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Their are many niches of backpacks.
There's the ultralight and the
expedition, the adventure racing and the
summit, and the list goes on and on.
What Cerro Torre brings to the table in
the backpack world is a full-frills (I
made this word up) backpack.
So exactly what is a full-frills
backpack? I define it as a backpack that
is overbuilt, tough, comfortable, and
includes most the options you would ever
want. That is how you can describe the
Delta 40L, and more specifically, here
is why it is world class:
- This top-loading, 2,441 cubic inch
bag weighs in at about 4 pounds 2
ounces. Obviously, this is not a
lightweight bag. The extra weight is
used to provide all the features
described here.
The size of the pack is good for all
season day hiking or climbing, or for
overnight three-season backpacking.
- The material and craftsmanship of
the backpack is top-notch, exuding a
look of quality. The main fabric is a
420 Denier nylon, with 1000 denier
Kodra nylon at the bottom and in other
stress areas.
- The pack comes in one torso size
and in two hipbelt sizes. At first,
this may not seem like many choices.
Instead of building a lot of different
torso and shoulder strap sizes, Cerro
Torre has developed a clever way to
resize the Delta 40's torso and
shoulder size, allowing them to be
hugely adjustable, providing for a
great fit. All you need is to pick the
proper hipbelt size.
- The suspension is very
comfortable, and Cerro Torre refers to
it as their Acetal tubular load
stabilizing frame. The hip belt uses
an "A" slanted (split) design to help
reduce weight and provide better
ventilation. The back of the pack is a
molded 3D design for a great,
comfortable fit. The shoulder straps
are pre-curved for additional comfort.
The sternum belt is also adjustable.
The Delta 40L does not have an
official maximum load, but I would
suggest a maximum weight of about
25-30 pounds for the most comfortable
load.
- The Delta 40L also includes these
features, among others:
- Internal hydration pouch,
although it might not fit very large
pouches.
- Side compression straps.
- Side pockets on both sides to
store gear or water bottles.
- A second pocket in the back to
store smaller gear you need in a
hurry.
- Two ice axe loops.
- A built-in rain cover. The cover
is stored inside the pack, at the
top. When you need it, open up a
zipper, take it out, and cover your
pack.
The Delta 40L is also very attractive
looking, so if you want to be
comfortable, and look sharp, you can.
Using the
Cerro Torre Delta 40L Backpack in the Real World
What impressed me the most about this
backpack is how well-built it is. In a
sense, it is overbuilt. But again, this
should contribute to its bomber status.
Adjusting the torso to fit you is
relatively easy. First, you will want to
determine your torso size, and then you
adjust the pack to fit your measurement.
Once the torso is adjusted, you will
then want to adjust the shoulder straps,
the sternum strap, and the hipbelt. Of
course, be sure you get the right size
hipbelt when you get the pack.
I have mixed feelings about the
built-in rain cover. It is convenient,
but is also somewhat gets in the way
when you move gear in and out of the
pack. If you don't like it, a pair of
scissors should easily remove it.
Overall, the bag was very comfortable
to wear, and stood up well to abuse.
Recommendation
If you are part of the ultra weight
crowd, then the Delta 40L is not for
you. But if weight is not an issue, and
you need a tough, full-featured backpack
for day hiking, day climbing, overnight
backpacking, or adventure travel, you
should consider this pack. Also, if you
find that more than one person will be
wearing the pack, you will find the
ability to change the packs torso length
very handy.
Product Notes
The Cerro Torre Delta 40L comes in one
torso size, and has a choice of two hip
belt sizes. Five color combinations are
available, including: mustard/black,
royal blue/black, red/masai, kiwi/kiwi,
and red/black. If you need a smaller or
large size backpack, Cerro Torre offers
the same pack in several different
sizes.
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