EVOC Reviews: Bike Backpacks

Backpacks have long been a staple in outdoor recreation. No wonder, they’re a practical way to carry extra gear and provisions in just about any environment. Yet the humble backpack has seen lots of advancements over the years.

At EVOC, we have focused on improving this time tested classic piece of gear through durable construction and the implementation of features to offer things like convenient hydration and integrated injury protection. Here is what some gear testers have said about our packs:

Stage 12 by Bikeradar

A highly practical, good-looking, comfortable and well-sorted pack that’s become my go-to bag for pretty much every ride...The bag is deceptively large and happily swallowed a full 3-litre bladder, snacks, tools and a tube. Once loaded, the bag hid its weight well, transferring most of the bulk through the padded section into my hips rather than hanging off my shoulders.

It’s fair to say that the EVOC Stage 12l is one of the best packs I have used in a long time thanks to a multitude of storage compartments, a comfortable and easy to adjust design and well thought out features such as the helmet carrying options. It’s good looking, doesn’t weigh a ton or cost the earth either. Read more on Bikeradar.

Trail Pro 16  by Pinkbike

Coming from riding EVOC's Neo 16l for the last year, I was excited to get my hands on the Trail Pro in the same size. The Neo was my go-to for its fit over anything else. The pack didn't shift on me when riding technical trails and was easy to manage various weights, whether loaded down or running light, it fit well, something other packs struggled with. My main complaint with that pack was the heat from the back protector.

Enter the Trail Pro. Although my riding with the pack has been limited, it's been enough to get a really excellent impression of how it performs. The pack stays in place and doesn't move on rough terrain. The hip belt is comfortable and supportive, and the overall weight of the pack is substantially less than the Neo, a huge plus. It seems much more ventilated, which is also a benefit on warmer days or on rides where you're putting out a lot of effort. Read more on Pinkbike.

Trail Pro 16 by Singletracks

There are a few things that make a good pack for mountain biking, some are mandatory, and some are preferred. The pack should be reasonably lightweight, because mountain bikers like to complain about that sort of thing. The back panel should not be a heat trap, because who wants a soaked jersey at the end of the ride? The pack should hold at least 2L of water, because any less can be accomplished in a hip pack or water bottle.

One of the other requirements I see, and this goes for backpacking packs too, is that the weight of the pack and its contents should be supported by the wearers’ hips instead of their shoulders. Not only does this stabilize the load, but it makes for less pain on the wearer’s shoulders and upper body. The pack should have organization that is sensitive to a rider’s needs and have good cargo space. Every EVOC pack I’ve worn does a good job with these duties, but the Trail Pro 16 performs these tasks exceptionally well. Read more on Singletracks.