Outdoor Vitals Carbon Evo 50 Backpack Review

The cool stream gurgled next to us as we backpacked along a single-track dirt trail, the spring runoff making its way down from the Continental Divide. After 10 miles and more than 1,000 feet of elevation climbing through a remote gully in rural Northern Colorado, I take the new Outdoor Vitals Carbon Evo 50 backpack off and stretch my neck and shoulders. I’m pleased to find that my feet are more sore than my back — a clear indication that this ultralight pack can carry weight with ease.

The Carbon Evo 50 targets thru-hikers, fastpackers, and long-weekend backpackers who want to cut weight without sacrificing structure. The standout feature of the new pack is the exclusive CarbonFlex suspension system, which uses anatomically curved carbon-fiber stays, load lifters, and a redesigned hip belt to comfortably support loads up to 40 pounds — something most ultralight packs struggle to handle.

It aims to bridge the gap between true ultralight gear and practical comfort on longer trips. I took the Carbon Evo 50 backpacking in the Colorado backcountry to see how it performed on the trail.

In short: The Outdoor Vitals Carbon Evo 50 Backpack ($280) balances ultralight weight and real load-carrying performance. It weighs just 30 ounces, yet is made from Robic nylon and Spectra ripstop, making it ultra-durable, with roughly 58L of total capacity (47L internal plus 11L external). With features like an internal hydration bladder sleeve, trekking pole attachment points, and a comfortable hip belt with pockets, it is an ideal pack for thru-hikers and long-distance backpackers.

Check out other packs on GearJunkie’s guide to the Best Backpacking Backpacks.

Outdoor Vitals Carbon Evo 50 Backpack Review

Utah-based Outdoor Vitals is at the epicenter of the ultralight backpacking movement. It focuses solely on ultralight backpacking gear sold directly to consumers for long-distance backpacking and thru-hiking.

Outdoor Vitals founder Tayson Whittaker and his team test the gear in the wild terrain around their Utah headquarters. The brand started with the goal of creating an ultralight pack that can still comfortably carry all the necessary gear and weight for any distance, in any conditions.

Often, the first thing sacrificed when going ultralight on the trail is comfort. Ultralight backpackers are accustomed to forgoing some comforts on the trail that come with carrying more weight. But that’s the benefit of the Carbon Evo 50, which makes all the difference. It is ultralight yet still comfortable and can carry some camp luxuries you might otherwise leave behind.

Layout & Materials

The Carbon Evo 50 pack is simple and straightforward. It has a main rolltop body that Velcroes shut. A top Y-strap secures loads and stores additional gear, such as a sleeping pad or rain layer. There are two pockets for water bottles on the outside. They’re large enough that I could have also stowed my Outdoor Vitals Fortius Trekking Pole Tent in one of them.

There are compression straps on the side above the pockets. However, I would have liked to have another pocket above for additional storage.

On the back of the pack is a stretch pocket that can accommodate any gear you need quick access to. The two hip pockets on the removable hip belt are spacious and easy to access on the go. They made for a great place to store snacks or sunscreen.

The entire pack (size medium) weighs 30 ounces, or around 1 pound, 14 ounces. This is, in part, thanks to the 100D Robic nylon and 200D Spectra ripstop that compose the body of the pack. It’s an ultralight material that also offers great durability for its weight. The bottom of the pack is made from even more durable 210D Robic nylon and 400D Spectra ripstop. It’s a heavier fabric, but still ultralight and offers greater resistance to abrasions and tearing.

CarbonFlex System

The defining difference between the Carbon Evo 50 and other ultralight packs boils down to a CarbonFlex Suspension System. It consists of two tuned carbon fiber rods in the pack that support weight while also flexing with your body. This technology provides the pack with structure and support.

Paired with two shoulder load lifters and a wraparound adjustable padded waist belt, it’s a comfortable carry. Even loaded out with more weight than I usually carry into the backcountry, this pack is comfortable. That gives people wiggle room to carry some extra camp luxuries, like a Kindle, an extra beer or two, or a speaker — if they’re so inclined.

Previously, I have used the Outdoor Vitals CS40 Ultra Pack. The big differences from the prior iteration are the new 50L capacity and the introduction of the CarbonFlex Suspension System. The Spectra ripstop fabric and Ultrastretch mesh are also new for the Carbon Evo 50.

Comfortable Load Hauler

Outdoor Vitals dubbed the new Carbon Evo 50 pack “the evolution of comfort for long-distance backpacking.”

After wearing it for many miles, I’d have to agree. The new pack has the feel and some of the features of a more traditional, heavier backpacking pack. Yet it is still ultralight and easy to use.

I was able to carry a base weight of around 12 pounds, plus another 3 to 6 pounds of water and food, very comfortably throughout my backpacking trip through remote Colorado canyons. Many ultralight packs on the market are basically large, lightweight rucksacks with little structure or support. They may be light, but they are not typically comfortable — especially when you start pushing their weight limits.

In my years of testing ultralight packs, I typically find that they start to feel heavy and uncomfortable at around 20 to 30 pounds. The new Carbon Evo 50 can comfortably support up to 40 pounds, which is pretty heavy for an ultralight pack. I was impressed.

During my hike, I comfortably carried my tent, sleeping pad, food, clothes, gear, and more water than I would normally haul.

To really test out the pack, I carried my standard 1L Smartwater bottle in a side pocket and then filled a 3L bladder and carried it in the pack (it has a detachable sleeve to accommodate bladders). Even with the extra water and weight, I found the pack sat comfortably on my hips and back without pulling or shifting, even while hiking up steeper terrain.

Outdoor Vitals Carbon Evo 50: Who Is It For?

In the field, the Carbon Evo 50 pack performed well. The frame and hip belt let me carry weight with ease. The back panel foam cushion and fully padded load-bearing hip belts also helped make the pack comfy. Small things, such as the adjustable sternum strap and functional load-lifter straps, allowed simple adjustments on the fly. Together, that all made a big difference for long-distance hikes.

The Carbon Evo 50 is comparable in comfort to other heavier backpacks that I’ve worn over the years. The only drawback is that, unlike some models, such as the Shadowlight series, there’s no center or side zipper to access the body of the pack. That means you may have to dig around from the top to find your gear.  

While designed for ultralight backpacking, the 40-pound limit means more casual backpackers can buy this ultralight pack even if they don’t have the ultralight gear to go in it. And for $279, it’s a very competitively priced ultralight pack.

Serious long-distance thru-hikers will see the benefits in Outdoor Vitals’ lightweight design. But entry-level thru-hikers, and more casual ultralight hikers, will as well. This pack is a comfortable middle ground option for almost any multiday backcountry adventure.