Reviewing the Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger Backpack
Proving that optimization can be a better path to success than innovation
From a design philosophy standpoint, the Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger epitomizes optimization rather than innovation. On one hand, it looks like most every other gray-colored Cottage Industry ultralight pack available these days, bringing little new to the table. On the other, it is highly effective, functional, well-made, and fine-tuned, creating a new and slightly distinct combination of desirable materials and features with great specs and no major flaw. In short, it’s one of many great ultralight backpack worth considering at the >$300 price point, perhaps held back from true greatness only by lack of distinction.
Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger Review Stats
- Weight: 32.0 oz
- Price: $330
- Materials: Challenge EcoPak Ultra, Venom UL stretch mesh
- Frame: Dual aluminum stays, foam back sheet
- Load Capacity: 35 lbs
- Internal Volume: 48L
- External Volume : 12L
- Accessorize: water bottle sleeve, shoulder strap pocket, pack liner, Y-strap
- Compare to its peers: ULA Ultra Circuit, HMG Unbound, Zpacks Arc Haul, Durston Kakwa
- Pros: No major flaws! Ultralight. Waterproof composite fabric. Good stretch mesh. Recycled materials. Great pockets, including bottom pocket. Made in USA.
- Cons: Lacks distinction. No horizontal frame structure. Non-aerated back panel. Incomplete seam taping.
Compare to more great options in our guide to the best ultralight backpacks.
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Expanded Pros
No major flaws: I literally write nitpicky ultralight backpack reviews for a living, and found no major issues with the Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger. Compared to many reviews I’ve written about attempts from mainstream outdoor brands to design an “ultralight pack”, this is good clean livin’.
Ultralight. At 32 oz for the size regular, it hits the bulls eye dead on for ultralight weight. It’s not pushing any boundaries, rather, it’s exactly what we’d expect of a high caliber performance ultralight pack that costs >$300.
Waterproof, sustainable composite fabric. The Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger is made primarily with EcoPak ULTRA from Challenge Sail Cloth. This composite waterproof fabric contains 20 recycled plastic water bottles per square yard and is also quite durable. Notably, the pack itself is not fully seam taped and despite its waterproof fabric, is merely water-resistant in totality.
Good stretch mesh. UHMWPE stretch mesh is our preferred material for backpack pockets because it holds items in place without bouncing, expands to volumize as-needed, and is highly durable and water resistant. It is like the best of both words between traditional stretch mesh and pleated static fabric. All of the stretch mesh here is from a brand named Venom, with a burlier version used on the bottom pocket, and a lighter version on the upper pockets. This material is made with recycled nylon.
Large pockets generally, includes bottom pocket. We love large pockets, and the Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger does not disappoint. The front mesh external pocket is simply massive, likely capable of storing all of your day use gear and then some. The side bottle pockets and hip belt pockets are both above average, but closer to it than the front pocket. Another bonus feature we’re glad to see is the bottom pocket, accessible from the right side. This is a good place to store a few small handy items, like hat and gloves.
Expanded Cons
Lacking distinction: As we’ve stated repeatedly, nothing about the Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger stands out as unique. It looks like all of the other ultralight packs, it’s not the lightest nor most durable option possible (though it is both lightweight and durable), and it doesn’t introduce any new concepts or features. It is just a really well-optimized version of many ultralight packs we’ve seen before it. Space Ranger proves you don’t need to re-invent the wheel in order to succeed in designing something great, but that you might actually want to reinvent something in order to stand out in a crowded marketplace of great options.
Frame lacks horizontal structure: The vertical-only stays are not connected by any horizontal structure, which reduces maximum possible weight transfer potential from shoulders to hips. See ULA Circuit, Durston Kakwa or Zpacks Arc Haul for example. But for moderate loads, (it’s rated to 35 lbs max) these dual aluminum stays are perfectly sufficient.
Non-aerated back panel: While back panel aeration is nice to have, we know it’s not strictly necessary, is often over-valued, and doesn’t make a world of difference. That being, some folks strongly prefer it, and it’s generally considered desirable. See the ULA Circuit, for example.
Incomplete seam taping: While the horizontal seams are taped (with Ultra TNT which is cool), many of the long structural ones tracing the length of the pack are not. Fully seam taping this pack would be a minor performance upgrade.
You Should or Should Not Choose Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger if
As part of our Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger Review, we want to help readers decide if its a good choice for them. And the good news… it likely is!
Choose it if:
- You go backpacking! Seriously, this is a great choice for anyone and all experience levels
- You want a high performance pack made of recycled materials
- You value a voluminous external storage pockets
- You want a tried and true design concept, rather than pushing boundaries with cutting edge tech
- You love Darwin on the Trail YouTube
Don’t Choose it if:
- You already own a top tier ultralight backpack that serves you well (the Space Ranger is likely as good, but not a major upgrade)
- You have a very low bulk kit, in which case the 48L main compartment is going to be overkill (consider something smaller like the ULA Ultra Circuit SV)
- You are budget shopping, in which case options that are nearly as good can be found for $50-100 less
Vs the competition
ULA Ultra Circuit vs Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger: Key differentiators are that the ULA Ultra Circuit costs $50 more, is made with more durable fabric, has a stiffened aerated back panel, and utilizes an inverted u-shaped frame. The Space Ranger is a few ounces lighter weight and has a bottom pocket, but in large part, these packs are extremely similar.
HMG Unbound vs Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger: Key differentiators are that the HMG Unbound is $70 more expensive, made with DCF instead of EcoPak Ultra, and is completely seam taped. The Space Ranger has two aluminum frame stays, vs Unbound’s single stay. Weight, pocket configuration, and most other features are identical. These packs are very similar.
Zpacks Arc Haul vs Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger: Key differentiators are that the Zpacks Arc Haul is about nine ounces lighter, fully seam taped, $130 more expensive (when dual hip belt pockets are added), and is built with an external frame plus suspended mesh back panel for better aeration. The Space ranger has superior Venom UHMWPE grid stretch mesh, a bottom pocket, and a more durable frame. These two are the least similar within the roundup.
Durston Kakwa vs Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger: Key differentiators are that the Durston Kakwa is $60 less expensive, built with a more durable fabric (ultra 200x), has an inverted u-shaped frame, features a bonus side pocket, and has built in shoulder strap pockets. The Evolved Supply Co Space ranger utilizes superior stretch mesh fabric, has a more sustainable fabric, bottom pocket, and gets a lumbar cushion.
Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger Review Conclusion
It may not be pushing any design boundaries, but the bottom line is that Evolved Supply Co Space Ranger is a really great ultralight backpack. Careful attention to detail and a smart combination of features and materials make it effective and without any major flaws. You’re all but guaranteed to like this pack!
