Arc'teryx Silo 30 Pack

Our video review of the Silo 30 pack has been up on the site for a while now but we thought we’d round it out with a few more photos and information after almost a season’s worth of testing in the backcountry. To see the video (boy that was a nice day) just scroll below. Our impressions of the Silo 30 haven’t changed much; we continue to give it the thumbs up. It’s a perfect pack for a full day of backcountry ski touring—the size is just right for the probe/shovel/transceiver combo, a down layer, snacks, extra goggles, first aid kit and anything else you’d want to stuff in there (within reason).

In the video, we commented that the outer pocket may have been a little small for a shovel blade. This is true for bigger Voile shovels and last season’s BCA digger. The more compact shovels, like offerings from G3, BD and BCA this coming season, will likely fit. Speaking of fit, the Silo 30 is a well fitting pack. It actually feels like it’s not even on your back—which is a plus. The removable hip belt seems a little flimsy at first, and then it becomes clear that it has been developed to limit weight—and it’s perfectly comfortable.

The main compartment has one little “tuck away” pocket up top and, as well as the main space, there’s a hydration bladder sleeve and a drawcord-tightenable area at the bottom for storing items you want to keep dry and protect from the traffic in the main compartment. I put fragile and important things in here (like a down layer) and leave other things I care less about in the main compartment (shovel blade, lunch-in-a-tupperware, spare gloves, etc. This program is what I find works for me.

The diagonal ski carry feature in action

Close-up of ski carry feature

Clam-shell design makes for easy access

SPECS:

Price: $190 CAD
Weight: 1.5 kg/53 oz
Size: Reg./Tall
Colour: Black, Everglade and Copper (featured)
Main material: 420D Invista Ripstorm with Hyphalon strip and HDPE framesheet

PROS:

Great backcountry-specific ski pack with just the right number of bells and whistles. I wouldn’t want it any other size. Super comfortable and streamlined. The aluminum stays give it just enough rigidity and support.

CONS:

Maybe a slightly bigger pocket on the back to accommodate bigger shovel blades. I’d also love to see a little more info on what the intended usage is for the various features. Is the pocket on the outside even supposed to fit a shovel?

Rating: 8/10

Comfort / Fit       1.5/2
Features              1.5/2
Durability             2/2
Function              1.5/2
Quality / Price     1.5/2

This is only our opinion. Do you disagree? Did we miss something? Are we totally out to lunch? Join the discussion in the forums here, and let us know what you think. People like/dislike gear for different reasons so chime in and we'll get a well-rounded evaluation. Check back mid-season to see how our review stands up to our in-the-field testing.

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