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gear reviews

Gear Review | Evoc Line Pro 30

Freetouring backpack with integrated back protector

by Clemens Hiller • 02/07/2023
According to EVOC, the LINE PRO 30 is THE "touring backpack with freeride qualities" and combines touring with the needs of freeriding without compromising on comfort and safety. In the test, the backpack lived up to the promises made by its creators, with the high level of carrying comfort standing out in particular.

First Things First

The manufacturer describes its new all-rounder as a "touring backpack with freeride qualities". The EVOC team has already proven with previous models that they can fuse sophisticated freeride backpacks with an integrated back protector seemingly effortlessly. Specifically, the tried-and-tested LITESHIELD PLUS Protection Technology was installed in the tested backpack and further refined to achieve the perfect balance between comfort, safety and weight. EVOC's standard features also include a compartment for avalanche transceiver equipment, a hydration bladder-compatible system and the tried-and-tested options for attaching skis (A-frame or diagonal) and snowboards. Two new features stand out in addition to the already popular features: firstly, the extra-wide hip wings, which give the backpack a particularly comfortable and, above all, stable fit ("BODY HUGGING" doesn't promise too much here), and secondly, the quick access to the main compartment of the backpack, which is now possible directly via the back section.

The EVOC LINE PRO 30 with a capacity of 30 litres is available in sizes S/M and L/XL for different body sizes and back lengths and in two colour variants. The weight is stated as 1340 g and should therefore be in the middle of its class.

First impression

The backpack makes a compact and well thought-out impression, it is neither overly minimalist nor overloaded with unnecessary features - so at first glance it is a well-balanced companion that you would want to have with you in the snow. The obligatory avalanche transceiver equipment has just as much space as the hydration bladder, snack and additional items of clothing. For day trips, the 30 litre volume is very well suited - for longer tours, a lot is also possible with well thought-out packing - 2 nights in a hut worked out perfectly during the test.

As soon as everything is packed and the backpack is adjusted to your body - there are plenty of options for fine-tuning - the high level of carrying comfort becomes apparent. Admittedly, I was sceptical for a long time about wide hip belts with pockets, but I now know what a big difference they make to the correct and stable fit of the backpack. My preconception: "A hip belt with pockets might work for skiers, but the concept won't work for the fundamentally different body posture of snowboarders" had to be thrown overboard very quickly. The "BODY HUGGING" principle knows no difference, it embraces both winter sports enthusiasts equally and will probably not disappoint even monoski and Figl enthusiasts.

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Testers and test conditions

I am 1.83 cm tall and weigh around 78 kg. I was able to test the backpack in size L/XL both on skis and with a snowboard. The conditions during the test period (about 3 weeks in January) included pure piste days, waist-deep powder in the slackcountry and a racy ski tour with a carrying section on the ridge. Both the choice of equipment and the highly variable test conditions demanded a lot from the backpack and showed the potential of the EVOC LINE PRO 30.

Test report

Now one thing at a time: This January's changeable weather and variable snow conditions were a real challenge. As a result, I was initially only able to test the EVOC LINE PRO 30 on the piste or in piste-like sidecountry terrain, but this had the advantage that I was able to concentrate on the comfort of the backpack and the integrated protector. As described in detail, the backpack and protector fit seamlessly on the body - once adjusted to your personal body measurements, nothing slips. This is particularly pleasing, as you can always be sure that the protector will stay in position and protect your back. The wide hip straps not only ensure that the backpack fits well, but also provide additional protection alongside the protector. The protector is really light, so the weight is no longer an argument against a backpack with integrated back protection. The back piece, the link between the protector and the back, is particularly successful in my eyes, as it is not tapered towards the lower back as is often the case, but is just as wide as at shoulder height. This means that the entire flank is protected on both sides from the shoulders to the hips. To prevent heat from building up on warmer days or sweaty tours, the back section and hip belt are designed to provide good ventilation. I was able to test these features on a warm day on the piste and under ski touring conditions and had the impression that the concept works.

I was able to think about the arrangement of the pockets and compartments on a multi-day tour and a ski tour with a carrying section: The generous compartments integrated into the hip belt, each with a volume of approx. 1 litre, are a real hero on any ski tour. Sunglasses, sun cream, handkerchiefs, snacks and other gadgets that you want to have to hand at all times can be stored here without restricting your movement. I also like the front compartment, which is spacious but not bottomless. The first aid pack is safe and easily accessible here and the compartment also holds ski skins or thick gloves. The ski goggle compartment does what it should. However, I would like to discuss the arrangement of the main and avalanche transceiver compartments a little more at this point. This is where the advantages and disadvantages of the chosen arrangement come into play, as the main compartment with quick access is located close to the back and the avalanche transceiver compartment is banished to the centre. The advantages of this arrangement can be seen in both the comfort and safety of the wearer - unfortunately just as much as the disadvantages. If you use the main compartment to store the warming Primaloft jacket and other clothing, this can be accessed quickly and easily via the large zip on the back section - even without removing any sports equipment attached to the rucksack. In addition, this compartment with its ideally soft contents also protects the back from the rigid objects in the avalanche transceiver compartment. Conversely, the avalanche transceiver equipment required in an emergency is less easily accessible, but it is also less likely to develop its own injury potential for the wearer. In general, it can be said that each arrangement has its advantages and disadvantages and that the backpack has a well thought-out and balanced design. The avalanche equipment compartment, for example, scores highly in terms of size and organisation, as the probe and a shovel with a larger blade and telescopic handle can be easily secured separately. The compartment, which houses the removable back protector, also accommodates the bladder-compatible system, which features new details for securing the bladder and the associated tube. The insulated hose guide in the shoulder strap also works perfectly and remained frost-free under test conditions of slightly below -10 °C.

I was able to test the A-frame version of the carrying system for skis and was impressed by the uncomplicated and, above all, stable attachment to the backpack. The weight is distributed evenly and skis and backpack can be combined compactly for longer distances.

The backpack's features, which were not tested but also appear well thought-out and robust, include the snowboard carrying system, the holder for ice axes and ski poles, as well as the large loops on the hip straps, which can also hold equipment for alpine tours and longer adventures.

Conclusion

The EVOC LINE PRO 30 is a well-designed backpack for skiers and snowboarders who want to spend a full day on the mountain and carry all the necessary equipment. The 30 litre capacity of the backpack is generous and offers space for a hydration system, avalanche and safety equipment as well as additional clothing and food.

The great strength of the backpack is its high level of comfort. The backpack's padded shoulder straps, wide hip belt and ventilated back panel provide excellent support and comfort even when fully loaded.

The versatility of the freetouring backpack with back protector is evident on the piste, in open terrain and on ambitious ski tours, because the carrying comfort makes it easy to forget that you not only have all the necessary and practical things stowed away, but also have sensible protection for your back. The fact that the quick access leads to the main compartment and not to the avalanche transceiver compartment is still unusual for me and therefore a bit of a downer, but true to the motto "know your gear", it's probably a question of training.

To summarise, I can warmly recommend the LINE PRO 30 from EVOC, because I was impressed by the snug fit and the accompanying feeling of security. Over the last few weeks, I have thrown my reservations about wide hip belts with integrated pockets overboard without any regrets and now appreciate the advantages of the "BODY HUGGING".

Advantages & disadvantages

+ Compact design despite extensive equipment

+ High wearing comfort with integrated back protector

+ Well organised interior

+ high-quality workmanship

- Quick access does not apply to the avalanche transceiver compartment

Information on

Material:            EVOC LINE PRO 30

RRP:                      250,00 €

Weight:              1340 g

Dimensions:                 19 x 28 x 58 cm

Colours:              Denim and black

Size:                 S/M and L/XL

Volume:            30 litres

Here is the link to the Evoc website with further information.

The backpack was provided to PowderGuide by the manufacturer free of charge for testing. Find out how we tested it in our test statement.

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