Crossing the Alps, an overnight stay at the summit or a hut tour: if you're planning more than one day's tour on your mountain bike, there's no getting round extra luggage. In order to make the function as a load donkey as comfortable as possible, the Evoc The new Explorer Pro features an improved Airflow Contact System. All contact points with the body are particularly well ventilated and thickly padded. This is intended to minimise the load on the back and shoulders without promoting excessive perspiration. The Explorer is available with a volume of 26 or 30 litres.
Another focus is on clever storage options for equipment. A hinged tool compartment is almost a standard feature of modern bike backpacks. More special is the removable mini wash bag, which can hold a toothbrush, deodorant and earplugs. The large hip pockets keep bars, camera, GPS device or camera and mobile phone within easy reach during the ride.
The facts about the Evoc Explorer Pro
- Two variants: 26 and 30 litres
- Clearly organised and quickly accessible tool compartment
- Removable wash bag
- Integrated helmet holder, integrated rain cover
- Price: 180 Euro
- Weight: 1295 grams (30 litres)
Riding impression: The Evoc Explorer Pro in the endurance test
We have already been able to use the 30-litre version of the new Evoc rucksack for over 700 kilometres on the Germany Trail test. From Füssen to the Thuringian border. That meant nine days, plenty of luggage and thousands of metres in altitude on narrow paths. The organisation of the compartments is very logical and makes tedious rummaging unnecessary on multi-day tours with a lot of luggage. A change of clothes is stowed in the separate bottom compartment. Tools, spare inner tube, pump, chain oil and a mini lock in the tool compartment. As we were travelling without a hydration bladder, the compartment near the back was used for sweaty clothes. The main compartment had room for a jacket, a change of jersey, a map, a handful of gels and the emergency power bank. The two voluminous pockets on the wide hip fins have proved particularly useful. You always have your mini-tool, smartphone and a bar to hand and can even take a photo or two while riding. The zips can be operated easily with one hand and with gloves. If you take the rucksack off your back, extremely robust Cordura on the underside protects the valuable cargo. Thanks to a PU coating on the inside, you don't have to worry about a change of clothes getting wet if you put the Explorer Pro in a damp meadow.
When it comes to carrying comfort, no rucksack can beat the Evoc. Even when fully loaded, it sits snugly and the load is distributed comfortably over the shoulders and hips. The wide hip fins can take the main load, they are so robust. In nine days in the saddle, there was no pinching anywhere in the back, which speaks in favour of the back system. Even on steep hairpin bend trails, the rucksack stays where it belongs. Just as we know it from many other Evoc models. But even if the neoprene hip belt has become a tad more airy, you still sweat quickly underneath. The system can't keep up with the ventilation of a protruding back plate either. But it doesn't have to. The Evoc Explorer Pro sits perfectly even with a large load and you can concentrate fully on the next tricky trail section.
PLUS Sensible compartmentalisation and good accessibility; high carrying comfort and secure fit in any terrain; top workmanship
MINUS Expensive; moderate ventilation
