The defining feature of Lowe Alpine's AirZone range is its suspended mesh back system, which puts a cool air gap between the wearer and the pack. Rucksacks built like this don't tend to come from the fast-and-light school of thinking, but a recent addition to the series, the AirZone Ultra, boasts a stripped-back minimalist design that is very clearly aimed at the more weight-conscious user. The Ultra comes in 26L and 36L sizes, each available either as a men's pack or a narrower-fitting women's version. My partner Graham Uney was originally sent the men's 26 to review, but he used if for just one day before I declared "I'm having that!". So it's only right that I should be the one to tell you why I nabbed it.

What's it for?

Lowe Alpine say it's for Fast Hiking and Ultralight overnights. They nearly lost me at this point but further down the page it says, "Day Hiking", and I'm back on board! And that is what I used it for; long and short days out in the hills, personal walking and leading groups. It's a big 26 litre thanks to three stretchy exterior pockets which are brilliant for water bottles, maps and layers I've taken off but think I might need again soon. Inside I have space for my usual kit – group shelter, first aid kit, spare layers, lunch etc.

Weight & Durability

The back system adds a bit of weight to what is essentially a very light pack bringing the total to a quoted 745g. This still makes it one of the lightest practically useful bags I have used. The fabric of the main bag -100D (100% recycled) High Tenacity Nylon Ripstop with Trishield Coating (recycled fishing net to you and me) - feels robust and durable. The mesh pockets by default will be less durable but after a couple of months of fairly rough use, I haven't yet damaged them at all.

The pack I tested is the 'stone' colour option and it does look pretty grubby after its adventures but some folk don't like their kit to look too shiny and new, preferring the well-used look, so it will suit them well.

Fit and comfort

This is a big win for me. I love the airy feel of Lowe Alpine's Airzone packs, lifting a sweaty pack away from my back makes me very happy. The hip straps haven't been paired back as much as other lightweight packs and so are wide, padded and comfortable. The shoulder straps are easy to adjust to get a good fit. They are also a good width to suit a variety of frames, and padded appropriately. The chest strap has a good range of position adjustment and although all the buckles and non-contact strapping are tiny they feel like they will last the course.

The Women's AirZone Ultra ND ('narrow dimensions') 26L features a narrower fit and a back length of 43cm, while the men's AirZone Ultra 26 increases the back length to 48cm. It's a fixed fit, so it will either suit you or it won't - as ever, we'd advise you try it on for yourself. Clearly the gender thing only goes so far, since I've usurped a men's pack from Graham and have been very happy with it.

Features

It's a really simple design, in a good way. Inside there is one main compartment, a pouch for a water bladder and a zipped important stuff pocket for keys, notebook, pen etc. On the outside you get two side stretch pockets and one main pouch which can take a surprising amount of stuff. There are attachment points for walking poles with a super thin but strong cord. I use z-fold poles so these are instead stored in the side pouches and secured above using the compression strap, which is a single thin cord.

The waist band has two pockets, the zipped one takes a smaller mobile or a compass and snacks; the non-zipped pouch is a good spot for a bar and lip balm. The pack closure is via a drawcord and the smallest storm flap imaginable, a few more inches would have made a world of difference on a wet day - and that small lid is really my one criticism of the design.

Conclusion

I love this pack. Aside from the too-small top flap and the rather dull (and dirt-attracting) colour of my one, I don't think I have a bad word to say about it. It's a simple design but of course if you wanted more features then you'd have to accept a weight increase and a compromise on the nice minimalist feel. AirZone packs are not new, but with this version Lowe Alpine have refreshed an old favourite, and done a great job at it. Please make me an orange one!