EVOC Hip Pack Pro

Words/Photos by Chili Dog

While the jury is still out on whether or not fanny packs are socially acceptable, we can say with confidence that they’re absolutely more comfortable to wear than a backpack on a hot day! They’ve only gotten to be more comfortable too as time has gone on and companies like EVOC tinker with the design. The EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L is Evo’s latest evolution in the fanny pack market, and it’s teeming with clever ideas and storage pockets. 

The Lab

At the core of the EVOC Hip Pack PRO is a foam impact pad that keeps the sharp objects you’re carrying separate from your back in a crash. The pad is designed to increase airflow around your lower back. There are specifically grooved ventilation channels for air, with perforated EVA pads behind a mesh material. The fit is close to the back to transfer weight to the lower back without any side to side movement. 

A velcro strap with a secondary buckle closure allows for almost infinite adjustment, and weight distribution over a large area. The wide but ultra thin strap keeps pressure points down, while also keeping the pack in place. It’s actually soft and comfortable enough to wear under a jersey if desired. It’s massive improvement from the early fanny pack days with thin, uncomfortable straps. Built into the strap are storage pockets, internal routing for the water pack’s draw tube, and a magnetic securing point for the nozzle. There’s no stone left unturned here. 

EVOC also came up with what they call the Ventiflap, a system to quickly adjust the tension of the strap by pulling on the two blue tabs on either side of the closure strap. I’ll admit, I didn’t use it much, but the name is clever. 

Around the back, is a N210 ripstop PU Coated fabric that’s ultra durable and water resistant to keep all your stuff safe. Inside is a 1.5 liter hydration pack, that holds plenty of water for a long day in the saddle. For additional water storage, there’s two side pockets for bottles. 

Inside is the water pouch flap, which can be used for normal storage when the pouch isn’t in the pack there’s also ample zippered pockets large and small for storing small patches, tools or larger things like food and pumps. 

The Dirt

This pack leaves pretty much nothing to be desired when it comes to capacity. In fact, it quite literally has so much storage space and capacity that if you actually make use of every single pouch and pocket, it’s like dragging around a lead weight. Trail packrats rejoice— you can practically bring your whole damn garage in here! 

While I never once found myself using all the storage options at once, I did use each and every pocket independently depending on my needs and ride duration. I hate riding with a back pack, and the EVOC Hip Pack Pro lets me carry everything I’d need to without the heat and discomfort of a normal backpack. I also love the infinite and easy adjustability of the hip strap. When climbing, I’d unbuckle the buckle and I found it easier than pulling the adjustment tabs while giving me the same extra breathing room. 

This pack is extremely comfortable, and even overloaded still distributes weight well. Though thick and thin, this pack also stayed comfortably in place. It never shifted up or spun around like so many other fanny packs I’ve tried. The only areas of this pack that could use improvement, however, are the water pouch and nozzle. Since the water pouch is in the rear of the pack, having it full directly influences the fit and feel on your pack. The nozzle retention system could also use improvement. I found the nozzle was hard to reach for drinking, granted I am 6’ 3” so the length is probably better for people with a short torso. I solved the issue by slightly changing the routing. 

The Wolf’s Last Word

While fanny packs may not be the coolest, they are undeniably more comfortable and allow better ventilation than a traditional backpack. The Evoc Hip Pack Pro is a well designed unit, that is teeming with usable storage space and features. With pockets for pretty much anything you could want to bring, two bottle storage pouches, and a 1.5 liter water bladder, there isn’t much more you could possibly cram into a fanny pack! We also like the flexibility to load the pack up for longer rides, or remove the bladder and enjoy the slim profile on short days out. 

Price: $120.00;
Website: EVOCsports.us