Review and images by Sofie Agger
Thoughtful design? Check. Breathable? Check. Durable? Check. Rain cover? Check. Comfortable? Check. Good snack pockets? Check. I could go on. But the gist is: the Lowe Alpine Eclipse 25L truly ticks all the boxes. It’s the ultimate day pack, perfect for carrying your essentials on an epic adventure. The adjustable (and well ventilated!) back system, hipbelt and chestbelt allow you to find that sweet spot of stability and comfort, and its durable yet lightweight fabric means that it can handle a ding or two throughout the day
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Putting the Low Alpine Eclipse 25L to the test in Canada's rugged Arctic[/caption]
The perfect size with pockets and features in all the right places
At 25 litres, the Lowe Alpine Eclipse has roomy size and great use of pockets and clips have even facilitated a couple for overnighters for me as well – accommodating a sleeping bag and pad, as well as a couple layers, food, and lightweight camp kitchen gear with no hassle at all. The Eclipse was thoughtfully designed and built as the perfect pack for anywhere and any activity, and would be a phenomenal addition to any gear closet.
Pack Highlights
This pack is super lightweight for having a 25 Litre capacity. Having the side entry zip makes access while out in nature simple. Add the aerator back panel for extra flow and you have a formula for the perfect pack that won't weigh you down. Extra features like the hydration pocket and drinking tube and the stowed away rain cover and this pack is jammed packed with the right features built in a clever way.
Features of the Lowe Alpine Eclipse 25
- 25L main compartment with unique zip entry
- 2 side mesh pockets
- Large front mesh pocket
- 2 hip belt pockets
- Hydration compatible
- Walking pole tip grippers
- Axe loops
- Airmesh foam back
- Rain cover
- Fabric: TriShield Micro Rip
- Weight: 0.77g
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Sofie on one of her daily excursions. That is quite the backdrop![/caption]
Arctic Research Project
When we heard Sofie was going to be in the Arctic participating on a research team, we jumped at the chance to give her some gear to test. The Lowe Alpine Eclipse 25L seemed like the best choice given her day trip needs. She used it every day up North and really put it to the test.
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Not a bad view to do research from. Ellesmere Island hosts some raw beauty.[/caption]
Sofie was given a very unique opportunity to work on Ellesmere Island, located in the Canadian high Arctic archipelago this during the Summer of 2017. The work, led by the University of British Columbia´s Dr. Greg Henry in collaboration with Northern Scientific Training Program and the University of British Columbia, is part of extensive research spanning the past two decades. It investigates the responses of high-Arctic tundra plants and animals to climate change, in terms of genetic modifications, behavioral adaptations, or migratory changes.
For eight weeks, Dr. Henry as well Sofie and 3 other field workers continued this research. They also collected a variety of data for the Government of Canada, for example by counting and tracking polar bears and seals, and tracking ice and glacier melt, as well as snow cover change.
Luxury Remote Accommodation...
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Dinner with a view on the ice covered shores of Alexandra Fjord.[/caption]
Their accommodation is in Alexandra Fiord on Ellesmere Island, the site of an old RCMP post that was abandoned many years ago and is now used seasonally as a research base. The few buildings located in the fiord rely on solar energy, provisions brought in by helicopter with upon their arrival, and freshwater from melted ice and snow. At 79 degrees North, Alexandra Fiord is uninhabited and extremely isolated. Although Ellesmere Island is large, the total population is less than 200, with the largest settlement in Grise Fiord several hundred kilometers south of Alexandra Fiord. They were outside all day working and hiking in rugged landscapes full of beauty - gently sloping mountains, fiords, glaciers, icebergs, and rich wildlife and plantlife in Alexandra Fiord where the glacier drains into river outlets and provides life in a little Arctic oasis.
We want to thank Sofie for taking our gear up to Canada's High Arctic on her research expedition. We are honoured that she trusted us to outfit her with the right equipment for the job. Stay tuned for another review from Sofie on a Nemo Thermogills sleeping bag coming soon...
Check out the rest of Sofie's adventures on her Instagram