In 1973,
was born in climber ’s garage. Greg and his brother Mike Lowe started
the company to make the gear that Greg needed for alpine climbing, ice climbing,
and expeditions that simply did not exist at that time. Mike Lowe once said,
“our innovations were simply a by-product of necessity.”
It was cutting-edge
stuff, some of it the most influential gear of all time. The brothers conceptualized
and built the first internal frame backpack, technical climbing clothing, and a
host of other alpine gear.
Eventually the business
got big, the brothers sold, and then Lowe Alpine went through a series of ups
and downs that came with changes in ownership. Through all of it, Lowe Alpine maintained
its reputation for excellent performance at a value price. But the brand faded
from retail stores, finally disappearing in 2010.
Now Equip, the
U.K.-based company that also owns , is bringing Lowe Alpine back. It’s investing
heavily, updating the Lowe Alpine pack and apparel design with the goal of keeping
it accessible—as Lowe Alpine always was—with top notch tech at affordable
prices.
“A lot of outdoor
enthusiasts look to Lowe Alpine for innovation as well as inspiration,” said Chris
Harding, Lowe Alpine’s U.K.-based managing director. “With
Lowe Alpine we have the history and heritage of an authentic brand that is
rooted in the outdoors and the time is right to bring it up-to-date with the
latest material technology whilst still delivering a credible, premium product for
the outdoor community rooted in a passion for wild places, exotic locations, and,
above all, the mountain environment.”
Lowe Alpine will continue to use the proprietary fabrics it
made famous, like Triple Point Ceramic, updated to take advantage of advances
in fabric technology. TriplePoint, StormWeave, and StormBloc soft shell fabrics,
Aluetian fleece and DryFlo baselayer fabrics, all historic Lowe Alpine
favorites, are used throughout the line.
Three new pieces not to miss:
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TIAGA JACKET
A technical three-layer alpine-inspired hardshell at home in technical conditions, the Tiaga uses an air-permeable eVent laminate so it is truly breathable, but also as durable as you need for a long day in the mountains. The Tiaga jacket has fully-taped seams, a helmet-compatible hood with wired brim, YKK Aquaguard zips, Velcro cuffs, and a hem drawcord. 15.5oz, $350.
MEN'S AND WOMEN'S TETON JACKET
A mountain–inspired piece that speaks to the true heritage of Lowe Alpine, the Teton sits comfortably at the top of the mountain class of Lowe Alpine’s hardshells. It is designed with scrambling and hiking in mind. It’s super durable and weather-resistant thanks to the recyclable TriplePoint ECO fabric. The Teton features a fixed hood, waterproof and storm-flap protected zippers, three secure pockets, and a longer length for complete weather protection. 20oz, $300.
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—Berne Broudy