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An incredibly hard-wearing and durable 65l rucksack that spans the gap between an ultra-light pack and a traditional load-hauling backpack. This is a pack for people who like to bring a little more gear out on the trail with them, winter camping enthusiasts, and guides who need to make sure they have extra emergency gear close at hand.
Gossamer Gear says:
The Silverback 65 is a versatile mid-size pack with a removable internal poly carbonate frame and roll top + full side compression. For world class weight transfer, The Silverback comes in three sizes (small/medium/large) with a one-size-fits-most medium hip belt (included). With no exposed mesh & our custom Robic fabric, this pack is perfect for bushwhacking and on trail use!
Our Verdict
I'm a big fan of Gossamer Gears packs; I have multi-day hiked with the Mariposa 60 and, most recently, the G4-20 Ultralight 42 Backpack. The Silverback 65 has melded both packs into a burly, load-carrying brute! At only just over 1 kilogram, this is a truly impressive bag at a very reasonable price.
The Silverback 65 has taken inspiration from the Mariposa and the G4-20; however, the Silverback is made from a much more durable Robic fabric, high-tenacity nylon, which is incredibly abrasion-resistant and sheds water much better.
The Silverback has done away with the stretchy mesh front pocket in favour of Robic fabric being used here as well; this means you lose a little room as the material doesn't stretch, but you still get a large front pocket that has an elasticated top, that's easily big enough to store your wet weather gear and any item you need close at hand. You no longer risk snagging or ripping the mesh pocket, as you have done with BOTH the Mariposa and the G4-20. The Robic nylon is far more weather resistant, so your exposed gear doesn't risk getting soaked in a sudden storm.
The Silverback has two compression straps on either side of the pack and load lifters above the shoulder straps; these pull the pack closer to your body, ensuring better weight transfer and balance. So, if you are not using the pack to its total capacity, you still get a slick and streamlined pack.
The Silverback uses an internal Polycarbonate frame to transfer the pack's weight to your hips effectively. The PC frame is very light and incredibly durable, and it stops gear from "bulging" out, which frameless packs tend to do.
The shoulder straps and hip belt are well padded but breathe well, so even in warm weather, you don't overheat. However, the removable back cushion is constructed with a solid foam, with only a few cut-outs which help to promote some airflow; this makes a fantastic sit pad, but the cushion isn't very breathable and can make your back sweaty; alternatives are available, such as the Air Flow SitLight Camp Seat.
- Reviewed by Ultralight Outdoor Gear
Features
- Roll top (clip up or down)
- Trekking pole hardware
- Hydration sleeve & tube routing
- Lash loop for ice axe
- Removable lightweight PC frame
- Removable belt with pockets
- Tough Robic fabrics
- Fast belt compatible
Specifications
Medium
- Weight: 1067g
- Pack size: 20.25” (15.5" - 19" torso) (41 - 50 cm)
- Generally fits people 5'5" to 5'10"
- Height: 21.5” / 54.5 cm to extension collar seam
- Width: 10.7” / 27.3 cm
- Depth: 7.28 / 18.5 cm
- Extension collar: adds another 12” / 30.5 cm of height
- Total capacity: 65 L
- In main pack body to extension collar seam: 46.5 L
- Max Carry Capacity: 40 lbs
- For Comfort: 35 lbs
Material & Construction
- Custom Robic fabric
