I recently returned from a winter survival trip in the western Sierras. It got down to 8 degrees, which stressed the plastic strap attachment points of my 25-year-old Lowe Specialist 1 pack enough to cause the plastic to break.

Since I'm recently returning to backcountry activity (this was a winter survival trip for a college program in park management), I'm clueless about internal-frame packs in the 55L - 60L size category. I also have a bad back, so Volkswagen-sized packs are definitely out.

I have a couple questions:
1. Any idea how big the Lowe Specialist 1 is?
(I'm thinking about 3500 cubic inches)

2. What's a comparable pack to replace it with?

Thanks.

Mark B

I haven't seen a Lowe Specialist in a long time, but I think you are probably right about the size. Maybe Alan or some of the older members will remember it. You could call Lowe and ask. Calling the manufacturer is my first stop with old gear inquiries.
LOWE ALPINE USA
190 Hanover Street
Lebanon, NH 03766
1-877-888-8533 (toll free)
1-603-448-8873 (fax)
lowecs@lowealpine.com

As far as something comparable, Lowe has a lot of packs on their site. Otherwise, I would look at Granite Gear, Gregory, Osprey, Arctery'x, REI, Kelty. If you look at our sponsors listed in the menu on the left of the forums, you can see and compare a lot of packs.

Why not upgrade? I have a Lowe Specialist II I'd sell. Bought about 1986 and in great shape.

TomD, thanks for providing Lowe's contact info. Unfortunately, their customer service department just told me they don't have parts available for anything over 20 years old.

And their repair shop won't work on the Specialist models.

I've been trying models by Gregory and Osprey. The Gregory Baltoro 70 and Z65 packs protrude into my lower back with 25lb-35lb loads - not good. The Osprey Atmos 65 fits OK but sways a lot with a 25lb load.

The Osprey Aether 70 felt comfortable with a 25lb load. I'm heading back to REI today to try it with more weight, and to try Arc'teryx and Granite Gear packs if they have them. I may just buy the Aether 70.

And Dryer, thanks for the offer to sell me a Specialist 2. I love the fit of my Specialist 1, but like the improved accessibility and lower weight of recent packs.

I hate to give up on my old pack completely - may try cutting and drilling an aluminum plate to replace the broken plastic one, then figuring out a good way to attach the broken straps to it.