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"Comfort, unbeatable durability and
an easily adjusted fit-to-size" - this was the Research and
Design brief for the APS (Advanced Paralux System). Before it was
seen by the public it had carried loads in the Himalayas, been repeatedly
thrown (fully loaded) from a 2 storey building and mauled by abusive
users in Lowe Alpine Fitted to our big load carriers the APS has
developed into 9, 7 and 5 to suit usage and budget.
Customizing
Two aluminum staves within the back play a vital role. Crucially,
they transfer a proportion of the load from the shoulders to the
hips, while simultaneously flexing to absorb jolts.
We pre-shape the staves in an elongated 'S' to match the average
back profile. The alloy is malleable by hand, so your pack can be
customized for a precise fit. Once reshaped and refitted, customized
staves behave exactly as before.
Strength
The APS bayonet is tougher than it looks. What you can't see beneath
the plastic cover are the eight lines of stitching that secures
the adjustable web to the shoulder harness. Independent tests have
shown that this crucial component can withstand a load in excess
of 300kg (660 lb.). You need never worry that the APS harness will
fail.
Comfort
We used special bi-laminate foams in APS waistbelts and back pads.
Bi-laminate foams work best because pads should support as well
as soften. The closed-cell layer provides shape and firm support,
while the open-cell layer ensures contact comfort. Lowe Alpine bi-laminate
foams 'memorize' their original form, and so retain shape and resilience
even after prolonged use.
The APS Series 9 uses 3-dimensional Spacer mesh in body contact
areas, allowing breathability and airflow.
Reliability
Part of the beauty of the APS is its simplicity. There's no complex
machinery in there. Lowe Alpine is the only quality pack manufacturer
still insisting on stitched construction throughout. With no riveted
metal or plastic parts to break, all Lowe Alpine packs can be maintained
in the field simply by using needle and thread.
The APS has been designed for no-fuss customization.
Adjusting the back length takes just 30 seconds. That done, all
other fine tuning adjustments - such as to redistribute the load
between the shoulders and hips - can be made while you are on the
move.
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