Lowe Alpine Fuse 20L Backpack

Lowe Alpine's Fuse 20 (or "why Blue Ice shouldn't have 'lightened' their latest Dragonfly") 

When Blue Ice removed the Cordura and Ballistic Nylon reinforcements that set their smaller packs apart from the big brand competition, they put their latest Dragonfly packs squarely in the cross hairs of Lowe Alpine's Fuse 20.

Compared to the latest version of Blue Ice's Dragonfly (not the pre-2019 version available on SYSTEM and recommended by Scramble), the Fuse 20 is extremely competitive; it's made of a tougher 210 denier 6.6. nylon fabric (vs 100D) and although you lose an external zipped pocket, you regain the handy daisy-chained looped webbing and so an external pocket can easily be added if required.

At full RRP, the Fuse 20 is less than half the price of the latest 2020 Dragonfly and when discounted it's an absolute steal.

The beauty of ths type of pack is the absence of a traditional lid and so capacity can be extended vertically with the use of a narrow 25-35L dry bag which not only ensures absolute water-proofing for your gear but can also extend the pack's capacity by 5L or more, and the Fuse 20 can handle the extra load.  The Karrimor 25L is a good fit and a robust option for this pack (though there are lighter alternatives in the 25-35L range). 

The Fuse 20

The Lowe Alpine Fuse 20 is a super light, multi-pitch climbing, scrambling and hiking day pack. The sleek design includes the external features you need but nothing you don't so there's minimal risk of snagging on route.

The Fuse 20 is constructed from a 210D mini-ripstop 6.6 nylon and features daisy chain lash points on the outside of the pack. The padded shoulder straps provide a good degree of comfort even when the pack is fully loaded and chest and waist straps keep the pack stable and secure whether climbing, hiking or cycling. The secure and easy access draw-cord top opening is reinforced with a weather proof stiffened flap that clips to the top of the pack and doubles as a rope carry strap. An inner sleeve houses a foam pad to protect your back from the pack's contents and this can be removed if using the Fuse as a side pouch on a larger backpack (the pad also doubles as a sit mat).

Features & Specification

• Removable foam back panel (doubles as sit mat)
• Quick access draw cord opening with weather flap
• Internal zipped security pocket
• Daisy-chained webbing loops to allow additional external carry
• Padded shoulder straps
• Ice axe / pole lash system
• Hydration bladder compatible
• Grab handle
• Key clip
• Volume 20L
• Weight 340 g
• Material: 210D 6.6 Mini Ripstop / HydroShield

Ideal Uses

Rock Climbing, Alpine Climbing, Scrambling, Hiking & Trekking

A Brief but Useful Overview