Evoc Bikepacking Collection: Review: The Handlebar Pack WP 5 with BOA fastening

Bike packers can’t do without panniers. But it’s not just those on multi-day gravel rides who strap a bag to their handlebars – even those setting off on day trips need somewhere to stow a pump, a rain jacket, energy bars and sun cream.

Evoc has recently unveiled its new bikepacking collection – which includes the Handlebar Pack WP 5, which we’ve tried out. And it has to be waterproof. Check! The EVOC Handlebar Pack WP 5 is made from waterproof material. The side fastening works on the roll-top principle. Tried and tested, watertight.

1. It must be easy to fit. That’s sorted too! The bag is attached to the handlebars using two straps and secured with a BOA dial. It works very well and requires no tools.

2. She needs to stow away quite a few things. Probably not. Unfortunately, we were given the 5-litre version. That’s more suited to day trips – i.e. a rain jacket, swimming trunks and so on. For bike packers, the larger 9-litre version is certainly a better choice.

3. It needs to be easy to handle. It’s not too bad. It’s easy to fit, but accessing the contents of the handlebar bag is rather fiddly. This is down to the design, which is quite common. The openings are on the sides, which means you have to remove the bag – or at least loosen it – and then open one of the sides with the roll-top fastening.

Quickly stowing away sunglasses that are too dark or reaching for an energy bar – that ends up being quite a faff. Our colleague and BIKE tester Stefan Frey says: “You’re more likely to end up putting things in there that you’ll need in the evening when you’re camping.” Good point: anyone who stows their sleeping bag and jacket in the handlebar bag during the ride anyway won’t mind. But with the 5-litre version, I doubt it’ll be used for that – it’s more likely to be used for day trips.

Another drawback: when using the underhand grip, the side roll fastening rubs a bit against your hands.

4. It must be robust and long-lasting. After just the first or second ride, it’s clearly too early to say anything definitive about this. The build quality gives the impression of being high-quality. A personal assessment, which cannot necessarily be generalised: a material as stiff as that used in the Evoc bag is more prone to tearing than a more flexible one, particularly in areas that are frequently rolled up, i.e. creased.

Further reviews of the Evoc bikepacking collection:

• Frame bags: The Framebag WP 3 and the Top Tube Pack Ultra WP 2
• Bum Rocket: The Seat Pack Ultra WP 7

In a nutshell:

• Capacity: 5 litres
• Material: 100% polyester
• Weight: 330 grams (manufacturer’s specifications)
• Dimensions: 35 cm x 17 cm x 15 cm (manufacturer’s specifications)
• Colours: black, sand
• Price: 120 euros >> Available here at a reduced price

Conclusion on the Handlebar Pack WP5

The smaller of the two new handlebar bags from Evoc, with a capacity of 5 litres, doesn’t offer enough storage space. Fitting it with the BOA fastener is easy, but there are some criticisms regarding the side roll-top fastenings. This means you don’t have quick access – and that would actually be quite useful for this compact day-trip version. What’s more, the bag’s roll-top opening gets a bit in the way when gripping the handlebar from below.
Tip: There’s also a 9-litre version, anyone who, on longer tours, can only get accommodation for the night anyway might not care about the access.
Laurin Lehner, Tester