EVOC Trail Pro 16 Protector Pack

EVOC The Talk

The EVOC Trail Pro 16 is a big pack. Not the biggest that EVOC makes by a longshot, but for my day-to-day use it's 50% larger than the personal pack I don't ever overfill. Why not review the Trail Pro 10 instead? Ignorance. Straight up. I've been using the same two multiple times repaired ACRE Hauser 10L roll-top weatherproof backpacks for years now. With a Camelbak Level-2 back protector in place of a hydration bladder. And while I've tried any number of packs in that time, I've never had a compelling reason to switch.

Given the opportunity to choose an EVOC pack to review, the Trail Pro series was the obvious standout in the lineup. These have a back protector which is a priority for me, and yet are relatively light. They also include a rain cover which is a must on a non-weatherproof bag. The harness system is very comfortable but with my 10L bag needs already settled, the larger 16L size made more sense from the perspective of having an option for bigger days.

*Title photo by Penny

The Trail Pro 16 isn't perfect but I did fall in love with it on my very first ride. I haven't ridden in my ACRE packs since. One is doing duty as a dry bag on the front rack of my commuter, but it's not nearly as weatherproof as it once was. The other is fairly worn out but it doesn't owe me anything after over a decade of hard use. I have so many hours of riding in them, and so many great adventures, it's hard to admit how much better the Trail Pro works for me.

And it's not like I've not tried a few different EVOC packs previously. From the back padding to the harness system to the back protector itself, the Trail Pro lineup is a clear example of small steady product evolutions eventually turning out a much better product. It's lighter than past EVOC protector packs and rides even lighter.

Like the best hiking packs, only cut for mountain biking, the Trail Pro takes some time to set up properly and at first the hug of the hip-belt setup felt a bit awkward. I adjusted it a bunch of times on my first climb before settling back into the same tension I'd initially used and just getting used to the tighter fit.

Once I embraced the EVOC's embrace, the pack disappeared in a way I haven't experienced. It never shifts around and much of the weight of my stuff just magically disappears when I put it on. I don't notice the back protector at all when I'm riding but I'm all-in on using one to protect my back from the trail and from my stuff.

Rain Covered

I've used the rain cover quite a few times now and it does a fine job of keeping everything dry. Rain covers always come down to a trade-off of security and convenience. Where the Trail Pro cover clips on both top and bottom and covers the waist belt pockets reliably, it's not something I want to be getting into regularly on a ride. Luckily, other than when I need to get out my camera, I don't tend to require a costume change or trailside repair often enough that it's a concern.

I use the hip belt pockets, including the one marked 'rain cover' to store spare gloves. If it's going to rain on my ride I start off with the cover installed, and if not I stow it in the main compartment.

Short or Tall

Usually being medium height for a North American male is a solid win when it comes to bike equipment. There tend to be minimal compromises to fit or performance compared to the experiences of tall and short folks. Companies like Trek even have bike models with three sizes of frame to which I can comfortably adapt.

As great as my experiences with the Trail Pro 16 are, I find myself wishing that they made three sizes. I'm right in the grey area in terms of torso size, but to me the Small-Medium is clearly too small and the Large-XL is a bit too tall. It doesn't bother me often, but occasionally on steep terrain it feels like the top of the pack is sitting too close to the back of my helmet.

It wouldn't stop me from buying a Trail Pro pack, and it wouldn't change my mind about what size I'm using from the current options. EVOC essentially already makes a 'short folks' XS size in this pack, called the Trail Pro SF 12, so I think they could tweak the sizing of the three-pack line to better serve more users without short-changing either end of the size curve.

HMPL

My favourite feature of CamelBak's Chase Protector vest was the chest-mounted cell phone pocket. I ride by myself a lot and I feel that's the place I'm most likely to be able to access my phone in an emergency while also being the place I'm least likely to crash onto my phone. It became such a focus of mine that I commissioned the local bag wizards at HMPL Design to make me a weatherproof quick access case to mount on my ACRE packs.

Scott and Matt came up with a simple design that uses an internal strap as an elevator so I can retrieve my phone even in my thickest gloves and a magnetic closure that only opens when I want it to. I'm careful to note this isn't a review, it's a product I paid for and it's also not something they sell off the rack. But if it is something you'd love to have for your pack, drop them a message and let them know.

I'm stoked to say it transferred across perfectly from my ACRE packs. I never notice it when I'm riding, but I always know it's there. It's an add-on I think every pack company should offer, and barring that I wish there was enough demand that HMPL could sell them aftermarket.

Load Lightening

The Trail Pro 16 has enough room for all the tools and kit I carry plus snacks, extra gloves, and emotional support jackets for myself and my kid. I often carry an extra shirt as I tend to run sweaty, and lately I keep forgetting my shock pump in the pack even when I'm riding my rigid single-speed. Plus I usually carry my Olympus 4/3 camera and with the EVOC pack I'll bump up to my larger Pro 12-40 lens instead of the pancake I usually port in my other pack.

When we're gearing up and my kid carries my pack out, she grunts and grumbles about how heavy it is. Even after I remind her half the stuff in there is for her. It's "WAY HEAVIER" than how I set up the ACRE. Yet, on my back, it feels like it weighs half as much.

Other than the wish they had another size in the middle, my only complaint is that the mesh key-and-wallet pocket in the main compartment only lasted one ride before my vicious key-ring tore through it. No doubt EVOC would cover it under warranty, but I normally carry that stuff in a little dry bag anyway so it didn't bother me any and I'd rather not create the waste. But it is an expensive pack, so it's worth noting.

Does it make sense to save a few grams but lose the waist belt pockets by dropping down to the Trail Pro 10? I'm curious but I think I'd conclude that the Trail Pro 16 is my ultimate one-pack solution.

If you're in between sizes I'd recommend trying on both, even if you're on the edge of being in between. At 5'9" I'm certainly the L-XL despite the fact that my measurements would just shade me into the S-M based on their recommendation.

The regular price for the Trail Pro 16 is 300 CAD although they have an amazing Lavender model on sale right now for 180 CAD. I'll be obscenely jealous that yours is purple.

Who even wears a backpack anymore? According to the internet, next to no one. But I do, on every ride, and I still see quite a few of them out on the trail. If you're a pack person and seeking a fresh one, see if you can take a parking lot lap in a laden Trail Pro 16. It's great.

EVOC Trail Pro 16 Protector Pack