Excellent day pack

By Matthew Agarwala Ranked #638 - Winter Packs May 5, 2010

This is my most frequently used backpack. I use it for
1. school: (fits lap top, books, notebooks, has a separate pouch for pens, wallet, keys, cell phone, yet another pocket that fits 2 apples, and yet a third on the front that fits small items too.
2. Day hikes: fits water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, extra layers, camera, etc. The straps on the outside make it easy to attach trekking poles. I take it on hikes of less than 6 hours and it is perfect. I typically attach my OR multimat so we can lounge around when we take breaks.
3. climbing gym pack: fits shoes, harness, chalk bag, snacks, water bottle, tape, grigri, and draws
4. cycling backpack - stays in place
5. resort skiing pack - hat, gloves, goggles, food, water, extra layer. I would not want to carry skis on it though.

I have not ever, and probably would not ever use this pack as a touring pack. It isn't big enough, and although the fabric of the pack is very durable, the hip belt is too flimsy to carry much weight. I would not want to carry skis on this pack. It would be very tight if you tried to cram spare winter layers, goggles, gloves, helmet, etc into this pack for skiing.

General comments:
1. 2 external pockets are easy to use and big enough to hold essential gear.
2. Internal pocket helps with organization.
3. pack fabric is very durable
4. back panel is heavy duty. this is not a fast and light pack, but it can carry high density loads rather well
5. mine was made in the phillipines and the zipper sometimes snags on stray edges of sloppy stitchwork. (I typically expect more out of a $100 day pack)

I love it, I use it almost daily and would recommend it to a friend. I would not recommend it for it's intended use as a ski touring pack though.

View Details: Arc'teryx Silo 18 Backpack - 1098cu in

Helpful Votes: 0 Yes