If you've ever tried capturing the action of competitive cycling events, you'll know the value of a proper camera. This award-winning backpack, designed for the active photographer, makes it simple. Evoc’s robust CP 26l weighs 2.35kg, and fulfils airline carry-on dimensions, its internal space split 60/40 between padded camera bag and a day pack above.
- Highs: Capacity, access, protection
- Lows: It’ll make your other bags redundant
The camera compartment’s Velcro-fastened dividers are adjustable – to make the most of the zipped quick-access side panel, pack the camera horizontally with your most used lens attached.
We fitted a Nikon D4 with 80-200mm f2.8 lens minus hood, two short f2.8 zoom lenses, flashgun, batteries and lens hoods. You can fit four smaller lenses in, along with a second smaller camera body and flash. It could alternatively take a video camera, especially if you use the top compartment for bulky items.
Placing the pack down with straps upwards keeps them clean, and enables you to unzip the lockable back panel to expose the camera section, and another zipped panel for accessing the daypack. Inside the back panel are pockets for memory cards, accessories, cables and filters. With the pack standing upright another lockable zip provides fast access to the daypack and padded 15in laptop slot from above.
The daypack will fit books, power cables, spare clothes, food, headphones or even light footwear. On the outside is a lined sunglasses pocket and below it a map pocket – equally useful for travel documents. On the lower left side is a large pocket for a hydration system, with hose exit port and an external mesh pocket for bottles.
Fully loaded, the Evoc can get weighty, but the carrying system is well thought out, with the mass largely held away from the body, so air can cool your back. Wide, adjustable, well-padded shoulder straps, a chest strap and waist strap spread the load well, keeping it stable even when climbing out of the saddle. There’s a pull-out rain cover, and the pack is also designed to carry ice axes, skis and snowboards externally.
Strapping: The chest strap includes an emergency whistle, while the removable waist strap incorporates a valuables pocket.
Hard Nut: High-density, shock-absorbing foam covered with tough, durable nylon gives the Evoc a reasonably rigid shell.
Open And Shut: The clever design and numerous zips allow independent access to every part of the bag while still keeping your kit separated.
