We had the pleasure of testing out one of Gossamer’s top of the line backpacks, the Silverback 55. This review will talk about our experience with this pack while putting it to the test in real life, hiking conditions. In this review, we will discuss how the pack fits, looks, works with other gear, its durability, and more. We’ll also show some pictures of our testing areas on some winter Colorado 14er peaks.
About Gossamer Gear | About The Backpack | Our Review | Summary
You can purchase the Silverback 55 on the Gossamer website.
About Gossamer – “Take less. Do More”
Gossamer Gear is the self proclaimed “OG” of ultralight gear. Their goal is to provide gear that is as light as functionally possible. This means that Gossamer is a great choice for long distance backpackers and those that want to go a bit lighter than normal.
Even with this lightweight stance, these products are made of materials that will still able to handle lots of wear and tear. Strapping snowshoes and an ice axe on gave us little worry, as the external materials are quite durable.
Gossamer Silverback 55 With Snowshoes
With a 30 day return policy, Gossamer will take care of you if there are any product defects, or if you change your mind before usage.
Gossamer was created by a team of avid outdoorsmen and women that made these packs out of experience. We encourage you to learn more about Gossamer team here.
Our Testing Scenario
We took this backpack out on some CO winter 14ers with microspikes, snowshoes, ice axe, and all of the winter hiking essentials. A fishing trip, and an overnight camping trip.
About The Backpack
Weight
| Size | Weight |
|---|---|
| Medium | 43.4 oz / 1232 g |
| Large | 45.7 oz / 1296 g |
Capacity
| Total | 55 L |
|---|---|
| Main pack body to extension collar seam | 36.5 L |
| Max Carry Capacity | 40 lbs |
| For Comfort | 35 lbs |
The Features
- Removable top lid (brain)
- Roll top (clip up or down)
- Spacious rear pocket for gear
- Trekking pole hardware
- Hydration sleeve & tube routing
- Lash loop for ice axe
- Removable lightweight PC frame
- Removable belt with pockets
- Tough Robic & Extreema fabrics
- The fast belt will work if you take out the frame!
Our Review
Fit
The sizing instructions on the Gossamer site make getting the right size an easy process. The different strap options allow for this backpack to fit nicely on men, women, both tall and short. As a 5’10 male, I was right at the larger end of the smaller strap size. The backpack fits extremely well, both packed full, and with less gear in it.
Comfort
The padding on the shoulder straps is extremely comfortable. The breathable back pad allowed for airflow that prevented sweating.
Wearing a heavy DSLR camera that was hooked onto the should strap remained comfortable throughout a 17+ mile hike. This is unusual, as the shoulder strap tends to dig into your body with the extra weight.
It is clear that this pack is designed for long distance comfort, and allows for the carrying of a fair amount of gear comfortably.
Organization & Storage
Internal
Main Storage
The largest space in this pack is quite simple but effective. It is top loading only with a stuff sack top design that allows for quick and easy opening and closing. The internal part of this contains the main storage section, and one stretchy secondary storage on the hikers back side.
Removable Top
The stuff sack top can easily be removed from the backpack, which sheds weight and reduces size a bit. This removable feature is nice to have, but not necessary for most situations.
Waist Pockets
Hip Waist Storage
The large waterproof zippers on the hip straps are amazing. They are big and waterproof. Perfect for your iphone, map, knife, and some granola bars.
Zippers
All zippers on storage are nice, strong, and waterproof. The quality of these zippers appears to be great. (See photo below)
External
Straps
Tons of external straps make all the extras easy. This pack is really nicely designed for easily strapping on all types of gear. In addition, the external straps are designed in a way that they can be moved and interchangeable, adding tons of functionality. (See photo below)
Water Bottle Holders
The side stretchy pockets for water bottles are amazing. They are big, yet tight enough to hold smaller bottles nicely as well. Really impressed with the design of the bottle pockets. (See photo below)
Outside Pouch
Large external pocket on back
This is one of the best features of the pack. Tons of space to stuff a jacket, food, water-bottles and a bunch of other things for super easy access at any point.
Recommendation
After putting this pack to the test on numerous occasions, it comes highly recommended from us. The design of exterior and interior storage is fantastic. The comfort is exceptional, and the backpack is simply fantastic looking. You definitely can’t go wrong with this bag.
Gossamer Silverback 55 Backpack Video
Additional Photos
Water Bottle Pockets
Zippers
External Interchangeable Straps
Max DesMarais is the founder of hikingandfishing.com. He has a passion for the outdoors and making outdoor education and adventure more accessible. Max is a published author for various outdoor adventure, travel, and marketing websites. He is an experienced hiker, backpacker, fly fisherman, backcountry skier, trail runner, and spends his free time in the outdoors. These adventures allow him to test gear, learn new skills, and experience new places so that he can educate others. Max grew up hiking all around New Hampshire and New England. He became obsessed with the New Hampshire mountains, and the NH 48, where he guided hikes and trail runs in the White Mountains. Since moving out west, Max has continued climbed all of the Colorado 14ers, is always testing gear, learning skills, gaining experience, and building his endurance for outdoor sports. You can read more about his experience here: hikingandfishing/about