Backpacks

Silva Orbit 25L Backpack | Review

The Orbit 25L will keep you and your kit safe when the sun goes down

Why We Chose The Silva Orbit 25L Backpack: Extremely durable, no-thrills, lightweight.

With a name like Orbit attached to it, you’d expect this backpack from Silva to be ever so slightly out of this world. Boasting an aesthetic that wouldn’t look out of place in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic sci-fi masterpiece Space Odyssey 2001, you could say that this thing’s already halfway there. And that’s before we’ve even scratched the surface of the bag’s various features and tech.

The Silva Orbit 25L, which is also available in 18L and 30L versions, is a durable, waterproof backpack that offers great protection for your kit – no matter the situation. Whether you’re hiking, having an offshore adventure, or just heading into work (or home from work, for that matter), this cracking little backpack brings the all-round usability you’ll require.

“The Orbit prides itself on offering 360° protection. Thanks to the incredibly robust, 420 denier, ripstop, double coated, waterproof material used”

Speaking of “all-round,” the Orbit prides itself on offering 360° protection. Thanks to the incredibly robust, 420 denier, ripstop, double-coated waterproof material used in its construction, the bag’s first defence against the elements is already incredibly impressive. Throw into the mix the watertight roll top – a design that’s very much back in vogue at the moment – the shockproof laptop compartment, grab handle on the top, a zippered internal pocket and an external waterproof one as well, and what you’re left with is essentially a wearable armoured vehicle (wet weather wise) for your valuables.

On first inspection, you might struggle to comprehend how something so grey can pride itself on its visibility. Look a little closer though and you’ll realise that the pack has reflective detailing on every side, a feature that makes it perfect for night usage (as well as, of course, day usage). What’s more, the pack has lash points on the back and front that allows the wearer to snap on additional visibility lights.

A robust, 420 denier, ripstop, double coated, waterproof material surrounds the whole of the pack for improved durability. Photo: Chris Johnson

Reflective detailing makes you visible for evening cycling/running. Photo: Chris Johnson

A simple mesh back system keep up airflow – particularly helpful whilst commuting through hot cities. Photo: Chris Johnson

A final detail is that there are a couple of add-ons, sold separately, that attach onto the outside of the bag. These include a mesh storage pocket and compression straps for stashing a jacket etc.

All-in-all, it’s not radically different to the previous Access bag from Ortlieb, but it’s still a very functional product with features that we think will serve a multitude of activities.

Tester’s Verdict

Will Renwick, Outdoors Magic Editor

“This is a what-you-see-is-what-you-get waterproof backpack that, I’ve found, serves it’s purpose well. The back system is comfy, even when worn while cycling, and the waterproofing is absolutely dependable. I’ve used it in heavy rain and I wouldn’t have any second thoughts about taking this kayaking. Generally, the whole bag is very robust, however the weak link is perhaps the internal valuables pocket which is made from a fairly weak-feeling and crinkly fabric – that’s only a small downside though. ”