WHAT IS DWR? LOWE ALPINE
AirZone Pro 35:45 £130
It can be hard to find extra large sizes in walking kit, especially when it comes to trousers (and extra small sizes for that matter, without looking in the kids’ section). Here are some pointers that may be helpful, based on our sizing survey last year.
Smallest men’s trouser size: 26” (Fjällräven, Salewa, Trespass)
Smallest women’s trouser size: 2 (Patagonia); 4 (Outdoor Research, Mountain Warehouse, Salewa)
Largest men’s trouser size: 44”
(Rohan, Regatta, Quechua/Decathlon, Mountain Warehouse)
Largest women’s trouser size: 28 (Curvissa), 26 (Mountain Warehouse)
Also bear in mind Fjällräven make ‘curved’ variants on several of their main women’s trousers; search ‘curved’ at fjallraven.co.uk
Commonly found on walking trousers, DWR stands for and it’s one step down from being certifiably waterproof. Whereas waterproofing requires a complex membrane (with the added complexity of that membrane having to be breathable too), DWR is a treatment that is simply sprayed onto the outer face of the fabric, creating a wall that stops water droplets seeping through. A decent DWR will stop a short shower or persistent drizzle getting through (and dry out quickly after), but will struggle to hold out prolonged heavy rain. It’s lighter, cooler and cheaper than full waterproofing. DWR can be removed by detergents during washing, but happily, tumble-drying on a warm, gentle cycle or ironing on a low setting will reactivate it. And even if it has given up completely, you can buy DWR spray or wash-in liquid (eg Nikwax, Grangers or Storm) to replace it.
Lowe shouldn’t really need to update such a successful mainstay as their mid-range trekking pack, but commercial reality dictates you have to update even your best-loved products occasionally.
If you haven’t tried their AirZone range, please do: AirZone is one of the most effective back systems you can buy. On this pack it has ‘evolved’ into the AirZone+ Carry System, an all-new design based around a knitted back panel whose ventilation is mapped to the high-sweat zones of your back. I’ve gone for miles wearing it, barely sensing the load and without building up unwanted heat.
I especially like the lumbar support which sits at the base of the spine, cushioning and even massaging those hard-working muscles.
It certainly carries a lot but I’m seldom convinced by packs that say they are ‘35:45’ or similar. It suggests the pack can magically transform from a 35L to a 45L capacity. What it really means is there are some extra storage areas which can be expanded if you need them. On this one, apart from the huge main and lid compartments, there is only one extra space, accessed by a zip which is confusingly mirrored by an identical zip leading to the main compartment on the other side.
But can I fault it for how much it carries, and how well it travels? No, I can’t. For short and medium-term treks, with overnight stops, this is a fantastic pack. NB: The women’s equivalent is the ND 33:40. lowealpine.com ★★★★★