First Look: EVOC Hip Pack Race
Even though EVOC won’t be presenting their newest range for 2017 until EUROBIKE at the end of August, we’ve had the opportunity to cast our eyes over their latest waistbelt, the HIP PACK RACE. Is it just an 80s throwback or is there something in this retro style bumbag for riders?
Trends come and go, with some reemerging more frequently than others, some welcome comebacks and others less so. But bumbags – or fannypacks as they call them in the States – what’s our stance on those? We’re certainly interested in this one from EVOC that’s far less suited to retro nights at cringe-worthy clubs and nor is it the typical clobber for American tourists. With the mountain bike market starting to fill up with a handful of well-designed, practical and versatile hip packs, specially designed to meet the needs of riders, it’s not surprising to see that EVOC have now designed their own and are launching the HIP PACK RACE.
The EVOC HIP PACK RACE shows some of the company’s distinctive trademark design features that we’re familiar with from their popular backpacks. Taking cues from the CONTACT FLOW SYSTEM found in the STAGE range of backpacks, the contact points are designed to guarantee ventilation with a robust mesh covering the air channels. Other familiar sights are the closable compartment for tools and the 3 l drinking bladder, which comes as part of the standard delivery. The drinking hose can run along the waistbelt with magnets to secure it or clipped higher up on your jacket or jersey.
The hip pack features one entirely new feature that EVOC have dubbed the VENTI FLAP, and it pretty much does exactly what the name suggests: on climbs or more leisurely rides when you don’t want to work up a sweat, you can ‘flap’ the waistbelt away from your body to get more airflow on your back. Once the trail goes downhill again, just give the straps a little tug and it’ll return to fit snugly against your lower back.
Weighing in at 375 g, the HIP PACK RACE has a 3 litre volume in the main compartment, but once you’ve filled the bladder you’ll realize that space is limited. There’s an interior pocket too, as well as the tool compartment and side pockets, so tools, energy bars, phone and a spare tube can be fitted in alongside your fluid. Super handy, the HIP PACK RACE gives you virtually immediate access to the most important mid-ride essentials, allowing you to leave the backpack at home. Coming in three colours and retailing at 65 €, the HIP PACK RACE will be on the market after EUROBIKE 2016.
First impression of the EVOC Hip Pack Race
Of course, the idea of a riding bumbag is going to split the camp, but if you’re happy to throw caution to the wind then the EVOC HIP PACK RACE does its job brilliantly, has a ton of welcome features and shows great manufacturing. We’ll let you know soon whether it’s a winner on the trails.
Words: Moritz Dittmar Photos: Moritz Dittmar/EVOC
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