[Took me several weeks to receive the pack and bladder!]
I wanted to love, and gush over this hip pack like so many others. I've used CameBaks my whole life of cycling (and that's a lot). My latest has been the race-bak which is small, very thin, and extremely light on my back. So, EVOC had a challenge to bring it. Having heard the hip packs are better for low-back issues, I felt this was worth the try; hence not hesitating to buy one of the most expensive packs of its type on the market.
First thing out of the gate was I immediately noticed there's only ONE BOTTLE POUCH and IT IS RIDICULOUSLY TIGHT even for a standard size bottle...like you gotta stop and fight with it tight! Though I'm not planning on carrying 1, let alone 2, water bottles I felt this was a very odd modification without much notice. I would have expected some type of "New Version" or "Updated" flag to alert buyers to see what and why. I'm still not sure why, but I have a suspicion that perhaps they addressed the #1 criticism which has been the waist size. And, to that, I can say THIS MODEL HAS PLENTY OF WAIST BAND LENGTH; I am a 35-26" and I have plenty of overlap that could easily support another few inches if needed. So, for those who've complained, this model will accommodate the larger waists!
Now, as for function...meh. Honestly, you wouldn't think you'd need to put so much effort and thought into throwing a few items into a pack and get riding. Alas, I almost felt like I needed an interactive app to help me lay things out in such a way to get them to fit. What am I carrying? Well, I just put the bladder in last night and that took more thought than I thought. The pouch, like everyone says is tight..but that's an understatement! Since I bought it separately, and it doesn't come with any retention, I elected to get a FIDLOCK tube holder...so, we'll see how that works. But, for me, having a tube across my waist is silly after decades of using a CamelBak tube over my shoulder. Nothing could be easier; whether cycling, hiking, climbing, or skiing...or even for a day trip around town. So...that said...I can't see me using this hip pack and bladder tube across my waist for anything but cycling!
The comfort IS very nice, I will say. However, for those who's "figure" resembles a telephone pole or maybe a large tree-trunk, don't expect this pack to stay high on your waist. It's gonna migrate its way to where it can't go no further. And no, why get a hip pack with suspenders!?
Finally, the pockets. The hip pockets are generous in size, without dividers or any retention inside other than a key strap. The problem with ALL of these nitpicks is I fully expect to use/access my hydration packs AS I'M CYCLING...NOT STOPPED for a rest break. Nothing about this pack makes that easy!! Those side pockets are big, but the mouth is so big that pulling one item out may lead to dumping other things out if you're not careful.
As for the "Tool Compartment"? Uh, not sure WHAT tools, but the interior elastic pockets are super tight. Yes, you can shove a multi-tool and tire irons in, but don't even consider anything wider or thicker like a tube. And, for those with a mini-pump...I seriously doubt it'll fit. For those who criticized that the phone pocket was too small, they fixed that issue...THEY TOOK AWAY THE PHONE POUCH ALTOGETHER!!! I have the iPhone 17 ProMax, so who cares...it's too big for that pocket from what others say. Ok then, where else to put it? Well, the MAIN compartment is pretty slim but the phone CAN go in there. I'm able to put a pump across the bottom and a TPU tube folded out below and behind the bladder, as well as a small first aid pouch and that's about it. But as for the phone, if you're like I am, you're concerned with any pressure on the screen or other items just waiting to scratch your expensive iToy as you enjoy bouncing down the trails! So...as of right now, my iPhone has nowhere safe to stay other than my front pocket...exactly where I DON'T want my phone!
In summary, the quality is as good as you would expect from a $100 pack, so you'll be fully satisfied. I love quality but I love function and perfect layout just as much. It does the job of bringing the weight (4lbs/1790gr with 1L of water) off of my shoulders, so hopefully that's a big benefit for my back health. Other than that, I'm sorry to say that the "on-the-trail" functionality is several giant steps backwards.
Would I return it if I got a 100% refund? Maybe. But it's too soon to tell, and by the time I tell, it'll be too late and the pack will be too used to return...let alone pay shipping. So, they got me and it's not the first "less than optimum" piece of gear I've ever bought...won't be the last.
