Gear Review | Evoc Line R.A.S. Protector 22

First impression and features

I like the simple black backpack, which is also decorated with a few black appliqués and lettering. The feel and workmanship make a very good first impression. The first thing that caught my eye was the wide hip belt, which I really appreciate. A special feature of this hip belt is that, in addition to the metal buckle, it has a Velcro fastener with ventilation holes along its entire length. The hip belt then merges into wide hip fins that "grow out" of the back panel. Together with segmented padding elements on the back and well-padded, ergonomically shaped shoulder straps, the weight of the backpack should be redistributed to the body's centre of gravity at the hips. Evoc calls the resulting body-hugging fit the Neutralite System with Body Hugging.

The built-in Evoc Liteshield back protector consists of an EPS construction that is adapted to the special requirements of back protection by means of a segmented layer structure. In addition to its outstanding cushioning properties, this protection concept allows fall damage to be recognised immediately and the protector to be replaced individually. According to the manufacturer, good air circulation is ensured despite the protector. For the airbag, Evoc relies on the third generation of the Removable Airbag System from Mammut. The system weighs just 1010 g with the carbon cartridge. The airbag with a volume of 150 litres can be deployed via a height-adjustable and easily stowable T-shaped deployment handle. What I like about the R.A.S system from Mammut is that it can also be used relatively easily in other backpacks (in my case a slightly larger lightweight backpack for (high-alpine) tours).

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The backpack has a main compartment, a compartment for avalanche equipment, a goggle compartment, a material compartment on the front and two pockets on the hip belt. The main compartment is accessible from the back via a fully hinged lid. The Line R.A.S. Protector is rounded off with practical features such as a key clip in one of the hip pockets, gear loops for alpine touring equipment such as carabiners, a snowboard or ski holder on the front, a stowable helmet holder and preparation for a hydration system up to three litres.

Test report

Due to the coronavirus situation last spring and this winter, the test was different to comparable tests in the past. It was a little more time-consuming to complete several test days in different activities and conditions, but I was still able to test the backpack in different variations and on different types of tours. I am 182 cm tall and wear tops in L or XL. Even though I sometimes like to reach for backpacks in size XL, the Line R.A.S. Protector 22L fits me very well. I think the fit through the hip belt is outstanding. I was particularly impressed on the ascent with how comfortably the entire weight is distributed on the hips and how well the shoulders are relieved. Another positive feature is the Velcro fastening along the entire length of the flexible hip belt (including the "AiroFlex" ventilation holes), which means that the width of the belt can always be adjusted perfectly, regardless of whether you are wearing just a base layer or a puffy and jacket. Despite the tight fit, I never had an uncomfortably damp feeling on my back, even in high temperatures: the ventilation inserts do a great job here! Even though the backpack is not one of the lightest airbag backpacks at approx. 2.4 kg, I think the weight is very good for the complete package with airbag and back protector. All in all, I was able to stow all my equipment well in the backpack on both tours and variants (see photo above).

Evoc Line R.A.S. Protector packed for touring

For longer tours or alpine tours with a lot of equipment, however, the 22 litre version can be a bit tight. Even if you often stow slightly larger freeride jackets in your backpack, rather than on the outside like I do, the slightly heavier 32 litre version of the Line R.A.S. Protector is recommended.

The emergency compartment can easily accommodate a larger shovel (in my case a Mammut Alugator) and there is also enough space for my first aid pack, an emergency bivy sack and my spare parts/tool bag. Only the goggle compartment could be a little bigger. Although there is room for the usual XL goggles, I would often like to stow a second pair of glasses or sunglasses in this compartment as well, which is only just possible. Over time, I have come to like the pockets on the hip belt more and more. At first I was a little sceptical because they are not easy to reach. Over time, however, I have got used to them and like to stow things there that I like to have to hand without having to take the backpack off. The pockets are big enough to store snacks, a small camera, sunglasses or a smartphone, for example. The stowable helmet holder is very practical and I use it all the time. The holder is easy to fit and remove, which means that I have actually taken it off and stowed it away again and again. With helmet holders that are not so easy to handle I have often not removed the holder before setting off. The mount was then often quite loose due to the missing helmet and could then get caught in branches, for example, during the descent and thus be damaged.

Conclusion

The EVOC Line R.A.S. Protector 22 really impressed me in the test, both on variants and on tours. The combination of a backpack with a top carrying system, an airbag and a back protector makes it the most complete and best backpack I have ever used for freeriding. The slightly higher weight is not so important for me and if the 22 litre volume is not enough for touring, you can fall back on the 32 litre version. The carrying comfort and features have completely won me over and I'm looking forward to many days in the mountains with my new favourite backpack.

Advantages & disadvantages

+ Support, fit and comfort
+ Combination of lightweight Mammut airbag system and back protector
+ Very well designed features such as the helmet holder
- Weight when touring