A small pack that packs a big punch on the trail

Words by Robin Weaver

This ‘vest’ style hydration pack from EVOC offers up a slimline, figure-hugging bag that sits close to your back with just enough space to stow all the essential kit you’re likely to need for a day in the hills.

The Hydro Pro 3+ pack is constructed using EVOC’s Airo Flex fabric, which feels shiny to the touch, very malleable and light, but is still decently sturdy, helping the pack to hold its shape.

There’s 3 litres of storage on offer, which includes the 1.5 litre Hydrapak bladder.

Pack Performance

First off, it’s worth noting that despite the diminutive size, you can actually pack quite a bit of kit into the Hydro Pro 3+ pack.

This is partly thanks to those large pockets on the shoulder straps. Within these, I’ve stashed spare SRAM AXS batteries, suncream, a tubeless plug kit and CO2 inflator, then stuffed bars and gels in the mesh sections outside.

With 1 litre of water in the main compartment, I could just about squeeze in a small pump, a 29in tube, a first aid kit, a Leatherman tool, and a thin jacket. Inside the flap pocket, I stowed my multi-tool, tyre levers and tyre boots.

The double vertical zips reach the top of the pack and sit under a horizontal Velcro flap that’s designed to secure the pack and help keep the elements out.

Pack Bottom Line

The Evoc Hydro Pro 3+ pack offers a decent amount of storage and a really secure fit that’s ideal for a day in the hills or a massive gravel ride.

Thanks to an impressively secure shoulder harness which features some really useful pockets, the Hydro Pro 3+ pack does a fine job of staying just where it needs to be no matter how rowdy the trail or how much you move around on the bike.

The bladder is decent and the features on offer all help to add up on the trail, making the EVOC Hydro Pro 3+ one of the best hydration packs I’ve used.