Seek Outside Silverton 2300 Pack: The Ultimate Versatile Backpack for Adventurers

Versatile, durable, lightweight outdoor pack

In the quiet town of Grand Junction, Colorado, where the air is thin and the mountains loom close, a group of craftspeople stitch together something that defies the throwaway culture of the modern world. The Seek Outside Silverton 2300 Pack isn’t just a bag; it’s a companion built for those who believe the trail never ends, even when it dips into rivers, climbs jagged ridges, or snakes through thick desert scrub.

The Silverton 2300 doesn’t scream innovation, but it hums a steady, confident tune of practicality. It’s a pack for the meticulous and the minimalist, designed to carry enough for a quick overnighter or a day of pushing boundaries. At 38 liters, it’s a sweet spot—big enough for serious business, small enough not to overthink.

Its body, sewn from Ultragrid™ 210d, feels rugged and reliable, though perhaps not bulletproof like some of its pricier competitors. This fabric, a blend of recycled nylon and Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (a mouthful, I know), strikes a balance between durability and lightness. It’s not the most water-resistant out there, but the pack knows its limits, suggesting you seam-seal it or slip in a dry bag if you’re wading into tempestuous weather.

Now, let’s talk about those zippers and pockets—YKK AquaGuard zippers and UltraStretch pockets made from a nylon-Lycra blend. You won’t notice them until you need them, and when you do, they won’t let you down. The stretch material is like a second skin, snug but forgiving, ready to hold your water bottles or last-minute trail finds without complaint.

Access to your gear is where the Silverton shines. A full-body side zipper gives you easy entry to the bottom of the pack, a thoughtful feature for those who hate the chaos of digging through a cavernous main compartment. The integrated top lid with its drawstring closure is a bit unconventional—it’s quirky, requiring a bit of fiddling to keep it tight against the rain. But once you get the hang of it, you’ll appreciate its extra storage.

On the trail, this pack carries itself well, provided you respect its limits. Keep your load light, and it’s a dream. Push past 25 pounds, and the padding starts to whisper about sacrifices made in the name of weight-saving. The straps could bite, the hip belt might sulk, but let’s be honest—if you’re piling on the pounds, you’ve missed the point of this bag.

Yet, what makes the Silverton a wildcard is its compatibility with Seek Outside’s Revolution external frame. This frame, an unapologetic nod to the heavy haulers of old, transforms the Silverton into a beast of burden. Imagine strapping on a kayak, a camera kit, or even a week’s worth of trail life essentials. It’s a pack that adapts to your ambition, shifting from a svelte day companion to a rugged load-bearing mule.

At $349, it’s not cheap, and pairing it with the $345 Revolution frame nudges the total into territory where you start questioning your priorities. But for those who live for versatility and demand gear that matches their adventurous spirit, this pack is more than a purchase; it’s an investment. Whether you’re bushwhacking through dense undergrowth or cycling down a forgotten road, the Silverton is a reliable ally, always ready for the next chapter of your story.

Pros

1. Versatile Design: The Silverton 2300 functions as a day pack, quick overnight pack, and can transform into a heavy-duty hauler when paired with the Seek Outside Revolution frame.
2. Durable Materials: Made from Ultragrid™ 210d fabric and UltraStretch™ pockets, the pack offers a solid balance of durability and light weight.
3. Excellent Gear Access: Features a full-body side zipper and integrated top lid with a drawstring closure for easy access to the entire main compartment.
4. Weather Resistance: The YKK AquaGuard zippers and water-resistant body material provide decent protection against the elements.
5. Organized Storage: Offers multiple pockets, including stretch side water bottle pockets, dual hip belt pockets, and a hydration port, which help keep gear tidy and accessible.
6. Lightweight Yet Strong: At 38 liters, it’s compact but capable of carrying moderate loads comfortably under 25 pounds.
7. Handmade in the USA: Crafted in Grand Junction, Colorado, ensuring quality and attention to detail.
8. Cycling-Friendly: The squat design is ideal for cyclists, avoiding interference with helmets while providing ample storage.

Cons

1. High Price Point: At $349, and an additional $345 for the Revolution frame, the complete setup is costly for budget-conscious adventurers.
2. Comfort Limitations Under Heavy Loads: Shoulder straps and hip belt padding can become uncomfortable when carrying more than 25 pounds, limiting its standalone use for heavier gear.
3. Moderate Weather Resistance: Though water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof; those in wet environments may need additional seam sealing or an internal dry bag.
4. Fixed Torso Length: Designed for an average 17-inch torso, it lacks adjustability, which might not fit everyone perfectly.
5. Non-Detachable Hip Belt: The hip belt isn’t removable, which could be a drawback for those who prefer flexibility in certain activities.
6. Limited Abrasion Resistance Compared to Competitors: While the Ultragrid™ material is durable, it’s not as abrasion-resistant as some newer fabrics like Ultra 200.
7. Top Lid Design Quirks: The drawstring top lid requires careful positioning for optimal rain protection, which might feel cumbersome compared to standard lid designs.
8. Frame Storage Challenges: If you remove the frame, packing it for transport or on a bike trip can be inconvenient.

$349