One of the most used items when mountain climbing or hiking is the backpack. The backpack is the “core” of any trip and any mountaineering expedition. There are many different types for various activities, in diverse colours and on numerous sizes. The backpack I have been using since 2014 is the Lowe Alpine Cholatse II 55-65.

It’s definitely possible to spend four days in the desert without any gear, but if you’d rather be actually prepared than hope Gaia shelters you with her love, the Lowe Alpine Cholatse II 55:65 Backpack is a winner. Maybe most impressively, the Cholatse has three different access options: top, front, and bottom, so you’ll be able to find whatever you need, no matter where it is in your pack. If you’d rather, strap your gear onto one of the many external options, including the front Spider Plate bungee and let the air mesh backpanel, AdaptiveFit shoulder straps, and padded hip belt take the pressure off.

There are also plenty of handy smaller features, like a stowable ice axe loops, trekking pole loops with tip grippers, and an included rain cover. Stretch pockets on either side keep your water close, and hip belt pockets do the same for small snacks, a knife, or a compass. The fabric’s tough, too, so you won’t walk through a pricker bush and find out, 3 miles later, that all your gorp and socks are nowhere to be found. Just Gaia’s way of feeding and clothing the squirrels, apparently.

• Air mesh back panel with AdaptiveFit shoulder straps
• Padded adjustable hip belt
• Main compartment with zip-in divider with top, front, and bottom access
• 210D nylon ripstop and 420D nylon with included raincover
• Two stretch side pockets, two hip belt pockets, one lid pocket
• Stowable ice axe loop and trekking pole loops with tip gripper
• Compression straps, lash points, and front Spider Plate bungee
• Hydration compatible

 

Above you can see the top-lid pocket with an easy to grab zipper also the internal lid pocket that illustrates SOS signals and a key-ring clip.

The Lowe Alpine Cholatse II 55:65 Backpack can accommodate 2 trekking poles and an ice axe in the appropriate loops.

 

 

In addition, there is a whistle in case an emergency might occur.

This backpack can be loaded from the top, the middle or the bottom from multiple openings. There is also a “sleeping bag” compartment which can be zipped independently from the main compartment.

 

There are two highly stretchable side pockets that you can accommodate various items or bottles of water. Also, on the waist belt, there are 2 small pockets. Those pockets could be a bit bigger, but the size is enough for a couple of snacks, a small mobile phone or a small GPS unit.

 

 

The Lowe Alpine Cholatse II 55:65 Backpack, can expand from 55 lt to 65 lt in a very easy and simple way.

The minors of this backpack is the weight (1.6kg) and the fact the backpack has fixed torso of 46 cm. Other than that, this backpack has performed greatly on many different occasions and is durable enough.

Features:

• Recommended use: Trekking; Backpacking; Multi-day touring
• Volume: 55 liter + 10 liter
• Material: N6.6 210D Mini Rip; Reinforcements: N 420D (100% polyamide)
• Carry system: Anatomical shoulder straps; Hip belt (padded)
• Torso length: 46 cm
• Venting: via venting ducts in the back system; Mesh padding
• Additional compartments: Zip lid compartment; elastic side compartments; Sleeping bag compartment with removable separator
• Hydration system: compatible (hydration system not included in delivery)
• Rain cover: incl. Rain cover
• Weight: 1600 g
• Extras: Trekking pole carrier; Spider plate bungee cord system on the backpack’s front; Compression straps

Bottom Line: A great all-round backpack that works good on different occasions and type of mountaineering activities. High quality materials with good workmanship. Price vs value is good.