The Lowe Alpine Women’s Sirac is incredibly comfortable given its size and capacity, and is the heaviest pack in this test. The narrow fit (ND stands for Narrow Design and is Lowe Alpine’s answer to packs for those with slighter body shapes) was unrestrictive and allowed for good upper body movement and balance across rough terrain. This backpacking pack has featured in our guide to the best backpacking packs.
Price: $165 | £150 (available from Amazon, Cotswold Outdoor,)
Weight: 1918g | Capacity: 65l | Materials: 50% recycled 420D Dobby and 100% recycled 600D PW / HydroShield | Closure: drawcord with clipped lid | Back: Adjustable Air Contour™ X carry system | Hipbelt: Air Contour™ X hipbelt with floating pockets | Pockets: Dual access main compartment with removable divider separating lower sleeping bag compartment, zipped lid, two side stretch mesh pockets, elastic front stash, internal hydration sleeve, lash points, floating hipbelt pockets, integrated raincover pocket | Features: narrow design, elastic front stash | Sizes: One size (back length: 17-19″ / 43-48cm) | Men’s version: Yes
Likewise, the back system felt comfortably contoured and well-ventilated even on unseasonably warm days during this test. This is unsurprising as the pack has been designed with long distance trekking in warmer climes in mind. It comes with a raincover that fits well and the pack fabric has good levels of water resistance in light showers, although it’s always advisable to pack important items in dry bags.
The Lowe Alpine Sirac in the wild.
Credit: Lowe Alpine
In terms of storage and compartments, the Lowe Alpine Women’s Sirac had me covered. A removable divider means you can use the main body of the pack as a single cavity, or it can be split into two with the bottom of the pack – the perfect size for a sleeping bag – easily accessed by the covered zip pocket. Sizeable mesh side pockets and a hydration sleeve offer space enough for water and extra kit while elastic front stash was great for stowing wet gear. The pack also offers additional lash points and pole attachment points. I found the hip pockets somewhat stingy, with enough room for small snacks but not for most smartphones.
The lid is also very generous although it does add some extra height to this narrow pack. The sturdy top straps keeps things balanced but sometimes the lid came into contact with a high ponytail, which was irritating. I often found myself filling the pack capacity to ensure stability. Otherwise, this is a well-designed, comfortable and affordable pack capable of carrying fuller loads on longer treks.
The Lowe Alpine Women’s Sirac ND65L Trekking Pack has been recommended by Francesca. To read the other pack reviews in this test head to The Great Outdoors’ best backpacking packs.
Tested by Francesca Donovan
Francesca tested these packs on a number of overnight backpacking routes with plenty of ascent and rough terrain in snow, rain and high winds, as well as unseasonably milder days in the Southern Uplands, Eryri (Snowdonia), the Lake District and the Peak District, throughout late winter and spring. She is 5’7 with wide hips and narrow shoulders. All weights were measured on her digital scales.
