Hi,
This weekend I took delivery of a Lowe Alpine Sting Bergen ( rucksack) and I thought I’d do an initial review and comparison to other packs I’ve got. I intend to update the review once I’ve gotten some time in with the back out in the ‘field’ here in NZ.
I was after a Bushcrafting Pack ( read green and tough construction) I found out that UK retailer Cotswold camping had the Sting on sale at about 50% off.
For some reason Lowe Packs and especially the Military line do not seem to have been as successful in getting accepted as the Karrimor Sabre series of ‘Bergans’ in the UK Bushcrafting scene. Here in NZ all outdoor gear is murderously expensive so 50% off was a bid draw card for me.
I had been thinking of getting a Sabre 35 as I wanted a smaller Bushcraft pack than my Berghaus Vulcan which is approx 120 ltrs when all the pouches are attached. However for NZ 35 ltrs is a little too small and I tend to do a lot of instruction work with groups so 35 ltrs might be a little cramped for the ‘leader kit’ you end up carrying ( Group sized FAK, Bothy Bag, Walking rope etc)
OK the Stings Specifications are thus from the Lowe Alpine Website:
‘Hewn from the same materials as the Stingray but with a single main compartment, the Sting combines versatility and durability in a 55-liter design. The 10-liter side pockets detach and combine to create a small recon
Name:STING OD - Men (LRM005) Volume:75 L / 3576 cu in
Load Zone:20 - 55 lbs / 9.1 - 24.9 kg
Weight:7 lbs 14 oz / 3 kg 573 g
Torso:15 - 20 inches / 39 - 51 cm’
Here it is in comparison to the Berghaus Vulcan.
Front
Back
The pack competes most closely with the Karrimor Sabre 45 which is a card carrying accepted bushcraft classic. I’ll take just a few words on the subject of the Sabre 45 I’ve owned and used Karrimor packs a lot in the past and Karrimor’s recent history is somewhat unfortunate. The Sabre 45 is actually a Karrimor in name only these days IMHO as the Karrimor brand is used by Police Resources International (PRI) for a range of packs it sells which are based on old Karrimor designs. I’ve handled a Sabre 45 here in NZ and they are well made and well featured packs. The Sabre 45 seems to me to be based on the old Karrimor 'Hot Earth' rucksack with a few added features such as the ability to add PLCE specification side pouches. The Sabre 45 has a one size fits all back length and that IMHO is it’s main weakness. I really like fixed back length rucksacs and have several. A fixed back length on a 45ltr climbing rucksack such as the old Karrimor Alpinste is no bad thing however when you add on 2 10 ltr PLCE side pouches and the volume and weight of the pack increase then you get problems if your back length doesn’t suit the Sabre. If it fits then I'm sure you'll be grinning.
With the Sting you get a pack equal in construction to the PRI Sabre 45 with a main pack size of 55 ltrs and an adjustable back system. In my mind it's a winner.
Here is the Sting in comparison with 2 other mid sized rucksacs I have.
From L to R
Original Karrimor Alpinste 45 ( Sabre 45’s cousin once removed) Lowe Alpine Sting, Macpac Pursuit 55
Ok the Sting has a really well thought through adjustable back system.
The back supports consist of 2 Aluminium stays and the ability to adjust the distance of the shoulder straps from the waist belt.
The adjustment is done by pulling open the lumbar pad which is held closed by Velcro this exposes a Large ladder buckle
By unthreading the buckle you can then adjust the shoulder strap attachment point up or down on a ladder of tape loops on the back of the pack
The sizes I believe are in inches from your waist to shoulder and run from 15” to 20” the back system is therefore not infinitely adjustable ( which would add complexity). I have a long back so set the length at 20”.
Part 2
General Rucksack Features
The Pack has several really well thought out features.
It has really strong front and rear haul loops which I really like
Front Haul Loop
Rear Haul Loop
The Body of the sack has PALS webbing so additional kit can be fitted that uses the MOLLE system
It also has 2 ice tool holders which for me and my mountaineering are fine they also accommodate a regular Axe without problems.
The sack also has side compression straps and a small pouch at the base of the sack which accepts the ends of long items stowed down the side of the pack and stops them working loose it’s ideal for walking poles, Antenna, bivi poles etc
They also accommodate a GB SFA without any problems.
The pack uses standard ITW Fastex clips for 25mm Webbing no propriety clips so replacement if you bust one should be easy.
It also has Velcro strap tidies which I really like
Finally in this part the sack has a Velcro Strip for the attachment of a name or unit tape or maybe a IFF panel if your using the pack in a tactical situation.
Part 3
Side Pouches and pockets
The side pouches are removable and use standard PLCE zip size so the range of PLCE side pouches can be zipped on they also accept the pouches from the Berghaus Vulcan Back pack. The Packs zip together and come with small shoulder straps to form a small day sack great for excursions from a fixed camp and the ease of dismounting the pouches means you can leave them at home if you need less capacity.
Pouches forming a Daysack
Side Pouch Comparison L-R Berghaus Vulcan Pouch Lowe Sting Pouch Issue PLCE Pouch
The closure Zips on the Sting side pouches are OK but are weaker than the Issue PLCE side pouch
The issue PLCE pouches ( and the Karrimor Side Pouches) need and additional yoke which the PLCE pouches clip to via fastex buckles. You cannot use the PLCE pouches as a day pack without the yoke.
The sting will accept any PLCE compatible Pouch as I mentioned earlier,
Here it is sporting a PLCE issue pouch (L) and a Berghaus Vulcan Pouch (R)
The lid on the Sting has 2 Pockets. The top pocket on the outside features a key clip.
Top pocket
The Inner lid pocket has ample space for a Small FAK and associated items as seen here
Internally there is a water bladder pouch that will accept a 3 ltr Water bladder. ( sorry no photo of this)
Construction wise Its very well made I’ve seen a lot of packs ( as you can tell) and it’s as good as a Karrimor product. It’s made from Cordura Nylon ( you get a spare bit supplied for running repairs which is a nice touch).
Ok that concludes the initial review, I just need to get some field time in with it now to see how it goes..
This weekend I took delivery of a Lowe Alpine Sting Bergen ( rucksack) and I thought I’d do an initial review and comparison to other packs I’ve got. I intend to update the review once I’ve gotten some time in with the back out in the ‘field’ here in NZ.
I was after a Bushcrafting Pack ( read green and tough construction) I found out that UK retailer Cotswold camping had the Sting on sale at about 50% off.
For some reason Lowe Packs and especially the Military line do not seem to have been as successful in getting accepted as the Karrimor Sabre series of ‘Bergans’ in the UK Bushcrafting scene. Here in NZ all outdoor gear is murderously expensive so 50% off was a bid draw card for me.
I had been thinking of getting a Sabre 35 as I wanted a smaller Bushcraft pack than my Berghaus Vulcan which is approx 120 ltrs when all the pouches are attached. However for NZ 35 ltrs is a little too small and I tend to do a lot of instruction work with groups so 35 ltrs might be a little cramped for the ‘leader kit’ you end up carrying ( Group sized FAK, Bothy Bag, Walking rope etc)
OK the Stings Specifications are thus from the Lowe Alpine Website:
‘Hewn from the same materials as the Stingray but with a single main compartment, the Sting combines versatility and durability in a 55-liter design. The 10-liter side pockets detach and combine to create a small recon
Name:STING OD - Men (LRM005) Volume:75 L / 3576 cu in
Load Zone:20 - 55 lbs / 9.1 - 24.9 kg
Weight:7 lbs 14 oz / 3 kg 573 g
Torso:15 - 20 inches / 39 - 51 cm’
Here it is in comparison to the Berghaus Vulcan.
Front
Back
The pack competes most closely with the Karrimor Sabre 45 which is a card carrying accepted bushcraft classic. I’ll take just a few words on the subject of the Sabre 45 I’ve owned and used Karrimor packs a lot in the past and Karrimor’s recent history is somewhat unfortunate. The Sabre 45 is actually a Karrimor in name only these days IMHO as the Karrimor brand is used by Police Resources International (PRI) for a range of packs it sells which are based on old Karrimor designs. I’ve handled a Sabre 45 here in NZ and they are well made and well featured packs. The Sabre 45 seems to me to be based on the old Karrimor 'Hot Earth' rucksack with a few added features such as the ability to add PLCE specification side pouches. The Sabre 45 has a one size fits all back length and that IMHO is it’s main weakness. I really like fixed back length rucksacs and have several. A fixed back length on a 45ltr climbing rucksack such as the old Karrimor Alpinste is no bad thing however when you add on 2 10 ltr PLCE side pouches and the volume and weight of the pack increase then you get problems if your back length doesn’t suit the Sabre. If it fits then I'm sure you'll be grinning.
With the Sting you get a pack equal in construction to the PRI Sabre 45 with a main pack size of 55 ltrs and an adjustable back system. In my mind it's a winner.
Here is the Sting in comparison with 2 other mid sized rucksacs I have.
From L to R
Original Karrimor Alpinste 45 ( Sabre 45’s cousin once removed) Lowe Alpine Sting, Macpac Pursuit 55
Ok the Sting has a really well thought through adjustable back system.
The back supports consist of 2 Aluminium stays and the ability to adjust the distance of the shoulder straps from the waist belt.
The adjustment is done by pulling open the lumbar pad which is held closed by Velcro this exposes a Large ladder buckle
By unthreading the buckle you can then adjust the shoulder strap attachment point up or down on a ladder of tape loops on the back of the pack
The sizes I believe are in inches from your waist to shoulder and run from 15” to 20” the back system is therefore not infinitely adjustable ( which would add complexity). I have a long back so set the length at 20”.
Part 2
General Rucksack Features
The Pack has several really well thought out features.
It has really strong front and rear haul loops which I really like
Front Haul Loop
Rear Haul Loop
The Body of the sack has PALS webbing so additional kit can be fitted that uses the MOLLE system
It also has 2 ice tool holders which for me and my mountaineering are fine they also accommodate a regular Axe without problems.
The sack also has side compression straps and a small pouch at the base of the sack which accepts the ends of long items stowed down the side of the pack and stops them working loose it’s ideal for walking poles, Antenna, bivi poles etc
They also accommodate a GB SFA without any problems.
The pack uses standard ITW Fastex clips for 25mm Webbing no propriety clips so replacement if you bust one should be easy.
It also has Velcro strap tidies which I really like
Finally in this part the sack has a Velcro Strip for the attachment of a name or unit tape or maybe a IFF panel if your using the pack in a tactical situation.
Part 3
Side Pouches and pockets
The side pouches are removable and use standard PLCE zip size so the range of PLCE side pouches can be zipped on they also accept the pouches from the Berghaus Vulcan Back pack. The Packs zip together and come with small shoulder straps to form a small day sack great for excursions from a fixed camp and the ease of dismounting the pouches means you can leave them at home if you need less capacity.
Pouches forming a Daysack
Side Pouch Comparison L-R Berghaus Vulcan Pouch Lowe Sting Pouch Issue PLCE Pouch
The closure Zips on the Sting side pouches are OK but are weaker than the Issue PLCE side pouch
The issue PLCE pouches ( and the Karrimor Side Pouches) need and additional yoke which the PLCE pouches clip to via fastex buckles. You cannot use the PLCE pouches as a day pack without the yoke.
The sting will accept any PLCE compatible Pouch as I mentioned earlier,
Here it is sporting a PLCE issue pouch (L) and a Berghaus Vulcan Pouch (R)
The lid on the Sting has 2 Pockets. The top pocket on the outside features a key clip.
Top pocket
The Inner lid pocket has ample space for a Small FAK and associated items as seen here
Internally there is a water bladder pouch that will accept a 3 ltr Water bladder. ( sorry no photo of this)
Construction wise Its very well made I’ve seen a lot of packs ( as you can tell) and it’s as good as a Karrimor product. It’s made from Cordura Nylon ( you get a spare bit supplied for running repairs which is a nice touch).
Ok that concludes the initial review, I just need to get some field time in with it now to see how it goes..
