A fantastic big load hauling pack. Super tough, very comfortable even with large expedition loads, and just the right amount of features to give it the edge on the trail without making it over complicated and fiddly!
The pack sits comfortably regardless of load and can be made to fit your back pretty exactly thanks to the adjustable TFX system, which doesn't slip or require further adjustment once set. The hip belt and shoulder straps involve just the right amount of padding, not the crazy amount you often see on big packs, and this helps bring the pack nice and close, adding to stability and comfort.
Compression straps all round mean you can crank any slack out of the pack if your load is reasonably small, keeping everythingi place nicely, and pole/axe keepers on the pack, plus stretchy wand pockets mean plenty of external space for tent poles, bottles etc.
Internal space is also good, with the zip out divider helping to organise your gear. Even if your using a pack liner, waterproofs, brew kit etc can still be packed at the bottom of the bag and accessed quickly by the bottom entry panel. Big top pocket helps to keep all the little essentials at bay, aswell as an internal pocket on the inside of the front panel, which can be opened up seperately from the rest of the pack.
Any load is kept nice and stable, light or heavy, and can be comfortably carried all day long without grumbling! On steep and rocky terrain the pack is a pleasure, but careful packing is essential to ensure there is no overbalancing - the pack sits high, especially if you are running huge ungainly loads from camp to camp!! If you are packing very light, then this backpack is going to be overkill, and the extra loading abilty will be unecessary - go for something a little lighter if your not likely to be doing anything in winter, or full on long term/long distance wilderness expeditions.
All in all, an exceptionally comfortable pack, very tough and very capable in all the conditions i've been able to throw at it! Plenty of versatility in the capacity means this pack can be adapted to the needs of any size trip, and the few well thought out features leave very little to be desired! The only reason i've rated the Cerro Torre at 4 Stars is the heavy weight - there are many lighter packs available and while not being an ultra-light backpacker, i still like to keep an eye on the weight im hauling! However, the quality, comfort, robustness and longevity of this pack helps to balance the scale a little, and it comes highly reccomended for me for tough, heavy hauling and long term wilderness treks :)