am getting ready to purchase a new backpack. I have been looking around a lot. I have just about decided on a Lowe Alpine (the Frontier 65). It has everything I think I am looking for. Anyone had any experience with this pack or other lowe alpine packs. The only thing I see wrong with it is that it weights 5.6 pounds. That is a pound heavier than I was hoping for. But it does have the organization pockets I want. I tried it on with most of my gear and walked around for about 30 min. It seemed pretty comfortable but that is compairing it to my hold pack. Reviews on this pack. And suggestions on packs like this one that might be lighter.

I'll jump in.

I have the Lowe Alpine Attack 50, Lowe Alpine Attack Summit, and Lowe Waistcase.

I added the Air Zone back ventilation, to the Lowe Alpine Attack 50, with velcro.

This long back rucksack type of pack needs some provision for air circulation, unless you like sweat running down your spine !

This type, not brand, is the pack most abandoned, I have heard, in places like New Zealand, Nepal, and the other trekking destinations. I have Icelandic friends that travel all over the world, so I hear this stuff.

I have these packs, because I pack some high volume stuff, in Winter, and for summiting.

I never use these packs for heavy weight.

I have used a rugged frame pack, with a "shelf" for the heavy stuff.

Now, I even have a Pulk !

I strongly recommend, if you really like this type of pack, have the Air Channel feature, or add it.

A little heads up before I post... Most of us on this site lean towards the weight saving bunch of long distance hikers. That being said, evaluate what kind of backpacker you are...

The Fronteir is 5000 cubic inch pack. That's huge! When you packed all of your stuff in it, did you fill it up? Was there extra room? INMO if there was extra room, you should try to find a smaller pack that is as comfortable. Less material, less weight. If you fill up this pack, I would ask that you evaluate all that you are bringing with you? Do you need it all? Do you use it all?

I left Kathadin on my SOBO thru with a Lowe Alpine Contour 4. Note sure if they make it anymore but it was like a 6000 cubic inch pack that weighed 7lbs. I already owned it and really didn't know much better before I left. It held up well and is certainly durable. I never had it close to being full until I started carrying giant ziplocs full of Fruit Loops to take up volume. I was hungry. Since then I have downsized to a Gearskin. It's kind of unique pack that you can read a lot about if you search these forums. I saved over 5 lbs by making the switch.

In terms of having pockets to organize your gear. HOw much gear do you have? May a couple stuff sacks would make organizing easier and you could get a lighter pack with less frills.

I have the Lowe Alpine Contour II, 70+15. I've had this pack for probably 8 years and really like it. Plenty of space for my present needs, durable, good hip support, thick straps for more comfort on my shoulders (though they take for ever to dry when they get wet). I don't fill it to capacity usually - it's hard to look around when it's packed full.

I'm looking at moving to a lighter pack for longer distances but I am happy with this one.