My Favorite Mountain Biking Equipment

Familiarity:

I've put it through the wringer

Fit:

True to size

I just love this bag, its functional and looks sick. Theres something to be said about owning high quality stuff, I bump into during the day, stop and admire it for a sec and get excited about riding later on. The pack fits really well, I use it with a full 3 liter evoc bladder, some tools, keys etc and it feels like it™s part of my body. The top compartment has a secure hook where I attach my car keys cause God forbid Ill lose them on the trail. It also has side pockets which come in handy. According to the size chart I should of gotten a size small but being on the husky side having a long torso I went with the medium, the fit is perfect. Lastly, one of the strap clips doubles as a whistle, I thought that was a nice touch. UPDATE: Today I fell on my back, while taking a post ride selfie of all things, well, everything went in slow motion and I was dreading the rocky ground but was nicely surprised as it felt like landing on a mattress. The bladder had about a liter and a half and its intact. I’m so glad I bought this bag. SECOND UPDATE: Went otb onto some rocks, flipped and landed on my back. Again, it was like having an airbag, my back felt comfortable and the water bladder didn't even get damaged. All this while screaming "get the bike!!" Lol

Raul Rodriguez

Your back will thank you later

Uphill is going to be tough, you will certainly feel the different, but once you get to the top, this think will stick to your back, protecting you on the way down. Love how it allow you to securely stow a full face helmet, or just the chin bar.

Kelly

excellent for bombing downhill!

Familiarity:

I've used it several times

This is my first EVOC product and so far quality seems superb. Attention to detail, quality materials, very nice finishing on par with my Osprey Raptor Pack. Biggest pro of this pack for me is that it rides very close to your back it's very slim and doesn't tend to bounce around side to side on your pack, very different fell compared to the Raptor which is narrower and a little deeper which causes it to bounce a little bit when going down fast over kickers, rock gardens and that kinda stuff. My torso was ~46cm which would put me in the M/L but after trying both FR Lite M/L and FR Lite Team S I went with the small since the M/L was getting into the back of my neck and would definitely cause issues when using a helmet. Things I like it: +very secure waist belt, it's great better than even my Mammut ski pack thanks to the wide (guessing 4" or so) velcro belt, it took me a couple of rides to get used to how up the belt is located compared to the Osprey but it's out of the way now. +shoulder strap and belt pockets, great for on the go gels/bars, one could even carry a minimalist emergency kit in one of the waist belt pockets, they are good size! +back protector. added security, can be placebo but why not use given the pack fits you. +excellent helmet carry system both 1/2 lid and full face. It works great with my Forefront and Fox Rampage helmets. Things that could be better: -hydration exit port for the hose is made as if the hose would go towards your right shoulder, when the pack is clearly made to have the hose on the left shoulder, that's a clear execution mistake -not the best for organization. The pack has 4 compartments. The lower one in the front I use for tools (CB multitool, tire lever, tube) + emergency kit. There is a front compartment that I use to carry my elbow sleeves + my medical supplies (diabetes monitor and glucose gels), could fit a very compact jacket, would fit my TLD ruckus jackets. The main compartment is also used for the hydration bladder (there is a sleeve), I also carry my pump and sometimes a shock pump if I'm experimenting stuff, that's where I carry an extra layer. There is also a small wallet, phone, key pocket. Now the issue is not lack of space but the way the pack is designed being very slim it makes organizing stuff difficult, you have to keep things spread across the entire pack, there is no stuff sack kind pocket in the pack. I'm not sure it would be possible to make it better given the design of the pack, it's just something I dislike and trying to get used to. -hot! The pack will definitely keep your back and waist area hot. I climb with the velcro open and waist belt very loose, and only adjust them for descent, makes climbing much more comfortable. Now this is definitely not a problem for descents, it's actually a big pro since it keeps the pack very secure to your back. In the end this is a great back for 3 to 4 hours rides, definitely would want something bigger for a full day out.

Marcel