POC VPD 2.0 Spine pack Review

POC describe the shoulder straps as being ‘sturdy’ and ‘ergonomically cut’, both of which are accurate descriptions; the shoulder straps have an unusual curved shape, with all the stitching on the outside, so that surface that is against the user is completely smooth.

Heat molded back and ergonomic straps

There is an adjustable chest strap that slides up or down in order to position it in the correct position. The back of the pack is heavily padded, with seven raised pads providing double thickness padding in key areas.

This padding, added with the VPD back protector, which is inserted into the inside of the pack, make it extremely rigid. That’s not to say that comfort is compromised; in fact, the ergonomics are excellent, and once you are wearing the pack it is very comfortable, especially considering that first and foremost the VPD 2.0 is protective equipment. There is no compromise made in terms of the practicality and comfort of the pack against the rigidity of the VPD padding.

Fully adjustable and padded

Thankfully, I never put the VPD padding to the test. I took a few tumbles but nothing to seriously test POC’s claims that the VPD padding absorbs multiple impacts. Once or twice friends thought it would be a good idea to test out the VPD whilst I was wearing it by hitting it, poking it with ski poles and even a D-lock. I can vouch that, aside from being quite irritating, I felt very little impact through it.

Insertable VPD padding

The padding is simple to remove – or add!

If you ever needed to, the back protector can be easily removed. I found this handy when using the pack around town as a more conventional rucksack.
 

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