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It's my birthday soon and time to replace my mank and mould infested 10 yr old Camelbak Mule with something outrageously expensive and packed with new features I never knew I needed.
I'm looking at the EVOC all-day packs (FR Enduro 16L, CC 16L, Stage 18L, or possibly next size down) and I need to understand whether it's worth having a back protector. Now it's obvious to think why wouldn't I (insurance and all that) but I rarely wear knee pads, and generally ride with both wheels on the ground. I do ride for the downs but rarely crash and even then it's usually low speed offs. I'm of the opinion that getting a back protector equipped pack will compromise comfort. Plus because I'm moving from a very narrow and 'lumpy' Mule to a wider/broader EVOC a non-protector pack will offer better padding/contents based protection than what I currently have. So
- Anyone had both a Protector (e.g. FR Trail) and non-Protector (e.g. Stage / CC) EVOC and can comment on comfort levels?
- Any other factors when considering protection vs non-protection?
- Any deals knocking around?
I have a protector FR Enduro (and a Freeride Tour). I wanted the back protector version because I can pack it with anything I like and not worry about landing on it. The back protector stops things from digging into your back and gives the pack much more structure. You can remove the protector if you want to
It's very comfy, much more so than the mule I had before. I've worn mine for 2 day bikepacking trips
I have a FR Trail and can't tell if the protector is in or not, it's pretty light compared to the bag as a whole which is pretty heavy. I do like having the protector in there. Definitely try wearing one before buying as they're big heavy bags, sweaty on hot days but you can fit a lot in for all day mountain rides. Haven't tried the smaller ones but if they're lighter would give them a look.
Thanks chaps
Protector equipped FR Enduro 16L shows on the EVOC website as 1050 g, 27 x 56 x 11 cm
Non-protector Stage 18L in at 900 g, 28 x 50 x 12 cm
Non-protector CC 16L (which is marketed as lightweight and I expect less robust despite being marketed for mountains and city) in at 695 g, 23 x 50 x 14 cm
So quite a bit between the CC and FR but less so the Stage.
I have one of the 16s. Agree with the comments above. It's a heavy-ish pack and it will make you hot esp if you run hot whatever conditions (I do). I had a previous 20 or 24 which was massive, but the 16 is a great size, really well made and I'm happy to trade a bit of weight/vent for the reassurance of the back protector.
I went over the bars pretty hard in Sospel a couple of weeks ago and landed on my back. Protector definitely did its job. Not tried riding without it but I reckon it might make the bag a big floppy.
I have a an FR Pro snowboarding pack. Can't tell if the panel is in our out when wearing it.
Take account of the length as some of them come in two sizes.
Unless it's empty the bladder itself acts as a back protector anyway. I never wear additional spine protection when I'm riding with my EVOC Stage 3L, even for DH stuff. On the two occasions I've come off and would have potentially banged my back on stuff, the backpack has more than adequately soaked up the impact.
If you go on startfitness website, im sure there are some Scott 12 and 16L backpacks with CE back protectors. They are about 35-£40.
Im sure Tracey on here has one for her daughter who races some tough Enduro stuff abroad.
Thanks Brenin - had my eye on the Scotts at Startfitness from the recent thread (START10 will offset postage costs for anyone looking) but playing the birthday card I'm looking for "something outrageously expensive and packed with new features I never knew I needed" and everyone seems to love their EVOCs. So EVOC it is - just want to understand whether the protector equipped ones will be uncomfortable (up to the point I go flying through the air A-Team stylee)
Just got back from a week in Chatel. Used the Stage 12l all week - was perfect, just big enough to fit essentials in with a sandwich as a packable waterproof jacket, but small enough to feel like it wasn't there.
I've had a back protector one in the past and the hip belt felt too big (and hot) for me.
Osprey. Lighter, better and doesn't look like a 90s schoolbag.
I love my fr 25. The back protector and waist belt improve comfort in my eyes. Nothing in the pack digs in and if you have a full water bladder the pack doesn't feel like you are carrying a diving tank (camelbak .....). Used it all over the world for 7 years as my only biking bag, totally bombproof. When it dies i'll just replace it with the latest model.
Although I would be interested to know what shape the stage packs become when stuffed or have a full bladder. Does the back still sit well against your back or does it bulge away?
I have Evoc Fr Team lite. In the smaller size. Its great and sits really snug.
If you don't wear knee pads then I wouldn't bother with the back protector. It's a warm backpack and I prefer more freedom personally.