[Closed] backpacks with spine protector

after looking at an EVOC FR with the back protector, i bought the EVOC CC without. It looks like just a thin, slightly stiff piece of plastic.

Not sure about the POC

Have the Evoc Enduro. When it arrived, my first thought was "that's bloody massive, it's going back".

But I gave it a try, and it's far lighter and more comfortable than it's bulk would suggest. Well organised internally too.

As for protection, I dunno - it's not a huge protector, but by having it, you have some sort of back protection on you pretty much all the time. In that sense, it's a bit of no brainer.

I have an Evoc FR 16 or some such name. It's green quite long but very shallow. I hate riding with backpacks at the best of time but for certain events it's useful so I thought a back protector one can only be a bonus. Turns out it's actually relativly comfy. It just as comfortable as other packs I have tried without protectors.

As above, I have the FR Enduro and it looks huge, but once on it's comfy and sensibly organised. I bought it in preference to an Osprey something-or-other since I prefer bigger packs sparsely packed than smaller packs stuffed to the gunnels.

It has a very broad velcro and clip waist belt which you will love or hate; it makes you look like you have a weightlifting belt on.

Not fallen onto my back so can't comment on the protector; I just thought it was a nice added extra on a well thought out pack.

I had one for a while as part of a Decathlon (Wed'ze I think) Snowboard bag that I used for riding for a time. I'm not really convinced it offers any real protection besides direct impact resistance. Certainly compared to, say, Diainese armour which would protect to some extent against overextension injuries, the bag just seemed like a waste of time. Unless you're riding cliff lines and sending big hucks (every day, with a bag on and no armour) I don't think it's worth the weight/comfort/price/looks penalty.

I don't think it's worth the weight/comfort/price/looks penalty

Agree, but the Evoc ones are comfy and look good IMHO. Granted they are expensive and heavy

If I was to explain my usage it would probably help define if these packs are suitable.

It is primaraly for alp trips on my downhill bike, I currently wear a 661 pressure suit, which I find too bulky and uncomfortable. I was looking at the alpinestars Comp Pro Short Sleeve , which has a d30 spine protector ( which is reasonably thick and would probably meet my needs) or a race face ambush top, which is similar but without the spine protector. My thoughts were that if I went with the RF top I would get a hard shell spine protector, but then thought if I went with one of the backpacks with built in protection that could be a sensible alternative, if they provide sufficient protection, and would work for a bit of enduro in the future.

It should be noted that although I have a downhill bike, I am not a downhiller, I am the classic overbiked and tend to mince down the trails, but I am also a fair bit bigger than the average guy and when I hit the ground do so with some force. Also although I understand the science of the d30 type materials, they still **** with my head.

I have the EVOC FR Enduro. Same as above, looks massive and feels heavy, but once on is actually really comfortable. I like the wide waist strap in terms of fit and taking the weight. Nice quality as well. I've never tested mine with a fall, but it feels pretty solid. I have a long back and went for the m/l and it's a perfect fit.

Have the Evoc FR. Not heavy compared to Deuter's offering which weighs a ton. In fact, it's lighter than the camelbak mule it replaced.

Solid bit of kit. Sits close to your back with little ventilation, but I sweat like a pig anyhow.
Fortunately not had to put the protector to the test...... yet. 😛

I have a small evoc freeride with the spine protector. Use it in the alps for both biking and snowboarding. Great bag, fits well, don't notice it really. Ordered from amazone, but the top straps were threaded the wrong way around from new, which meant I could not pull it close to my back. Sorted that in the end, now fits a treat.

Simone

I have an evoc freeride 16 as well, nice and comfy and has a fairly low profile when it is full. I have a crashed a few times with it on and it has done its job. They are quite tough bags and wear well.

Tried the Evoc pack, found it enormous, and the spine protector uncomfortable. Ended up riding without it fitted. Then I got annoyed with the massive, wide waist strap.

People liken wearing a backpack when riding to being strangled by a sweaty midget - when wearing the Evoc pack I would agree.

Have the Evoc FR Lite - replaced a Camelbak Scudo. Looked ridiculously big when I got it, first ride out it seemed too long despite me being the right height for it. Fiddled around at home and realised I was wearing it too high - the belt is a hip belt, not waist belt. Next ride out, utterly brilliant! Even when stuffed full of food/tools/clothes/water it feels far lighter than the Camelbak half-empty because it spreads the load much better. I hope I won't need to use the back protector but its presence is reassuring.

As the others I have the Evoc FR 16l - it looks big, wouldn't say it was heavy, but it's very comfy when on and you quickly forget it's there. I've since bought another, smaller Evoc pack 10l for general trail stuff - and will save the one with back protector for Alps trips or Enduro's events (where I think there's a greater chance of pushing it and having an 'off').