Review: Lowe Alpine AirZone 32L Hiking Pack

Generally my rucksacks are relatively technical, and I do like a stripped-down pack with minimal straps and pockets. However, there are times when a pack designed for rambling around is what is needed, because those straps and pockets do serve a function and if designed well should make life easier. My wife and I have started doing sections of the Welsh coastal path lately, and not all my days in the mountains involve scrambling and climbing, so a pack designed to comfortably carry the essentials for a days walking would certainly be worth trying.

As summer approached, getting out walking was on the cards, including days on the Welsh coastal path and plenty of family days in the hills. At 32 litres the pack hits that sweet spot of being large enough to carry all the extra gear as the family packhorse, but is small enough to cinch down for a solo day in the hills.

The test included a few blustery, changeable days in the hills, some sweltering coastal walks and an overnight camping trip. The first thing to say is the AirZone system did work at keeping my back cooler and relatively sweat-free, which made a pleasant change from my usual packs. The three side pockets made accessing clothes changes and snacks much easier, especially if you’re with other people who can dig into the pockets and pass you stuff. The carry system is comfortable and has a breathable open mesh fabric on the shoulder straps and contact points to continue the breathable theme. I found this to be a pretty versatile pack for general spring/summer walking, and if I was looking at a continental walking holiday I would certainly consider taking this, it being a good size for a hut to hut walk and ideal for hot weather.

The body of the pack is well put together and well laid out, it’s not at the cutting edge of material and design, but doesn’t pretend to be, concentrating on getting all the basics right in an un-flashy way using tried and tested features and materials.

The pack carried well, the shoulder straps and waist belt spreading the load comfortably with plenty of adjustment in the straps. The AirZone Trail Duo comes in a range of back sizes to suit your build, but it’s worth noting that this isn’t a pack for carrying heavy, dense loads as the AirZone system pushes the pack out from the back – which is fine for hiking gear, not so great if you tried to fill it full of climbing gear.

This pack isn’t pretending to be a mountaineering rucksack, so if you scramble, climb, spend time in the winter hills or need to pack a heavy load then you’d do well to look elsewhere, or towards the newer Rab rucksacks that cover this end of the market.

That said, for the purpose it’s designed for, the AirZone Trail Duo is very reasonably priced, with just the right features for hiking – no more and no less. The cleverly designed, cooling carry system makes it particularly good value for those who run hot and will appreciate a much less sweaty back than with other packs of its kind.