Expensive versus cheap(er): Commuting mission: Two commuter backpacks from Evoc in a duel

Commuter backpacks: suitable for everyday use, well thought-out, versatile? Those who commute daily by bike, train or bus have different requirements for a rucksack than leisure users. Commuter backpacks are specially designed for everyday use: they offer well-organised compartments for laptops, documents and technology, are often weatherproof and are comfortable to carry - and these two models are also designed to be comfortable on the bike. Because eore than one in ten German commuters cycle to work. This corresponds to around 10% of commuters in Germany. Compared to conventional rucksacks, they score points with well thought-out storage space, functional details such as reflective elements or quick-access compartments and are usually slimmer so as not to get in the way on crowded public transport.

We compared two such rucksacks, both from the Munich-based label Evoc. One is very expensive, the other is more affordable. So we want to answer the eternal question: Is expensive always better?

Evoc Misson Pro 28

The Evoc Mission Pro 28 is one of Evoc's top models in the commuter segment. The name says it all: "Pro" (!). With a capacity of around 28 litres and a laptop compartment, the Mission Pro is designed to meet the needs of commuters. In contrast to its cheaper counterpart, it features the Air Pad System back system, which is designed to ventilate the back while cycling and keep your T-shirt dry on the way to work. Two straps on the chest and hips secure the rucksack. Pocket management has also been designed with tools and small items in mind.

Practical impression

The Evoc Mission fits a lot inside. The light-coloured inner surfaces ensure that nothing gets lost. With a laptop in the separate compartment, the back section is sufficiently rigid, but without a laptop it lacks some rigidity. The magnetic fasteners work well. We also liked the pocket management, especially the zip pocket at the top, where you can quickly store things. We would have liked a separate, padded smartphone compartment here. In the tool compartment, we were surprised to see that some of the mini pockets were sewn too short (see photos). I wonder what can be stored there?

The side pockets can also be closed with a magnetic fastener. You can easily stow a rain or wind jacket here. When commuting to the office on the Gravelbike, we noticed that the cut-out at the back of the neck could be a little more generous if you are in a very stretched position. Thanks to the back system, the back stays pleasantly dry even on short rides in midsummer.

We have to give the Mission Pro a significant minus point for not including a rain cover as standard. For such a high-priced commuter backpack, this is a weak point. Evoc charges an extra 25 euros for this (>> e.g. available here).

Conclusion on the Evoc Mission Pro 28

Commuter backpack with plenty of volume, solid features such as a laptop compartment, functional back system, magnetic fasteners and a modern look. The price is high, and the lack of a rain cover is a real drawback for an everyday commuter backpack at this price.

Specification

• Price: 145 Euro >> at Alltricks or Mountain friends available at a reduced price
• Weight: 930 g
• Dimensions: 28.5 cm x 47 cm x 16 cm
• Colour: multicolour (carbon grey/purple rose/black)
• Volume: 28 litres
• Materials: Polyester 100%
• Price: 145 Euro

>> 11 reasons for commuting by bike

Evoc Mission 22

Is the more affordable Mission 22 an alternative to the high-priced Pro model? The Mission 22 is available in three colours and is currently reduced - sometimes it costs 47.50 euros, sometimes 95 euros, depending on the colour sample. We wanted to know: Can the simple backpack compete with the expensive Mission Pro as a commuter backpack?

In contrast to its higher-priced counterpart, the Mission 22 uses conventional clip fasteners, but these have proven themselves and work very well in practice. The Mission 22 does not have a hip and chest strap - this is annoying when the rucksack is heavily loaded and the look is somewhat reminiscent of a children's rucksack. The Mission 22 also does not have a separate laptop compartment (on the outside). Instead, there is a laptop compartment inside the rucksack. The pocket management has many similarities with the more expensive Pro model. Here too: No rain cover included. Not cool!

Practical impression

The capacity of around 22 litres is perfectly sufficient for the essentials: Rain jacket, laptop, notebooks, a change of clothes. The biggest drawback of the affordable Mission is the lack of a back system. The rucksack has no ventilation or padding at all - so your back quickly sweats on longer commutes, at least during our test period in July. The pocket management is solid, but a separate smartphone compartment in the zip pocket in the lid would have been a good idea.

Specification

• Price: 95 Euro >> e.g. available here at a reduced price
• Weight: 600 g (manufacturer's specification)
• Dimensions: 25 cm x 42 cm x 15 cm
• Colour: curry, multicolour, black
• Volume: 22 litres
• Materials: Polyester 100%

Conclusion on the Evoc Mission Pro 28

Very simple rucksack without a ventilated back system and without hip and chest straps. Solid pocket management and clean workmanship. In short: a stylish backpack without major commuting functions. You can currently save around 50 euros compared to the Mission Pro.

My conclusion

I was hoping for a favourable outcome. But unfortunately that's not the case. The cheaper Mission is a very simple rucksack with the major drawback of the lack of a ventilated back system. It is a stylish, solid leisure rucksack, but not a sophisticated commuting rucksack. The more expensive (145 euros) Mission Pro does this better and therefore wins the duel. One drawback with both models: The lack of a rain cover, which is only available for an extra charge (25 euros). Hello, rain is also part of commuting. Please improve it! - Laurin Lehner, BIKE test editor

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