UKC

Hi,
I'm trying to decide between the Lowe Alpine Airzone Pro 35:45 and the Montane Medusa 32.
Use will be mainly full day hikes with a bit of scrambling here and there.
Price difference is not really an issue. I really like the colour of the Medusa But is the Airzone Pro a better all round pack?
What do you think?

In reply to Camaderry: out of the two my money would go on the medusa, however I recently bought a new pack and really liked the medusa but it didn't have a couple of features which I wanted which were a crampon patch and easy access to stuff without having to empty it. I went for a black diamond axis 33 as the back system is brilliant ( moves with you but the pack stays in position) and zip access down the sides. Millet do a range which have top closure and also side zips. As said though if you are happy with the two then the medusa would be for me. Am about to buy a small pack and will be having the montane cobra 26. Hope that helps

In reply to Camaderry: It's going to be down to personal preference I guess. The Lowe Alpine is heavier but a bit larger, so if you think you'll be cramming it full and carrying it loaded I guess that makes sense.

If you are carrying it light the Medusa is a great pack, light but tough and seems much larger than the 32 litres suggests.

I personally like the Medusa for scrambling and as a day bag. I use it more than my larger pack and found it comfortable for climbing in. It doesn't move around. The back system isn't very technical, but it's not designed for heavy hauling, just make sure nothing too lumpy is sticking in your back.

Guess it will come down to fit though, as the backs aren't adjustable.

In reply to Camaderry: I would go for the montane. Played with some in various shops and got a good first impression, but no idea how they hold up in real life. Also, the medusa is about 500g lighter!

In reply to Camaderry: If you just hiking and scrambling, i'd suggest you don't really need a bag that big. These are pretty sweet:

http://www.blueice.com/products/en/home/10-warthog-26l.html
http://www.blueice.com/products/en/backpacks/26-warthog-38l.html

I've got the 26 and i'm delighted with it.

In reply to Camaderry: I've just bought a medusa and I'm very happy with it so far. If it helps I got it from here: http://www.sportsshoes.com/product/MON182/montane-medusa-32-litre-backpack/ with a further discount using a code from here: http://www.hotukdeals.com/vouchers/sportsshoes.com
can't remember which one was working but it made it less than £60 delivered.

In reply to Camaderry: From what I've seen of them they're very different packs. The Lowe Alpine has all the bells and whistles, as well as being big enough for winter use and light camping trips; the Montane is pretty light and simple, without being really minimalist. I don't think either is better. Depends what you want, and what fits best.

In reply to Camaderry:

Having a Medusa seems a popular choice.

I've got a Medusa and I'm very happy with it, packing it full of rack and gear sometimes makes it look lumpy though. The buddy zip top pocket thing is good until your 'buddy' opens it without you knowing...

Thanks for all the replies. Sold - One Montane Medusa!

In reply to danwilliams99:
Brilliant, thanks a lot

In reply to Camaderry: No problem!