For the 2013/2014 winter season, the makers at EVOC have decided to significantly expand their range of winter backpacks. For the first time, EVOC's winter sports line will now also include backpacks without back protectors - the Performance Backpacks. We briefly introduce you to the main new products from the EVOC snow department and have tested their first (real) touring backpack, the EVOC Patrol (40+5 liters) for you.
Backpacks with and without back protectors - EVOC significantly expands its range
Integrated back protectors have become an integral part of freeride backpacks. The two EVOC models FR Guide (30 L) and FR Pro (20 L), which have proven themselves in recent years with their high functionality and very well thought-out handling, are almost classics on the freeride backpack market. There will be three different colors of each of these models next season and the FR Guide will be revised in a few areas with regard to the durability of the material. The women's version, the FR Pro Women (20 L), will be presented in its old quality in two new colors. With the new EVOC FR Day (16 L), a third volume range is now covered, which meets the requirements of a one-day freeride trip. With the exception of the smaller main compartment, the FR Day is equipped with all the features of the larger versions (vertical snowboard, diagonal or vertical ski holder, lined goggle compartment, avalanche equipment compartment, attachment loops for one or two ice axes, insulated tube guide in the shoulder strap, compartment for hydration system up to three liters, map pocket). As usual, all of these backpacks include the EVOC Liteshield Back Protector, which can also be removed if desired. There will also be another zip-on version of the FR Pro (600 g) for the ABS base unit (Vario Line) - this time in three different colors.
The biggest backpack innovation for winter 2013/2014 is the introduction of the Performance Backpacks, which focus on carrying comfort and weight and have therefore been designed without a back protector. Each of the three existing backpacks (Patrol 40+5 L, 1800 g; Line 28 L, 1140 g; Slope 18 L, 880 g) will be available in two different colors. The new carrying system of the Performance Backpacks impresses with large ventilation channels and an ergonomically shaped hip belt, which is equipped with a gear loop for attaching climbing gear on the Patrol and Line. On the Patrol, this is even completely removable. In future, all EVOC backpacks will include an insulated hose guide for the hydration system in the shoulder strap. As with the FR Pro, an ABS-compatible (ABS Vario Line) attachment (880 g) will be produced in two colors for the EVOC Patrol. EVOC also offers a wider range of luggage and equipment storage products. Particularly worth mentioning here are the innovative neoprene board and ski covers and the lightweight board and ski bags for quick transportation of one piece of sports equipment at a time. The range also includes the very robust Snow Gear Roller, the Helmet Bag and the Boot Bag. In terms of protectors, there is also the Protector Vest, the Protector Vest Air+ (women's and men's model), the Crashpants and a few useful accessories such as the Safe Pouch Set, Raincover Sleeve, the Helmet Holder, which is compatible with all backpacks, and an optional insulated hydration system.
First impression of the EVOC Patrol - design, function and dry test
As you would expect from EVOC, the design of the Patrol is very appealing. We had the more discreet of the two color combinations (black/grey/light blue) - those who prefer EVOC colors will probably prefer the red-yellow tint. What is immediately noticeable is that the aim was not just to produce a lightweight touring backpack, but also to focus on functionality and robustness. And at 1.8 kilograms, the weight is surprisingly low. As with the previous backpacks, the outer material makes a solid impression and the straps and lacing options seem to easily meet the usual requirements for a touring backpack. All the zippers now have large T-holders, which should ensure that you can get a good grip even when wearing gloves.
The many straps and fasteners on the backpack are also noticeable. At the back of the backpack there are two horizontal straps (e.g. for attaching snowboards or skis), which are fastened with robust aluminum buckles, and two new ice axe holders that work with click buckles. The two standard lacing systems (for attaching skis, lacing, etc.) are located on the right-hand side (from the wearer's point of view); the upper one can be opened completely using the click buckle, the lower one can only be laced wider and tighter. This side also features a highlight of the Patrol: a side opening that can be opened quickly and easily almost all the way down using a double zipper and Velcro fastener. There is a sewn-on pocket on the left side that can be tied separately (e.g. for a water bottle).
There are no small compartments in the main compartment, apart from the thin partition wall behind which you can attach the hydration system to the holder provided. There is only an exit for the tube on the right-hand carrying strap. The two compartments in the lid (front and rear zipper entrance) are lined with fleece so that you don't have to worry about scratching your sunglasses or ski goggles. In the smaller of the two (on the back) there are two small mesh pockets and a key holder. There is a large, waterproof compartment on the lower side (inside) of the lid. The lid can be adjusted in height so that the additional five liters of packing volume can be achieved.
Avalanche compartment: safety equipment in the right place and quickly accessible
The avalanche compartment is larger at the top than before and offers very easy and quick access to its important contents - presumably also when everything has to be done very quickly in an emergency. This is thanks to the two T-holders on the zipper slides, which can be pulled all the way down, and the spacious interior. The only drawback is that if you have closed the aluminum buckles of the two horizontal holders on the back of the backpack (for board or ski attachment), they get in the way when opening and have to be removed first or the zipper has to be laboriously opened underneath. If you fold the lid down completely when opening it, EVOC's emergency plan and a small mesh pocket (e.g. for a snack) appear. I can easily fit a shovel, probe, (small) first aid bag, snack and sun cream in this compartment.
Practical test - very comfortable to wear, outstanding functionality as always
During a whole season, I was able to use the backpack for all facets of skiing: Off-piste skiing, freeriding with short ascents, single or multi-day ski tours - the only thing I left out was piste skiing. Either fully packed or only half packed, with or without photographic equipment (SLR camera with two lenses). In bright sunshine, the wettest fresh snow or the driest Canadian powder snow.
Comfort of the new carrying system
Touring rucksacks usually reach their comfort limits, especially on multi-day tours with high alpine equipment. The newly designed carrying system seems to work perfectly. Even when fully loaded and on long days, the carrying comfort does not suffer. The prominent cushion for the lower back takes some getting used to at first, but you learn to love it over time. Weight has not been spared on the hip belt either and the focus is on functionality. The gear loop on the hip belt is an important and useful feature, especially for alpine excursions. The option to completely remove the hip belt is not practical for ski touring - without a hip belt, the backpack is more likely to be used for everyday use than for ski touring. The air channels on the back ensure good ventilation, which is particularly beneficial on spring tours. The sewn-on pocket on the left-hand side is perfect for a water bottle (during the ascent), but you can also use it for crampons so that they're quickly to hand. I always use the bag for my used skins when skiing down. The carrying comfort doesn't suffer when you have to attach your skis to the backpack. The Patrol can be attached as an A-frame or to the back of the backpack. With the latter, you will clearly notice the rather wide rear extension and for longer ascents it is better to choose the alternative.
Special highlight - quick and uncomplicated side access
EVOC backpacks have stood out for their high level of functionality since the first generation and the Patrol is no exception. By and large, the mounts and strapping options are the same as for other backpack models and since a few backpacks have already been tested on PG.com (EVOC Freeride Pro, EVOC Freeride Guide, EVOC ABS Element Freeride Pro, EVOC CP camera backpack), I'd like to focus on the new components here. The functionality of the other features has been extensively described (and tested) and there is nothing to complain about with the Patrol either. The new ice axe holder works perfectly. The ice axe is held at the top of the backpack by a thin rubber cord and the ice axe pick is stowed in an opening as usual. This can then be secured with a click fastener. The ice axe can be stowed away much more quickly than with the conventional holder.
The side access to the main compartment is my absolute highlight of the Patrol. You can access the main compartment much faster than with the familiar drawstring system and can also organize it much better than if only the top opening is available. An additional opening to the main compartment is actually essential for any larger backpack and some backpack manufacturers could take a leaf out of the Patrol's book. The double zipper is connected with a kind of handle and does not have to be opened individually. On the contrary: even when wearing gloves, the side access can be opened in seconds. The Velcro fastener at the top for securing also works well, but could be a little larger so that less fiddling or time is needed to close it properly. The side access makes the Patrol very suitable as a photo backpack with simple camera equipment. EVOC is currently working on another camera block (three different ones are already in the range), which can then be perfectly inserted into the backpack. Of course, any other camera bag will do; I used a simple photo bag and the body plus two lenses fit in perfectly. Thanks to the quick and easy side access, with a bit of practice you can also just slip out of a shoulder strap when taking photos, pull the backpack in front of your chest and reach the camera through the opening (tip: put the camera in the right way round). This saves a lot of time and you can always react quickly to spontaneous photo opportunities.
Small deductions in the B grade
The opening to the lid compartments is a little small - especially when the backpack is fully backpacked, loading it with ski goggles is a bit tedious. On the other hand, the larger compartment has enough space for a pair of ski goggles with spare lenses. When fully loaded, however, the smaller compartment is not suitable for more than a wallet, keys and sunglasses - but was probably not designed for anything else. A small but somewhat annoying detail - which has also been noticed on other ski touring backpacks - the Patrol doesn't stand still on horizontal terrain, but tips over due to the uneven ground. This is not so bad because the main compartment is often used via the side access. When fully loaded, the backpack extends quite far and on steep ascents or when climbing, it gets in the way a little if you put your head (especially with a helmet) on the back of your neck. The rear extension is also quite large and therefore the center of gravity is a little far back compared to other backpacks, but both can hardly be better realized with a backpack of this pack size. A tip to the manufacturers: The click buckles should be of different sizes. This avoids confusion (e.g. side lacing and lid compartment).
All images in the gallery
Advantages and disadvantages
+ Good carrying comfort
+ High functionality
+ Practical access through side opening
+ Large compartment for avalanche equipment and first aid kitkit
- does not stand up on the underside in horizontal terrain
- very high when fully loaded
- rather narrow opening to the lid compartments
Product information
Test product: EVOC Patrol backpack Pack volume: 40+5 L Weight: 1800 g Dimensions: 30x68(75)x20 cm
Material: Nylon 210/D Ripstop PU coated, N420/D PU coated, N840/D PU coated, Air mesh, Spandex, Atilon PE Foam UVP: 200,00 Euro
- Extendable main compartment (+5 L volume) with quick side access
- Height-adjustable top compartment with waterproof zipper and integrated, waterproof small parts compartment with transparent lid
- Snowboard/snowshoe holder with aluminum buckles (stowable)
- Ski attachment system (vertical)
- Avalanche compartment with quick access and emergency plan
- Wide, ergonomically shaped hip belt (detachable) with integrated load stabilization straps
- Innovative ice axe/ski pole attachment system
- Reinforced attachment loops for climbing equipment (carabiners, quickdraws, etc.) on the hip belt
- Large, adjustable side compartment
- Four side compression straps + one variable top compression strap with aluminum buckle
- Webbing buckles for external attachment of additional equipment
- Fleece-lined snow goggle compartment
- Compartment for hydration systems up to three L volume with side exit Link to manufacturer...
