We were there when it all began
Lowe Alpine takes its name from the Lowe brothers, the founders of the brand. Greg Lowe, along with Mike and Jeff are a family of climbers and mountaineering enthusiast from Utah, USA.
Lowe family
Lowe Alpine started with humble beginnings. In 1967 Greg needed a better backpack for his climbing trips. The brothers were traveling throughout the US developing new routes. In summer on the rock, and in winter, on snow and ice. During this time they pioneered the method of climbing we now call 'Alpine style'. This fast, lightweight approach to climbing does not rely on siege tactics and large support teams. Small, self-sufficient teams with minimal equipment move quickly and carry their own equipment. This required a new type of backpack, one that moved with the body and didn't feel cumbersome.
Greg developed the first Expedition pack in this Colorado work shed in 1967. It revolutionized backpack technology. Many of the innovations that featured on it later became standard on all backpacks. 'The expedition' was the first-ever internal framed pack. It also included the first side compression straps, all technologies we now take for granted.
Further innovations followed, both in the mountains and in the workshop. The brothers developed a profusion of revolutionary climbing hardware, including ice axes, belay devices, ice screws and crampons.
Jeff Lowe went to revolutionize rock climbing, mixed climbing and alpine style climbing in the US, the Alps, and later in Greater ranges. Today he is recognized as the inventor of modern mixed climbing, also achieving notoriety with an unmatched high point on Latok's North Ridge and the unrepeated route 'Metanoia', on the North Face of The Eiger.
Ralph, Greg & Jeff
Values
Love the Mountains
The mountains are the most invigorating environment on the planet. They are our playground and our office. They offer us, and our customers recreation opportunities beyond the limits of the imagination. It is our responsibility to nurture a positive relationship between Lowe Alpine, our customers and the mountains.
Inspire Mountain Life
Encouraging people to get outside and explore the mountains is important to us. Lowe Alpine was created because the Lowe brothers wanted to get out more and explore further. We want to encourage people to be able to do the same at every opportunity.
Be the Expert.
Lowe Alpine is built on the expertise of the people who work here. We are a small and passionate team with a huge amount of professional experience. Our love for the mountains is only matched by our total dedication to our profession.
Create the Best Product
We put everything into making the best product we can. We obsess over the details and we never settle for just OK. We are constantly looking at our products and thinking how we can make them even better? We are 100% committed to being the best pack brand in the world.
Always be distinct
Copying others doesn’t make sense to a brand that always leads from the front. We are proud to stand out from the crowd. We always lead, never follow. Every time you see a Lowe Alpine product or brand message it should be instantly recognizable and always distinct.
Build it bombproof
Building durable product that lasts a lifetime is the true definition of sustainability. We are the countermeasure to a modern, disposable society. Over consumption and throw away products are the real enemy of a sustainable feature. Our commitment to using the strongest materials and best construction methods is what sets us apart from the crowd.
Our innovations are simply a by-product of necessity" "
Greg Lowe, 1967
Research:
Our design Team are outdoor enthusiasts, they use our products and they mix with other end users constantly. From their interaction with the products and other enthusiasts they draw their insights and ideas. Problems are identified and solutions drawn from a combination of inspiration, experience and, where appropriate, solid scientific research.
Fabric
A big factor to our packs lasting longer is our fabrics. Our pack fabrics go through hell before we authorise their use. First they have to satisfy our design criteria for the lightest weight possible, depending on end use. Next our exhaustive laboratory test establishes tear strength, abrasion resistance, colour fastness, coating durability and waterproof performance.
Prototype development
Once we have an initial concept we begin prototyping. We do this in our head office in Kendal, UK. This commitment to prototyping in-house allows us to be reactive to feedback very quickly. First we build a 3D model; this allows us to check the pattern, the shape and the stress points. Later we develop a full working prototype, this gives us the opportunity to test, analyze and fine tune every detail prior to manufacture.
Test
Testing in an essential part of the design process. We start by mechanically stress testing the product and the fabrics using internationally recognized standards. Once we are happy with the strength of the product we pass it to the test team. For us the "human element' is the most important aspect of the test program. Our team travel the world with the prototypes. Every mountain they climb and every continent they cross provides data about the performance of the pack. We use this information to tweak the product and make it perfect prior to manufacture.
Manufacturer
The factories we use to manufacture our packs are the best in the world. We have rigorous quality control procedures in place and never allow substandard product to reach market. We build long standing relationships with our manufacturing partners so we can ensure that quality is always of the highest possible standard.