Here’s our review of the Lowe Alpine Women’s AirZone Trek 26L…
The Lowe Alpine Women’s AirZone Trek is currently in our guide to the best hiking backpacks. The AirZone Trek 26L is a comfortable hiking backpack with light padding in the hipbelt and shoulder straps, plus a suspended back system. The back design also offers great ventilation.
Weight: 1261g | Capacity: 26 Litres | Materials: 210D 6.6 Mini Ripstop / HydroShield nylon with PFC-free DWR | Closure: Large zip top | Back system: AirZone + back system with FormKnit technology foam | Back length: 43-48cm | Hipbelt: Padded | Pockets: 2 side mesh, 2 zipped hipbelt, zipped top, zipped internal, internal hydration sleeve | Features: Forward pull hip-belt, axe attachment, walking pole attachments, sternum strap with whistle, hydration bladder compatible, upper and lower side compression straps, detachable raincover | Sizes: One
Whilst the pack comes in only one size there is 5cm of torso adjustment, and it was easy to get a good fit via a simple internal Velcro system. There is plenty of sternum strap adjustment for different size chests. The hipbelt is also easily adjusted.
There are plenty of useful pockets, including the main compartment accessed with a two-way zip and drop-down front panel, plus an internal bladder pocket, hanger and single feeder hole for the drinking tube. The drop-down panel includes a zipped mesh pocket inside.
A smaller internal packet with zipped access from the top of the pack is useful for valuable items, and the zip is protected from the elements by an extra flap of material. There are zipped pockets on the hipbelt, but they are a squeeze for a mobile phone. In case you are in an emergency, there is a small whistle attached and some distress signal instructions printed onto a pocket.
The stretchy mesh side pockets are fine for medium-sized bottles. In addition, there is an external rear stash pocket secured by a top clip. The fabric is lightweight but feels strong and durable, and there is a useful rain cover that is stashed in a zipped compartment.
Small reflective details, four compression straps and attachments for walking poles and ice axe add to the attention to detail in a daypack that could easily become a favourite. My sole criticism is that the fastening clips are small and so are fiddly to operate with gloves.
Written and tested by Fiona Russell
Fiona is quite tall and slim with a small chest. She tested the daypacks with a fairly full load, whilst walking trails and hill paths in Scotland. Conditions varied from warm to wet and windy. She also asked a female friend of smaller stature but with a larger chest to try out the packs. The packs were weighed on her home digital scales.
