Review: Evoc Freeride Enduro Pack

MoreDirt's David Moore has been putting the Evoc Freeride Enduro hydration pack through it's paces over the past couple of months to see how it holds up.

Most of us who ride your typical trail or enduro style bike wear some form of protection, usually in the form of knee and elbow pads. But how many of us wear any kind of back protection? It's something that had been playing on my mind for a little while as the typical trail here in Mallorca is littered with loose rocks!

There are many options from all of the major players but most are aimed at the downhill market and many combine shoulder or chest protection as well, which for most of our riding would be a bit overkill. Heat build up and comfort are another factors to bear in mind, at the end of the day no protection works if you leave it in the car!

Virtually all of us use hydration packs every time we go for a ride these days and there lies the answer to the back protection question and brings us neatly to subject of this review, the 16ltr Freeride Enduro backpack from Evoc.

First Impressions

So what's so special about it? Well apart from being a top quality bag it comes with a CE certified liteshield back-protector inside which is designed to absorb up to 95% of any impact whilst only adding 145g to the weight of the bag.

My first thought when I unpacked it was how big it looked, but this was partly down to my last pack being a 7ltr Dakine Session and partly to the fact that it needs to be quite long for the back protector to do its job. To do this effectively the pack is also offered in 2 sizes according to body height. The wide waist strap is also an important feature keeping the pack snugly in place.

Storage is divided into 3 main compartments, the tool compartment which has a fold-down flap opening, giving easy access to numerous pockets to stow everything you might need. The main compartment contains the pocket which will take up to a 3ltr bladder(not included) and the back protector but is also big enough to take a jacket, extra layer, knee pads, packed lunch etc. I've yet to fill this yet!

The smaller pocket is designed for sunglasses but for some strange reason also has a clip for your keys, not a good combination I would of thought! It also has a couple of pockets for your phone and wallet. At the base of the pack is a small zipped compartment holding a couple of straps to carry your knee/elbow pads if you don't want to stow them inside.

There are also two handy elasticated pockets on either side so you can put your gloves, snacks or whatever and can get at them without removing the pack. Also of note is the helmet carry system which allows you to carry a open face inside the pouch or a full face by hooking the chin guard through the straps. A nice touch is the whistle which is part of the sternum strap clip so its right where you need it in an emergancy.

On The Trail

In use, once you have adjusted the straps so that waist band sits just above your hips it feels comfortable and secure. I was expecting it to be quite stiff but in reality the segmented construction of the back protector allows it to follow the curve of you spine. The plus side to the extra length I mentioned earlier is that for its volume the bag has quite a low profile, so even stuffed to the gills the weight is kept close to your body and I really noticed the fact that it wasn't bouncing around like backpacks I've used in the past.

Its a close fit in order to protect your back as you would expect, which does leave you a bit sweaty, but so far not overly hot. I've used it on every ride for the last 2 months up long steep climbs and fast teeth rattling descents and I can honestly say that it's the most comfortable bag I've ever used!

The Bottom line

Price wise it's not a cheap bag by any means, but you do get a lot of bag for your money. The only downside is that it doesn't come with a hydration bladder, but at least this way you can use your favorite type. All in all its a very comfortable, well made backpack that I would recomend it even if it didn't have the back protector.

So if you are in the market for a new backpack have a look at what Evoc have to offer, you never know it might turn out to be the best decision you ever made.

For more information on Evoc follow the link www.evocsports.com

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