EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L + 1.5L review

EVOC’s Hip Pack Pro 3L is one of the more stable hip packs on the market, and it comes with a 1.5l bladder and mesh side pockets big enough for two water bottles.

The Venti Flap cinching system makes adjusting tension in the hip belt easy, so the bag stays put on even the roughest of descents.

EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L 1.5L details and specifications

With two main compartments, two well-sized side pockets and two open mesh pockets for water bottles, or those essentials you want within easy reach, the Hip Pack Pro 3L isn’t short of storage.

Its front-zipped pocket opens to reveal multiple internal, elasticated sleeves and compartments. This makes it easy to find what you need for fixing mechanicals on the trail.

At 578g including the 1.5l HydraPak reservoir, it’s not the lightest pack for its size. However, I think you'll forgive it for this because it doesn't feel weighty when it’s around your waist, and is impressively stable.

EVOC emphasises the benefits of its Air Flow Contact System. These are shaped air channels and pads on the back panel claimed to evenly distribute the pack's weight around the wearer's centre of gravity while providing cooling.

EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L 1.5L performance

The Hip Pack Pro 3L delivers excellent comfort and stability that’s close to the performance of one of the best cycling backpacks; a testament to its impressive design and construction.

Despite having to wrap the elasticated Velcro waistband tight to get a truly secure fit, the Venti Flap system, which tightens buckles hidden beneath the side pockets, made cinching it up even easier.

The VentiFlap system also makes loosening the pack for climbs easy, and meant I didn’t have to re-adjust the main strap while on the move.

The addition of a clip buckle only improves how easy it is to secure and tighten up.

Sweat and heat build-up is minimal with maximised airflow, which means it has become my go-to pack on most rides.

How does the EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L compare?

An obvious competitor and rival to the EVOC is Osprey's top-rated Seral 7.

Head to head, the EVOC takes the win for comfort with its wide, stretchy hip belt that has dual fastenings. However, I found the Osprey's angled design, compression straps and low profile conformed closer around my body, giving a more secure fit on challenging, rough terrain.

Both packs have good-sized pockets and the inclusion of two mesh bottle sleeves on the EVOC gives the rider more options for carrying water. However, the Osprey’s lack of movement and extra size, along with it not feeling bulky, help edge it ahead of the EVOC overall.

EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L 1.5L bottom line

This pack exudes quality, with a great design that’s well manufactured.

Thanks to the body-conforming shape, it will fit your back and hips with well-positioned anatomically friendly padding.

This is a versatile pack that caters for those of us who like either a hydration pack or bottles. This makes it well suited to shorter rides and all-day epic adventures. Compared to the Osprey Seral 7, the smaller capacity means it fills up quicker.