Cerro Torre Morat 22 Day Pack
By Jon Sharp

Cerro Torre is a large rock formation and a difficult climb. It is also a pack manufacturer that has been making packs, large and small, for 20 years. They make very small hydration packs, 4800+ cu. in. expedition packs, and everything in between. Here reviewed is the Morat 22. With this review, we set out to discover just how all those years of experience have paid off in their current line of packs.

The Morat 22 is a small, hydration compatible day pack. At 1342 cu. in., it has enough room for some food, water, and small emergency items (like a first aid kit and rain jacket). It has an adjustable sternum strap, ergonomic shoulder straps and a waist belt. If rain strikes, it comes with a removable rain cover that stows in its own pocket at the top of the pack. There are two side mesh pockets (large enough for a waterbottle), one outside pocket with organizers, and a large main compartment. Inside the main pocket, there is a separate sleeve for a hydration bladder. Other features include bungee loops for attaching poles or a walking stick, and an ice-axe strap.

By far the most interesting feature of the Morat 22 is the air-mesh back. This is very similar to, and probably derives from the same patent as, the suspended back found on the Deuter Race X Air 1. The concept of carrying the pack on your back while it is suspended above your back isn't as strange as you might think. In fact, with the pack strapped on your back, it doesn't feel strange at all. I like to describe the feeling as, "Wow, my back can breathe." Because of this feature, the Morat 22 is best suited for day hikes in the heat. Taking it out in the cold will only frustrate you because it doesn't insulate your back like other packs do.

Is there a downside to this design? Yes. In order to keep the pack away from the air-mesh, the back of the pack is arched. This has a negative impact on the inside volume; quite literally. A bungee system on the outside would have made up nicely for that.

I also found that, if not positioned correctly, the pack dug in a bit at the hip pads. This is not a pack meant to take most of the load on the waist strap. To truly reap the benefits of the design, the pack should be worn snug so the air-mesh sits flush across your back, to better disperse the load.

Overall, the quality of the pack is exceptional. After abusing the pack for a while, it shows no signs of wear. On more than one occasion, I really took advantage of the rain-cover as well. My only regret was that it wasn't big enough for my whole body.

Summary: Cerro Torre clearly knows quality and function. The Morat 22 is a light-weight day pack with features to keep you cool and hydrated in the heat, and others to keep your gear dry in bad weather. If you're looking for a small day pack for the upcoming heat of the summer, take a look at the Morat 22—and you, too, can take advantage of Cerro Torre's 20 years of experience.

Jon Sharp also enjoys hiking. Believe it or not.

For more information, contact:
Cerro Torre USA, Inc.
E-mail: info@cerrotorreusa.com
www.cerrotorreusa.com