Seek Outside Packs

[ReaptheHeat]

Probably should have bought one with the revolution system then, no need to empty the pack or put meat inside the bag.

I own a handful of packs but not an internal frame one. I wanted to try it out for a couple seasons since the trade off was shaving half a pound off the pack on already the lightest pack out there. I learned it was not for me after shooting and quartering a few animals and dumping everything out to put a quarter in. Then stuffing your crap around the quarter.

Its funny is that SO actually sent me the Goshawk on accident and I had to return it for the Unaweep.

 

[EJFS]

I’ve had the Revolution frame for about 10 years. Nothing is comfortable with 80-100 lbs, but the frame can handle the weight and feels very secure without being overkill for day trips. Waterproof pack material is a very nice feature that I wish more companies would offer. It takes some tinkering with all of the attachment options but it’s nice once you have it set up how you like it.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

Yes. I really like mine. The revo frame is genius. If I had one suggestion to SO would be to offer a firmer lumber pad. It’d help when loads get north of heavy as heck.


That said, the belt is genius in my mind. I do think the Kifaru is better but, the SO works. And works well for me.

The last heavy load I had on mine was 86 pounds. 2.7 miles through the mountains. It was a big load that was threatening spill out while using the lead sling on the pack frame. It stayed tight and in place the whole way. Only had to adjust the pack one time.

Here’s my opinion. The frame is absolutely second to none. And, likely my favorite. The belt padding is fine. But, I’d like a stiffer lumbar pad. The bag designs are ugly no doubt. But, well thought out and construction is top notch.

 

[LCguy]

Coming back to this thread because I just got packed for a 7 day backpack hunt. The design is so well thought out. Simple yet extremely customizable. Can't say enough good things about their packs. Haven't reached the upper limit of the weight it can handle comfortably.

 

[Bearsears]

I have been using a Seek Outside pack for 6 years now. In fact I guess you could call me a collector now. I currently have one revolution frame and multiple bags. I have an ultra old style Peregrine 2800ci, the newer style Peregrine3500ci that is like a small Lanner, a Lanner 5400ci, a Brooks 7400ci, and a old Daypack Talon.

For me this has been the most comfortable pack under heavy loads Ive ever tried, They've been incredibly durable, they are really light for the capabilities and bag sizes, very modular allowing for quick changes at the truck for different hunting scenarios. Ultra customizable fit.

I think a downside that alot of guys run into is they dont spend the time to fully educate themselves on all of the different adjustments that can and should be made to dial in your fit. Just the different frame heights with extensions can make a huge difference. You really have to spend alot of time with this pack rucking with different weights to get it right. Once you have it figured out, its near custom fit for you.

Just as example, If im day hunting, I run the frame at 24", back packing with more weight I run 26", In my kill kit, I always have the 4inch extensions and once Im packing meat those get installed and Im running a 28" frame. When Im hunting with light loads I run the belt semi floating so it articulates with my movements more, when Im packing heavy loads, I lock it down to the frame so its as stable as possible.

The one thing I hate is how strappy it feels all the time. It seems like there are straps everywhere. Sometime it seems like I would be more efficient with better organization and more pockets too but Ill sacrifice that for the lightweight.

It also seems like in recent years they have really culled down the pack options and I dont like alot of the new bags as much though I havent tried them. Sometimes I also wish that the belt was padded better or different but I understand why its not. Its made to be more flexible and move with you more.

Heres some pics of some loads. one is a whole deer. The other ones at night are the heaviest load Ive ever done with it. It was two front elk quarters and all the loose meat off a bull I shot. about 120pounds. It wasnt comfortable because 120 never is but it was definitely doable.

 

[WV Mountaineer]

I agree on a lot of what you just said. But, I also agree with your compromises.



They are strappy. But, at least they send you enough straps to be that way. lol. Seriously, I felt that way the first year I used mine but, I’ve grown to love the gate keepers. I especially love it when I’ve got a whole deer in the sling. Really keeps everything tight with no load movement.



I run the belt floating loaded or unloaded. The weight sinks it in and it just stays there. I know a lot of guys like it captured under weight but, it does fine for me I captured.




I run the harness semi captured. Only one steap through the loop instead of both. Again , under weighted loads once I engage the lifters, it sucks in and up and just stays there.


I agree that it’s the most versatile frame on the market. And, in my experience, it can be made to fit every body and preference out there, much easier then anything I’ve researched or owned.


The frame just works and works well. I reckon the only thing I don’t totally agree with you on is I like their bag layouts. Everyone says they are simple and don’t have a lot of pockets. The peregrine has 5 additional pockets besides the main bag. It allows for great organization and access to the things we hunters carry in pockets. It’s the perfect bag for me. I’ve backpacked 4 days out of it and I day hunt out of it. It’s just perfect. Ugly for sure. But, dang it just works.

Whole deer on there. Wasn’t as heavy as some loads I’ve carried but it was bulging at the seams. Carried like a dream.

 

[Actionsqueak]

I have a Goshawk 4800 2.0 and I have mixed feelings about it.

Pros:
- Weight: Lightest bag available although this may become less of an advantage when EXO drops their new UL pack
- Load shelf: The load shelf and many attachment points really help lock down loads when carrying a lot of weight. It's not the simplest to take the bag off and load up game bags, but once secured they are not going anywhere
- Load carrying: Very comfortable for me without a heavy load. Not as comfortable as the EXO with a heavy load. The ability to entirely ditch the bag and just run a talon for second trip pack outs in fair weather is sweet.
- Noise: The bag does not squeak on the frame like the EXO or my MR Sawtooth. I think this is maybe because there is no nylon on carbon contact/rubbing

Cons:
- Side Pockets: The straps always seem to be in the way of accessing the huge side pockets. They are required to keep the bag tight to the frame but when configured this way they compress over the side pockets making them harder to access. Reaching into the side pockets requires un-clipping to gate keepers which can be a PITA when its cold or if you're in a hurry
- Straps/gatekeepers: There are a ton of straps so the bag always looks sort of disheveled and dangly. Not really an issue aside from appearance. Gatekeepers can be a pain when its cold and you have frozen fingers cause they're difficult to operate with gloves
- Organization: I thought I would like the stuff sack style but I'm realizing I actually prefer having integrated pockets for kill kit, first aid, etc. I may end up buying a bunch of lightweight sacks for these or getting one of their "daypack" attachments like the Merlin Daypack Talon
- Fitment: I am between S and M belt sizes and neither fit me quite right. I'm running the M now because it provides more cushion on the front of my hip bones but it still doesn't feel as snug as I'd like

General notes: This is a sweet bag but I'm not 100% happy with it for the reasons above. It carries weight pretty well but definitely not as well as the EXO K4 for my body type. If SO would make a better hip belt with firmer material like the K4 and maybe add a couple small internal pockets, this pack would be ideal. That being said, I'm looking forward to checking out the new EXO ultralight pack when it comes out.

 

[Damage]

Seek outside unaweep 6300
28” stays (4” extensions)

I put about 3200 miles on this pack in about five months, an i like it, mostly. Its light, carries heavy stuff better than other packs ive used, 28” stays give lots of lift, tons of adjustability- can make fine tuning and initial setup a royal pain, once dialed in stays there well. I like being able to throw it on an scoot without a bunch of dicking around. The material is light, pretty waterproof, not a fan of the big side zipper (i only got that version cos it shipped sooner). Never used it, and it has an annoying tendency to work open at the bottom. GK straps are awesome. SOs strap keepers blow, gorilla tape is cheaper. The one line of stitching at stress points (see repair) is gay, should be bartacked, thats too expensive though (per customer service). I like the big side pockets for x2 silos and x2 regular nalgenes. Its comfortable for me up to 85 pounds day in day out, over that gets old. Mostly had 60-85 in it, strangely i found its more uncomfortable with 40 pounds in it (more bounce) when ive got it setup for its sweet spot of 65+. Customer service asked me to post a review on the website after i emailed them a long one, an it never made it, so maybe 4 star reviews get culled? Still, i like the pack, and if this one wears out i might think about buying another. Im pretty abusive to gear, and the unaweep has passed to test so far.

I really like the DST tarp in silpoly, only got praise for that. They are responsive to questions, Connor was a pleasure to deal with.

 

[C Bow]

View attachment 955314View attachment 955315

Seek outside unaweep 6300
28” stays (4” extensions)

I put about 3200 miles on this pack in about five months, an i like it, mostly. Its light, carries heavy stuff better than other packs ive used, 28” stays give lots of lift, tons of adjustability- can make fine tuning and initial setup a royal pain, once dialed in stays there well. I like being able to throw it on an scoot without a bunch of dicking around. The material is light, pretty waterproof, not a fan of the big side zipper (i only got that version cos it shipped sooner). Never used it, and it has an annoying tendency to work open at the bottom. GK straps are awesome. SOs strap keepers blow, gorilla tape is cheaper. The one line of stitching at stress points (see repair) is gay, should be bartacked, thats too expensive though (per customer service). I like the big side pockets for x2 silos and x2 regular nalgenes. Its comfortable for me up to 85 pounds day in day out, over that gets old. Mostly had 60-85 in it, strangely i found its more uncomfortable with 40 pounds in it (more bounce) when ive got it setup for its sweet spot of 65+. Customer service asked me to post a review on the website after i emailed them a long one, an it never made it, so maybe 4 star reviews get culled? Still, i like the pack, and if this one wears out i might think about buying another. Im pretty abusive to gear, and the unaweep has passed to test so far.

I really like the DST tarp in silpoly, only got praise for that. They are responsive to questions, Connor was a pleasure to deal with.

Thanks for this write up I am in process of getting new pack and appreciate everyone's input