Trail Pro
Review
Review
Bikerumor put our Trail Pro 10L Protector Backpack to the test, rating its comfort, fit, and features. Here is an excerpt of their review. To read more, please see the link below.
Words by Jessie-May Morgan
Photos by Finlay Anderson
EVOC released their new line of Trail Pro back protector backpacks for mountain biking, available in 10L, 16L and 26L capacities with two back length options. The new range of packs features EVOC’s new Liteshield PLUS spine protection technology, now wider and more flexible than those that came before it, boasting impact absorption of up to 95%.
We got the EVOC Trail Pro 10L pack in to check out exactly you’re getting when you hand over $220 of your hard earned cash.
The arrival of the new Trail Pro series comes with the first application of EVOC’s newly developed Liteshield PLUS back protection technology shown last summer. Weighing a svelte 168g, the new spine protection is pretty lightweight, with some flex and an ergonomic fit.
The individual elements can move independently and adapt to the rider’s movement so it should always be sat very close to your back no matter what shape you end up in. Safety wise, it is tested to level 2 (EN 1621-2) standards.
What does that actually mean? In the testing procedure, an anvil impactor is dropped onto the back protector. In order for it to meet level two standards, the average peak force recorded below the anvil in the tests must be below 18 kN. And, no single value can exceed 24 kN. More simply, EVOC say the Liteshield PLUS back protector absorbs 95% of the impact energy in a crash.
Where the pack directly interfaces the rider’s back, the same plus shapes can be found in the form of raised pads. These permit further air circulation by creating space between the backpack and the rider’s back.
The EVOC Trail Pro packs borrow a number of features we’ve seen previously on their range of touring backpacks, such as the Explorer Pro reviewed earlier. Cushioned wings that form the waist strap widen from the rider’s front around to the hips, hugging the body comfortably and securely.
The straps themselves are very cushioned and broad enough to distribute weight nicely across your shoulders. Key to shoulder comfort are the brace links, a feature seen more commonly on EVOC’s touring line-up.
The EVOC Trail Pro 10L pack has three pockets in addition to the main compartment. The front pocket has six mesh compartments for keeping small things like tire plugs, tire levers, pump, multi-tool and pressure gauge stowed neatly. It is accessed by a double-pull zipper that’s super easy to use, even if you’re wearing bulky gloves. A velcro patch at the top secures it further.
Unreservedly. If you can stomach the price tag, you won’t be disappointed. Our initial impressions are that this is a high-end, super high quality MTB backpack. Your money pays for high tech back protection and insane levels of adjustability. And, it allows EVOC to produce a pack of two different back lengths.
Not sure which backpack size is right for you? Here's a guide to help you find the best fit for you.