Reviews > Packs > Rugged Exposure Delta 65L pack > Owner Review by Tim Andrus

RUGGED EXPOSURE DELTA 65L INTERNAL FRAME PACK
BY TIM ANDRUS
OWNER REVIEW
July 17, 2017

TESTER INFORMATION

July 17, 2017 Over the past few years have become very involved in hunting. Because of the multiple areas to backpack and hunt here in Utah, I have become both a light weight and long hike backpacking trips. These hiking trips consist of carrying 30 lb (13.6 kg) to 75 lb (34 kg) in rough rocky terrain and thick overgrown hillsides ranging from 5000 ft (1500 m) to 11000 ft (3353 m). I have also been directly involved with the Boy Scouts and have taken boys on backpacking trips from a mile up to 50 miles (0.6 km to 80 km). Backpacking into areas has become essential to find the best hunting and fishing holes in all climates and terrains.

PRODUCT INFORMATION

Manufacturer: Imported (Suncamp International Ltd.)
Year of Manufacture: 2016
http://www.suncamp.com/
MSRP: $89.99
Listed Weight: Not Given
Weight as Delivered: 9 lb 6 oz (4.4 kg)
Capacity: 3966 ci (65 l)
Other details:

Rugged Exposure Delta 65L backpack has two internal aluminum support frame bars with a torso adjustment strap. The torso adjustment strap will comfortably adjust to Medium 32-34 in waist (81-86.5cm), Large 34-36 in waist (86.5-91.5cm) and XL 36-38 in waist (91.5-96.5cm). Other features are exterior web attachment system for additional accessories, multiple pockets for storage and hidden rain cover. It also has AirSpring breathable, padded mesh back and waist belt.

FIELD USE

This pack was purchased for the 2016 deer hunting season in the State of Utah. During the two-week hunting trip, the pack was primarily used for day use. The pack carried food, water emergency trauma kit with I.V. fluid, binocular, spotting scope and two cold weather jackets. Because of the time of year, mid October, the temperature range was between 28 F (-2 C) to 80 F (26.6 C) depending on elevation and weather. The pack was used between 6000 ft (1829 m) to 11,000 ft (3353 m) in elevation.

The two week hunt consisted of multiple days of hiking through scrub oak trees as well as large pines and cedar trees. Because of the narrowness of the pack no trees became tangled with the pack. No snags to the exterior of the pack were noticed. The pack contained from 30 lb to 60 lb (14 kg to 27 kg) of gear but was less than noticeable due to the pack's design of sitting the weight on my waist. Also during the hunt multiple rainstorms passed, as well as a sleet storm. The pack's rain cover kept all contents dry from the elements. At one point during the hunt, we had to traverse a narrow trail, 2 ft (0.6 m) wide with a 35 ft (11 m) drop and 25 ft (8 m) long, and the weight and lack of shifting of the pack made the transition flawless.

The pack did what it was expected to do. All gear was protected and contained to one pack.

SUMMARY

Overall, this backpack was well built and easy to use. The padding between the pack and the user made it comfortable during use. All zippers and storage areas were well built. The zippers themselves had long tongues that aided in opening and closing areas with gloves easily. The waist and support adjustments made it easy to switch users while on the trail. Also because of my career as a firefighter medic, the pack had ample room to carry my trauma gear along with I.V. fluids, instead of requiring a second pack. The pack had everything that was needed for a long day of hunting.

THINGS I LIKE

The pack has a few benefits that stood out. The first was the weight of what was being carried was dispersed at the waist, not in the lower back or shoulders. Second, The pack felt secure to the back which alleviated any balance issues when traversing narrow trails. Finally, the rain cover integrated in the pack provided perfect protection of all items in the pack when we encountered rain and sleet during the hunt.

THINGS I DON'T LIKE

This pack was larger than needed for daily hikes. There is no way to reduce the size, such as collapsible compartments or modular options to remove portions of the pack. Because of this, the pack is excellent for overnight or extended hikes but too bulky for a simple day hike. In addition to the size, when hiking in warmer temperatures, 85 F (29.4 C) to 100 F (37.7 C), the padding on the shoulders and back causes a considerable amount of sweating. The manufacturer described this padding as an AirSpring breathable padding but personal use found it was less than adequate.

SIGNATURE

Tim Andrus
timandrus55@yahoo.com
Saint George, Utah 84790

Reviews > Packs > Rugged Exposure Delta 65L pack > Owner Review by Tim Andrus