Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22 hydration pack review
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Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22 hydration pack review

An affordable, feature-packed lightweight backpack that offers exceptional value

Our rating

4

90.00
80.00

Andy Lloyd / Our Media

Published: September 2, 2024 at 9:00 am

Our review
A well-organised hydration backpack that's comfortable and lightweight, but improved airflow would give it top marks

Pros:

Even weight distribution; lightweight; organised compartments; rain cover included; large side pockets; good value for money

Cons:

Little airflow between back and pack; thin material

The Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr’ 22 is a lightweight hydration backpack, weighing 385g with a capacity of 22 litres.

Its design includes two compartments, along with two easily accessible side pockets and a zippered hip-belt compartment.

Adjustability is a key feature, with customisable shoulder straps, a hip belt buckle and a chest strap, all crafted from breathable materials that are aimed to enhance comfort during rides.

Priced at £80 / €90, the Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr 22 is available in one size, measuring 50x28x16cm.

Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22 spec details

Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22l hydration pack
The lack of sufficient airflow made for a sweaty back. Andy Lloyd / Our Media

Designed with 'performance-orientated' riders in mind, the Scott pack features a specialised carry system for an open-face helmet, complete with a claimed quick and easy attachment mechanism.

Additionally, a dedicated bike tool pocket is intended to keep your tools in an organised manner so they can be easily accessed, while an internal zippered pocket keeps valuables secure.

Although a rain cover is included in the price, it's worth noting that a hydration bladder must be purchased separately, priced at £39.99 / €34.95 for a two-litre option.

Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22 performance

Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22l hydration pack
The helmet carry is not compatible with all helmet designs. Andy Lloyd / Our Media

The Trail Lite Evo Fr’ 22 stands out as lighter than many hydration packs, at 385g – 245g lighter than the Alpkit Presta 25L I tested it alongside.

The low weight makes this an excellent choice for international travel because it can fit easily into a suitcase or bike bag.

I found this backpack to be incredibly comfortable on both my back and shoulders, with consistent weight distribution regardless of how full it was.

Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22
Weight distribution felt even on the shoulders and hips, no matter how full the backpack was. Andy Lloyd / Our Media

The lightweight shoulder straps sat smoothly and comfortably, and even though the waistband is thin, it didn't cause any discomfort, even in a more aggressive riding position.

Thanks to its lightweight feel and effective weight distribution, the backpack never impeded my riding, no matter how challenging the trails.

The internal compartments are well-designed for keeping your gear organised. There's ample room for everything you need on long mountain days, and finding gear is easy without having to dig through the entire backpack.

Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22l hydration pack
Although it's small, the zippered hip pocket has its uses. Andy Lloyd / Our Media

Scott has really nailed the organisational aspect of this pack, while keeping the weight and bulk minimal. The large side pockets are easily accessible and spacious enough for extra water, snacks or layers.

The included rain cover adds protection from the elements and increases visibility in murky weather, enhancing safety.

While there are many positives, there are a few drawbacks that affected the pack's score. It lacks sufficient airflow, leading to a sweaty back and discomfort, which might be a trade-off for its lightweight design.

Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22l hydration pack
The rain cover is included in the price. Andy Lloyd / Our Media

Additionally, the material is very thin and not as rugged as some of its rivals, which may affect its durability. However, there were no signs of wear after three months of testing.

Scott advertises the helmet carry for open-face helmets and while it works well with some designs, not all helmets are compatible.

Helmets with an internal cradle or lacking air vents on the top – such as the Giant Rail – may require creative strap usage to secure them properly to the Trail Lite Evo Fr’ 22.

Hydration packs | How we tested

It's important on long rides that a backpack is comfortable and practical, no matter what terrain you're tackling.

We reviewed a selection of hydration backpacks with a larger capacity (20-35 litres) for big days on the mountain or long trail days when you need to take a bit more gear with you.

To test these hydration backpacks, we took them on all-day rides in a variety of locations, including the Tweed Valley in Scotland, England's Lake District and trails in South Wales, both fully packed and half-empty, to see how they fare with different loads.

Where possible, we packed the same equipment into each bag to give a true comparison.

Hydration packs on test

  • Alpkit Presta 25 litre
  • CamelBak H.A.W.G. Pro 20 Hydration Pack with 3L Reservoir
  • Evoc FR Trail Blackline 20
  • Osprey Escapist 30
  • Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22 Pack
  • Vaude Bike Alpin 30 + 5

Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22 bottom line

Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22l hydration pack
The internal storage is simple and effective, keeping everything safely in place. Andy Lloyd / Our Media

I really enjoyed using this backpack overall. It's comfortable during rides, has a stylish appearance and offers great functionality for long days on the bike.

Its lightweight design, organisational features and comfortable straps contribute to its appeal.

However, the lack of airflow became a noticeable issue for me on hot days. It's a bit disappointing because, otherwise, this backpack would have been my go-to choice for extended mountain rides.

Product

Brand scott
Price 90.00 EUR,80.00 GBP
Weight 385.0000, GRAM (22l) -

Features

br_bagCapacity 22.0000
br_bagCapacity LITER
br_bladderCapacity 3.0000
br_bladderCapacity LITER
Features Bladder: Bladder not included