Lowe Alpine vs Osprey Backpacks: Which Brand is Better?

Lowe Alpine vs Osprey Backpacks: Which Brand is Better?

With spring and summer approaching here in the northern hemisphere, activities like hiking, backpacking and long walks in nature start to become very popular among outdoor enthusiasts, both beginners and more experienced.

One of the most important pieces of necessary outdoor gear for all these activities is, without doubt, the backpack.

And for this reason, in today’s article we will focus on backpacks. In particular, we will compare two famous backpack brands, Lowe Alpine and Osprey, to see which of these two would be the better choice, and hopefully help you with your next purchase.

We know that having a suitable backpack when walking, hiking or camping is essential: this must be large but light, comfortable and possibly with a breathable back.

We have talked about backpacks in many previous articles, like the one where we made a selection of 11 of our favorite backpack brands, or the one where we learned the difference between a rucksack and a backpack.

And this time we will continue with a comparison. So, without any further ado, let’s begin with the first brand, Lowe Alpine.

Contents:

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1. Lowe Alpine

A Short History Of The Brand

Mike, Greg and Jeff Lowe were three brothers passionate about climbing and mountain adventures. But in 1967 the climbing backpacks were too heavy. So Greg Lowe created the first Expedition Pack, a backpack that gave mountain and climbing enthusiasts an accessory suitable for movement.

Thus Lowe Alpine was born in Colorado, and today it is one of the best known international brands of backpacks. Their backpacks are aimed at trekking, hiking and mountain enthusiasts.

Read next: Osprey vs The North Face Backpacks: Which Brand is Better?

The company’s mission is to make outdoor and nature activities as comfortable as possible. This is why their products are renowned for ensuring freedom of movement in the open air and in nature.

LOWE ALPINE // MOVE YOUR WORLD

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Materials and Manufacture

Lowe Alpine produces backpacks suitable for various purposes. As for technical backpacks, in particular those for mountaineering, they are designed to withstand the harshest weather and climates. For example, the Halcyon model has a system called Tri-Flex™ carry system.

As for hiking backpacks, they have AirZone backpacks for ventilation and breathability, Altus Air Contour+ for stability, while Aeon is the adaptable and lightweight version.

Trekking backpacks have adjustable back lengths for greater comfort. The more specific and technical backpacks such as those for expedition also have greater precautions for rain and to guarantee greater efficiency.

Lowe Alpine also provides backpacks for everyday life and travel.

THE CERRO TORRE// ultimate trekking pack

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Popular Designs

Now let’s see more closely some of the brand’s products. We have picked two of their popular backpacks.

Lowe Alpine Aeon 27

Lowe Alpine Aeon 27 backpack

Image: lowealpine.com

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A hiking backpack with 27L capacity, Aeon is made of light and durable nylon, resistant to abrasion.

With its zips positioned comfortably, it is easy to store your objects. It is hydration compatible, and is an almost “iconic” design of Lowe Alpine, available in different color variations.

Lowe Alpine Aeon 27L Daypack Review

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Lowe Alpine AirZone Pro 35:45

Lowe Alpine AirZone Pro 35 45

Image: lowealpine.com

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AirZone Pro 35:45 is a hiking backpack, suitable for those who need more comfort.

It has an AirZone Centro™ back system for ventilation, an adjustable backrest and AdaptiveFit™ hip belt for comfortable carry.

Lowe Alpine Airzone pro 35:45 walking Back pack. www.gaynors.co.uk

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Prices

Lowe Alpine has a range of prices to satisfy nearly everyone’s budget. Their average price is around $120 – $130, but you’ll find some of their backpacks with a price tag below $100, and some others that can reach $200.

Are Lowe Alpine’s backpacks worth their price?

Definitely. Lowe Alpine is an internationally recognized brand for producing high quality backpacks that are comfortable and long lasting.

So, we believe that their products are worth it, also considering the wide choice of backpacks that Lowe Alpine offers. We like very much their designs, too.

2. Osprey

A Short History Of The Brand

Osprey was founded in 1974 in California by Mike Pfotenhauer, thanks to his desire to create an innovative and quality backpack, suitable for those who want to venture into nature – be it a mountain, a desert, or an island.

“It was the love for creating the product, doing things for myself and my friends that led me in this business” – the founder of Osprey says.

Read also: Osprey vs Deuter Backpacks: A Comparison

The first product was launched in 1976, a highly breathable backpack that was an example and inspiration for the subsequent backpacks produced by the brand.

In 1993 Osprey launched the first line of products exclusively for women, the Isis backpacks.

After that, many other technologies have made their products innovative, such as the introduction of ErgoPull™ hipbelt and the StraightJacket™ suspension compression system.

Osprey Packs | 40 Years in the Making, Episode 1

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Materials and Manufacture

The main material used by Osprey for their backpacks is Nylon that comes in various performance levels.

To make their backpacks comfortable, long lasting and resistant, they rely on different technologies.

Among these we find the Custom molding hipbelt technology, to make the transport of heavy objects easier.

Read next: Osprey vs Gregory Packs: Which brand is better?

They also use technologies such as AirScape™, AirSpeed™ and AntiGravity™, along with the StraightJacket™ suspension compression system, the ErgoPull™ hipbelt, and numerous other technologies that make their packs comfortable to use in different situations and activities.

As for production, they rely on recycled materials, to minimize the environmental impact and in addition, the brand’s philosophy is based on creating long-lasting products, thus reducing waste.

Osprey Packs | Behind the Design

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Popular Designs

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

Image: ospreyeurope.com

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Daylite Plus is a daypack with a comfortable mesh-covered backpanel, hydration pocket, and also an internal laptop pocket.

It is lightweight, durable, comfortable and available in numerous color variations, ideal for short hikes and everyday life.

Osprey Packs | Daylite Series | Product Tour

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Osprey Talon 22 Men’s Hiking Backpack

Osprey Talon 22 Mens Hiking Backpack

Image: ospreyeurope.com

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Our second choice from Osprey is the Talon 22 hiking backpack for men. It comes with a Stow-on-the-Go trekking pole attachment system and other features that make it versatile and organized.

Thanks to its zipper hipbelt pockets, side stretch pockets, a harness pocket, and top-lid storage, you can keep your belongings in order and easier to find.

You might also like: Osprey Atmos vs Aether: Which Backpacks are Better?

Osprey Packs | Talon 22/Tempest 20 | Product Tour

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Prices

Osprey has some products that are very affordable in the $50 – $80 range, and others that are more expensive and reach $200 or more.

The expensive backpacks include those that are more specialized, with ergonomic designs, for customers that require more performance in specific activities.

Are Osprey’s backpacks worth their price?

If you take a look at online reviews, you will see that Osprey is regarded as a brand which produces some of the highest quality backpacks. They are very popular for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping and backpacking.

And we think the same way, too. So, yes, their packs are worth the price.

In particular, if we consider the two designs that we picked in the previous paragraph, the first is definitely worth it, as it comes with a very affordable price for a quality product that is versatile and suitable for many situations, from daily use to hiking.

As for the second, it is a more technical backpack that comes with numerous technologies and quality fabrics, so the cost obviously increases.

3. Which Brand Is Better?

person with osprey backpack lake forest

Born in the same period, with Lowe Alpine being a few years older, these are two brands with more than 40 years of experience in the outdoor products market.

So, considering their quality and reputation, it is a bit difficult to decide between these two.

Osprey certainly boasts a worldwide reputation among their fans. On the other hand, Lowe Alpine also offers quality products, with a little more experience as they have been active since 1967.

Which one to choose?

Yes, we know that we could pick one product from each of them, but what if we were forced to choose just one?

Well, considering the technologies used, the fact that it is a renowned brand and that the quality and comfort of their backpacks is unquestionable, we think that Osprey offers a wide range of quality products at a good price.

This is why our choice would be Osprey, even if only for the guarantee provided by its fame.

However, Lowe Alpine is, in our opinion, a brand to keep an eye on, for their designs, quality and prices.

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