Evoc Stage 6 hydration pack review

A deceptively spacious pack that holds more than its quoted 6-litre capacity would suggest, the Stage 6 is part of a very capable range of mountain biking packs produced by Evoc.

It packs in a host of useful features, along with maintaining steadfast security when riding technical trails.

This all adds up to make the Evoc Stage 6 one of the best hydration packs we’ve tried, although no reservoir is supplied for the price.

Evoc Stage 6 hydration pack specifications and details

With its wide body-hugging back, allied to the chunky waist belt and shoulder straps, the Stage 6 is clearly designed to be a stable and capable hydration pack.

Large chunks of foam and an airy mesh help to reduce sweat build-up over that large contact area at the back of the pack, while the 'brace link' buckles on the shoulder straps enable the straps to float a little, which helps you adjust the pack to your size.

Including a reservoir, which is not supplied, there are six litres of storage space, broken down intelligently into two compartments.

The main compartment has a sleeve and Velcro support for the reservoir, and the second tool compartment has a very effective one-handed wide opening to enable easy access to the various mesh pockets and zipped compartments.

There’s also decent routing for a reservoir hose, but remember, no reservoir is included in the price, so you’ll either need to have an old favourite ready to fit or factor one in at the point of purchase.

A stowable helmet net and fleece-lined phone pocket round out the storage.

Evoc Stage 6 hydration pack performance

Although six litres sounds a bit mean for overall capacity, Evoc has made the access so good, and the cut of the pack so generous, that the Stage 6 ends up feeling pretty roomy.

Those extra-wide opening pockets meant I wasn't caught stuffing jackets into small spaces, or reaching into the depths for a tool, and it all felt very accessible.

That small capacity and wide back mean the pack doesn't need compression straps to keep it under control.

This is assisted by the excellent – again wide-opening – tool compartment, which has a superb little organiser.

A controlled load is a good one, so the ride of the Stage 6 was top notch, with everything held close and barely moving, even over the most technical terrain.

The wide waist belt cinched up without too much pressure and kept the pack in close without feeling too restrictive, while those excellent floating 'brace link' buckles at the shoulders meant our women testers felt the shoulders were a good fit compared to other fixed-strap packs.

Evoc Stage 6 hydration pack bottom line

Other manufacturers should take a close look at the Evoc Stage 6 because it's a masterclass in how to spread a load so it feels part of the rider's body.

Combine that with the wide-opening pockets and you have a bag that not only rides well, but can easily be stripped wide open to access your kit at the trailside.

Just be aware the price doesn't include a reservoir. Even so, it's still good value for the performance it delivers.