Seek Outside Gila 3500

Seek Outside Gila 3500

The Seek Outside Gila 3500 is a 57-liter hiking backpack that is perfect for both short and slightly longer hikes. For the minimalist, the Gila works well even for very long hikes.

Seek Outside has become known for manufacturing lightweight hiking backpacks that can handle heavy or extremely heavy loads, thanks to their advanced carrying system and external frame. The carrying system works best with weights between 10 and 23 kilos but can handle weights well over 50 kilos if needed. The backpacks from Seek Outside are therefore not only very well suited for hiking but also for packrafting, hunting, photography, and other activities where you often have to carry around a lot of gear.

The advantage of a backpack made of waterproof material is that the material itself does not absorb water, which means that the backpack itself does not increase in weight in wet conditions. Please note that despite its waterproof material, the bag is not 100% waterproof, as water can penetrate through the seams of the backpack. Therefore, we always recommend that you pack in waterproof bags even in these bags.

NOTE! Hip belt for this bag sold separately.

"All of our gear uses the best fabrics and materials we can source, is made in-house by experts at their craft, and is backed by our outstanding warranty" - Seek Outside, Handmade in Grand Junction, Colorado, USA.

Design

The Gila is based on the same carrying system as the Divide, Unaweep and Kenai. The bag is mounted on the external frame, together with the adjustable carrying system. The carrying system is adjustable and can be used by anyone with a torso length over 38 cm.

The frame is 24″ long upon delivery but can be adjusted with frame extenders to 26″ (2″ extender) or 28″ (4″ extender). Extenders are advantageously used if you are going to carry very heavy loads, but also if you have a long upper body. See the table below for information on whether you need to add extenders to your order.

For more information on how to measure your torso length, see Seek Outside's article “Which Frame Height is Right for me?“.

Example: If you have a torso length of 45 cm and plan to carry 15 kilos in the backpack, you should extend the frame with a 2″ extender so you get a 26” frame.

The bag offers large main storage of 57 liters, two spacious side pockets and a rear mesh pocket. In addition, all Seek Outsides bags can be equipped with different types of accessories. See links further down. Seek Outside Gila has a total of 9 compression straps, all of which are removable and detachable. The compression straps can also be connected together to create a longer compression strap.

The hip belt closure is based on a so-called "4-Way forward pull" system, which means that the hip belt can be tightened in several different ways to fit different body shapes.

The external patented frame is very robust and is manufactured in 6061 T6 Aluminum.

A removable "horizon cross stay" is included in the purchase. It is mounted in the back and has the function of holding the packing away from the back for significantly improved ventilation and comfort. The gram hunters leave it at home!

Material

Seek Outside's backpacks are manufactured in the material UltraPE 400, which is a very light, durable and waterproof (down to 200+ PSI) material. UltraPE 400 is a UHMWPE laminate with recycled polyester. The material is extremely abrasion resistant (7600 cycles Taber) and has a high tear strength (114.5 lb Warp, 117.6 lb Fill). The color tends towards black.

Certain details in the backpack, for example the carrying system, are manufactured in a mixture of the materials Spectra and 500D Cordura. Spectra is a nylon/UHMWPE laminate that is slightly lighter and more resistant to moisture (1500 mm water column) than Cordura 500D. Cordura 500D is slightly more durable and is therefore used in, for example, side pockets where high wear occurs.

Weight, volume, max load

• Minimum weight 1.22 kg
•  Volume
  • • Large storage compartment holds 57 liters (not including side pockets)
    • The large rear mesh pocket holds approximately 13 liters.
    • Side pockets hold two Nalgene bottles each.
• Maximum load 50 kilos + (it is you who decides how much you want to carry, not the bag).

Instructions

Please watch the movie "Seek Outside Backpack Fit" on how to adjust your bag.

Seek Outside's instruction text is also very worth reading.

What is included?

• Eight removable compression straps
• An "over the top" compression strap
• Field repair kit

Recommended accessories

Seek Outside Hip Belt
Seek Outside Hip Belt Pocket

Warranty

Seek Outside offers a lifetime warranty against manufacturing and material defects during the product's practical lifespan. Damage due to wear and tear or improper use is not covered, but can be repaired for a reasonable fee.