Lowe Alpine Tempest Air 35 Daypack

Advantages: Very stable even when 1/2 full thanks to frame sheet, ventilating back, padded shoulder straps and hip belt
Disadvantages: The lid pocket's on the small side, heavy for a daysack, small for a weekand sack

...This is Lowe's best-selling backpack for hikers who are dependant comfort, reliability and stability; well that's what they say on their website. I would have to agree, this day pack was fantastic when used in the Peak District for a day pack. The packs construction is very durable and versatile. I found that the design was exceptional, it makes use of 'Pure Air Zone back' which suspends the load away from your body, giving ventilated comfort while maintaining stability. This allowed sweat to be wicked airway, rather than stay on your back. However, this is because it uses a internal frame, which does make it a little heavy for a pack. Nevertheless, the shoulder and hip padding and back system make it very comfortable. The main sack does appear to be rather small, but does allow all the required equipment and clothing to be stored... Read review

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Advantages: Comfortable, quick to break in
Disadvantages: not waterproof, not breathable

...I work in a outdoor shop but I'm not a very outdoorsy person, I'm really fussy when it comes to footwear, and wouldn't really wear walking shoes or boots unless I really have to, Climbing a mountain for example. That was untill the Salomon expert lows came in delivery one day, walking shoes are normally bulky looking and not at all attractive but these are really nice, my ones are light grey,dark grey and black, they have mesh panels and suede panels with a rubber rand around the toe. The mesh panels are for breathabilitly, but they don't have a breathable or wickable lining, so my feet do get quite hot but a pair of wicking socks like coolmax normally sort that out, the downside of the mesh is that if it rains the water gets in easy as they don't have a waterproof lining, spraying them will make them resistant to water but stepping... Read review

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Advantages: Oh so many!!!!
Disadvantages: they are not exactly delicate shoes!!!!!!!

...son suggested Nike Air trainers, saying that Nike had invented a a system where the heel of these shoes had visible bubbles of air to cushion heel strike and though sceptical I limped with him into the Nike outlet shop in Swindon. The idea was just to try a pair on and see if they made a difference. I have to say there was very little choice in the Air Max range at the outlet store, however I tried on a pair in my size just to see if I felt any better..... Wow - it can only be described as a miracle or even a Monty Python moment - the minute they were on my feet I stood up and for the first time in 3 months walked normally the full length of the aisle - my son just stared in amazement as did the shop assistants - my crutches were left leaning against the chair with my old (3 months old) trainers beside them on the floor - and I just... Read review

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