Outdoor Vitals Carbon Evo 50 Review

Article by Markus Zinkl

Carbon Evo 50 ($ 279.97)

Introduction

Ultralight backpacks usually drive a compromise: you drop the pack weight underneath two kilos (1kg), however you sacrifice construction, consolation, and the flexibility to hold a load with out the pack bulging out or digging into your shoulders. The Outside Vitals Carbon Evo 50 goals to obliterate that compromise. That includes a minimalist design wrapped round a complicated carbon-fiber body, it guarantees true load-carrying construction at a sub-2-pound weight.

A Fast Disclaimer Upfront: My typical max gear quantity tops out round 40 liters, that means I could not fully fill this pack to its most 50L+ capability. Nonetheless, even when operating it barely underfilled, the pack compresses fantastically and as a result of body it retains its form completely with out sagging.

Specs at a Look

Suspension & Carry Consolation

The centerpiece of this pack is the CarbonFlex Suspension System, and the most important takeaway from testing is straightforward: this can be a very comfy pack to hold.

Moderately than utilizing inflexible aluminum stays or a totally frameless design, the Carbon Evo makes use of two anatomically curved carbon-fiber rods. 

These present a stable vertical construction to switch weight on to your hips whereas sustaining sufficient torsional flex to maneuver along with your physique whereas mountaineering.

Premium Padding: The shoulder straps, again panel, and hip belt characteristic thick, smooth foam with clever cutouts for breathability. It strikes a superb steadiness—cushioned sufficient to stop chafing, however agency sufficient to not compress fully underneath a heavy load.

On-the-Fly Adjustability: Inclusion of purposeful load lifters and an adjustable hook-and-loop Detachable hip belt means you may fine-tune precisely the place the pack sits in your lumbar, fully eliminating decrease again strain.

Supplies & Sturdiness

Outside Vitals selected a extremely technical material mix to steadiness weight and abrasion resistance. The principle physique makes use of a light-weight 100D Robic Nylon grid bolstered with 200D Spectra Ripstop.

To deal with the abuse of being dragged and dropped on rocks, dust, and gravel, the underside panel is beefed as much as 210D Robic Nylon paired with 400D Spectra Ripstop. This dual-fabric method retains the pack extremely mild (30 oz / 850g) whereas guaranteeing the high-wear areas can survive aggressive brush-bashing and heavy use.

Storage Format & Usability

The pocket structure is streamlined and environment friendly, reducing out pointless zippers and compartments in favor of fresh exterior capability. 

For a top-loading roll-top pack, the simplicity of the primary compartment is great, and the white material aesthetic appears extremely fashionable and smooth.

Outsized Hip Belt Pockets: These are fairly massive win in case you use them. They’re considerably bigger than customary ultralight pockets and have easy zippers that may simply be operated with one hand.

Angled Facet Pockets: The aspect water bottle pockets are deeply reduce and angled ahead. You may simply seize an ordinary 1L bottle on the transfer with out having to play shoulder-dislocation gymnastics.

UltraStretch Again of Pack Mesh: Upgraded from customary mesh to a sturdy UltraStretch woven materials, the entrance envelope pocket is ideal for stashing moist rain flies, tarps, or layers with out worry of snagging on trailside branches.

Room for Enchancment

Whereas the carry consolation is elite, the storage ecosystem leaves just a few issues to be desired for particular ultralight packing kinds:

No Shoulder Strap Pockets: Out of the field, the shoulder straps are fully naked. I usually desire to take away the hip belt totally and rely solely on shoulder strap pockets for fast-access necessities (running-vest fashion). As a result of this pack lacks built-in shoulder storage, eradicating the hip belt strips away all of your speedy on-the-go storage until you buy aftermarket third-party pockets.

Lacking a Backside Pocket: I like a great backside mesh pocket for rapidly stashing trash, a rain shell, or snacks with out breaking stride. The Carbon Evo options an ordinary stable material backside panel; I’d extremely welcome the addition of an ergonomic backside pocket in a future iteration.

Last Verdict

At $279, the Outside Vitals Carbon Evo 50 is without doubt one of the most competitively priced, high-performance framed ultralight packs in the marketplace. It efficiently bridges the hole between ultra-minimalist packs and conventional heavy haulers.

Even in case you do not all the time want the complete 50L quantity, the supreme carry consolation and technical body make it an absolute pleasure to haul on the path. For those who desire a extremely structured, plush carry and do not thoughts including your personal shoulder pockets, this pack is an absolute residence run.

Vitals Carbon Evo 50 is obtainable at Outside Vitals 

Tester Profile

Markus Zinkl: I’m 36 years previous and stay in a small village in Bavaria, Germany. I began mountaineering and backpacking 5-6 years in the past. Coming from path operating and with mild and quick in thoughts, I began mountaineering and quick packing with ultralight gear. Over time I attempted and examined lots of gear, all the time looking for weight financial savings. Though nonetheless making an attempt to remain out of the ultralight rabbit gap. I spend most of my days off from work on the path, with a minimum of one 2-3 week thru-hike. Among the many extra well-known trails I’ve hiked over the previous few years are the GR221, WHR (Walker’s Haute Route), TMB (Tour du Mont Blanc), TC (Tour du Cervin-Matterhorn), Through Alpina Switzerland and Alta Through 2. As you most likely discover by now, I’m at residence within the mountains. So if I’m not operating or thru-hiking an extended path, I’m most likely someplace within the Alps testing some shorter trails.

Learn our different Fastpacking and Trekking evaluations HERE

The merchandise which can be the idea of this assessment had been supplied to us freed from cost. The opinions offered are my very own.

We welcome feedback and questions within the feedback part.

FREE 2 Day Delivery EASY No Sweat Returns

Europe solely: use RTR code RTR5ALL for 5% off all merchandise, even sale merchandise 

TOP4RUNNING EUROPE

Use RTR code RTRTOP4 for 5% off all merchandise, even sale merchandise

FLEET FEET

ROADRUNNERSPORTS

SPORTSSHOES.COM UK/EU

Use our code RTR235 for five% off all merchandise

BROOKS RUNNING

MARATHON SPORTS BOSTON

WATCH OUR YOUTUBE REVIEWS ON THE ROADTRAILRUN CHANNEL

Discover all RoadTrailRun evaluations at our index web page HERE 

Google “roadtrailrun Shoe Title” and you may be fairly certain to search out nearly any run shoe and all types of run and hike gear over the past 10 plus years

RoadTrailRun Official Retailer Customized Fractel Caps and Bucket Hats

Cap:$35                                                            Bucket:$39

Free US Financial system Delivery!

Please Like and Comply with RoadTrailRun