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

Initial Report–Integral Designs Silcoat Backpack

Date: May 21, 2005

Personal Information:

Name: Laurie Corbin
Age: 40
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 cui (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

Pack Description:

The pack arrived in good condition. It was folded into its own sewn-in inside pocket measuring about 5 in x 6 in (127 mm x 152 mm) and would fit into just about any pocket. Once unfolded, it consisted of a grey silnylon packbag with a drawstring top (no top pocket or cover) and black packcloth for the area against the back. The bottom of the pack is double layered silnylon for durability. There is packcloth sewn onto the area of the packbag where the drawstring toggle exits the silnylon packbag. Sewn to the inside of the top of the packbag is a circular piece of silnylon intended to shield the contents from rain or debris when the bag is pulled closed. There is a triangular Integral Designs logo stitched onto the upper center of the packbag. The adjustable shoulder straps are made of polyester webbing and are 2 in (51 mm) wide; the removable waist belt is 1 in (20 mm). The shoulder straps are adjusted with pull through plastic buckles that allow about 10 in (25 cm) of adjustment. The waist belt slides through a sewn-in flat loop on the pack for removal. The stitching is even and tight throughout and the overall construction seems excellent. The pack came with a small 4 in x 4.5 in (102 mm x 114 mm) information card detailing features and specifications. The manufacturer does not recommend the pack for loads exceeding 12 lbs (5 kg) or for carrying sharp objects due to the fragile nature of silnylon.

Test Plan:

I will be testing the pack on day hikes and backpacking trips in the Southeastern United States. On pack trips, I often set up base camp and take day hikes out. This pack can serve a dual purpose as stuff sack on the hike in and day pack on the day trips. The material itself is waterproof but the seams are not sealed so I'll be interested in how well the pack stands up to the Southeast's notorious afternoon thundershowers. I won't be using the hip belt since it really won't be necessary for loads of 12 lbs (5kg) or less.

Test Considerations:

1) Durability–Can the silnylon stand up to regular use as a day pack? Will the stitching hold up on the straps and pack bottom? I will be hiking through brush and briars at times and it should be a good test for the pack.

2) Comfort—How comfortable will the pack be on hikes? Will the shoulder straps rub my shoulders? How well will the pack “carry”?

3) Fit–Will the fixed straps fit my shoulders? With no sternum strap, the fit of the straps will be crucial to comfort.  With no padding or frame, will items (water bottle, lunch, etc.) just bounce around the pack and poke me in the back? Will I have to add a small amount of padding ?

I'm looking forward to putting this pack through its paces and I thank the moderators and Integral Design for allowing me to test this pack.

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 > Initial Report