The Airzone 35+10 is a "floating mesh" back system design pack. The pack has an adjustable back, unusual for a pack of this size, and maybe not an essential feature, but considering that this pack is the little brother of the 45+10 variant, its easy to see why lowe alpine have chosen to keep the back system for consistency. The back is easily adjusted by way of a web locking strap that shortens the length of the shoulder straps. It only needs to be set once (unless you have the habit of lending your kit to taller mates, which I dont!) The pack is quite versatile on the hill. I especially like the side zipple entrane, which allow access to a flask or waterproof jacket, without opening the top lid. The front of the sack has an elastic compression stowage facility, which is great for quickly stowing items like a map case or over trousers, and behind this is a large lipped pocket which will take overtrousers easily. The lid is a floating design which is adjusted underneath by way of a pull cord. This, combined with the snowlock enables the pack to be expanded. Infact, it was possible to get enough kit in this sack for a lightweight weekend but its best used as a daysack. The pack is very comfortable, and even when laden, the weight carries well and feels light on the back. The airzone system creates and air space helping to minimise sweaty back syndrome. The hip belt is minimalist, but comfortable and supportive, with lighter weight straps with small buckles. Initially this does not look robust, but as most packs are hideously over engineered in reality i dont think its a problem. The thinner waist straps and buckles also mean that camera cases and the like can be easily carried - other sacks i have used has buckles that were too large to thread through the belt loops on some of my camera cases. A hydration pocket is included inside the pack. One unusual feature, on the inside of the lid, prited on the pocket under the lid, is a set of proceedures for emergency - a nice touch i thought.
All in all this is a nice pack for day hikes, expandable to take the extra kit needed in winter, and comfortable. The only real minus is the price, at £80 its quite expensive, however if you like a pack thats versatile and comfortable, even if not the lightest pack around and can find one for less, its a bargain.
(Written by: russj1975)