Lowe Alpine Cholatse ND50:55 £155

Comfortable, capable, plenty of features, great value Weight starting to creep up

Lowe Alpine founder Greg Lowe was a genuine pioneer in rucksack design. He developed the first internally framed rucksack and ergonomically contoured shoulder straps. Both innovations are now common in backpacking rucksacks.

The women’s-specific Cholatse ND50:55 employs a rigid perimeter frame made of a shaped aluminium alloy bar, plus a cushioned, supportive harness that is carefully sculpted to suit the female frame. In conjunction with the padded, wraparound hipbelt and adjustable Air Contour+ back panel, it makes for an extremely comfortable pack that carries well, while balancing airflow and load stability. It boasts twin hipbelt pockets, large side pockets, inner and outer lid pockets, and a front ‘shove-it’ pocket with an additional zipped section.

The main compartment has a hydration sleeve and port, a double drawcord collar and secondary access via a U-shaped zip. The extending lid has a rear baffle and a top compression strap that allows you to stow a sleeping mat or tent. The pack is tough and weatherproof too, with a stowaway raincover. In fact, you get an impressive amount for your money here, making it cracking value.

■ Weight 1.77kg ■ Sizes One size (adjustable) ■ Main fabric PU-coated 600D polyester, 100HT ripstop nylon ■ Pockets 8 ■ Raincover Yes ■ Men’s version Cholatse 52:57

Verdict

Versatile and well priced, this is the ideal all-purpose, all-weather pack for multi-day adventures.