The best MTB daypack: EVOC STAGE 18L

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Since its creation in 2008, Munich-based EVOC have taken the market by storm and their brightly coloured backpacks with back protectors are a serious staple on the trails. We steered away from the familiar Freeline range for the purposes of this test and grabbed a STAGE 18L, which sacrifices a back protector in favour of a lower weight and better ventilation.

Ready for action Der EVOC STAGE 18L überzeugt mit dem besten Sitz und bleibt auch bei wilden Abfahrten sicher an Ort und Stelle.
Ready for action
The EVOC STAGE 18L took the win with the ultimate fit and ability to keep secure on the wildest descents.

The EVOC STAGE 18L fits all the staples inside it without any excessive space left over. The compartments make sense, and the main bit has a divider for the bladder, a padded glasses bit and a tool compartment with various sections. There’s a little slot for a strap to attach a helmet net, and there’s a small zipped pocket that contains a rain cover. There’s also mesh pockets on both sides that are ideal for quick stashing of bottles, gloves and other bits and bobs.

There’s a little cushioned pocket at the top that’s super suited to phones or glasses.
There’s a little cushioned pocket at the top that’s super suited to phones or glasses.
The netted helmet pocket on the outside disappears when you don’t need it.
The netted helmet pocket on the outside disappears when you don’t need it.
These netted side-pockets are ideal for energy bars and gloves.
These netted side-pockets are ideal for energy bars and gloves.

The STAGE 18L is essentially the same as any other backpack, but unlike the majority of EVOC models it comes without a back protector – in its place it has a super effective airflow system instead. It’s no surprise to see the great and well thought-out positioning of the waist and shoulder straps; after all, EVOC have made it their mission to create the most comfortable riding bags. These waist and shoulder straps are thinner and perforated, plus the shoulder straps are linked to the backpack with the so-called Brace Link, which render it easier to set up the bag to suit the width of your shoulders while still giving adequate space should the backpack attempt to get rowdy on steep descents.

The back part is stable and well vented. The straps are super flexible and ergonomic.
The back part is stable and well vented. The straps are super flexible and ergonomic.
The BRACE LINK is a huge asset to comfort, and the backpack has just enough bounce room on steep descents. The width can also be altered to fit jock-like shoulders or snake-like whippets.
The BRACE LINK is a huge asset to comfort, and the backpack has just enough bounce room on steep descents. The width can also be altered to fit jock-like shoulders or snake-like whippets.
Emergency Advice: All EVOC bags are equipped with lifesaving emergency advice in the interior.
Emergency Advice: All EVOC bags are equipped with lifesaving emergency advice in the interior.

Sat properly on our backs, the EVOC STAGE 18L kept its cool on our test rides. The 18 litre volume is prime for a day-ride and the EVOC STAGE 18L is simply unstoppable. Fit-and-forget to the max, it’s the ultimate day-ride backpack and our one to buy!

Weight: 965 g
Volume: 18 l
Price: € 139.95
More info: evocsports.com

+ Fit-and-forget top comfort
+ Sturdy material but low weight
+ Trendy design
– One or two sub-pockets inside the main bit would be appreciated