If you watch for sales, you can usually find the same or similar gear for a 20% discount.

[thecyclops]

[QUOTE=Gershon;34671]"75 liters is a big pack and it weighs over 5 pounds. There will be a big temptation to fill it which will make it too heavy to be comfortable for a long trip. If your interests lean more to hiking shorter distance and living it up in camp, that's fine. If your interests lean towards more miles, it will end up being to heavy."[QUOTE=Gershon;34671]
Well I hope its not to big or heavy for doing MILES,as this is one of the problems I had last time with my HUGE military pack that was almost 90 liters and weighed in at a whopping 12lbs empty,it held a lot,but wasnt comfy and was heavy.
Now with this pack being so big,it is still 7lbs lighter than my previous bag,and I have learned a hard lesson on packing light,Im hoping I can make this bag work for me.Im only 155lb and a vegetarian,but I hiked 5+miles a day with a VERY uncomfortable 50+lb bag on my back,so I hope the Lowe Alpine will be an improvement.
Thanks for all the info too man,hopefully it wont be too big for me.I can handle the weight as far as my legs and body go,(Im a long distance runner and that seems to have helped me transition) but when it starts to kill my shoulders and become painful Im all done.
Oh,and BTW does the soreness start to become easier or go away with time?Or should a proper fitting and packed bag not hurt?

[Gershon]

thecyclops,

There are different styles in backpacking. I can only express what works for me and the opinions of those who generally agree with me. You may be perfectly content with 40 or 50 pound pack for the type of backpacking you do. I've found nothing reduces my shoulder pain if my pack is too heavy. For me that's over about 35 pounds. After about 6 hours it starts. On the other hand, my son who is 5'3 and around 95 pounds can carry a 30 pound pack seemingly without effort.

I will say experienced hikers who post on the internet tend go lighter weight. Most don't go Ultra-light which is for those who place very high emphasis on miles spend relatively little time in camp. What I would suggest is you leave as much as you can home. I'd also suggest you not buy any gear for awhile until you get some advice on where you will end up.

For instance, there is no need for a big camp towel. About 6 inches square is all you need to wash. Bring just the food you need and repack it into Ziplock bags. Just bring a spoon instead of a knife, fork and spoon. A small lightweight pot that holds around 2 cups is all you need. If you posted your gear, I'm guessing I could knock 10 pounds off the list without you spending a cent. It would be just stuff you don't really need and won't miss. When I did this with my pack, I was able to reduce it from 43 pounds to about 29 pounds for a 5 day trip. This includes a 3 person tent for my son and I.

If you post a list of all your gear, we can probably help out. We won't all agree though.

[thecyclops]

thecyclops,

There are different styles in backpacking. I can only express what works for me and the opinions of those who generally agree with me. You may be perfectly content with 40 or 50 pound pack for the type of backpacking you do. I've found nothing reduces my shoulder pain if my pack is too heavy. For me that's over about 35 pounds. After about 6 hours it starts. On the other hand, my son who is 5'3 and around 95 pounds can carry a 30 pound pack seemingly without effort.

I will say experienced hikers who post on the internet tend go lighter weight. Most don't go Ultra-light which is for those who place very high emphasis on miles spend relatively little time in camp. What I would suggest is you leave as much as you can home. I'd also suggest you not buy any gear for awhile until you get some advice on where you will end up.

For instance, there is no need for a big camp towel. About 6 inches square is all you need to wash. Bring just the food you need and repack it into Ziplock bags. Just bring a spoon instead of a knife, fork and spoon. A small lightweight pot that holds around 2 cups is all you need. If you posted your gear, I'm guessing I could knock 10 pounds off the list without you spending a cent. It would be just stuff you don't really need and won't miss. When I did this with my pack, I was able to reduce it from 43 pounds to about 29 pounds for a 5 day trip. This includes a 3 person tent for my son and I.

If you post a list of all your gear, we can probably help out. We won't all agree though.

Hey thanks man,and I am COMPLETELY OK with constructive criticism,so no worries there.I will post my gear hopefully today,if not tomorrow.

[thecyclops]

Now keep in mind,Im going out on the AT for at least a week next time,if not 2 or 3 depending on what I can talk my fiancee into,and I want to do the "Springer GA to Harpers Fairy WV" next year,then the "Maine to Harpers Fairy WV" the following year as to complete the AT in 2 trips...but here is my list...
2 pair socks/shirts/shorts/undies(All my clothes are wicking/lightweight)
coleman mini lantern(bout size of pack of cards)
Coleman 140 lumen mini flashlight(Palm length)
sleeping bag(lightweight/compression sack)
Eureka 2person tent
Lowe Alpine 75+20 pack
Waterproof boots
pocket stove/12 fuel tablets(Although I dont cook too much)
GSI solo elitist cook set
2 bic lighters
1 roll TP
Cold Steel Sjambok
Small zip loc of "wet wipes"(Cut in half)
Sunscreen/bug spray/toothpaste/deo/toothbrush(all travel size)
MSR Mini works EX water filter
1 water bottle(Torn between platypus and nalgene,havent bought either yet)
Plastic mini shovel for my morning constitutional
Hiking stick
Cold steel roach belly knife(On hip)
Gerber mini multi tool(Bic lighter size)
1 small pygmy Goat
Sunglasses
Paracord/bearbag
Spoon
Frog togs(Tops and bottoms)
Sleeping mat
Hat
2 small towels
Camera/camcorder(Both small)
Snake bite kit
3 extra AAA batteries for lantern
Altoid can 1st aid kit
2 extra zip locks bags for trash or?
ID,debit card,cell phone and a $20...besides food,I believe thats it.
MAYBE LIST
Hydration pack(I have never tried) or 1 more water bottle
Hiking poles instead of stick
Gloves(Have them,dont know if I need them)
Mini binoculars(Again,have them,dont think I need them)
Mini weather radio(See above)

[Gershon]

Not a bad list at all.

Let's cut some easy weight for free. Just buy plastic bottles of water in the store. 4 of them should be enough. You don't have to fill them all for short distances between water. They weigh very little. To save a few grams on each bottle replace the squirt tops with flat tops.

No need for a snake bite kit. The current theory is keep the victim quiet and get help.

You don't need a lantern. One small flashlight is enough. Make it solar powered and you don't need batteries.

You don't need binoculars or a weather radio.

Gloves depend on the season. For unforecast cold, you can use your extra pair of socks.

Just a camera is fine. I have one that uses 2 AA batteries. I carry batteries for each 2 days on the trail.

A towel only needs to be about 6 inches square. Walmart sells yellow camp towels that are very absorbant for about $5.00. Just cut one up.

Not sure why you need a Sjambok unless it's for the goat.

On your cook set, just keep a coffee cup and one pot to cook in. You don't need the third piece.

35 feet of paracord should be enough. Gut it to reduce weight. (Pull the insides out.)

Anything a plastic shovel can dig into, a stick can, too.

I don't see a compass.

[thecyclops]

Not a bad list at all.

Let's cut some easy weight for free. Just buy plastic bottles of water in the store. 4 of them should be enough. You don't have to fill them all for short distances between water. They weigh very little. To save a few grams on each bottle replace the squirt tops with flat tops.

No need for a snake bite kit. The current theory is keep the victim quiet and get help.

You don't need a lantern. One small flashlight is enough. Make it solar powered and you don't need batteries.

You don't need binoculars or a weather radio.

Gloves depend on the season. For unforecast cold, you can use your extra pair of socks.

Just a camera is fine. I have one that uses 2 AA batteries. I carry batteries for each 2 days on the trail.

A towel only needs to be about 6 inches square. Walmart sells yellow camp towels that are very absorbant for about $5.00. Just cut one up.

Not sure why you need a Sjambok unless it's for the goat.

On your cook set, just keep a coffee cup and one pot to cook in. You don't need the third piece.

35 feet of paracord should be enough. Gut it to reduce weight. (Pull the insides out.)

Anything a plastic shovel can dig into, a stick can, too.

I don't see a compass.

LOL@sjambok and goat!!! The Sjambok as you probably know,is a snake killer,weighs next to nothing and slides right down the back of the pack like conan carries his sword...The goat was to see if you were paying attention
Thanks for all the info man,I have taken some notes...
Could you elaborate on the snake bite kit a little more?
I like the water bottle idea,perfect,and I carry that little lantern to play cards in the tent...I suppose a flashlight could be made to work though.
Oh,and Im glad you didnt tell me to get rid of my water filter,I know some lightweight hikers forgo the filter.