What is the Manaslu?
The Manaslu is your go-to rucksack for backpacking, trekking and travelling over a few days, a week, a month or a lifetime of adventures. Featuring Lowe Alpine's most advanced carry system, you'll be hard pressed to find a more comfortable bag for multi-day trips with plenty of weight.
What is it made from?
One of the most vital aspects of a trekking bag has to be its ability to survive harsh terrain over long periods of time. As soon as you get your hands on the Manaslu, you can tell it has been built to last! The bulk of the bag has been made from a super tough 210D Ripstop nylon with a durable water repellent finish, while areas prone to wear get an upgraded 500D fabric (the base, for example). Think of these fabrics as the lighter yet just as durable canvas from back in the day.
What is the backsystem?
Lowe Alpine use their Womens specific VT Flex system on the Manaslu. Rather than a backsystem, Lowe Alpine label it a Carry System as it involves far more than just the back; it encompasses the hipbelt, shoulder straps, adjustment and back panel as a whole to offer the greatest level of comfort and support. This Carry System features a brand new system to adjust the length which is quicker and less time consuming than previous models; simply lift the velcro, adjust to the desired length and push the velcro back down. When you adjust the back system to the desired length, you won't have to make sure both shoulder straps are level; the entire section which connects the straps moves as one in two channels that run up the bag, ensuring a level set of straps every time. The entire system is narrower, shorter and features different dimensions than a unisex or male pack, ensuring a comfortable, supportive fit. In case you were also wondering, 'ND' (in the name) refers to Nanda Devi Unsoeld, a mountaineer who died attempting to conquer the Himalayan peak that bore her name.
Moving onto the next part of the Carry System, the hipbelt is pre-curved and hugs your hips before you've even tightened the straps. This hipbelt can be adjusted in length to offer a more advanced fit for smaller and larger people alike, while a lumbar pad increases comfort and prevents the bag uncomfortably digging into your lower back over long periods of time. The shoulder straps feature a similar design, with a pre-curved shape and a grippy mesh layered over the top.
Having tried this bag on with 20kg inside, we were amazed at its ability to carry weight so effortlessly. Once adjusted, the hipbelt takes the weight brilliantly and transfers the load onto your hips so comfortably that you forget you've got any weight in at all.
What are the features?
Like any technical rucksack, the Manaslu is jam packed with features to make life on the trails and in the mountains as enjoyable as possible.Starting with the entry points, you get three ways to enter the bag; either via the top underneath the lid, via the bottom in the lower compartment (generally used to store a sleeping bag) or via a large zip on the front - this allows you to remove items from the bottom of the pack without emptying the rest of the pack out. While we're on the topic of the top lid, this can be extended upwards to offer 15 litres more storage.
Pockets wise, you get an external lid pocket, an internal lid pocket with a key clip, two zipped hipbelt pockets for snacks, a GPS or a camera, a front stash pocket which can be used to store a wet tent flysheet or waterproof clothing (far better than stuffing it into the bottom of your pack where it can't breathe!) and two mesh side pockets for 1L water bottles. Oh, and there's an internal hydration sleeve for a bladder.
Other useful features include internal and external compression straps to pull the weight of the bag closer to your bag and to prevent items rolling about, walking pole and axe attachment points, daisy chain loops to attach extra gear to the outer of the pack, an SOS panel to store your emergency details in case the worst happens, a sternum strap with built in whistle (another great safety feature), a raincover and a large grab handle to easily pick the bag up when lifting onto your back or into a vehicle.
Summary
The Manaslu is the ideal bag for trekking, backpacking and travelling for long periods of time with heavy loads. With an incredibly comfortable carry system, durable fabrics and enough pockets to literally store your life in, it begs the question; why look elsewhere?
- Womens specific
- Brand new carry system
- Fully adjustable
- Adjustable hipbelt
- Breathable mesh
- Built in raincover
- Three entry points
- Walking pole and axe attachment
- Huge array of pockets
- Lid extends for 15 litres extra storage