Test report
So far, the test has only involved skiing and ski touring. Thanks to Evoc's many years of support for PowderGuide, I am very familiar with the protector backpacks, and I also enjoy using the Patrol line of touring backpacks. That's why I can best compare the LINE 30 with the other Evoc backpacks.
The backpack feels totally different on the back than the comparable products I know. It is significantly lighter (approx. 1000g vs. 1600g for the Protektor/Patrol models), the shoulder straps are thinner, the shape of the back is noticeably different and the hip belt feels more delicate.
The weight has a really positive effect. When the backpack is as good as empty, you hardly feel it. The shoulder straps remind me of trail running backpacks in terms of comfort, even without a closed hip or chest strap you have good lateral support. This is probably also due to the new back section, which is relatively breathable and also adapts well to the back. While the protector backpacks do not fit everyone equally well due to the rather "boxy" and inflexible protector, the LINE 30 has received consistently good reviews from friends who have tried it out. As the backpack was probably designed more for riding than walking, the hip belt is rather minimalist, which is perfectly adequate for this lightweight backpack. The two larger hip compartments provide stability. However, you shouldn't stuff them too full, otherwise it can feel a bit clunky in places. Even though the backpack is not specifically designed for walking and carrying larger loads and thus supporting them on the hips, you can adjust it so that it works. The backpack is currently my favourite for one-day tours; the somewhat heavier Patrol 32, which is actually very suitable for touring, stays at home. However, as soon as I want to carry a bit more luggage or film/photo equipment I would reach for the slightly larger Patrol with lid compartment etc.
I had to get used to the organisation of the compartments at first, but in the meantime I have found a good system where everything has its place. The front of the backpack has a compartment that mainly holds a shovel blade. Below this is the centre compartment for the probe and shovel style, which also offers additional storage space. I like to place my water bottle and possibly the removable tongues of my ski boots here alongside the longer items. Various muesli bars and similar items can be found loosely at the bottom of this compartment. A compact insulating jacket can also be stuffed into this compartment if necessary. The largest compartment on the backpack is on the back, with the storage space mainly in the lower third of the backpack. There is also an inner mesh pocket with a key clip in the upper section. It is best to place angular or bulky items in the back compartment so that they do not rest directly against the top of the back, otherwise the back section may warp slightly, resulting in a less than ideal fit. However, the storage space in the lower back section is large enough and you can carry many larger or heavier items there, which are easily accessible at all times thanks to the deep-reaching zip of the back system. The backpack is designed so that heavier items can be stowed a little lower down close to the back, while lighter or longer items can be placed in the centre main compartment at the top. There is also the usual compartment for ski goggles or similar, but this is significantly larger than the Evoc protector backpacks, for example. On the outside, various straps offer good options for attaching skis, jackets or ice axes to the rucksack, even if there is no specific ice axe holder or similar. However, I have to admit that I haven't used an ice axe during the test period so far.
Conclusion
A very good backpack for day trips of all kinds, especially for descents. Due to its low weight, well thought-out compartment layout and good fit, the LINE 30 is also my favourite touring backpack as long as I don't need more packing volume.
