The Evoc FR Trail Blackline 20 is the brand's top-tier hydration backpack and costs £200 / $250 / €240.
The FR Trail Blackline is designed for long days on the bike and boasts a range of features tailored specifically for bikers, aimed at offering a blend of functionality and protection.
At its core lies a back protector that's claimed to provide up to 95 per cent shock absorption. Its lightweight and flexible construction is aimed at riders seeking added safety on long challenging days in the mountains.
The backpack's design prioritises comfort, safety and ease of use. Its airflow system is designed to enhance ventilation with a central channel and mesh-covered EVA foam, which is said to improve airflow and comfort during long rides.
The straps are designed to provide support on long rides, while the wide hip belt is aimed at distributing weight efficiently. Adjustable shoulder and chest straps offer a personalised fit.
External pockets on the sides, top and hip belt provide easy access to essentials and the main compartment offers two access points for added convenience.
Additional features include a tool compartment, key holder, sunglasses pocket, rain cover, gear and helmet carry system, map pocket, signal whistle, bladder compartment and hose clip.
It's worth noting that the Evoc FR Trail Blackline 20 doesn't come with a bladder, but it can take up to a three-litre bladder, which can be bought separately for £37.99 / €43.
Weighing 1,400g, the Evoc FR Trail Blackline 20 is a heavy backpack and has a hefty price tag.
Evoc FR Trail Blackline 20 performance
I was impressed by the feature design of the Evoc FR Trail Blackline 20; it's clear it has been created for mountain bikers.
The organisational pockets do the perfect job of keeping all your belongings in order and easy to find in an instant, while the additional features all work well and are functional rather than gimmicky.
During lengthy rides, the ventilation system maintains comfort levels impressively, and the elasticated waistband provides plenty of support. However, a bit more adjustability on the hip belt would be welcome because I had it cinched in to its limit despite opting for the recommended size for my body.
Nonetheless, the shoulder and chest straps offer sufficient customisation for a snug fit, ensuring stability even on rugged trails.
While it would be a nice touch for Evoc to include a bladder at this price point, accessing the bladder compartment is a breeze, and the neatly positioned hose on the shoulder straps, aided by a handy clip, keeps it conveniently out of the way during rides on rough terrain.
However, when it comes to fit, the FR Trail Blackline 20 falls short.
Despite opting for the recommended M/L size according to Evoc's specifications, I found that the backpack sat uncomfortably high on my back, causing discomfort and hindering manoeuvrability, particularly during descents.
This detracts from the overall enjoyment of the ride, despite its initial comfort on level terrain.
At 1,400g, it's the heaviest contender in its class, a weight that becomes noticeable after extended periods in the saddle, whether the bag is fully loaded or not.
For those prioritising weight savings over added protection, the removable back protector offers a solution to shed 145g of weight, albeit at the expense of safety features.
Hydration packs | How we tested
It's important on long rides that a backpack is comfortable and practical, no matter what terrain you're tackling.
We reviewed a selection of hydration backpacks with a larger capacity (20-35 litres) for big days on the mountain or long trail days when you need to take a bit more gear with you.
To test these hydration backpacks, we took them on all-day rides in a variety of locations, including the Tweed Valley in Scotland, England's Lake District and trails in South Wales, both fully packed and half-empty, to see how they fare with different loads.
Where possible, we packed the same equipment into each bag to give a true comparison.
Hydration packs on test
- Alpkit Presta 25 litre
- CamelBak H.A.W.G. Pro 20 Hydration Pack with 3L Reservoir
- Evoc FR Trail Blackline 20
- Osprey Escapist 30
- Scott Trail Lite Evo Fr' 22 Pack
- Vaude Bike Alpin 30 + 5
Evoc FR Trail Blackline 20 bottom line
This is a smart-looking hydration backpack and has a plethora of features that make it incredibly useful and user-friendly.
However, there are notable drawbacks to consider. While it excels in many aspects, its fit in the descending position can be restrictive, impeding movement and causing discomfort.
Additionally, the hefty weight and price tag are something to take into consideration.
Product
| Brand | evoc |
| Price | 240.00 EUR,200.00 GBP,250.00 USD |
| Weight | 1400.0000, GRAM (20l) - |
Features
| br_bagCapacity | 20.0000 |
| br_bagCapacity | LITER |
| br_bladderCapacity | 3.0000 |
| br_bladderCapacity | LITER |
| Features | Bladder: Bladder not included |
