Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack Pro 45+10 Pack - 2700cu in - 2008 BCS

After becoming frustrated with the Marmot Eiger 35 (durability and size issues), I decided to upgrade to the Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack 45+10. Upon arrival, I immediately noticed a difference of quality between this and other packs used: the fabric is relatively thick with durability and the construction is very solid. I use this pack for day backcountry skiing trips as well as non-hiking/non-skiing trips up to two weeks. Some features I like are the compression straps which are excellent for carrying your skis in an A-frame, the zippers are waterproofed, and the shoulder suspension straps which help keep the pack hanging high on your back versus being slouched down below your waist like other packs I've used. For ski trips, this pack can hold a pair of crampons, ice axe, shovel, 3 1-liter bottles of water, extra jacket, extra set of gloves, extra hat, extra set of goggles, and more. I've yet to use it for multi-day trips, but don't foresee any difficulty in using this pack for such adventures.

I was in the market to purchase a winter hiking pack this year. I looked around and decided with the Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack 45 and I'm very satisfied. I basically needed something that was going to withstand the abuse of lashing snowshoes and ice tools to the outside as well as stuff all the necessities for winter travel inside.

This pack is capable of all this and more. I was able to easily strap my Atlas 12 Series 25" snowshoes to the sides of this pack using its great "Web-Catcher" system. The idea behind this system is ingenious. I was able to strap my snowshoes and ice axe to the pack securely using the same straps.

The material is bullet proof. I have a Lowe Alpine Cerro Torre and I'm in love with the material they use to construct their packs. You don't have to worry about the material being damaged with normal use and abuse in mountains. The pack is surprisingly light weight and rides very smoothly. I have loaded it with winter gear and barely noticed its weight.

My only wish for this pack - a crampon pouch. I'm a big fan of the kangaroo style pouch that many manufacturers use and I wish this pack had one. Do to the many lash points on the pack, one can easily buy a crampon pouch and attach it to the front of the pack if they desired.

It is basically an alpinists dream pack. There are no external pockets or bells and whistles. I would like an extra stash pocket here or there, but I guess nothing is perfect. Highly recommend this pack! I use it for winter mountain hiking and and very happy I chose it!

I have relied on Lowe Alpine backpacks for over 12 years. This is my third of the Alpine Attack series. First one lasted 10 years and is still functional. Second one lasted 2 seasons and had major durability issues. The shoulder strap literally tore off. I was willing to accept some fault for this in the way I pick up my pack, but still disappointing. After that I still decided to buy another, call it brand loyalty. So far I am very happy with this pack and would suggest no changes or things I don't like. Durability will probably be the major factor in my happiness with this pack over the long haul.

This is the second Lowe Alpine daypack I've owned. My Mountain Attack 40 survived most of the New England 3K bushwhacks but grew fragile and very smelly so I decided to shop for a replacement that was slightly larger to accommodate winter clothing. This pack fits the bill. Great pack, lots of room and loads of options for lashing snowshoes, crampons, insulated Nalgene holders, etc. Almost 40 miles of bushwhacking in 3 days this week(8 miles of them in a blizzard)and this pack doesn't show any signs of abuse, and so far it is exceptionally good at resisting snow assaults. I'm sold.

Damon