Gear

I'm a big fan of Lowe Alpine packs, but I can't help thinking all this new fangled technology is going to make them a bit heavier.

Or, have LA cut down weight in other areas to compensate?

They weigh approximately the same as the APS packs they're replacing. The technology is actually pretty simple, no mechanical parts, just cunning use of webbing and aluminium staves.

They're not the lightest packs out there, but Lowe Alpine's philosophy seems to be that producing a pack which is durable and carries well is more important than slashing weight.

Obviously, in an ideal world, you'd have light weight and a great, durable carry, but that's easier said than done.

... but that's easier said than done.

Indeed! ;)

Thanks for the info.

it seems that half the industry are cutting back on pack wieght, and still maintaining comfort (OMM and the like) where other manufacturers are still making packs of 3KGs or mare! - i would imagine you would need all this technology just to support the pack wieght, let alone the contents!

I think it's interesting that Osprey has done both in the sense of having a lighter pack aimed at carrying lighter loads - Aether series - and a heavier load lugger in the form of the Crescent.

I suspect the bottom line is that you can make a lighter pack but unless you're also going to use very expensive materials, it's not going to support really heavier loads as effectively as a pack with a stronger, more heavily padded back system which is where most of the extra weight will be.

Up to a point, modern ultra-lightweight gear means you can get away with a lighter pack, but as soon as you add food and fuel for a serious multi-day backpacking trip, things inevitably get heavier. The other exception is climbing and mountaineering where ropes and cllimbing hardware again up the load level.

In the end you make your own decision on whether a little extra weight - probably around a kilo - is worth carrying for a more comfortably, supportive carry with a big heavy load. Or you can save that weight and maybe suffer a little more discomfort.

Lowe Alpine says the TFX is aimed at loads of 15 kilos and above btw.