With the Yacuri 38, Lowe Alpine takes you on your next backcountry hike. The idea behind the backpack is to create a lightweight all-rounder that needs no bells and whistles but still leaves nothing out. I was able to test this idea on the Alpe Adria Trail.
The Yacuri 38 at a glance 🎒
- Versatile daypack
- thermoformed straps for optimum comfort
- adjustable hip belt
- an absolute organizational wonder
- space for poles and hydration system
- rain cover included
What makes the Yacuri from Lowe Alpine so special?
With its 38 liters, the Yacuri has an attractive volume – not yet too big for a day hike, especially if you are out with the family and need to carry a little extra. Nevertheless, the backpack is big enough if you are planning a multi-day hut tour.
Weighing 1.47 kilograms, it is not an ultralight backpack but rather slightly below average compared to other manufacturers of the same size. But weight isn’t everything; it also depends on what you get for the weight in terms of features and carrying comfort.
The hiking backpack, at first glance
With the Lowe Alpine Yacuri 38, you get a very competent carrying system to adjust the back length to best suit you. At first glance, the padding is nice and airy, so you don’t sweat too much under the straps. You can open the side of the pack with a wide zipper to quickly access the items deeper in the packsack.
The Yacuri 38 impresses with its large outer pockets for a water bottle.
Extra large pockets on the hip belt, various outer pockets, and a spacious lid pocket also help with organization. A rain cover is, of course, also included. You can also attach poles and your hydration system.
Luckily, I had already received the Yacuri 38 some time before the trip on the Alpe Adria Trail, so I could familiarize myself with it and “register” it. It made a good impression on me straight away.
It looks well made in all parts and is highly comfortable to wear at first glance.
Whether I was out in the mountains for a day or carrying heavy shopping home from the supermarket, the back of the backpack fitted me perfectly and placed the load firmly on my hips to take as much pressure off my shoulders as possible.
The Yacuri 38 from Lowe Alpine in a practical test
On the Alpe Adria Trail, the Yacuri finally had to convince me whether it would still carry well on a multi-day hiking tour, even with a heavier load:
The hydration system was neatly packed, with a water bottle on the side, hiking poles secured, enough changes of clothes and rain gear in the main compartment, and, of course, the first aid kit and toiletry bag, plus plenty of trail snacks—yet the Yacuri was still far from full. I would have had enough space for an ultralight tent/sleeping bag/sleeping mat, and camping stove.
With its pockets and side access, I felt well organized.
The carrying system on the test bench
The back length is super easy to adjust: Undo the Velcro padding, slide the straps up or down, press the Velcro back into place, and you’re done.
I particularly liked how well the hip belt fits: it is comfortable and creates no pressure points. Thanks to the pull-forward strap, I can pull it tight without much effort, and it takes almost all the weight off my shoulders.
The shoulder straps have an ergonomic shape and are well padded, nothing chafed.
I give the carrying system an A with an asterisk.
The pockets are another plus. The pockets on the hip belt, in particular, are exceptionally generously designed; I had my cell phone and a small wallet in one, and I packed four cereal bars in the other and didn’t even have to stuff them.
The mesh side compartments are also nicely sized and have plenty of stretch. Even bottles with a large diameter can easily fit in here. The same applies to the mesh compartment on the front. Thanks to the good cut, the volume of the main compartment can also be used to its full potential.
💡Tip: If the 38 liters are still too small for your tours, the backpack is also available with a volume of 48/55/65 liters, and the Yacuri comes in a women’s version with a shorter back and straps designed for women.
Conclusion on the Lowe Alpine Yacuri 38 in the test
If you’ve read this far, it’s probably already clear that I was very impressed by the Lowe Alpine Yacuri 38 backpack.
The carrying system deserves special praise thanks to its high comfort level and excellent load distribution.
I also really liked the pocket layout, size, and side access. The rucksack is not lightweight but a few grams below average for its class. However, it is also more comfortable to carry than many ultralight backpacks and offers more features. We can unconditionally recommend the Yacuri for multi-day hut tours.