Evoc Bikepacking Collection: The Seat Pack Ultra WP 7 put through its paces on a 400-kilometre test ride

Bikepackers usually pack the so-called ‘back-end rack’ with the things they’ll only need in the evening when looking for a place to sleep or at a guesthouse. Ideally, it’s easy to fit, stays wobble-free even on gravel tracks and is a joy to use.

Evoc has recently unveiled its new bikepacking collection – including the Seat Pack Ultra WP 4 for minimalists and day trips as well as WP 7 with a little more capacity.

We tested the rucksack on a three-day hike without staying in guesthouses – together with the Framebag WP 3 frame bag and the Top Tube Pack Ultra WP 2 top tube bag. The Handlebar Pack Boa WP 5 It was too small for the multi-day stage, so we left it at home – but we also put it through its paces on day trips.

Here are the other bags in the Evoc range:

• ​Framebag WP 3 frame bag
• ​Top Tube Pack Ultra WP 2 top tube bag
• ​Handlebar Pack Boa WP 5

What a good backpack needs to be able to do, and what the Seat Pack Ultra WP 7 from Evoc can do

What does a good arse-rake need to be able to do?

1. It must be waterproof. Check! The Evoc Seat Pack Ultra WP 7 is made from waterproof, recycled material. Although we didn’t encounter any heavy rain showers on our tour, the material looks promising in this respect. A nice bonus of a ‘bum rocket’, by the way: it not only carries your sleeping bag and other gear, but also acts as a splash guard.

2. It must be easy to fit. That’s sorted too! A tried-and-tested method: the two side straps are looped round the saddle rails, and the central strap round the seat post. The whole thing is then tightened using the side straps – ideally from behind, as this is easy and hassle-free. The two adjustment clips were a bit fiddly at first, but worked well once they were sorted.

3. She’s got quite a lot to stow away. Could be better! I’d already opted for the 7-litre version, but the storage space was still pretty tight – especially if you don’t have a sleeping bag with an ultra-compact pack size. I could just about fit the sleeping bag and my ultralight sleeping mat in there, and that was it. If you’ve fitted bulky panniers elsewhere on your bike, you’ll be fine. However, if you’re only using small bags on the handlebars and frame, you’ll need to pack tightly or simply travel more minimally. The fastening works well as a roll-top closure.

4. It must be visible to motorists. Check. A small detail, but one with a big impact. Naturally, nobody wants to be run over at dusk whilst looking for a place to sleep. We didn’t have a flashing light with us because we weren’t planning any long night-time rides. However, the Evoc does feature reflective material – on the rear and on the sides near the eyelets. It’s not rocket science – but some manufacturers still haven’t got it right.

5. It must be robust and long-lasting. Naturally, it’s not possible to make any reliable assessment after just the first or second ride – only a proper long-term test will tell. The build quality appears to be high. A personal assessment, which isn’t necessarily applicable to all cases: a stiff material like that used in the Evoc is more prone to tearing than a flexible one – particularly in areas that are frequently rolled up, i.e. creased. Whether this is also the case here will become clear in the long-term test.

In a nutshell:

• Capacity: 7 litres
• Material: 100% recycled polyester
• Weight: 376 grams (BIKE measurement); the manufacturer states 360 grams
• Dimensions: 17 cm x 42 cm x 15 cm (manufacturer’s specifications)
• Colours: Black
• Price: 95 euros >> available here

Verdict on the Seat Pack Ultra WP 7 ‘Arschrakete’

The lightweight Evoc Seat Pack Ultra WP 7 makes a solid impression. It has the key features a bike pack needs: easy fitting, reflective elements on the back and waterproof material. At 7 litres, the capacity is on the small side – more suited to a hut-style sleeping bag than a three-season behemoth. It’s a joy to use. And the price? Surprisingly fair.
Laurin Lehner, Tester