Commuter backpack in the test: Square, practical and good? The Evoc Urban Pack 25

Commuting to work by bike has many advantages: You get an active start to the day, do something for your health and at the same time avoid traffic jams and searching for a parking space. Just a few kilometres a day strengthen your heart and circulation, reduce stress and ensure a clear head in the office. At the same time, you protect the environment - and often even your wallet.

But as is so often the case, you need the right material. Some labels have therefore developed special rucksacks that are tailored to the needs of commuters.

Evoc Urban Pack 25: Stylish & waterproof

The Munich label has launched the new Evoc Urban Pack 22 was sent into the race. The Urban Pack made from waterproof duffle bag material has a generous, rectangular cut. With a price of 150 euros, the rucksack is in the mid-price segment. The volume was slightly cheated: We couldn't fit the stated 25 litres, but at least 22 litres. At 956 grams, it is one of the lighter commuter backpacks.

Bag management: Exemplary!

The lined laptop compartment is easily accessible from the outside and has a high-quality appearance. The pocket management is exemplary - there are numerous stowage options. There are mesh pockets on the outside for a spare inner tube or water bottle as well as another mini pocket on the front and side. And these are just the pockets accessible from the outside. The inside continues with well-organised mesh pockets. The light-coloured inner material provides a good overview when searching for your things. Well done! Full marks.

Wearing comfort & safety: Solid & bad

The carrying comfort is solid. The backpack sits comfortably on the back, the shoulder straps are rather tight, but still comfortable. However, the back section could be more profiled; with a heavy load and warmer temperatures, this will be at the expense of ventilation. The Urban Pack 25 does not have a hip fin or waist belt.

On the negative side, the rucksack stands out in terms of safety. Commuters move around in rush hour traffic, so reflective elements make sense and should be an absolute must for such backpacks. In our test colour (the backpack is also available in black), the Evoc was conspicuous, but we couldn't see any sewn-in reflectors in the light of our headlamp in the lab - points deducted.

Conclusion

In practice, the lightweight Evoc Urban Pack performs well: plenty of storage space, well thought-out pocket management and solid carrying comfort - it is also waterproof. There are no weaknesses to be found, especially when commuting short distances with a light load. With a score of 2.7, the Evoc Pack 25 is in the midfield compared to competitors such as Tatonka, Vaude, Osprey, Deuter, Btwin and Heimplanet. To summarise: Pocket management and volume are excellent, carrying comfort is mediocre. The lack of reflectors cost additional points.

Name: Evoc Urban Pack 25
Volume*: 22 litres (BIKE measurement)
Weight*: 956 grams (BIKE measured value)
Price: 150 Euro >> available here at a reduced price

BIKE EVALUATION: (School marks)
Carrying system (40%) 3.5
Handling (30%) 1.5
Safety (10%) 6
Weather protection (20%) 1

Overall grade: 2.7

This is how we tested

We tested each rucksack for at least 60 kilometres, mostly with a medium load and rather fresh to mild temperatures of 3 to 13 °C. We did not rely on the manufacturer's volume specifications, but instead filled the backpacks with specially filled bags - there were certainly deviations. In addition, the rucksacks were weighed and tested for their reflective elements; there is still room for improvement in almost all models. Most of the rucksacks are made of waterproof outer material. Some materials only have a water-repellent effect - we tested these under the shower head.

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