I've had that Evoc bag since last June and I'm actually really happy with it. I am not a fan of SWAT shirts as they just feel too hot and constrictive on summer rides. I despise backpacks even more. So the bum bag wins.
I don't have an issue with the front compartment because I put all the small/loose items in one of the 3 internal pockets (it keeps things from jangling around). I keep a minimalist tool kit in a mesh bag, so nothing falls out. I opted for the bladder, so it takes up a bit more room that does not leave me a lot of extra space if I want a spare tube and a jacket (I have to pick one or the other). For long treks, I stitched on two webbing straps that I can now loop a jacket through.
The breathable back design works really well, and the two side tensioning straps are great for adjusting on-the-fly (loose on the climb/cinched for the descent...or as the water gets used up). My only complaint is the magnetic clip for the bladder hose. It's a slide clip that goes on the belt. The magnet is quite strong and I've pulled off the clip many times....and eventually lost it. A closed loop clip would have been a better idea.
I've used this bag for 7 hour rides, as well as 1 hour rides....full and almost empty. It forces me to really think about what I am packing for a long ride, so I don;t haul the kitchen sink with me....and therefore, I enjoy the ride much more.
Nov. 10, 2020, 12:48 p.m. - mudrunner
I've had that Evoc bag since last June and I'm actually really happy with it. I am not a fan of SWAT shirts as they just feel too hot and constrictive on summer rides. I despise backpacks even more. So the bum bag wins. I don't have an issue with the front compartment because I put all the small/loose items in one of the 3 internal pockets (it keeps things from jangling around). I keep a minimalist tool kit in a mesh bag, so nothing falls out. I opted for the bladder, so it takes up a bit more room that does not leave me a lot of extra space if I want a spare tube and a jacket (I have to pick one or the other). For long treks, I stitched on two webbing straps that I can now loop a jacket through. The breathable back design works really well, and the two side tensioning straps are great for adjusting on-the-fly (loose on the climb/cinched for the descent...or as the water gets used up). My only complaint is the magnetic clip for the bladder hose. It's a slide clip that goes on the belt. The magnet is quite strong and I've pulled off the clip many times....and eventually lost it. A closed loop clip would have been a better idea. I've used this bag for 7 hour rides, as well as 1 hour rides....full and almost empty. It forces me to really think about what I am packing for a long ride, so I don;t haul the kitchen sink with me....and therefore, I enjoy the ride much more.