Stage racing is hard. That’s one thing I learned at my first BC Bike Race, and my first stage race, period. It’s physically hard to put it all on the line, seven days in a row. It’s hard to pace yourself each of those days, leaving just enough in the tank to perform the next day. It’s hard keeping your bike maintained all week long. It’s hard just getting up in the morning and mentally preparing yourself to race, for yet another day. Stage racing is really bloody hard. Fortunately, one item made my race just a little bit easier: The EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3.
EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3 key specs
- Price: $150 including hydration reservoir
- Buy from Backcountry
People prepare for months, and even years, for these bucket-list events. Just making it there is a big deal for some, just getting there and completing each day is as tough for some people as racing at the highest level is for others. We’re all there on our own personal journeys, so the least we can do is make sure we’re prepared, and give ourselves a decent chance at success. All it really takes is one small screw-up to ruin the entire week, and with it months of planning, time off work, and all the money spent to get there. So let’s not f— it up, hey?
Keeping in mind that I hadn’t taken part in an XC race in about a decade, and had never ridden a stage race, my preparation was using my biggest days out as a measure for success, and then throwing things out there and seeing what sticks. I was fortunate to be driving my own vehicle and trailer out to the 2024 edition of BCBR on Vancouver Island, and camping in the Vanlife section. I had space on my side, and was able to bring a pretty healthy selection of mountain biking paraphernalia that I thought might come in useful.
By far the most useful thing I brought was my EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3L with 1.5L hydration bladder. I brought spare tubes, Dynaplugs, a OneUp EDC Pump, Crankbrothers SOS tools and more, and while I carried most of them every day, I didn’t use them once. Lucky me, right?
The one thing I did use every day, without fail, was my hip pack. Not only is the hip pack a vessel for many of the aforementioned items, but even without them it would have been useful for one reason alone: hydration. The most important thing for me on trail that week, bar none, was water.
As a human, I need water to survive. As an Englishman that doesn’t do well in hot weather, I need it more than others. I bought the EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3 for longer summer rides last year, and it’s changed the way I ride; I can now carry so much more water, I stay fresh most of the day and don’t need to carry a large backpack. During BCBR, which involves racing flat out for three to four hours a day in 25-30ºC heat, water intake is critical. On day three I slipped up on the electrolyte front and got some cramps after my race, but by day five I felt like I was absolutely crushing it. Hydration was not a problem; just being adequately hydrated made the biggest difference to my race week, and meant I could push as hard as I needed to for long periods of time.
Why the Hip Pack Pro 3?
Many racers chose to wear a hydration vest, and others chose nothing and ride with just water bottles. The Hip Pack Pro 3 works well for me for a few reasons. Firstly, I wanted as much ventilation as I could get, and the hip pack has the smallest footprint. The EVOC Pro hip pack has a really wide velcro waist band so stability is not an issue, and it cinches down pretty tight and rarely moves. The included 1.5L bladder was the main selling point, and while it doesn’t leave a lot of space for much else, there’s just enough room to squeeze some snacks and spares in there, as well as side pockets for keys, wallet etc., and holsters for additional water bottles. Plus there is space for a filter to top up should you need to, meaning endless water on big days.
I’ve always found EVOC gear to be well-thought-out and designed, ergonomic, and of quality construction. Their packs aren’t cheap, but I find them to be a good value. The additional utility of the Hip Pack Pro 3 is an absolute game changer for me on bigger or higher intensity summer rides, and combined with a small filter, can keep me going all day. Plus the vented mesh panel makes it quite tolerable to wear, even on super hot days. It’s not something I use every ride, but when I know I’m going out for a big mission, it’s invaluable. The bladder is my favorite feature, but the side pockets and tool pockets/pouch at the back are nice to have, and I just leave it loaded up as a grab-and-go.
Pros and cons of the EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3
Pros
- Excellent retention system
- Waist strap is very comfortable
- Lots of storage options
- Great ventilation
Cons
- Full bladder makes it hard to fit anything else
- It can be tricky to find the magnetic hose clip when rushing
Bottom line
Overall, I highly recommend the EVOC Hip Pack Pro 3. Water is the one thing we all need, and for those looking for a neat water solution that isn’t cumbersome and keeps things cool, it’s worth a look.
