Evoc have a reputation for building stylish, colourful and sometimes highly complex packs – many incorporate back protectors – but the CC 3L hydration pack is simple, low key and still stylish.
There’s a separate side-zip, soft-lined pocket that can be used for eyewear, iPods or whatever else you want to keep scratch free. There’s also an external bungee strap that means you can roll up a jacket or extra layer and store it on the outside of the pack.
You might be very glad of that – top the CC 3L up with water and you won’t get much more than a chocolate bar wedged in the main compartment. We found ourselves cautious about putting anything remotely sharp in the main compartment, too, for fear of popping the bladder.
Stability is pretty good when the Evoc’s cinched down, though long thin packs like this do tend to go sausage shaped when full, which can make them feel a bit weird.
This article was originally published in What Mountain Bike magazine, available on Apple Newsstand and Zinio.