EXPERT ADVICE

Jim Evans, head of brand at Lowe Alpine, shares his top tips on picking the right rucksack for you.

WEAR YOUR OUTDOOR KIT

You might not think the clothes you wear will make much of a difference, but often casual clothing has belt loops, seams etc that will affect the fit and comfort of your pack. Wearing your usual outdoor clothing lets you read exactly how comfortable the pack will be out in the hills.

WALK AROUND THE SHOP

A pack can feel comfortable when only worn for a few minutes with a light load, but with all your gear it’s a different story. Put around 10kg in it when you’re in store, then walk around for a good 10-15 minutes. Go and have a look at the new jackets and boots in the shop, and leave the pack on to get a proper feel for how it carries.

THINK ABOUT WEATHER

Consider what season and conditions you’ll be using the pack in most. When walking in the height of summer, a close-fitting mountain pack could be sweaty on a long trek. Unless you want to buy specialist packs for each activity, choosing a versatile pack that specialises in ventilation, like the Lowe Alpine AirZone Pro, can carry you through all seasons.

CONSIDER WHAT YOU’RE CARRYING

Modern packs have lots of pockets, clips and compartments to organise your kit in, so it’s quick and easy to access what you need on the trail. As you try on the pack, ask yourself a bunch of questions. Does the hipbelt pocket fit your phone? Do the trekking pole attachments fit your poles? Picking the right pack isn’t just about the physical fit – it needs to accommodate all of your other kit too.

Lowe Alpine’s new AirZone Pro is available online at www.lowealpine.com