Evoc has been making some of the best mountain bike hydration packs for a while now and the Evoc range has always scored and tested well when the Bike Perfect team has tested and reviewed Evoc products like the highly rated Evoc Hip Pack Pro 3L. The brand aims to have riders covered and well-equipped for the best mountain bike adventures from one-day blasts with their Evoc hip packs to multi-day epics with their protector and hydration backpacks.
Evoc is already on its new model range for the 2024 season and will be showing some of the highlights at this weekend's Sea Otter Classic. We got a snapshot of what's coming before the show and had a look at some of the highlights and improvements for the new season.
Air Flow Contact System
Evoc has had various versions of keeping riders cool while riding and wearing a backpack in its previous models, and for the new season, they have completely reengineered the design and now bring the Air Flow Contact System to several models. Featuring an optimized design with the use of performance, and highly breathable materials, Evoc says the system will offer superior comfort in any situation and is their most effective ventilation system yet.
Evoc adds that the new design now enables a superior tight fit and also gives neutral load distribution and avoids around the shoulders, neck and back while riding. The tight fit they add also ensures there is no wobbling on the trail even in the tightest corners or the most gnarly sections.
The heart of the AFCS is the back section with a 3D molded stabilizer with preformed ribs aimed to provide the necessary stability to avoid buckling while riding, specifically positioned flex areas are also added so that the backpack adapts ergonomically to the unique back shape of every rider itself and any movement. Wide ventilation channels between EVA foam pads and a coarser, but claimed highly robust and comfortable mesh ensure noticeable air circulation from previous models.
Stage 12 Backpack
The Stage range is a brand classic and comes in a variety of sizes from six to eighteen-liter capacity with lightweight performance and a focus on perfect fit, protection and heat reduction across the range.
With its updated AFCS, the new Stage 12 ensures ideal weight distribution, as well as supreme ventilation
Evoc says the new Stage 12 pack sits perfectly close to the body to avoid those sketchy load shifts. Fit and comfort have been enhanced with better integration of the Evoc Brace Link, which is a unique adjustment system for adapting the fit to cater for a rider's shoulder width. There are also redesigned seamless shoulder straps among many other details that include a tool compartment which Evoc says can be opened and closed with one hand, capacity for up to two-liter hydration bladders, a helmet holder, and an environmentally friendly PVC-free finish.
Hip Pack Pro 3
The Hip Pack Pro 3 is designed to feel that a rider will hardly notice they are wearing it. Evoc says it's the most unrestrictive way to bring tools, provisions, and rain jackets. It features wide hip wings with zippered pockets, the perforated, comfortable Airo Flex belt and again the new Air Flow Contact System. The Evoc unique Venti Flap is claimed to enhance ventilation uphill and a firmer fit downhill. It’s compatible with hydration systems and also sports a bottle holder.
Hydro Pro 6 vest
The Hydro Pro 6 ventilation vest comes packed with useful features. Developed for high performance, the extra lightweight hydration backpack is said to be capable of storing all your essentials without you even feeling you are wearing it. The brand says the carrying system and the low profile make it fit like a glove, while simultaneously offering a high degree of ventilation.
Designed to sit on the upper back, it should provide freedom of movement and access to jersey pockets. Despite the ultra-slim profile, it comes with a 1.5-litre hydration bladder, as well as space for bars, gels and other ride essentials. The capacity can be reduced efficiently if required by the use of handy compression straps. The Pro 6 is also made from recycled nylon taffeta with a PFC-free finish.
If you are lucky enough to be attending the Sea Otter Classic this weekend you can get hands-on with new models at the Evoc booth and check them out online at Evocsports.com. Pricing at this time is still to be confirmed and we hope to have a ride test on these very soon.
