Lowe Alpine have been making packs for over 50 years, and having changed their strategy around six years ago to just focus on packs and packs alone, they’ve got pretty good at it. That’s why, when we hear they’ve got a brand new range out our ears prick up.

Today (5 March) sees the launch their new ‘Move Your World’ series of spring/summer packs, and we’ve already had the chance to get out with one of them.

The focal point of the designs in this range is movement, hence the tagline. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three options; the Altus (brand new), Cerro Torre (updated) and Manaslu (also updated).

Altus

Men’s range includes: Altus 32, Altus 42:47, Altus 52:57

Women’s range includes: Altus ND30, Altus ND40:45, Altus ND50:55

The Altus has been designed to give enhanced flex and movement plus even load distribution so that the wearer won’t feel encumbered and unsteady when carrying heavy loads. This has been achieved through Lowe Alpine’s new Air Contour+ carry system which involves an adjustable back length, carefully designed harness and hipbelt, lumbar support, and an internal frame that transfers weight right across the back. There’s also a moulded ridged back panel for both cushioning and air flow.

Last September, OM Editor Will Renwick was given the opportunity to test out the Altus during a hiking and via ferrata weekend in the Brandenberg Alps. Here’s his verdict:

“What they say about movement and weight distribution is all pretty accurate. During the two days I spent in the mountains testing it out, the Altus felt comfortable without any obvious pressure points. The lumbar support was particularly impressive, and the venting back system deserves a mention as well. Those into their weekend camping adventures in summer might want to take a look at the 42:45. It would certainly also suit any hut-to-hut-type trekking.”

Find more information on the Altus range here.

Cerro Torre

Men’s range includes: Cerro Torre 65:85, Cerro Torre 80:100.

Women’s range includes: Cerro Torre ND60:80.

With 35 years of heritage behind it, it’s safe to say the Cerro Torre is one of Lowe Alpine’s flagship options. It’s the most serious pack in their range, built for big expeditions into wild territories. This updated version for 2019 features a new back system that Lowe Alpine claim is able to comfortably take loads of up to 25kg. There’s also a clever new ‘load transfer bar’ that distributes the weight from heavy loads down the back and around the hibelt. We briefly tried this out with a very heavy load at the OutDoor Show last summer and were impressed.

Find more information on the Cerro Torre range here.

Manaslu

Men’s range includes: Manaslu 55:70, Manaslu 65:80

Women’s range includes: Manaslu ND50:65, Manaslu ND60:75

Finally, Lowe Alpine are claiming ‘radical’ updates to their popular Manaslu line for 2019. We haven’t had a proper look at this yet, but given that the new ‘Move Your World’ series of packs have been designed with movement-focused features, we imagine that the Manaslu has also been given an overhaul in the comfort and stability department. What we do know is that it’s another pack capable of carrying heavy loads (up to 20kg say Lowe Alpine). Our guess is that this could be a useful pack to consider for a week-long hike along a national trail, or perhaps for the journey to Everest Basecamp.

Find more information on the Manaslu range here.