Newbie Question Regarding Seek Outside Packs

[F D]

Hi,

I'm new and this is my first post - thanks for any feedback. I've researched packs for at least a year and have decide on a SO. Size-wise, the Peregrine is good for me but I can't decide if I should customize a pack or just buy the Peregrine. Here are the two issues that I can't resolve without feedback:
1) Talon vs fixed pocket - both have advantages but I really like the Talon system. Customizing a pack would allow this but I need feedback from actual users first.

2) Zipper vs no zipper - is the increase in weather-proofness worth the limited access that comes with no zipper? Also, is top-loading access harder in the no-zipper scenario that a traditional top loading pack? Most non-hunting packs (Osprey, Gregory, etc..) that are top-loading only have a short drawstring "skirt" at the top but you can easily see into and access the bottom of the pack. With the roll top closure on the SO packs, I'm concerned that the pack becomes too long when open and limits access.

Thanks for your tips, I'm looking forward to being part of this community.

FD

 

[Bryanboss429]

It would all be personal preference I think. The talons you can use to strap larger stuff to your pack w/o using the load shelf. The pockets like the Lanner or Peregrine are nice. I cram a wet tent or clothes in mine, as well as stuff I want to access fast. You can do the same with wet stuff in a talon though. I went with a Lanner for the side zip and the pocket. I didn't want to have a yard sale on the side of the trail if I needed to access something in the pack. Some people would want a totally water proof bag. That would be the reason for the one w\o the side zip. Where I hunt/backpack it is not necessary.

Hope that helps.

 

[F D]

That does help, thanks.

 

[tdot]

I prefer better access over the limited difference in waterproofing of a full zipper, and I live in BC, hunt in a rain forest. Pulling all your crap out, even once a day is not worth it for me.

I've moved towards a separate pocket on the back of my Kifaru bags and prefer it. Especially something that I can run as a separate day pack.

 

[ManyBullets]

Side zip is super convenient to access gear without having to dig around. That zipper is bullet proof on mine so you're not looking at water issues.
I'd just go regular Peregrine and if you want to add something to it later you can. The pockets are great - really deep.

 

[brsnow]

You can run a talon with the peregrine, I do on mine.

 

[Rokwiia]

I had the same questions as the OP when I was looking for a pack. In the end, I opted for a Revolution Fortress 6,300 for several reasons:

1) The Talon, top lid, and belt pouch(es) gave me all the access I needed for everything I might want. The Talon adds 1,000ci, the top lid adds 500ci, and a belt pouch ~125+ci I'm guessing. That's a lot of extra space to put things you need to access.

2) For me, the holy grail is a dry sleeping bag and contents when I open my bag. By having no zipper, I've preserved that option and it removes any doubt when I open my bag. Human error can result in a zipper not pulled up fully thereby allowing in water.

3) There was absolutely no reason not to go with the 6,300ci vs 4,800ci. as the difference is 2oz for 1,500ci. That's a lot of extra storage for almost no weight. Both roll down into nothing when not fully utilized.

4) I've never found the main bag "too tall" to easily access items. To the contrary, the smaller the bag, the more compacted the contents are. Added space gives you the opportunity to locate and remove an item more easily than with a smaller bag.

Hope this helps. and good luck with your choice.

 

[F D]

Great feedback, thank you very much!

 

[KHNC]

I have a UNA-weep with a Talon and a Peregrine with zipper and a Talon. I much prefer the Peregrine setup. I wouldnt go without the Talon in my opinion. Both have been great packs. The Unaweep was a little too basic, especially for the cost.

 

[Salmonson63]

I've run the Peregrine pack for the last year on a couple major hunts and lots of training hikes with weight.

1) Personally I love the built in storage on the back of the pack. I am always using it to cram wet items in to or items I need quick access to (puffy, gloves, hat, etc) I think you will be happy either way but I can't imagine running the pack without some sort of pocket system back there so my thought was to just make it permanent.

2) For me the side zipper was an absolute must. It makes it so convenient for getting in to the main compartment quickly and with a little bit of planning while loading the pack you can strategically place items right by the zipper. For example that is where my jet boil lives so all I need to do is partially open the zipper and my jetboil is right there. One thing to consider is if you see your self running a brain (which I run when im doing a longer trip and need the room) the zipper becomes more valuable as you would then need to unstrap the brain to access the roll top.

The last thing to consider is the length of trip you will be going on as the newer Lanner pack gives you a little more space in the main compartment and still packs down nicely for day hunting. Just something to consider as the Peregrine fills up fast on a longer (5 days or more) late season hunt.

I think you will be happy with whatever you choose as I have been nothing but impressed with mine!

 

[F D]

Very helpful, thanks.

 

[Phaseolus]

The Peregrine a

I prefer better access over the limited difference in waterproofing of a full zipper, and I live in BC, hunt in a rain forest. Pulling all your crap out, even once a day is not worth it for me.

I've moved towards a separate pocket on the back of my Kifaru bags and prefer it. Especially something that I can run as a separate day pack.

The Peregrine and Lanner, and maybe other SO bags have both the roll top and a full length zipper.

 

[Phaseolus]

You can run a talon with the peregrine, I do on mine.

I love the Blaze Orange Talon for rifle seasons on my Peregrine, it is also very useful for just packing meat with just the meat shelf and talon for small gear storage.

 

[Kevin_t]

Peregrine, Lanner, Goshawk and Saker all have full length side zippers

 

[netman]

I have the Saker and have never used the side zipper. With all my trips in 2019 I had my pack on my back or laying beside me for 3.5 months.

 

[Superdoo]

I have the Saker and have never used the side zipper. With all my trips in 2019 I had my pack on my back or laying beside me for 3.5 months.

I'm curious....
Can you elaborate on why you don't use the zipper?

 

[netman]

I just go in and out through the top. I thought the zipper would be handy when spike camping. however I never carry spare clothes when I set out for a few days away from base camp. Once I set up my spike camp my pack has very little gear in it except the kill kit,first aid etc.
I just don’t use the zipper.

 

[Runningwater]

I use a Fortress 6300 with a merlin talon and really like it. I wanted as waterproof as possible so didn't want a zipper. It sees time in the backcountry in the Kenai and time sloshing around on the floor of a Zodiac. My WM antelope sleeping bag and the rest of my gear is always dry. That is except for stuff in the Merlin.....wish they'd make those out of X-pac.

 

[Bearsears]

I have the Lanner and the old style Peregrine. I use the side zip all the time like a post above said. I stash my stove and puffy jacket near the zipper so they are quick access. When at camp at night it's nice to be able to completely unzip the lanner and grab gear out. I'm not really a big top loading fan. I usually zip my bag up a little and load then a little more and load until it's full.

I've been in quite a few downpours and snowstorms with both packs and I've never had any water intrusion at all. The flap over the zipper is really big and held down by the compression straps. Also because its vertical water isnt going to naturally press into the zipper like it would on a horizontal zipper.

I think Seek Outside announced just a few weeks ago that they are moving to all waterproof zippers anyway so the zipper worry is probably a non issue now.

Sent from my SM-G965U using Tapatalk

 

[EJFS]

Reading these responses highlights just how much of a personal preference all of this is.

I got my Peregrine before the custom option was available. If I were to purchase one now I would go with the custom. No zipper and a talon, or maybe even the Merlin for that light and fast day hunt option. You really can't go wrong though, it is a fantastic pack system.