EVOC HIP PACK PRO 3L REVIEW - Are hip hydration packs the future of mountain biking packs?

[@Bike198]

What do you guys think of the EVOC Hip Pack? You can get your own here --> amzn.to/4a6gq1g

[@fm1886]

Why carry your gear on your body.........surely a front/rear bag or both mounted on the bike would be better plus you'd get more storage.....plus water bottles in cages.....leaving your body free.

[@michaelorhan1842]

I watched this for the explanation of the venti flap and stayed for the full review. Thanks for the no nonsense info 👍👍

[@paubayo7912]

Thank you so much, bro. I don't understand how you do not have half a million subscribers at least.

[@Bike198]

Thanks Pau!! I need to make more videos. Really appreciate the feedback.

[@p0wderhound03]

So I bought this pack and I am a 38" waist. The belt fits me fine and I still have room if I drink a lot of beer :) .

[@tylerharvey3688]

Thanks for letting me know 😂

[@karenciaffa3044]

I snipped the threading that separates the front mesh pockets in the front pocket - it fits my big phone perfectly, and adds an extra layer of protection so I don’t loose it

[@GLITZYGIRL8011]

I’m not a cyclist but I’m a mom of 2 and my smallest baby is 10 months and we go on day trail walks/hikes often. I baby wear my baby on my back in a soft structure carrier I feel this will be our perfect solution to caring our mommy and baby goods while in the great outdoors!

[@DoNotLetThemStealYourJoy]

How is this relevant here?

[@1esk192]

​@@DoNotLetThemStealYourJoy i hope you've realized in the past year how stupid your comment was

[@TheCaptainbarnacles]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I was thinking to myself how to balance the lower back pain caused by back packs and the desire to have a water bladder. This was the first video I've watched on hip packs and I feel it mirrors my situation exactly. Thank you.

[@sica4873]

Great straightforward no bs review. Thanks!

[@Todd66]

I watched this video like 3 months ago and commented…well I am back after buying this pack. I got the grey and black. This pack for me is all day comfortable. Even in really hot, humid weather. Just yesterday I was about 3/4 a mile from home and ran over a stick and got a flat. Walked the bike home in a hurry to beat the rain…this pack even walks well. I love the bladder and waist belt/strap system. I have a 30” waist, this fits me perfect. I would buy this pack again without hesitation. I would also like to say again, nice job on this video. I let it play while I commented again and it’s a good 2nd watch.

[@iamsobeautifulomg]

Wow, I dunno why I clicked on it but I just got so much information from it that I didn't think I needed lol. Thanks, you're awesome.

[@Bike198]

Thanks Omar!

[@shutupdog11]

Thanx for your time and input . 👍 I just ordered mine ...

[@matt-g-recovers]

I have a similar back issue. Found your channel looking for a hip bag review. Subbed, well done video and excited to see your existing content!

[@craiglycke6170]

Solid review. I was torn between dakine, osprey and this one. Your review took me off the fence. Thanks!

[@Bike198]

Sure thing! Let me know what you think once you get it in and get a ride in.

[@Modrunnermusic]

I am undecided between the Thule, Dakine, Evoc and Osprey as well. If you bought the Evoc, how did it work for you? Happy with it?

[@TheBaldTruth1]

Thanks. I got one of these after watching this review. Sometimes I use it with water bottles and sometimes with the bladder depending on how much stuff I need to put in the main compartment. Your hack for the straw makes the bladder usable, whereas without it, the magnetic system alone is lacking and had me struggling to put secure it at very precarious moments in the ride. I'm surprised no other manufacturers have come up with a better solution for the straw. The thing that sold me on this one versus the others is the wide velcro belt. It makes this much more comfortable than it would be without it. I also agree the cell phone pocket is a joke. My basic iPhone requires too much work to fit. I don't trust the front compartment so I keep my phone and wallet in the main compartment. I used to ride with a big Camelbak MULE, and still use it for long rides, but this hip pack is perfect for short to medium rides and I really appreciate that my back stays cooler and dryer. This thing could be even better with some simple fixes and a resizing of the cell phone compartment.

[@Nomadicfieldcraft]

Aweesome info dude, appreciate the work, helping me decide what pack that will benefit my needs 👍🏼

[@MARIOPALOMAREZ1]

I used to ride with a Camelback backpack, now I have these same one you have. What I carried on the Camelback fits on the hip pack.

[@bob4q]

I use a hip pack for similar reasons. But, not for water. I use a bottle on my bike and use it for the other stuff. On a long, more than 2 hour ride, I break out the hydration pack to carry enough water and extra stuff; jacket & safety gear.

[@S_Mendez_28]

Great review and that tip with the retractable cord is genius. The Osprey Seral was on my shortlist, but man, this one definitely seems like it would better suit my needs.

[@michaelbiggins5689]

This camera setup and the display in the back is crisp

[@Bike198]

Thanks Michael!

[@Molloy244]

Osprey SAVU, the waist band may be a tad narrower but they carry 2 bottles, 2 good sized side pockets and a large central pouch witg a seperate phone pouch (easily big enough for the I-phone. They also do a version with hydration bladder.

[@Molloy244]

The osprey SERAL 7 has a 1.5l bladder

[@IsraelMagalit]

Clever solution with the hose 👍

[@Bike198]

Israel...I wish I could take full credit! A friend of mine that I ride with was the one that told me.

[@Todd66]

I am interested in this pack and really appreciate the quality review. Good Job

[@Bike198]

If you get it…let me know what you think!

[@Todd66]

@@Bike198 I certainly will. It’s looking like I am going with the EVOC, not sure if I will go with the pro. Hydration is not my main focus, although I like the feature. I do like that the pro has color choices opposed to the only black with the non pro. Although I do like the black. Lol Have a great week.

[@SilverShamrock71]

I have an Evoc Stage 6L backpack which does everything I need it to, including helmet carry and 2L bladder, so not even sure why I'm watching this or considering this product. I guess I want on bike storage for shorter rides, that will fit mini pump, large phone and sunglasses, along with mini tool, spare tube, etc. Amazingly there are very few saddle bags that fit the bill, actually the Evoc Tour 1L is one that does, so maybe that is my solution

[@rodcosta3603]

First class review👌🏻 love the hack also. Thank you 💫

[@emonty62]

Got the Dakine Seeker 6 liter, love it!!!

[@OneInTheQuiver]

Awesome review! I go back and forth between a hip pack and an 11L backpack but am really starting to lean more toward the hip pack these days (less weight on the upper back).

[@ferrerasdarrenarnette355]

thanks for introducing that item, i really need this item... THANKS A LOT AND ALWAYS RIDESAFE

[@robertschmelzer1589]

thanks for the review! subscribed! looks like you ride at big creek, one of my regular rides

[@Bike198]

I'm pretty close to there in Milton. It's a great place to grab a local ride for sure!

[@sofakingron]

I just stopped using a way-too-heavy backpack... I agree that this a great pack and the magnetic catch is better in theory than in practice; I switched to an ID badge clip, also. The funny thing is... I'm a fairly small guy, but not "skinny"- my waist is about 33". I have to cinch this thing absolutely as tight as I can get it and have no room to get it tighter. I can barely clip it, because the two ends of the clip are almost touching once I get the velcro strap where it needs to be. (The left clip can go no further to the left.) Then I need to crank the blue Venti flap straps as tight as possible. I don't see how this would ever work for someone with a 32" waist or smaller. Even with it as tight as I can get it, I still get more bounce than I would want. Otherwise, it built really well, and I like that they used Hydrapak for the hydration part... I've been using them in other bags.

[@Bike198]

Thanks for your feedback Ron! I found that with the Hydrapak it does make the pack a lot tighter but I like having that over bottles. It is just easier to use while riding.

[@yankohristov2361]

Yeah, now I'm convinced I should buy this model ! Great review :)

[@AlexanderBallot]

Super high quality content! Greta review just curious if a non-max, pro iPhone should fit?

[@Bike198]

The non-max iPhone will fit. I tried my wife's. It will depend on your case though.

[@AlexanderBallot]

@@Bike198 yeah I just got mine in the mail works fine!!

[@Bike198]

@@AlexanderBallot Awesome! Glad it worked out!

[@davehoover8853]

Nice review! To the point and fair to cover the good and the bad, not just an ambassador for the brand. I have always used packs and like them just fine. However, I have started XC Nordic skiing for days between alpine skiing and will be biking in Thailand when things open up. Both activities need to you to run something cooler than a backpack, so this may be just the ticket.

[@Bike198]

Thanks Dave! I use this pack almost exclusively now. They really are versatile.

[@stefan.h.666]

Got the 2022 version and the waistband is definitely large. I am 186cm and about 90kg. It fits very well and I have enough to adjust. It's the pack without bladder it was 89 euro

[@letsgoletsgoletsgoletsgoletsgo]

so i have a Condor LCS gun belt laying around , i bought a bunch of pouches to put my water, tools, FAK and food. i kinda like it !

[@Later_Nerd]

Thank you for the badge holder idea. I ended up buying this pack about a month ago. I truly love it. Top to bottom it is an excellent product. I come from BMX so I thought wearing a hip pack would be really noticeable and annoying to me. But honestly after 5 minutes into a ride it kinda just fades away. So much so that I even wear it at the bike park because it's that comfortable and convenient. I truly hate how the magnets are weak though. A lot of the time it's fine and isn't an issue. But on rougher terrain it's a major pain. I wish they just sold an upgraded magnet or something. I'd spend like $20 on a proper solution from Evoc. But your solution is nearly as good anyways. Great idea man (and video.)

[@Bike198]

The hip packs are a game changer for sure...especially when it is hot outside.

[@eddiedempsey494]

Have always wore backpacks and suffer with back pain ,tried them all and are not overly heavy so orfered this hip pack waiting on it to arrive to give it a test ,I'll report back in a few weeks.

[@Bike198]

Awesome Eddie. I'll be interested to see your thoughts on it.

[@fatbikedaddy8644]

Good reviews thanks. These are also a good solution if you wear body armour!

[@Bike198]

I didn't even think of that but that is very true. It doesn't get in the way in that case.

[@Pnut123e4]

Absolutely great review, thanks!

[@pc750-V4]

Great review thank you. I'm considering one of these but have a similar sized phone to your iPhone pro max. Does that fit in that central mesh pocket vertically?

[@Bike198]

Peter...it does.

[@heinz_fiction]

Have the same magnet problem on another model. I try to fix it by replacing it with a stronger one.

[@andrewpastoral3999]

I have a Bontrager hip pack and it’s good, but I was looking for more storage & something I can use to take more water besides using a back pack. I ordered 1. Thanks 👍🏽

[@Bike198]

Awesome. Check back in and let me know what you think when you get it in.

[@andrewpastoral3999]

@@Bike198 Took new pack out this weekend. Great pack! I found myself packing a lot more than I really needed, but good to know that I can. I think I would only run 1 water bottle on the pack 1 one the frame. 2 water bottles will be too heavy for my liking, but like it so far 👍🏽👍🏽

[@p.ravikumarkumar3960]

honest review mate..thanks.subsribed.

[@Bike198]

Thanks!

[@4Rracing]

Nice review, SO excited about waist strap, great side pouches, Nylon bag easy to wipe off mud, Not excited about how tall/ Big this pack is. < Kudos on tip on rectracting water tube. Cheers

[@MTBThrumyeyez]

I've had that same one since early in the year. It's an awesome pack. Great review.

[@Bike198]

Thanks Ronin! It has been a great pack.

[@paradox7743]

Great review- I have a full size CamekBak which is great for long Enduro riding but it's heavy as fuck and hate the weight issue. I would need to actually try the Evoc to see how it feels. It looks like it won't weigh you down but spot sum red flags. I'm 6'0 and 220Lbs and it looks like it is made for a smaller rider but maybe a possible solution...

[@Bike198]

Try it out. You’ll be surprised.

[@hansvanduijn9235]

Good review and i bought one after seeing this video. First ride felt already better than with a backpack. I had to have this years ago... And who cares how it looks... Greets form Holland 💪

[@Bike198]

Glad to hear it worked out!

[@laurentpondevie6896]

Great review

[@AlexeyDnepr]

Will a smartphone 6,7" fit in the side pocket on the hip belt?

[@jfinn9827]

I use a hydration backpack but it's perfect for me because it's not to big and not too small and it hold over 2L of water with plenty of storage capacity.

[@Bike198]

I find it to be the perfect balance as well. If I need more water than it holds, I'll put a bottle on the bike as a backup.

[@markhenderson1017]

Thanks for the badge holder hack. I'm going on Amazon now because I agree, I spend a lot of time blindly trying to find that little magnet and not concentrating on the trail. Also, I put my iPhone 12 Pro Max in one of the easy access pockets in the front. It's a big phone, but it fits, just.

[@Bike198]

Do you ever worry about crashing with it there? I have destroyed a phone in my pocket before.

[@markhenderson1017]

​@@Bike198 , at my waist I feel is a safe place to have it. Agree with the shorts pocket: that always seems like a risky spot for a phone, so I don't put one there anymore.

[@jokermtb]

You're the first pack reviewer I've seen who called out their lower back degeneration problem - I too have a degenerating L5 disc that often gets irritated. I usually run my camelback mule about as low as I can, but never equated the shoulder strap weight as a contributor to my back issue (as you mentioned). Curious to find out how your back fared since switching to the fannypack, and if it triggered some new unexpected disc issue?

[@Bike198]

Scott. It really did help. I made sure that I had it fitting correctly which put the pressure solely on my hips and below my back. That makes it so your back is free to move as it needs to without any additional weight. I put another pack on afterwards for one ride and could tell a difference immediately.

[@mt.sportgrunt4294]

I have the same hip pack and seen your review had to checkbit out , I wanted it for the same reasons, although I have neck issues and wearing a pack bothers it , but I agree totally with your review, spot on and sounds like we are about the same size , I had the same issue with the hose but on longer rides I carry a small purifier, most areas I ride have creek or lake acess

[@Bike198]

I need to get one of those purifiers...especially for longer rides. They are small, light and can really get you out of a jam if needed.

[@l00t3R]

I have disc degeneration in lower 5. L4 is herniated which is a @#$%^. I'm 6ft9 (205cm ish) so put it down to my height. I used to love mtb regularly. When my bike was stolen I used the insurance to pay for driving lesson ( I live in UK). But have always missed my bike. Defo wanting to get back into it. Just found your channel. Your content is very good, you got my sub my friend.

[@Bike198]

Thanks! I really missed it while I was away as well.

[@heidilind8625]

Do you think this would work for a small woman? I'm wondering if I would be able to get the velcro strap and buckles tight enough. My waist is 26".

[@Bike198]

I would try one on if you can. Or just order from Amazon and return it if it doesn't work.

[@MTBCoop]

Great stuff! Thanks for your help!

[@MirceaPienariu]

Nice mate! Thx for review!

[@terryboardman789]

Thanks for the review. Can you tell me, if using the side water bottle holders - how hard is it to get the water bottle back in? Can it be done one handed while riding?

[@TheBaldTruth1]

I don't think one could put the water bottle bottle back in on-the-fly while still riding your bike. In fact, I think one would have to take off the pack to put back a water bottle in the holder.

[@JakeyDill]

Recon the main compartment would fit a Topeak man bike hand pump?

[@Bike198]

It should fit. Almost all of the small hand pumps should. They can go in with the water pouch as well.

[@vicv6415]

Nice review. I'm an older rider in Texas and have never used a hydration pack, but now my rides are getting longer and more remote. So, I now need to pack in additional hydration than just my bottles. One of my trail acquaintances let me try on his small USME, and my thoughts afterwards was that it felt like there was a noticeable weight on my back. I ride blue and black trails pretty aggressively and love the freedom to move my body around my bike at will in flow. Now, with your video, I'm beginning to think that the weight of a lumbar pack like this will be better for center of gravity balance. May I ask your opinion relative to my situation?

[@shane4176]

Great review

[@kindasport]

I like EVOC and also this product but I need easy access to my cell phone. Ergon has a better fit for me here. I also don't like the straps on the side which will fladder around while riding.

[@richardwebb3013]

I added the Camelback magnetic clip (sold as an accessory). Hose stays in place. No need for that awful looking retractable cord.

[@olsmxl6975]

Thanks for the review. I have this pack and like the storage capacity I've looked at the USWE packs but I would need to move into a 8L or 9L USWE pack to get the same carrying capacity (yes with either a 2L or a 3L bladder). On the Evoc pack - and for longer rides I can carry an extra small cycling bottle in the external mesh pockets. At that point the pack is quite heavy and tends to slide down so what I have started doing for these longer rides is to carry that bottle on the frame. if I were hiking - no issues. When MTB with the 1,5L of water plus the bottle the pack slides down too much for my liking . Couple of additional things I dislike. (a) When trying to mount my MTB bike I find that the pack catches on the seat. I have to consciously drop the seat post every time I stop to easily mount again. (b) It is hard to take on and off during a ride - gloves have to come off in order to access the buckle. wish they had a different buckle system that could be handled with gloves on. (c) Once you take the pack off - say to relieve yourself - the only thing you can do is to place it on the ground and if the ground is wet/muddy - then you are either SOL or doing some serious acrobatics. (d) Also - when you do take it off you need to very conscious to not have the mouthpiece touch the ground and get all dirty - this happens ALL the time. (e) not easy to access the camera if and when you want to take a picture. I have a love/hate with this hip pack. If USWE made a 5 or 6 L pack I would be all over it.

[@Bike198]

I will carry an extra one on the frame as well. I also found that I don’t like just having one bottle in a hip back as it ends up weighted it kind of weird on only one side.

[@olsmxl6975]

ended up selling the EVOC and buying the USWE. It is awesome. You can attach a couple of pockets to the chest straps for additional pockets. No going back

[@BrianRPaterson]

Hey. Nice review. I'm considering one of these (or an Osprey Savu 5) to replace my ULITIMATE TorsoPac hip pack which is getting on for 25 years old. It's held up well, but belt and back-plate comfort has come a long way in a quarter of a century, so I'm looking around. I typically use bottles rather than a bladder, so the mag clip issue doesn't bother me. This could be the one. Cheers

[@PeterKornum]

if tha badge holder was fitted over the magnet, it just might lead the straw straight to the magnet...

[@TheSuperTyree]

I’m 350 and just started riding. Could you recommend me a pack considering that one more than likely won’t fit me?

[@ferologics]

the magnetic connection should use a neodymium magnet instead of

[@ruvimtrofimovich]

Hip packs are the way 🤙

[@anhuwa]

nice review

[@Geoscot]

I totally get the removal of shoulder straps. However I sometimes need to carry a second battery for my emtb, the Evoc FR trail e- ride let’s me carry everything I need, with a back protector which works. The smaller pack is great but sometimes you need bigger.

[@Bike198]

Are you talking about this one? bit.ly/2URYV07 I agree that for longer rides it might not be possible to run a hip pack. Unfortunately for me...I think those longer rides are probably out now anyway. I have a lot of friends that use hip packs for most rides and then use the backpacks for the epic ones as kind of a balance.

[@lagwall]

I've tried some hip packs and I haven't been as stoked as a simple backpack/camelpak. I am a bigger guy and the strap around the belly is annoying.

[@jeremybordelon8402]

I hate saddlebags, but just started using one because the tubes are taking up too much space in my pack (Osprey backpack, not even a hip pack)... mine stays out of the dropper operation too...thoughts?

[@Bike198]

Everyone seems to be using those straps now for that instead of putting it on the seat. Saddlebags always made way too much noise for my liking.

[@jumanjiwarlord]

My little camelbak hip pack has a water bottle holder and the smallest phone pocket known to man. It’s very minimal. Sometimes I wish I could fit more stuff in it... priced around $30.... I think water bladders are a bit over rated and awkward. And they don’t even hold that much water. A bottle in the hip pack and one on the frame...

[@Bike198]

I really like using the bottle setup. I just wish it was easier to drink during the ride. It is definitely more comfortable that way.

[@tsalesto]

Yeah, also with bottles you can have water in one and sports drink in the other.

[@ginger9049]

We’re you riding with a review unit or do you have two head units?

[@Bike198]

I am riding a Trek Rail so that is the Kiox that controls the e-bike motor. I am still recovering from an injury that doesn’t allow for me to ride without one yet.

[@ginger9049]

@@Bike198 sorry about your injury but thanks for the reply. I just got a diverge after a decade of being a roadie so I’m trying to learn more about efficient trail/enduro riding. I find that the MTB/gravel scene is more immediately welcoming than the road scene, but then again I’m guilty of being in that ‘pack’ for a while now too lol.

[@christianianmarcos3739]

How much does it weigh with 1.5L full?.. and with add'l 2 full water bottles?.. is it that heavy?.. i have some issues with some packs as the straps are constantly pressing my stomach that i have troible breathing with 1.5L full... your thoughts pls.. tnx..

[@Bike198]

I haven't ever weighed it fully loaded but it isn't bad.

[@dstrelnikov]

you might hide the zippers strap under the velcro ;)

[@highlander5304]

Hip pack? Who cares about A hip pack? Let’s hear about the gadget mounted on your frame!!!😁😁😁 But jokes aside… Great review bud! Ordering one tonight. Much appreciated! P.S. I still want to know about the gadget bellow your bike computer.

[@Bike198]

Thanks! The computer on the frame? It controls the e-bike motor. I am still recovering from a surgery so I need a little assistance.

[@rcromehobbies9242]

Ive been thingking of grabbing one of these but i still cant justify the price. Although i have seen many people even some of my friends who uses hip packs for like a decade and they love it. Also this i think is like once in a lifetime purchase, so...that justifies the price? Hmm LOL

[@Bike198]

I saw this is as a buy once right option. The durability and function has been top notch. There are other great options out there as well though.

[@hansvanduijn9235]

Just buy it.. it took me 15 years of mountainbiking to purchase it 🙃

[@christianholmstedt8770]

I just got mine delivered but how in the ?&$@&*% does the bladder open?! WTF?!

[@Bike198]

Slide off the top grey bar. It only goes one direction.

[@christianholmstedt8770]

@@Bike198 That's the easy part. I know that. Opening the bladder itself is another thing.

[@andrewvenditelli152]

Appreciate the vid, it helped convince me to get this pack about 4 months ago. After some time with it, it's just as good as you made it out to be. It's a really stable, comfortable pack that fits quite a bit inside. Great suggestion on the lanyard. One thing I noticed, and something you brought up, is the possible concern of the zippered pocket dropping the phone out. I have been stuffing that strap that spans the two zippers into the pack BEFORE folding over the velcro flap. Had the zipper loosen up a few times prior to doing this, and it hasn't happened since. Definitely a pricey pack but I haven't been disappointed and don't regret the purchase one bit.

[@Bike198]

Great to hear! Thanks for your feedback on it.

[@gonzaloalenda]

Is it possible to carry a 10.2 Ipad?

[@Bike198]

I have never tried that one before. Why an iPad?

[@gonzaloalenda]

@@Bike198 Because I want to use it to go to college, riding. If not, I could buy a small backpack

[@Bike198]

It's probably not good for that@@gonzaloalenda

[@ianscott1812]

The way a review should be on products 👌

[@Bike198]

Thanks Ian!

[@dont3222]

Can this hip pack fit IPhone 13 Pro Max with case?

[@Bike198]

I fit mine in but it doesn’t not fit in the dedicated pouch that is meant to hold phones.

[@tennissir1986]

Well done.

[@NikosKatsikanis]

why not just store the water on the bike?

[@rastakim16333]

i've lost bottled water in these hip pack on longer rides...and it sucks!!!! lol

[@mopseydocks6014]

Good review but this review convinced me to skip it. I'm a 38 waist and I haven't found a bike hip packs that fits yet.

[@TheTylerWhit]

Work well

[@Jonners]

Gutted. I'm a 38"-40" waist, otherwise I'd be all over this.

[@Bike198]

If you are just going to use it bottles you will be fine. It is when you use the internal bladder that it starts to get tight.

[@Jonners]

@@Bike198 You were right, I got it and use bottles, it fits and is comfy.

[@Eric_Tennant]

LMAO looks funny

[@Bike198]

They all do. It's a fanny pack essentially.

[@tomskid27]

A pack that is over $120 that is part of the “premium” side of the market and then one has to go on Amazon or Walmart to buy a $3 fix for the hose. Plus it can’t fit modern phones and if you happen to wreck with your phone in the pack it will get smashed. 🤣 GTFOH with that shit. What a crap pack.