Currently sitting in the airport in São Paulo Brazil. Have this bag by my side (500d in ranger green). Here for the second time on a mission trip. From using is as a carry on for long flights, to trecking through the streets in northern Brazil, to using is as an weekend bag, it is about perfect. The materials are top notch. The zippers are smooth and feel like they will last a long time. The organization is exceptional. The space is adequate; I would almost say just right. Not to big, not to small. Even in the Brazilian heat, my back didn’t get to hot. It handles weight well. It is about the perfect bag, and I have it thanks to your reviews. Keep it up!
Thank you so very much for this review. I purchased it based on your review and I received it today in the mail. All I can say is you nailed it brother.
Got this pack in ranger green, today, for edc. I spend alot of time in the woods, in a boat, and occasional travel and trips to town. Loaded it up with my edc gear and everything fits nicely! Has the perfect look for around my area and fits like a glove. Thanks George for the great review!
Hey George, what I decided to do was just get a cheap neoprene luggage handle for the ev1.5 and it helps tremendously to manipulate the bag and add comfort.
Sorry but there are a few small corrections George, the laptop section is in fact lifted off the bottom and well padded. Also, all of the zippers are in fact #8. I know many have asked Helm to make the main zippers #10 but that’s my only minor gripe as well! I’m also thinking of doing surgery and removing the Velcro molle from the main compartment to remove some unnecessary weight
Looks like a great bag. I really like your reviews. So detailed, and not just regurgitating marketing from the manufacturer. Keep it up. I’ll keep watching and learning. 👍
Great review George!! I use two Matroskya pouches on the D rings inside the main compartment on mine. Love the bag and feel like it’s just about perfect in every aspect. Glad to see you’re enjoying yours as well. Cheers!!
Hit the nail on the head! My bag just got in today (saw it first from your post couple of days ago). ! Love it! LOVE IT! Couldn’t agree more about the zippers. Also think the cinch down straps for the shoulder harness are a bit too long. Going to have to cut them. Bag is amazing. They need to make a hiking pack! Got all the bells and whistles. Also picked up the Messenger bag chio I think it’s called. Fits my large iPad Pro and chargers and what not. Anyway thanks for finding this under reviewed back! Great video! PS The shipping came really fast it said preorder but got to me 4 days! I’ll put together a mini review of the accessories I got. Again well done Sir!!!
Thanks to your review I will most definitely be ordering this bag once it restocks. But wanted to say that they've linked your review as a great source of information (for the backpack) on their website! Greetings from Croatia!
Ok George. I ordered this pack because of your video. It just came in today ( ordered 3 days ago and have it already!!!! Crazy fast shipping!!). Loaded it up and ready to use it tomorrow. Thanks for the reviews!!!! Great job!
I watched your review a couple of times. I bought this bag without the computer compartment. Really like this bag a lot. You’re were right when you said this bag is the ish. Thanks for the detailed review, you helped in my decision. Love the channel.
Very coincidental that the last three numerals in the opening sequence is 556. Hmmm... If my original version Blackhawk 3 Day Assault Pack had that kind of organization and add on options, i wouldnt need another bag. Great review as always. One.
Thanks for the detailed review. I just ordered this bag in ranger green based on your review. Hopefully they add waist straps in matching color some day.
Thank you for review, I pre-ordered and waiting for my 500d gray. It may take another 10 days to arrive to Japan (not by air) so until then, I will keep watching your video !
Great in depth review! After some research with your video ive decided on making this my first quality edc bag, waiting on my 1050d lite version now. thanks!
I wish I could have gotten this backpack since it looks so good from your review. The only thing is that I just bought the 5.11 rush12 and the cost to get this backpack to Canada is way too expensive.
Just like you I'm on EDC Forums. Its where I learned about Vanquest, Alpha One Niner, TAD, and every other company that I've bought bags from. When I started there I had a Condor sling bag and that was it. Now I've got 7 different bags all serving different purposes. I use the Evade 2.0 as my GHB and it lives in my car. I really like the improvements I've seen on the 1.5, Where they run the shock cord on the front, and OH MAN that 1000D nylon I Would run the hell out of that.
Awesome review, George! I've been binge watching EDC bag reviews lately, and out of a field of dozens of contenders I've narrowed it down to just four. So hard to DECIDE: 1) Alpha One Niner Evade 1.5 (25L, $195); 2) Mystery Ranch Urban Assault 24 (24L, $165); 3) North Face Borealis (28L, $62); 4) Topo Design Rover Tech (24L, $129).
@@GeorgeDEFINED Hah. That's why I listed Topo last, after the cheaper NF Borealis. I still like the Topo despite it basically being a nicely made "bucket bag" without many pockets. (Clamshell designs are definitely easier for access). Thanks!... I'll probably buy whichever goes on firesale first...
Great review, nice bag, pain in the (blank) company. Can’t stand companies where you can’t just go online and order stuff. There’s always some issue and “pre-order” BS with a friggin’ crazy wait. I’ve decided not to deal with companies that do this. So the Aer 2 is still the front runner, as my search continues. Thanks for the great review as always.
Thanks for your video. I honestly watched this about 4 times before hitting the buy button on a new Evade 1.5. I will be using this to replace my GR1 (I know, unthinkable right?). I would love to see a comparison video on how they stack up against each other. Great channel, keep up the good work!
@@RBproductionsss The Evade is honestly the best pack I've ever owned. All the things I didn't like about the GR1 the evade fixed. It honestly wins in every category. I have no complaints.
Hi George! Thank you for all these bag reviews. Have you ever looked at the Mixed Works Falcon? Keep up the good work! You're videos are really informative and relaxing :)
Maybe if there is a 3.0 version, the laptop compartment would also have the option for a water bladder. So far, of all the EDC bags I've seen. (Many!) This one looks to be the most perfect. I especially like the water bottle holders. Seriously considering getting this bag. Quite pricey though!
The mystery ranch is better for packing stuff but terrible for EDC since it doesn't have compartments. Its really just a top pocket and a huge main compartment. This Alpha has a ton more organization.
Great review George, thanks for doing these. I've watched this a couple times in the past year as I'm still not satisfied with my work bag. Any chance you could tell me the dimensions of the laptop you used in the video? My work computer measures 15.75" by 10.5", it's big, so wondering if it will actually fit in the computer compartment. Thanks!
Hey, George, great review, I'm considering buying the Full version. Can you tell me the dimensions of the laptop you're using in the video? Thanks in advance.
I'm a 511 fan But this bag I like, seems great Only thing i consider, is what pouches have velcro to stick in main compartment? Great review, keep it up
How would you say the quality is vs a GORUCK bag? Thanks for a great in depth review. Man I love the organization, with the removal options, as well as the CCW compartment! Have you done any reviews with Vertx?
GORUCK is TANK! This is a Humv. Both will last a long time. The GORUCK sewing is almost over sewn, if that were ever a thing. I think they serve to different purposes. It's like asking who is better Lebron or Jordan? If I could only choose one , I would pick the Alpha One Niner its half the price for the 500 Cordura version. See ya
Another top shelf review friend 👍 I’ve got the original evade as well. How much bigger is this one ? I don’t carry a lot of stuff daily and as much as I like this bag I don’t need an overly large pack. Got a GR mission attaché on order as well.
Hi ! Please I really need an answer.. I’m going for a world tour soon, and this will be my edc backpack (hiking, bushcraft, visiting, etc etc etc ). Do you think I should take the 500D or 1050 ? I’m looking to gain weight but I need something resistant too… THANKS A LOT 🤜🏼🤛🏼
Hi George thanks for this amazing review, what’s the difference between the 500D and the 1050 ballistic nylon. Also r these bags waterproof or water resistant
"D" stands for Denier referring to the weight of the thread of the nylon webbing. The 1050 thread is double as heavy. At least with Cordura this does NOT mean, that the fabric is twice as heavy, as the density of the weave is higher on 500 D Cordura, giving it a more refined surface. On most packs, the fabric is coated, meaning it will be waterproof.
thanks for the great review. I was looking for EDC, I had a look at their website , unfortunately all Evade are sold out, do you know when would they do restock? all the best in 2020.
Looks like the have a few left.. May not be the colors you wanted.. I'm not sure about a restock. Send a message on Facebook Helm is pretty responsive. See ya
Great reviews! If interested I’ve got NWT packs you haven’t reviewed I’d be willing to trade for. To big for me and they need your reviews. Bellroy Shift and a Brooks England Sparkhill. Keep the videos coming!!
Hey George, I hate that you introduced me to this bag because now I have to buy it. Would you recommend this bag for heavy use biking? If not, anything else?
Heavy biking.. Nope.. Osprey Tropos or Radial would be my suggestions.. this pack is too heavy and the venting is good.. but not biking in June and July good. These are my limited suggestions but I'm not a big cycling guy.. I wish I could be more help! See ya ✌🏾
Hi George any chance you could compare the evade to the PDW SHADO backpack? similar tactical backpack with different layout style. Cheers mate for the review.
George DEFINED I actually have a GR1 and that’s the first thing I compared this pack with. Btw you should take a look at Evergoods and Mystery ranch assault packs
@@raycontego3276 I have really been thinking about reviewing those packs but they have been reviewed to death. I'm not sure what else I can add to the conversation? What do you think?
Hi George. Would this pack work good as an EDC work bag for an oudoor job? I am a Park Maintenance worker and need to carry... -my lunch, 40oz hydroflask and 32oz hydroflask -2 pairs of gloves -goggles -some small tools like Felco clippers -a lite jacket, beanie and extra socks -suncreen and lip balm -2 kinds of medication -a pen and other small items
@@GeorgeDEFINED one more question. Will the 420 diamond ripstop stand up to tough outdoor use or should I go with the 500D Cordura? Was thinking ripstop because it's a little lighter, but I do need it to be tough.
Hey, just wanted to say thanks very much for the great content. How's this pack in the rain? I live in a country where it rains a lot so that's a big consideration for me personally. Thanks 🙏
George DEFINED I would agree with your assessment, I also have the latest greenroom136 rainmaker large without the rain flaps. For me the EV1.5 is king of the hill, #2 for me would be my madden equipment #1 backpack (discontinued, made in USA goodness), #3 would be the greenroom136 rainmaker as it’s pretty large for EDC but doable if you carry a lot. Keep up the good work bro!
@@GeorgeDEFINED your videos are amazing thank you! Subbed and looking forward to more. Why GoRuck? I’m currently in same boat as four star, JW why you would choose GR besides organizing?
@@Tac.Outdoors both bags are awesome to start. For me the 26L goruck give me more options for travel and I like the wide open main compartment. If I wanted a pure edc bag I think I would lean more toward the evade.
@@GeorgeDEFINED Thanks for the reply. I went with the Gamut because I liked the exterior styling better and because of the organization. Really tough choice. Can't go wrong either way.
