Reviews > Packs > Frameless Backpacks and Day Packs > Integral Designs Silcoat Backpack > Laurie Corbin > Field Report

Field Report–Integral Designs Silcoat Backpack

Date: August 2, 2005

Personal Information:

Name: Laurie Corbin
Age: 41
Gender: Female
Height: 5' 6" (1.69 m)
Weight: 135 lbs (61 kg)
Email: mslimpsalot@yahoo.com
City, State, Country: Cumming, GA USA


Backpacking Background:

In the last four years, I have returned to backpacking and hiking.  Although I took 18 years off, the woods kept calling.  I have been a three-season backpacker but recently ventured into winter backpacking and truly enjoyed it.  My three-season pack weight is about 20 pounds total (9 kg).

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Integral Designs
Manufacturer’s website: www.integraldesigns.com
Listed Weight: 4.5 oz (125 g)
Actual Weight: 4.4 oz (125 g)
Volume: 1500 cu (25 l)
Size of pack as received-filled: 11 in x 16 in x 5 in (27 cm x 40 cm x 127 mm)
Color: Grey silnylon packbag/black straps and backing.
MSRP: $50.00 US per website

Field Testing:

I've used the Integral Designs Silcoat Backpack on six occasions including day hikes and trail maintenance trips. The pack holds water bottles and snacks with room to spare but some type of padding is crucial to save the kidneys from constant poking. So far, the straps have proven quite comfortable since I'm only carrying 8-9 pounds (3.5-4 kg). I removed the waist belt since I didn't need it with such light loads. I haven't had the chance to use it as a stuff sack but I will get the opportunity on a backpacking trip next month. The pack has been hung from trees and hauled up ropes but has shown no wear. The pack is not waterproof since the top doesn't seal but it has kept the contents dry during some light showers. The attention to detail on such a simple piece of gear is impressive. The added wear points and double layers of silnylon on the bottom certainly add to the quality and durability of the bag.

Durability: The pack has proven to be fairly tough for a silnylon sack. I have tried to be careful and avoid hauling sharp objects or dragging it over rocks but it has withstood some rough use during trail maintenance trips. The stitching is not frayed and the fabric is not torn. I have not done a lot of off trail hiking so it has not been subjected to briars or rhododendron thickets.

Comfort & Fit: I have found the pack to be very comfortable. The pack straps don't rub my shoulders since I'm carrying light loads. I don't use the waist belt for the same reason. As stated, as long as I put some sort of padding (a shirt or sit pad) between my back and the contents of the pack, my kidneys don't suffer. However, I do miss a sternum strap since my shoulders are narrow. The pack sits comfortably between my shoulder blades and doesn't ride up or down during the hike.

Future Testing:

In the coming weeks, I'll be using the pack as a stuff sack for my sleeping bag and probably as a pillow as well. I'm looking forward to seeing if this pack can hold up under another few months of maintenance trips and hopefully a few off trail adventures. I'll also continue using it as a day pack and, as the weather cools, I'll be pushing the weight limit with added rain gear, etc. I've enjoyed using the Silcoat Backpack and am looking forward to the next few months of testing.

Things I like:

1. Lightweight

2. Removable hip belt

3. Attention to detail in construction

Things I don't like:

None

Reviews > Packs > Frameless Backpacks and Day Packs > Integral Designs Silcoat Backpack > Laurie Corbin > Field Report