What is the Aeon?
The Aeon is Lowe Alpine's latest creation for those who want a pack to do it all. It's a pack for those who have had the same 5kg canvas backpack for 20 years and felt no need to update it until it fell apart. It's for those who want to buy a pack, use it for anything and everything while loving every minute with it. Whether you're using it for climbing, walking, skiing, running or even the most demanding daily commute, it's designed to offer comfort, simplicity and reliability for years to come.
What is it made from?
The entire outer of the bag is made from a tough, abrasion resistant, water resistant nylon, with reinforcements in high wear areas such as the base. Although at first touch this fabric doesn't feel exceptionally tough, we've been hammering them for over a year at Trekitt and they've never skipped a beat.
What is the backsystem?
Starting with the most influental part of the Aeon, Lowe Alpine feature their tried and tested Air Contour back system to provide the greatest level of comfort and breathability for demanding walks, runs and climbs. It's gloriously simple, lightweight and adjustable for a varying heights and sizes; adjustability is carried out by a velcro backpanel which can be slid up and down. Not only is the backpanel infinitely adjustable, but highly breathable thanks to Lowe Alpine's moulded foam and spacer mesh construction, allowing air to pass behind your back for increased comfort on hot days. This construction is also flexible and can be folded for travel use (unlike rigid frame alternatives). It's instantly comfortable and needs little adjusting before you can skip your way happily down the trail.
One of the first things you also notice when strapping the Aeon to your back is how minimalist yet supportive the hipbelt is. To the sceptical, traditional rucksack viewer, it looks like it wouldn't take much more weight than a bag of crisps, however having popped 10kg in for a little tester, we can confirm that not only is it supportive, but exceptionally comfortable thanks to how lightweight and flexible it is. This is then further increased by a layer of breathable foam which wicks away sweat and doesn't create hot spots or discomfort. On the outer of the hipbelt are two zipped pockets, ideal for a phone, snacks or keys.
What are the features?
Moving onto pockets, you're given two hipbelt pockets, a large stretch outer pocket for a jacket or other quick to access items, one outer pocket on the top, two large stretch side pockets for bottles (these will take a 1L bottle of water easily), a hydration sleeve and lastly your main storage compartment with a zip top. It's fair to say that you've got enough pockets to store just about every trail accessory you could possibly want. On top of this, ice axe loops and walking pole attachment points allow you to head out for some winter climbing or trekking.
Summary
Whether you're walking, climbing, running, skiing, commuting or simply using for daily life, the Aeon is a gloriously simple, lightweight and overall brilliant pack which guarantees comfort and durability for those who want one pack to last years of use and abuse.
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Easy access zip entry
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Breathable back system
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Flexible shoulder straps
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Adjustable back system
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Front mesh pocket
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Side mesh pockets
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Walking pole attachment
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Ice axe attachment
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Hydration compatible
Getting the correct fit for your rucksack is as important as getting the fit right for your boots. A badly fitting pack can inflict misery and discomfort and completely ruin your adventure. This guide is designed to help you get the best fit and comfort from your chosen pack so that carrying all your kit becomes a pleasure and not a chore.
ADJUSTING THE BACK LENGTH
If the pack has an adjustable back length, adjust this to your correct level. Your back length is not related to your height but your torso length. Many packs, and specifically the bigger and more technical packs are available in different back lengths or feature adjustable back systems. Contrary to popular belief, your torso length and not your overall height is the key to getting a well fitted pack. Tall people don’t necessarily have long torsos, just as shorter people don’t always have a short torso length.
Your torso length can be found by measuring from your C7 vertebra (the bony protrusion at the back of your neck when looking down) to the height of your iliac crest (top of your hip bones, where you put your hands on your hips). This measurement will give you an idea of which pack back length to choose.
Once you've got the back length sorted, either by selecting the correct size pack or adjusting the back system, you can begin to follow these simple steps to help achieve a comfortable carry.
LOOSEN OFF ALL STRAPS
Before you start fitting the pack, loosen off all the straps as this will make it easier to get the correct tension later.
TIGHTENING THE HIPBELT
Fasten the backpack hipbelt, the general position is the same as where you’d put your ‘hands on hips’ This area is called the pelvic girdle, and what you can feel when you rest your hand on the area is the bony protuberance, the iliac crest. The iliac crest can support the weight from a pack comfortably, and for sustained periods. The padded section of the hipbelt should encompass this and fit securely.
Tighten the straps so the hipbelt feels secure and held firmly around your body. Ensure that the lumbar pad is centered to your lower back to give you maximum support. Remember that your hips carry most of the weight of the pack, so this should be firm but comfortable.
ADJUSTING THE SHOULDER STRAPS
Next, adjust the shoulder straps, pull them until they start to become snug, but ensure that they are not too tight as to lift the pack off your hips. Remember tightening them will stabilise the pack but will increase pressure over the shoulders. If the back length of the pack is correct the shoulder straps will be flush to your shoulders whilst the hipbelt sits in place comfortably. The point where the shoulder straps attach to the main body of the pack should be roughly half way down your shoulder blades; this ensures that the shoulder straps rolls evenly over the top of your shoulders to distribute the weight correctly.
FASTENING THE CHEST STRAP
Fasten the chest strap and pull until taut but not tight, the elastic section should not be extended. This helps keep the shoulder straps from catching in your shoulder joints and keeps the stability of the pack when moving over rough ground.
ADJUSTING THE TOP TENSIONERS
Top tensioner straps link the shoulder straps to the top of the pack. When tightened, their main function is to stabilise the top part of the pack. The optimum angle for these straps in 45º, but they will stabilise the load even when horizontal or at a more obtuse angle. Tighten them until you feel the top part of the pack rest against your pack, over tightening them will create excessive pressure on the front of your shoulders.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE TENSIONERS
Side tension straps are linked to the hipbelt. By tightening these straps you can stabilise the load but reduce the hipbelt flexibility. Where balance is critical tightening them can help you feel more secure. However, if you are striding out over easy terrain it’s better to loosen these straps to allow full hip flexibility.
ADJUSTING THE SIDE COMPRESSION STRAPS
Side compression straps come next, pulling these tight does two things: firstly, it stabilises the load, secondly it can lift the lower part of the pack, repositioning the load closer to your back.
ADJUSTMENTS ON THE GO
Following these steps should give you a comfortable but secure fit on your pack. Sometimes adjustments will need to be made on the go depending on the terrain or the load you are carrying. The perfect fit is very much a personal preference so experiment with different tensions on the pack to find what suits you best.