The EVOC Spring-Summer ’22 collection of MTB Gear has landed, bringing with it some well thought-through, functional soft goods for riding, travelling and staying hydrated. Here’s a quick overview of the more exciting fresh drops, including the lightweight Hydro Pro Hydration Vest, Gear Backpacks and eMTB Backpacks.
EVOC Hydro Pro Lightweight Hydration Vest for MTB
For me, the standout item from the Spring 22′ collection has to be this lightweight hydration vest; the EVOC Hydro Pro we we first got eyes on at Sea Otter. Available in 1.5 liter and 3 liter options, the vest packs away a hydration bladder in a breathable fabric that pulls the contents close to your body to prevent swaying.
This is EVOC’s attempt at a hybrid between a full hydration backpack and a dedicated hydration vest, with a couple of additional pockets for snacks, and maybe even spares and tools. There is now a prevailing preference amognst riders, at least in my riding community in Scotland, to carry water, tools, spares and snacks on the bike, rather than in a backpack, as most feel it gives them more freedom of movement and a more comfortable ride in general.
The EVOC Hydro Pro pack wont be to everyone’s taste, but I can certainly see its merits for folks who can’t fit a water bottle inside their front triangle, or any rider doing big rides during the summer months. The benefit for enduro racers is clear.
Some important features:
- Quick release bladder hose for easy refill
- Magnetic clip to secure hose
- 3D Air Mesh Fabric
The 1.5 liter and 3 liter names refer not to the bladder capacity, but to the storage capacity not including water. As such, the 1.5L has 0.3L of storage in a zippered shoulder pocket and another 1.2L of storage in the main compartment with the bladder full. The larger 3L Hydro Pro has 1L of storage in two zippered shoulder pockets, and 2L inside the main compartment.
The EVOC Hydro Pro 1.5L, with 1.5L bladder, retail at $115 USD. You’ll need to part with $125 USD for the the 3L option. Both are available now.
EVOC Gear Bags and Backpacks
EVOC’s new 60 liter and 90 liter backpacks are about as compartmentalized as it gets, with a dedicated space for every plausible item of gear you need for a weekend of riding. The backpacks feature two large main compartments for boots, helmet or clothing as well as a lateral zippered pocket with attachments for smaller equipment items, like goggles, gloves, Garmin, etc.
These look to be well-padded, with ergonomic shoulder straps and extra-wide hip wings for a comfortable and secure fit. The reinforced bottom section is a welcome addition, designed to allow the backpack to stand securely. Pick up the 60L Gear Backpack for $110, or the 90L option at $130 USD. Both are available in Black and Steel colorways.
EVOC eBike Packs
If you ride an eBike, then it stands to reason that you need an eBike-specific riding pack, right? Perhaps not, but the new EVOC E-RIDE collection does seem to pack in some features that the eMTBer may appreciate. Those are:
- A separate, centered, well-padded battery compartment with fixation system
- A charger pack fixation system
- A fleece-lined control display compartment
There are three E-RIDE backpacks to choose from, the most affordable of which is the E-RIDE 12, named according to its storage capacity in liters. This one retails at $120 USD, and is the only one that actually doesn’t have that separate, padded battery compartment, though it does have the charger pack fixation and soft control display compartment. It shares a lot of similarities with the EVOC Trail Pro MTB Pack we tested last year (lacking the back protection element), at almost half the price.
If you’re looking for something that will carry your spare eMTB battery, and offer back protection, then the FR Trail E-RIDE and FR Enduro E-RIDE 16 backpacks are where it’s at. Both feature a CE-Certified Liteshield Back Protector, useful for when you hit the deck. Looks like EVOC will send you a free crash replacement, if/when you need one, but that’s only listed as feature for the Enduro Pack, not the Trail.
Pick up the Enduro E-RIDE pack for $230 USD, and the Trail E-RIDE pack for $250 USD.
More new items from EVOC
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