Lowe Alpine invites users to 'hike, bike, ski run, never stop moving' with the Eclipse 35 on their backs. It's very well set up for this, with a relatively light (1kg), comfortable and well ventilated design that includes innovative stowage for walking poles and even ice axes too.
The first thing you'll notice is the aesthetic design, which is extremely pleasing. A rounded clamshell styling continues into the shape of the outer pockets and creates a rucksack that's a genuine joy to look at and will likely excite you whenever it's time to sling it on and head outside.
Fortunately, its looks are not at the expense of performance. The Eclipse 35 has a capacity that's exactly right for the majority of activities you can think of, and the series of compression straps on either side make it very useable even when not entirely full.
Comfort is excellent and achieved not just through that relatively low pack weight, but also through effective cushioning on the shoulder straps and hip belts. The back system comes in the form of flexible padding, but there's enough stiffness in here for moderate weights and it works well in use.
Storage options are one of the pack's most exciting aspects, and these come not just via the hip pockets, mesh side pockets, lid pouches and outer mesh pouch (for wet gear or a helmet) and a well-placed hydration system pouch, but also through an excellent walking pole holder.
The plastic loops of this holder at the base of the sack come with a cross-shaped plastic entry-point, designed to grip the points (which you should always store facing down for safety) and keep them entirely secure. The handles, meanwhile, are held in place by zip-cord adjusted bungees which hook in place - meaning you don't have to pull them to their limits to stretch them around the poles. It's a brilliant design and we found it more effective than any other method yet tested.
Two ice axes can be stored using the outer loops and - although this is clearly not the focus of the bag's design - they do the job well.
There's an included rain cover, cunningly tucked into the underside of the main compartment, the shoulder straps are height adjustable, the main storage space is cavernous when fully opened up, while the side entry zip system can prove handy when it's not convenient to place the bag on the ground. All of this pleased us a great deal when out on foot.
In conclusion: it's very, very difficult to fault the Eclipse 35. It's a well sized, versatile multi-sports bag at a great weight and for a great price. A smart buy for almost anyone.
