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Anyone who wants a Rucksack for 185 euros Anyone who buys a bike has certain expectations – at least that’s how it is for us in the BIKE test department. Materials, build quality, bag organisation, features – the manufacturer can’t afford to slip up here. Will Evoc’s Stage live up to expectations?
Typical of Evoc is the layout featuring an external tool pocket and a main compartment that opens wide. At the top front, the Munich-based brand has also included a padded pocket for sunglasses, whilst at the very back there is a hidden compartment for a hydration bladder – though this is not included in the price. Surprisingly, Evoc has omitted the practical pockets on the stretchy hip belts on the Stage; instead, there are classic mesh pockets where you can, for example, place a water bottle on the side and – according to the website – a smartphone pocket, which we haven’t been able to spot yet, however.
Highlights include the integrated, roll-up helmet holder, compression straps and the integrated rain cover. The ergonomic shoulder straps are mounted on the so-called Brace Links, whilst the mesh back panel is designed to ensure good ventilation. So far, so good – let’s see how the Stage 18 performs on the trail.
We tested these 9 mountain bike rucksacks:
- Camelbak H.A.W.G. 20 >> available here
- Deuter Compact 14+3 >> available here
- Evoc Stage 18 >> available here
- Osprey Raptor 14 >> available here
- Rockrider MTB Hydration Rucksack 12 L >> available here
- Scott Trail Rocket 20 >> available here
- Tatonka MTB 14 Bike Backpack >> available here
- Thule Rail eMTB 18L >> available here
- Vaude Trailcontrol 20+ >> available here
Evoc Stage 18 – Details & Price
- Price: 185 euros >> at Amazon or Mountain lovers available at a reduced price
- Weight: 944 grams
- Back system: Contact backrest, structured cushion with mesh cover
- Facilities: Rain cover, tool pocket, glasses pocket, stretch hip straps, roll-up helmet holder
- Hydration bladder: no / 3 litres / 47 euros
- Volume measured / stated: 17 / 18 litres
Clever layout, excellent overview
The Stage 18 was also featured in our last test, but has since been noticeably redesigned. What has remained – thankfully – is the very well-thought-out layout comprising a main compartment, a tool pocket and a separate compartment for a hydration bladder. There is also a padded pocket at the top front for glasses or a smartphone. It’s hard to imagine a better-organised rucksack, especially as all the compartments open fully, are lined with a light-coloured fabric and thus ensure an excellent overview of the contents.
All the zips run smoothly and effortlessly and are easy to operate with just one hand. The tool pocket could be a bit longer; there’s barely enough room in there even for a short shock pump. Thanks to its tray-like design, when you rummage around in the main compartment, everything stays inside the rucksack and doesn’t tumble out onto the ground.
The roll-up helmet holder is handy and can also be used for protective gear or a change of clothes. Attaching a full-face helmet to the compression straps, however, is less intuitive. Furthermore, the straps must be undone to open the main compartment. The tool compartment, on the other hand, is easily accessible at all times.
Less stable ride on downhill sections
Unlike its counterparts in the Freeride and Trail Pro ranges, the Stage seems to be designed more for moderate trail riding and touring. With its short, stretchy hip panels, the Stage sits more against the back rather than hugging it tightly.
Five thick, textured pads are distributed across the back, covered with a mesh overlay. This ensures the Stage is remarkably well ventilated. However, this comes at the cost of a back panel that does not mould perfectly to the body and protrudes slightly from the lower back when in the riding position. On the one hand, this causes uncomfortable tension on the hip belt; on the other, it means the Evoc tends to wobble and slide upwards as soon as the terrain becomes steep and technical. Whilst we had criticised the stiff back panel in our last test, this issue has been resolved in the current version.
Review & Verdict – Evoc Stage 18
| Category | Grade |
| Carrying system (40 per cent) | 2.5 |
| Handling (30 per cent) | 1.9 |
| Weight (15 per cent) | 2.0 |
| Facilities (15 per cent) | 2.0 |
| BIKE-NOTE | 2.2 |
Conclusion: Evoc Stage 18
The Evoc impresses with its well-thought-out layout and excellent handling – all the compartments open right up. A real plus: the extra hydration bladder compartment. The tool compartment, however, is a bit on the short side. The back system provides good ventilation, but is inflexible and struggles to adapt to your riding position. Combined with the short hip wings, the Stage wobbles and slips on downhill sections – which is unusual for an Evoc rucksack. As a result, the Stage is better suited to moderate rides. Anyone looking for a daypack for challenging terrain will be better off choosing one of the Munich-based brand’s Freeride or Trail Pro models.
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Stefan Frey
Editor