Evoc CC 16L Hydration Pack

(discontinued)

Review by Johan Hjord // Photos by Johan Hjord and Tal Rozow

EVOC produces a huge range of backpacks for various outdoors activities, from small, simple hydration packs to full-on, expedition-level haulers. The new CC line is made for those who want to keep cool when the mercury climbs, offering a series of features designed with optimal ventilation and airflow in mind. We grabbed the largest of three available versions and headed off to find out how it performs on the trail.

EVOC CC 16l Highlights

• Made from: AIR MESH, DARLINGTON MESH, N100D NANO BOX RIPSTOP PU COATED, P600 D PU COATED
• Size: 16 L
• Hydration capacity: up to 3L (bladder optional)
• Dimension: 23 x 50 x 14 cm
• Flexible quick-access lycra side pockets
• Roll-out helmet flap
• Clip for hydration tube
• AIR PAD SYSTEM for increased back ventilation
• BRACE LINK for optimal adjustment of the shoulder straps
• Tool compartment (separate, wide swing opening)
• Soft-lined media pocket
• Colors: Black, Slate/Red, White/Olive
• Weight: 695 g
• MSRP: $90.00 USD

Initial Impressions

EVOC is known for making high quality gear, and the CC does not disappoint. First impressions are of a very well put together hydration pack, compact in size but rich in features. The materials are well-chosen, and the craftsmanship on display seemingly flawless. Our sample did not include a hydration bladder but EVOC makes one should you wish to add it.

Since the CC (short for “Climate Control”) line was designed with max airflow and ventilation in mind, fabrics were chosen accordingly. The shoulder straps are quite minimalist, and the waist strap outright so. The pack is equipped with EVOC’s “Brace Link” which was designed to let the shoulder straps conform to the shape of the wearer and help make sure the load is taken up evenly by the shoulders. Other external details include a handy hydration hose clip and a built-in whistle in the sternum strap buckle (the sternum strap can also be adjusted in both height and length).

The back panel is where the focus on ventilation is the most obvious. The panel features six prominent support pads, the remaining space turned into sizeable ventilation channels. The pads are quite firm, and the backpanel itself features a hard plastic insert to help the pack keep its shape when loaded. The general idea here is to allow the pack to be fully supported on the back of the rider while allowing a maximum of airflow to help keep the temperature under control.

The 16 liter version of the CC we tested features a number of storage options: a main storage area with a semi-separate hydration bladder compartment, a dedicated tool compartment, 2 elastic side pockets, a fleece-lined media pocket, an internal mesh pocket for keys or other small items, and a helmet flap. The CC packs do not feature a rain cover (EVOC provides these for purchase separately).

The tool compartment includes 6 mesh pockets of various size to help keep tools and pumps in order, with one additional zipped mesh pocket for your sundries. There is also room for other items to be stored here, like a smaller first-aid pouch for example. The tool compartment opens up completely for easy access (the pocket on the flap is the zipped one, so you don’t have to worry about losing any contents when accessing your tools).

On The Trail

After loading up the pack and adjusting the straps, we headed out on the first ride. The CC has quite a distinctive feel on the back, due to the firm nature of the pads on the back panel. We have tried other packs of similar design, and the CC probably has among the firmest, smallest pads out there. At first, you can really feel where each pad rests on your back, but the pack is never uncomfortable and this sensation quickly becomes second nature. As for those warmer days, this back panel design does indeed translate to actual airflow that you can really feel on the trail.

Despite being minimalistic in nature, the shoulder straps do a great job of supporting the pack in a comfortable and stable manner. It was also easy to dial in the fit, thanks to the fully adjustable sternum strap. The waist strap is perhaps too minimalistic, and this was the only feature of the pack we thought could be improved. As it stands, the thin, slippery nylon strap that constitutes the front portion of the waist band isn’t the most comfortable solution when you want to cinch the pack down for those extra rowdy trail segments, and it also lacks “grip” on most riding jerseys.

In use, the CC is stable and essentially makes itself forgotten. It is not prone to excessive movement, and you can load it up with enough gear to tackle all but the longest of rides. Tools, spares, water, food, and a windbreaker all fit reasonably easily inside, and your phone, keys, and credit cards will also be safe in their dedicated pockets. The elastic pockets on the side provide a little more space should you feel the need to get extra epic.

The CC is made with a carefully selected set of material and fabrics that all have a specific role to play. The result is a sturdy pack that is up for adventure and shrugs off the rigors of life on the trail. Despite the lack of an integrated rain cover, the CC has stood up well to conditions ranging from blazing hot to wet, sloppy, and cold. Notably, the fabrics do not absorb much moisture which means that the pack dries out quickly once soaked, be it from a downpour or from hours of sweating in the saddle.

The helmet carrier is made specifically for holding an open-face helmet, but it will carry a full face as well, if that is your jam. The full face ends up hanging a bit low, but it sits stable enough to not be a concern for non-technical climbing (which is realistically where you’d find yourself carrying a full face on your back anyway). Strap that half-shell back in once you get ready to get rowdy, it won’t pop loose on the way back down no matter what. There are no dedicated straps for body armor of any kind, but the helmet carrier can also be pressed into duty carrying your kneepads to the top if need be.

Things That Could Be Improved

As previously mentioned, the waist strap is of the minimalist kind, and we think it could benefit from being just a bit wider. The nylon portion of the strap is quite thin, so it ends up cutting into your burrito storage area if cinched down too hard. The material chosen for this strap is also quite slippery, which doesn’t aid stability.

Should a rain cover be included? Our default wish list for a hydration pack always does, but at this size and price point, the question could be debated either way. EVOC make them available for $20, should you feel the need to accessorize your CC.

Long Term Durability

We’ve done our best to put the CC through its paces over the past 3 months, facing conditions ranging from desert scorchers to mud-drenched forests. The pack has come through it all with flying colors, and still looks great to boot. There are absolutely no signs of any kind of premature wear at this point, and based on EVOC’s track record and the craftsmanship on display here, we’d expect years of service from the CC line.

What’s The Bottom Line?

The Climate Control line was designed to help you keep cool and carry on, if you pardon the pun, and EVOC has certainly delivered. The CC 16l is a compact yet roomy hydration pack, loaded with features at a competitive price point. Quality materials and great attention to detail only add to the pleasure, and the well-ventilated back panel should place this pack firmly on the shortlist for anybody riding in warmer climates.

More information at: www.evocsports.com.

About The Reviewer

Johan Hjord loves bikes, which strangely doesn’t make him any better at riding them. After many years spent practicing falling off cliffs with his snowboard, he took up mountain biking in 2005. Ever since, he’s mostly been riding bikes with too much suspension travel to cover up his many flaws as a rider. His 200-pound body weight coupled with unique skill for poor line choice and clumsy landings make him an expert on durability - if parts survive Johan, they’re pretty much okay for anybody. Johan rides flat pedals with a riding style that he describes as "none" (when in actuality he rips!). Having found most trail features to be not to his liking, Johan uses much of his spare time building his own. Johan’s other accomplishments include surviving this far and helping keep the Vital Media Machine’s stoke dial firmly on 11.