Skis on a Delta Pack

We headed out to the Tatoosh Range in Rainier National Park to enjoy the recently bad PNW weather and fortunately had nice cool temperatures and snow rather than the predicted rain.  For those that plan on lashing skis to a Figure Four pack, our tester Dustin had some recommendations that he used on this outing:

1. If possible, jam the tails of the skis into the snow vertically with bases facing each other and approximately the width of the pack apart.
2. Put the Delta Pack vertically in between the skis.  Pull one ski up and place the tail of the ski through the bottom compression strap.
3. Do the same for the other ski.
4. Secure the upper compression straps around the skis and buckle them (to limit the movement of the skis, the top compression strap can be fed through the Daisy Chain before buckling).

By doing this you don't have to lie the pack flat to secure skis to it.

Dustin reported that the skis carried extremely well with the Delta Pack.

Do you feel lucky??

A pre-release of the Figure Four's δ (Delta) Pack will be raffled at Smith Rock Detour 2010, held at Smith Rock State Park on September 18th-19th.  It should be a great time with climbing clinics, a kid's bouldering competition, the REEL ROCK Film Tour, and who can forget Smith Rock's wonderful setting. 

Whether you feel lucky or not, head out to the Detour and support some great causes, including Climb Up So Kids Can Grow Up (an organization designed to help African children with AIDS), the Access Fund, and Smith Rock State Park. 

Delta Pack design finalized

After the long and arduous process of designing, collaborating with our testers, and redesigning and redesigning and redesigning... we have finalized the design of our δ (Delta Pack).  The design blends comfort, functionality, and a minimalist design to produce a light (2lbs 7oz NOT stripped down) and effective alpine "assault" pack to get the job done, allowing the user to be unencumbered by the gear they carry. 

The pack should be available for purchase soon.

For more info about the features, check out the Delta Pack web page.

Delta Pack field test 1

Field testing is rough, manual-labor, but you do what you have to do, and you try to convince whoever is willing to tag-along.  After a bit of "convincing", my climbing buddy DC and I headed for a Tuesday climb of Beacon Rock's Young Warriors with the Delta Pack full of extra clothing, food, water, and approach shoes.  Climbing with a pack is always a little awkward, but the δ (Delta) Pack carried, climbed, and moved extremely well over the varied basalt terrain of 5.9 cracks, slabs, face moves, and minor overhangs.  Though we're still working to make it the best pack possible, the δ Pack is well on its way into the Figure Four pack arsenal.

Prototype - Delta Pack

We're in the process of developing a stream-line alpine pack aimed for the person that's willing to sacrifice features for a lighter, yet very durable and reliable, pack.  This pack, the δ (Delta) Pack, blends a few key features that add little weight with a rucksack.  Features found on this pack are:

• Gear loop compatible shoulder straps similar to our Omega Pack
• Hybrid Ice Axe loops similar to our Omega Pack, but are secured individually (not shown in below photos)
• Crampon attachment system capable of attaching our Crampon Pouch or a simple strap system
• Hydration compatible (internal hydration sleeve)
• Removable bivy-pad
• 1.5" webbing hip belt
• Dual entry lid
• Picket pockets
• Reinforced handle and daisy chain can be used for hauling
• User replaceable compression straps

The prototype, shown below weighs in at ~2 lbs 9 oz (2.55 lbs), including the lid, bivy-pad and compression straps; the main compartment's volume is ~2250 cu. in (~35 L), not including the lid.