This past winter I was searching for a backpack that I could use it for 2 days (one night) trips to the mountain. This new backpack I wanted to have several features for winter mountaineering and to be within my budget. The previous years, for such excursions I was using the Lowe Alpine Cholatse II 55-65 lt backpack. This backpack was great, though the 55-65 litres where never filled up and therefore I did not want to carry extra weight and volume on my back.

I have searched on several high-end brands such as Marmot, Mountain Hardwear, The North Face and even to the ultra light cottage brands such as Hyperlite Mountain Gear and specifically the 2400 Ice Pack. Finally, the decision was made due to 50% discount offer on the Mountain Attack and I have never regret it.

I find the Mountain Attack to be a medium length fit. The strap adjustments are easy to use and the length of the back panel suits me well. The hip belt fit well, was comfortable and the gear loops on the hip belt were the big, plastic covered ones (similar to an actual harness) and could be used easily if needed.

The shoulder straps are well padded and very comfortable even with heavy loads. I have loaded the Mountain Attack with full winter mountaineering equipment for a weekend (total 14 kg.) and I have never had any problem with the shoulder straps.

Lowe Alpine describe this pack as a ‘a true all rounder, the Mountain Attack is perfect for mountaineering, hut to hut alpine adventures and winter ski touring trips.’  The rucksack is definitely well featured but, although is has everything you want in a technical mountaineering pack, I was delighted to see it has nothing more.

The Mountain Attack has a single compartment which can be accessed either by a long side zip or the traditional top opening.  Lowe Alpine have used their lightweight and yet durable TriShield® Grid fabric for the main body and the well padded back panel features air mesh fabric for comfort and breathability.  The pack features Lowe Alpine’s ‘Adaptive Fit’ which is designed to allow the harness to cope with varying body shapes and it also has a removable frame.

The sculpted shoulder straps and well padded hip belt again feature air mesh fabric and are designed to make the rucksack comfortable with heavy loads.  When needed, the hip belt (which includes gear loops) can be removed to leave a simple webbing belt which can be worn with a climbing harness.

Beyond that, there is a side compression system, an extendable lid (allowing an additional 10 litres of storage) with 2 pockets, chest strap and rope strap under the lid. There are also what Lowe Alpine describe as ‘HeadLocker axe attachments’ which securely attach any type of ice axes and side ski slots will house any width of skis. The HeadLockers are perhaps my favourite feature of this backpack, because it makes is very easy to attach and detach any kind of Ice Axe but also any time of walking stick. In fact, you can attach both ice axes and walking sticks at the same time.

 

Bottom Line

The Lowe Alpine Mountain Attack 35-45 is a great all round rucksack. You can use it for single day mountaineering excursions, where you can attach all winter mountaineering gear (such as ice axe, helmet, rope, crampons etc.) and you can also use it for up to two overnight expeditions. The built quality is in the high standards of Lowe Alpine and the price per value comparison is more than great.

Features:

• Nylon TRISHIELD fabric, super strong yet lightweight.
• Webcatcher and Headlocker system to carry axes, poles and skis
• Under lid versatile crampon and rope carrier
• Padded back panel with ventilation channel
• Removable padded hip belt
• Side compression straps
• Zipped side access
• Hydration compatible
• Internal valuables pocket
• Wand pockets
• Grab handle