Figure Four Delta Pack

This small, efficient pack does it all. It carries loads from light trail hiking essentials to heavy cragging gear with aplomb.

But mostly, its biggest asset is it has everything you need and nothing you don't — combined with impeccable craftsmanship. All the stitches are strong and reinforced, attachment points that may carry more than their share of the load get an extra reinforcement of fabric from within the pack.

I would have never guessed that a pack so light and minimal would hold so much and carry weight so comfortably. I've carried ice tools, crampons and a lightweight alpine rack in it without any complaints. I've carried a full rack of trad and sport gear, plus shoes, harness and a 60 meter rope, and the pack felt better than I could have imagined.

All in all, if you're looking for a simple, well-built, lightweight pack for climbing, cragging, and alpine adventures in general, look no further than this pack. It gets an A+ in my book.

The Figure Four Delta pack does just what an alpine pack should... it allows you to completely forget you have a pack on. I have enjoyed the Delta pack for rock, ice and alpine climbing over the last 6 months.

For rock, the pack gobbles up gear and the rope fits handily under the lid. The lid is big enough for the super sized lunches that long days of cragging require.

When you approach on more technical terrain or climb in the mountains on long moderate routes, the Delta simply isn't in the way - mentally or physically. The minimalist waist belt allows easy access to gear, the supple suspension moves through all range of contortions and the lid drops inside as the volume comes down.

On ice, the Delta climbs equally well. The X-Pac Sailcloth construction is bomber when using tools and crampons outside and screws or pins inside.

For lightweight alpine climbing, the Delta is unsurpassed in fit and function. When carefully packed for multi-day alpine ventures, the Delta Pack carries as well as any pack I've shouldered during 35 years in the mountains. It is just right for 2-3 days of ultra-light or long single push epics.

The lumber curve pulls loads in close and tight so that balance and dexterity are retained. Just enough compression makes pickets, poles, probes or shovel handles easy to manage. The huge lid keeps items separated so that steep terrain stops or adjustments in foul weather don't come along with fear of dropping essentials.

All in all, the Delta is a winner for short to medium length technical, lightweight ventures where grams and time are precious commodities and balance and performance are paramount.

I've been using the Figure Four Delta pack for the past few months and it is a great simple design, for technical mountaineering and ice climbing.

The ice tool holder on the bag is great for stacking tools, most packs don't have a convenient way to attach a third tool. Also it carries heavy loads like a dream, if it fits in the pack it will carry great. I think some of this has to do with the compression straps holding the ice tools and crampons directly and pulling the load to the framesheet.

It seems as though it was weighed modestly, if you don't use all of the accessories like the lid and the extra gear loops the pack seems to be below 2 pounds or only slightly over that, which is great considering that it carries loads better then other 4 lb packs.

All in all I'm more then impressed in the craftsmanship and the attention to detail, the materials chosen seem to be bulletproof without sacrificing weight.

The Delta Pack is a compact, versatile pack that is comfortable to carry. This pack is great to take to the crags, or on a weekend alpine climb. Weighing in at 25 oz. with a price tag of $230. Great pack and good value.

The Delta Pack is the ideal size for an overnight alpine climb or a trekking pack. I used the Delta Pack for three weeks to hike into base camp from the road in the Himalayas. I have also used the pack for approaches to the crags and lightweight alpine climbs. The exterior straps allow the user to strap a rope, crampons, tools and picket to the outside.  

Despite 200+ days of use the pack has help us well and is made from quality materials. The back frame sheet can be removed for use as a sleeping pad. The top lid can be removed to reduce weight and volume. Although there are many excellent features, if they are excessive for the trip of the week, they can be removed.

The pack fit me well (med. 5'10"). The 1.5" hip belt is comfortable. I have definitely overloaded the pack and it still carried well and did not blow out. The 35 liter advertised size is accurate and can accommodate a surprising amount of gear. There is an allowance for additional expansion on the top of the body, that can be reigned in by a compression strap on the top of the body. This same compression strap is handy for securing a rope or extra layers at the ready.

The Delta Pack is the heavier brother to the Tau 35.