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Whoever wants a Backpack for 185 euros has certain expectations - at least that's how we feel in the BIKE test department. Materials, workmanship, bag management, features - the manufacturer shouldn't afford to slip up here. Can Evoc fulfil these expectations with the Stage?
Typical Evoc is the division into an external tool compartment and a wide-opening main compartment. The Munich-based company has also placed a padded pocket for sunglasses at the top front, while the drawer for the hydration bladder, which is not included in the price, is concealed at the very back. Surprisingly, Evoc has dispensed with the practical pockets on the stretchy hip straps on the Stage, instead there are classic mesh pockets in which you can place a water bottle on the side, for example, and, according to the website, a smartphone pocket, which we have not yet been able to discover.
Top features include the integrated and retractable helmet holder, compression straps and the integrated rain cover. The ergonomic shoulder straps are flexibly mounted on the so-called brace links and the mesh back is designed to provide good ventilation. So far so good, let's see how the Stage 18 performs on the trail.
We tested these 9 mountain bike backpacks:
Evoc Stage 18 - Info & Price
- Price185 Euro >> at Amazon or Mountain friends available at a reduced price
- Weight: 944 gram
- Back systemContact back, structured upholstery with mesh cover
- EquipmentRain cover, tool compartment, goggle compartment, stretch hip belt, retractable helmet holder
- Hydration bladderno / 3 litres / 47 Euro
- Volume measured / specified: 17 / 18 litres
Clever layout, top overview
The Stage 18 also featured in our last test, but has been visibly revised since then. Fortunately, the very well thought-out division into main compartment, tool compartment and separate compartment for the hydration bladder has remained. There is also a padded pocket at the top front for glasses or a smartphone. There is hardly a better way to structure a rucksack, especially as all compartments open completely and are brightly lined, ensuring an excellent overview of the contents.
All zips run easily and smoothly and are easy to operate with one hand. The tool compartment could be a little longer, even a short shock pump barely fits in here. Thanks to the tub-like construction, all the contents remain in the rucksack when rummaging in the main compartment and don't tumble into the vegetables by themselves.
The retractable helmet holder is practical and can also be used for pads or a change of clothing. However, attaching a full-face helmet to the compression straps is less intuitive. The straps also have to be loosened to open the main compartment. The tool compartment is freely accessible at all times.
Less stable seat on the downhill
In contrast to its siblings from the Freeride and Trail Pro series, the Stage seems to be made more for moderate trail and touring use. With its short stretch hip wings, the Stage rests more on the back than hugging it tightly.
Five thick structural pads are spread across the back and covered with a mesh cover. As a result, the Stage is surprisingly well ventilated. However, this comes at the cost of a back panel that does not adapt perfectly to the body and protrudes slightly at the lower back when in the riding position. On the one hand, this causes an uncomfortable pull on the hip belt, and on the other, the Evoc tends to wobble and slide upwards as soon as the terrain becomes steep and technical. While we criticised the hard edging on the back in the last test, this problem has been rectified in the current version.
Rating & Conclusion - Evoc Stage 18
| Category | Grade |
| Carrying system (40 %) | 2,5 |
| Handling (30 %) | 1,9 |
| Weight (15 %) | 2,0 |
| Equipment (15 %) | 2,0 |
| BIKE NOTE | 2,2 |
Conclusion: Evoc Stage 18
The Evoc scores with its well thought-out organisation and great handling - all compartments fold out completely. Top: extra hydration bladder compartment. However, the tool compartment is a little short. The back system provides good ventilation, but is inflexible and difficult to adjust to the bike position. In combination with the short hip wings, the Stage wobbles and slides downhill - unusual for an Evoc backpack. The Stage is therefore more suitable for moderate tours. If you are looking for a daypack for demanding terrain, the Munich-based company's Freeride or Trail Pro models are more suitable.
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Stefan Frey
Editor
