which Evoc pack with protector

reading that thread about back injuries, and my trusty Camelbak Mule needs replaced. Any reccomendations for same sized Evoc one, with the integrated back protector ? I want to use the 3L Camelback bladder in it.

Thanks

edit how about this one ?[/url]

Any of them are good IMO. I have a 16l freeride (black) which I was thinking of selling if you’re interested. Only due to lack of use really – as I bought it with the intention of using in the alps. The reality is it’s only been used 3-4 times in the UK.

Ditto. Read the article and want to replace my camelback. My mate has the enduro black line but think it is a bit small to use as a day pack.

prezet – thank but suspect I’d be better with the slightly larger Trail Blackline one, at 20L

No worries – they are good though. The only minor criticism I think I could make is the waist belt is quite chunky, and while it gives a feeling of protection, it can also get rather warm.

I have the FR Enduro one from sportpursuit for £71. I like it. It’s got a bigger footprint than most because of the back protector but it’s comfy. Think I’ll chop the massive velcro belt bit off though, feels too bulky, like wearing a weightlifting belt backwards.

Hi prezet, any more details, might be interested looking for an Evoc at the moment?

OP – Had that one and flogged it. Wrong back length for me when it got steep. The protector pushed into the back of my neck, so get the right back length one to start with.

I’ve not replaced it with a shorter back length, as the whole sac is a total zip fest – I could never find anything. Just give me a bladder pocket and a security pocket.

File under over engineered German stuff.

Hth
Marko

Hi prezet, any more details, might be interested looking for an Evoc at the moment?

Drop me a line, powell[dot]lee[at]gmail[dot]com – and I can sort out some details and pictures for you.

Thanks Marko – yes, they do look quite long, however I have a long back so hoping the M/L works. It will be used for trail riding, no Enduro…

thanks prezet, email sent

think I’ll give that Trail Blackline one a punt from Wiggle, can always send back if doesnt feel comfy in the house !

I have the Evoc FR Trail Blackline, and it’s a great pack.

You wont get the kitchen sink in it, but i cant imagine wanting carry more stuff than you could fit in there, unless you plan some Alping guiding.

It’s not overly long in the back, (mines a M/L) but the waist strap is indeed quite chunky. I got used to that pretty quickly tho’ and i think it’s part of the reason why it feels like it’s very comfy and stays where you want it.

Got it for the Alps trip because of the protector, but use it all the time now.

Evoc is for da kidz Iain, it’s a saga pack you’re after!.

^^^^ can I get your loyalty bonus card nobeer ? 🙂

I’m a mere cherub Mr C!

🙂 🙂

The only minor criticism I think I could make is the waist belt is quite chunky, and while it gives a feeling of protection, it can also get rather warm.

I used to have a Camelback Hawg NV and ended up with an episode of back spasmns up on Highstreet and I blame the pack. It carried the weight in the wrong place and constantly shifted about. I’d get home from a big ride and big crippled after un packing everything.

I bought an FR Enduro Blackline 16L last year and I’ve never looked back. All the back problems have gone and riding is sooo much more comfortable. I’d go as far to say it’s improved the riding because it’s no longer a shifting hinderence you have to manage.

It’s such a snug pack, when you put it on it’s like riding with a hug. I’ve never found the mid belt too warm myself, in fact it helps no end with the hug fit. Think weight lifters support belt cus I think that’s where Evoc are coming from with it.

The main cavity is not as big as the Hawg but because everything else fits so well in all the other pockets you’ve hardly have anything else left to store in there. The segregated tool storage area fits all my trail tools spares and a small first aid kit in it, the top pocket takes my phone, wallet and keys, and some of the side pockets store snack bars and Murray Mints. So all I store in the main section is a pump, spare tubes, and a rolled up jacket during the summer but theres still rooom left for a packet of Eccles Cakes and Jelly Babies or a Sandwich and cake if your prefer.

It looks really long when you pick it up in the shop but doesnt look that way when you get it on.

I’ve fallen off with it too. Fell at speed on to a rock bed and landed on my back. It was like landing on a cushion and I actually bounced like they do in a cartoon… sadly off the trail half way down a hill !

DON’T bother with the Evoc reservoir. By the time you get the taste of plastic away it will have gone a funny colour and the mouth piece will have stopped working. Just use a Camelbak reservoir. In fact the Camelbak reservoir is flatter when full so helps with the room in there.

The Evoc rain/sh1t cover is good though, has a nice little buckle thing for fitting a light to it.

Has anyone tried the enduro vs the trial. Wanting to know I the extra 4l capacity is worth it or does it become too bulky..

^^^^^ I wondered about that too. The only difference on the pack dimensions is that the trail one is deeper by 3cm, which I reckoned could be taken up with the compression straps if required. Hopefully Wiggle deliver it Wed, so will know then 🙂

From the pictures on the Evoc web site and knowing my Enduro FR it looks like the Trial FR might bulk outwards more, which I can’t see being that helpfull because I think the reservoir will just expand into the space.

I have’nt found myself wanting for more space with the Enduro, and other riders have been know to take the pi55 about how much I carry… until they need something that is 🙄 !!!

Also, the Enduro has the word ‘Enduro’ printed on it so it WILL make you a better rider 😉 !!!

I have a trail I need to go and pick up, but I know that I can fill my current 20l rucksack to the limit on all day trips in the hills. The enduro looks less giant but I think i would have run out of space which kind of makes it pointless.

im tight so i bought the decathlon one

its ace, really well made and in understated black

a bit sweatier than my dakine nomad and the side pockets are to high to reach when cycling but fit and comfort is ace and theres loads of room

not crashed in it yet but spine pad seems substantial
http://www.decathlon.co.uk/920-back-guard-backpack-16l-id_8302302.html

Genuine question. Do you really need spine protection if you have a hydration pack with a water bladder and riding kit – wind proof, food etc covering your spine?

That Decathlon one does look good. Have ordered the Evoc Trail Blackline in a M/L, thanks for all the ideas.

iolo – Member
Genuine question. Do you really need spine protection if you have a hydration pack with a water bladder and riding kit – wind proof, food etc covering your spine?

well the Trail Blackline one just turned up – it’s the M/L which is 20 litres and first impressions are its huge ….

I have just ordered an Enduro Blackline one at 16L to compare. TGF CollectPlus+

Look forward to seeing which gets your vote. Going to order one myself but don’t want it too bulky so may go enduro. Sounds cooler too and will probably make me ride better..

I’ve got the FR in a fetching green colour they don’t do anymore… it’s very stable with the wide waist strap, well organised – although I’d agree not as much storage as you’d think – and nicely made. I’ve never thrown myself onto it, but feel pretty sure it’d offer quite a lot of protection.

I don’t wear it on every ride as it’s a) quite hot and b) quite heavy. But for any ride with big rocks etc, I’ll definitely be wearing it.

Has anyone tried the Camelbak KUDU as an alternative?

Thinking that the 18l version looks like a great size for Big Days Out.

The camelbak one looks good but reviews say its heavier than the Evoc ones, albeit with a thicker back protector. I reckoned the Evoc ones to have more useful features and maybe better evolved ?

well the contents of my normal Camelbak Mule, including a full 3L bladder, tools, spares tubes, shock pump, pump and a jacket all fit in the FR Trail with loads of space left so I’m expecting the 16L Enduro one to be a much better option.

Does feel snug and comfy on though 🙂

FR Enduro 16L Blackline one just arrived. Looks a good bit more compact that the 20L FR Trail one, only downside I can see is that the bladder compartment is in the main pocket, rather than a dedicated separate one as with the Trail. Also the wee side pockets are stretchy and not zipped.

Will load it up tonight and decide which one to send back, suspect I’ll be keeping the smaller one..

for those that were wondering about the differences in size…

With same kit in each, and a full 3L bladder, the compression straps on the Trail make it very similar in overall bulk to the Enduro. Most stuff goes in front pockets, with the main compartment for me just having 2 tubes and a Howies windproof at this time of year. On the Enduro, these share the compartment with the bladder; on the Trail the bladder is in a separate zipped section with the protector. Weight wise and when wearing they feel identical.

Given that Trail has a bit more space for layers, plus a couple of zipped wing pockets, rather than the stretchy ones on the Enduro, plus a rain cover built into the base pocket, and it’s a tenner less… 🙂

I’m sending back the Enduro one, despite it’s fluoro yellow zips 🙂

Has anyone tried the Camelbak KUDU as an alternative?

Thinking that the 18l version looks like a great size for Big Days Out.

Just done my first couple of rides using a new Camelbak Kudu 18, inc a 30+ miler across the Dales. Very impressed from a comfort point of view, the pack seems very well constructed. I’ve put a 2l bladder in there, although it will take a 3l size in the dedicated zipped compartment that also houses the Velcro sealed slot for the back protector.

It comes with a zipped tool roll which fits in a dedicated internal pouch, plus a soft-lined sunglasses compartment, as well as a small zipped pouch for phone/keys. The external strapping is good, which when combined with the two external side pouches enables leg and elbow armour to be loaded on, for long climbs.

The main waist strap has a pocket on each side which I used for gels/sweets.

The main backpack compartment also has a few netted compartments, which I put a first aid kit and a spare tube in. There is room for a jacket, sarnies and some space left if you wanted to take some additional clothing. Compression straps on the sides mean the pack can be compacted down once filled. Underneath is a pull-out rain cover.

All in all a nice bit of gear.

^^^ good info. I was dithering between the Evoc Trail and that Camelbak, but some of the online reviews reckoned it was a bit heavy and the pad taints the water taste…

sound like their reviews were less good than yours !

Great feed an Iainc. I have just ordered the enduro but will cancel for the trail. Have a black and yellow bike so the trail will match which is clearly incredibly important.

^^^^ no probs. They do look big compared to Camelbaks but fit much wider, longer and flatter.