Tester Biographical Information:

Name: Ken Bigelow
Age:     26
Gender: Male
Height: 5’ 9” (1.8 m)
Weight: 205 lbs (93 kg)
Email:   krb84108 (at) yahoo (dot) com
Location: Salt Lake City, Utah USA
Date: July 27, 2005

Backpacking Background:

I was first dragged on a backpacking trip eight years ago a have been addicted to it ever since. My adventures vary in length from a weekend to over two weeks. I consider myself a mid-weight backpacker as I bring along a few luxuries, such as a tent. From spring through fall I typically backpack in the mountains or desert, while in winter I often go snowshoeing. I typically see a wide variety of climates ranging from 10 F (-12 C) with snow to 90 F (32 C) and sunny with just about everything in between.

Product Information:

Manufacturer: Integral Designs
Website: www.integraldesigns.com
Size: Large (up to 5500 cu, or 90 L); Small available for volumes up to 3000 cu or 50 L
Listed Weight: 3.3 oz (94 g)
Measured Weights: Pack Cover - 3.2 oz (91 g)
                             Stuff Sack - 0.2 oz (6 g)
                               Combined - 3.4 oz (96 g)
Listed Dimensions: Length - 39 in (99 cm)
                            Width - 15 in (38 cm)
                            Depth - 13 in (33 cm)
                            Stuff Sack - 3 in x 4 in ( 8 cm x 10 cm)
                               Integrated Stuff Pocket - 4 in x 4 in (10 cm x 10 cm)
Measured Dimensions: Length - 39 in (99 cm)
                                   Width - 14.5 in (37 cm)
                                   Depth - 13.5 in (34 cm)
                                   Stuff Sack - 3 in x 4.5 in (7.6 cm x 11 cm)
                                   Integrated Stuff Pocket - 5 in x 4.5 in ( 13 cm x 11 cm)
Color: Olive; Other color options are Grey, Jade or Yellow
MSRP: $35 (US)

Field Conditions:

Through two months of testing, I brought the Silcoat Pack Cover along on numerous trips throughout Utah, but have really only used it for rain protection in Fish Lake National Forest, the Wasatch Mountains and the High Uintas Wilderness. The terrain has varied greatly and has included wet and muddy corridors, steep and rocky terrain, snow-covered trails and plain old dirt paths. Temperatures have ranged from 35 F (2 C) to 95 F (35 C).   I have seen all types of weather ranging from heavy rain to sunny. The elevations experienced have been between 4000 feet (1220 m) and 10000 feet (3048m).

Field Review:

The first time the Silcoat Pack Cover actually saw some duty was on an overnight trip in Fish Lake National Forest. The rain was pouring down before I reached the trailhead and it continued off and on all day. For this trip I had my food sack attached to the top lid of my pack, my sleeping pad on the exterior panel opposite the shoulder straps and some canteens in the side pockets. I was worried that with all the bulk volume hanging from my pack that the cover would not completely fit wrap around the pack. While the cover actually had plenty of room to spare on the sides, the cover (with the awkwardly-loaded pack) did leave the bottom of the pack exposed to the elements. This has not yet been an issue. I see this only being a problem if water splashes up from below the pack, such as when crossing deep creeks or rivers with the pack on. I will definitely keep an eye on this for the remainder of the test period.

Pack Before Putting on the Silcoat Pack Cover

Loaded Pack Both With (right) and Without (left) Silcoat Pack Cover

The wind, like the rain, came and went throughout the day. Most of the time it was just a slow breeze, but occasionally massive gusts swept over the terrain and I had to hold on to my hat. During the first few gusts the cover flapped around and though not deafening, it created quite a disturbance. I eventually examined the pack cover closer and realized I had not tightened the shock cord nearly enough. I quickly adjusted the shock cord further, which seemed to remedy the problem completely.

My main concern with the Silcoat Pack Cover was it's ability to prevent water from penetrating into my backpack. I usually keep either my sleeping pad, my sleeping bag or on rare occasions, my shelter on the exterior of my pack. If one of these is drenched I will certainly know about it at night. In every instance I have used it, the pack cover has shown to be completely waterproof. I am yet to find a trace of moisture on any item blanketed by the pack cover. Raindrops do not absorb into the fabric and when they bounce off the pack cover, the noise is only slightly audible and not annoying. While hiking with the cover on, I am yet to notice any distracting sounds. This is nice as I no longer hesitate to leave it on all day long, even when it's not raining, to either air-dry the cover or just protect the pack from the occasional low-lying foliage. Putting on the Silcoat Pack Cover has proved to be a quick and easy process. When rain started dumping on me in the High Uintas Wilderness it took me less than 30 seconds to unfold the cover and put it on the pack and I was not rushing. I have had no problems determining top from bottom when unfolding and attaching the pack cover. The pack cover is definitely "user-friendly".

Accessing my gear with the pack cover on was another concern I had testing this item. I always have to make a few stops throughout the day (to eat, go to the bathroom or take a map reading), which requires me to retrieve an item from my pack. In all instances I was able to slide the cover off the top of the pack and find the desired item without completely removing the Silcoat cover and letting it fly away in the breeze. In some instances I did have to loosen the shock cord before sliding the cover back over the top of the pack. The Silcoat Pack Cover does not prevent me from using my hydration bladder as the hose and bite valve, which is nice as I do not have to remove the cover at all to drink some water.

The interior pocket on the cover (that serves as a stuff sack), as opposed to the provided stuff sack, is actually my preferred choice for storing the Silcoat Pack Cover. When turned inside-out, the pocket has a small cord looped in the corner, which allows me to hang the pack cover from a carabiner on the outside of the pack for quick and easy access. I have also found that it is easier to roll the pack cover up using the interior pocket in windy conditions. When using the provided stuff sack I have to roll up the pack cover and then place it in the stuff sack without letting it change volume too much. With the interior pocket I just jam material in the pocket until it's fully enclosed. I do not need to worry about achieving a specific volume and no additional time is spent transferring the rolled up pack cover to the stuff sack. Neither method requires any difficulty or a substantial amount of time, but poor weather conditions make the internal pocket a little easier for me to use.

The Silcoat Pack Cover Stored in it's Internal Pocket Stuff Sack

Testing Plan:

I will continue testing the pack cover on my weekly hiking/backpacking trips. With the monsoon season fast approaching, I expect to see a lot more action for the Silcoat pack cover. The upper elevations are also opening up which means I'm bound to see some extremely rocky terrain above tree line in the Uinta and Wasatch Mountains and will probably expose the cover to a bit harsher terrain. I still have a weeklong trip in Yellowstone National Park in late August and when fall rolls around I will once again retreat to the desert. I expect to hit Canyonlands National Park, Zion National Park and the Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument before the test period is over. For the remainder of the test period I intend to keep examining the pack cover and hope to answer a few more questions about its characteristics in my long term report:

I typically leave my pack outside my shelter when in the backcountry. This leaves it fully exposed to the elements. I currently use the pack cover at night, but it has yet to rain. Will the cover provide some shelter for my pack during the night if it rains or snows? So far I have only used the pack cover only on my Granite Gear Stratus Access FZ backpack. Throughout August and September I intend to use the pack cover mainly on my North Face Fusion backpack. Will it have a snug and secure fit on this different style of backpack? Will the bottom still be exposed when carrying unusual volume arrangements? If crossing a deep river with the pack cover on, will water be able to splash up underneath and wet the pack?

The durability of the pack cover will be one of the main focuses during the remaining test period. I often encounter terrain that punishes my gear. It is not uncommon for me to squeeze in between brush or rocks. This often means the terrain ends up rubbing, poking or smashing against my pack. so far no damage has been noticed, but will the cover rip, tear or any other way be damaged during the remaining test period? I also tend to sit, lay or lean on my pack during rest stops. Will I still be able to do this with the pack cover on? Will the shock cord hold up to testing or will it require replacing? Is it replaceable and if so how easy is it to do?

Summary:

So far the Integral Designs Silcoat Pack Cover has done an excellent job repelling water and protecting my pack from becoming soaked. It has been quick and easy to both put on and store away. It still grants me easy access to my gear and I am yet to notice any annoying sounds created by the pack cover. In short, it keeps my gear dry and does not prevent me from enjoying myself on the trail.

Things I like so far:

Waterproof
Quick and easy to put on or take off
Gear is still accessible
Not too noisy

Concerns:

Bottom of pack still exposed when loaded awkwardly

I would like to thank Integral Designs and BackpackGearTest for allowing me the opportunity to participate in this test.

Read more reviews of Integral Designs gear
Read more gear reviews by Ken Bigelow

Field Report

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