The harness straps are a good width and had ventilated foam padding. They were comfortable in use and there was little moisture build-up. The sternum strap is adjustable via a daisy-chain arrangement with four different heights. This is less convenient than a constantly variable set-up. The Edge is the smallest model in Lowe Alpine’s revamped Edge range, which is now in its fourth incarnation, having been introduced in 2008. The hip belt fins use similar foam to the harness straps, with perforations for ventilation and a mesh covering. The central section is wide webbing and tightens by pulling out from the centre. Adjusting the height of the sternum strap was slightly involved, and necessitated sliding each side out of the daisy chain webbing and into the new position, which was more time consuming than anchors that slide on rails. We found it was best done before setting out rather than on the hoof.

Lowe Alpine Edge 18L Daypack | Rab® UK

There’s a lower walking pole or ice-axe loop. Berghaus images show a top bungee retainer in too, but our sample didn’t have this so we secured our poles using the side compression strap. Aquapac says it’s suitable for both urban commuting and outdoor activities as well as cycling. Obviously, it’s suited to wet situations such as stand-up paddleboarding. If you, like me, always carry a camera too, then you need to take that into account as this will take up extra space and add to the weight. The capacity was good too, easily swallowing our usual day outing’s gear. There’s enough space to stretch to a lightweight winter outing too.

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

The dual-purpose ice-axe and pole loops worked well, incorporating a shorter webbing loop for poles and a longer one for axes. The top bungees secured the tools easily. I agree with Llywedd - and I've noticed this before with "On Test" articles. A recent one compared trail running, trail walking and approach shoes - ones described as "best for technical terrain and scrambling" were compared with ones for "urban walks and everyday use". The sternum strap is unusual in that it’s made from the same stretch cord as the bungees. It can be passed through three alternative daisy chain loops to vary its height. Best uses: hill and mountain walking; longer-distance trail walking; lightweight winter walking; scrambling.

Lowe Alpine Edge 18 Rucksack | GO Outdoors

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. The brand denotes the Keb Hike 20 as suitable for ski tourers, hence the attachment points for skis, but you’d need to be quite sparing in your winter gear to fit it all into the 20 litre capacity.The fabric was robust and the base is reinforced. Although there’s no frame, the fairly stiff material meant our load was accommodated well with no sagging.

to 35 litre daysacks reviewed grough — On test: 15 to 35 litre daysacks reviewed

The harness straps have plenty of foam padding, with cutouts for ventilation and perforations on the inner surfaces. The sternum strap has an elasticated section and its height is continuously variable on rails on the straps. There’s no facility for a hydration reservoir though you could put one in the inside pouch and carefully route the drink tube through the roll-top closure, but that would be less than ideal. The Deuter Futura 28, Gregory Citro 24, Kelty Zyp 28, Osprey Archeon 30 and Vaude Brenta 30 were all close behind and qualified for our ‘good buy’ badge.

Lowe Alpine

Picture is a brand founded by three snowboarders in France in 2008 and has built itself around strong sustainable and ethical principles. The compact Lowe Alpine Edge 18 is perfect for the casual outdoor enthusiast who commutes to work, walks the hills and travels cool and light. Features Felipe learns how to support Erik and be his eyes on tough multi-pitch routes throughout Wyoming, Co... The capacity wasn’t huge, but it was enough, just, to accommodate a day’s gear. Weight was middling, with the Alp Trainer 25 tipping the scales at just over a kilo.