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review

Evoc Commuter 18L Backpack

9
£129.99

VERDICT:

9
10
Great waterproofing, storage options in spades and very comfortable – one of the best commuter bags going
Waterproofing
Comfortable to carry
Spacious
Lots of pockets for your gear
Padded laptop and tablet pocket
Looks great
Night time visibility (and there are brighter options for the day)
Expensive
Weight: 
1,110g
road.cc Recommends

This product has been selected to feature in road.cc recommends. That means it's not just scored well, but we think it stands out as special. Go to road.cc recommends

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The clue's in the name – Evoc's Commuter Backpack is designed specifically with commuters in mind. It's very waterproof, roomy, and can transport all your tech essentials in safety. It's also very comfortable, looks good and there are some great reflective details. The price is pretty high, but it compares well with many commuter-specific bags tested on road.cc.

One of the Commuter's biggest advantage over other backpacks is its solid waterproofing, thanks to the PVC-free tarpaulin construction and waterproof zips. It's not 100 per cent waterproof – the Commuter has several zips for opening its various compartments instead of a roll top – but after a 20-minute ride in heavy rain, there was no water to be found inside.

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Although it wasn't able to pass my garden hose test – five minutes of constant water aimed at the exterior and some water did work its way past the zips – it's still very impressive, and certainly good enough for the amount of time most people spend riding on a commute, even those covering longer distances like myself (around 12-15 miles each way).

2020 Evoc Commuter 1.8L back pack - detail.jpg

The bottom of the backpack is covered in Cordura – the same stuff used in motorcycle gear to protect against abrasion at high speed – which helps to prevent the bottom getting worn when it's on the floor. Overall, it feels like a very sturdy and well protected backpack.

Storage options

There are loads of compartments on the inside, perfect for stashing all sorts of things. The laptop pocket can easily house a relatively new 15-inch MacBook Pro (or the newer 16-inch version), and if your laptop isn't quite as slim as that, there's plenty of width to house a chunkier model. An adjustable Velcro strap keeps your laptop firmly in place, and the padded housing keeps it well protected. Plus, you don't feel anything on your back while you ride.

2020 Evoc Commuter 1.8L back pack - ipad and laptop sleeve.jpg

You also get a storage compartment in front of the laptop pocket specifically for an iPad (up to an 11-inch Pro, at a push), but it'll fit most other types of tablets too.

The organiser compartment on the front of the bag is perfect for storing your phone in the zipped pocket, and there's an additional pocket for pens, two pockets with a Velcro closure for storing things like cables or headphones, and a bigger open pocket for other stuff like keys or whatever you like.

2020 Evoc Commuter 1.8L back pack - organiser.jpg

And let's not forget about the pockets on the outside: on the top is an easily accessed sunnies/phone slot with a brushed interior to protect whatever you put inside, while a long pocket at the front allows you to store slim items like magazines.

2020 Evoc Commuter 1.8L back pack - front pocket.jpg

So, there are lots of pockets for all your things, and thanks to the Commuter's 18-litre capacity, you're still left with enough space in the main compartment for shoes, clothes and a packed lunch. So basically, it's ideal for the daily commute.

Carrying

Although it feels like quite a big bag, once it's on your back you hardly notice it there. Unlike the non-cycling-specific Evoc Mission, which Matt found unusually tight on the neck and shoulders, the Commuter is exceptionally comfortable to ride with for many miles, even when fully loaded with a laptop inside.

2020 Evoc Commuter 1.8L back pack - side.jpg

Unlike some bags that feel as if they're sat almost flat against your spine, the six flexible cushioned sections on the rear help the Commuter Backpack to conform to the shape of your back as it arches, making it feel more natural and comfortable. Each of the cushioned sections has a mesh covering which probably helps with airflow where each panel comes into contact with your back, but it's hard to say if this really made a difference or not.

2020 Evoc Commuter 1.8L back pack - padding.jpg

The straps are similarly comfortable, with plenty of adjustment to alter the height at which the backpack sits on your back, and though there are no chest or waist straps, it doesn't feel like it needs them – the bag is perfectly stable in use, even heavily laden. It's less to fuss with when you're on the go, too.

2020 Evoc Commuter 1.8L back pack - straps.jpg

The Commuter also features a sturdy handle located on the one side of the bag, which makes it ideal for carrying like a briefcase if you need to.

2020 Evoc Commuter 1.8L back pack - handle 2.jpg

Another commuter essential that is sometimes overlooked, or just not done terribly well, is visibility. Though the black pack on test here looks brilliant, it wouldn't stand out in daylight (though a light blue and khaki green version is available), but at night the massive reflective Evoc logo on the back lights up like a beacon, and there are two small reflective details on the front of the straps. There's also a handy loop at the bottom of the rear to attach a light to.

2020 Evoc Commuter 1.8L back pack - light tab.jpg

Value

We've tested loads of commuter-specific backpacks on road.cc, at various prices. The fully waterproof Ortlieb Velocity 17-litre backpack is cheaper at £90 and definitely worth a look, though it doesn't quite have the versatility in terms of storage.

> Buyer’s Guide: 19 of the best cycling rucksacks

For similar cash, you can get a lot more storage space courtesy of the Thule Pack 'n Pedal Commuter Backpack, which has a generous capacity of 24 litres, though it's not waterproof out of the crate – you need to use the built-in rain cover to protect it, which in my experience is a chore to deal with when you're commuting.

Conclusion

With all the attributes you might need on a commute, it's hard to fault the Evoc Commuter. Nitpicking, a hidden pocket to stash your valuables would be handy. Other than that, it's just the high price tag that some will find a little offputting. But it really does feel like you get what you pay for here – this bag feels like it will last a lifetime.

Verdict

Great waterproofing, storage options in spades and very comfortable – one of the best commuter bags going

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road.cc test report

Make and model: Evoc Commuter 18L Backpack

Size tested: 30x48x12cm

Tell us what the product is for and who it's aimed at. What do the manufacturers say about it? How does that compare to your own feelings about it?

Firmly aimed at commuters who want to carry all their gear without it getting wet, whilst looking good.

Evoc says, "Water-resistant office backpack/ office bag combination made of 100% PVC-free tarpaulin."

Tell us some more about the technical aspects of the product?

Evoc lists:

Volume 18L

Weight 1000g

Measures 30x48x12cm

NOTEBOOK POCKET Laptop compartment

ORGANISER COMPARTMENTS Pockets for small items for better organization

TABLET POCKET Tablet compartment

MOBILE PHONE POCKET Mobile phone compartment

SUNGLASS POCKET Compartment for optical glasses

BACKLIGHT CLIP Loop for attaching a bike backlight

Rate the product for quality of construction:
 
10/10

It's built like a tank, the tarpaulin material is very hardwearing and the Cordura base will ensure the bottom of the bag never gets scuffed or worn.

Rate the product for performance:
 
9/10

Solid waterproofing, versatile storage, very comfortable and good reflectivity at night.

Rate the product for durability:
 
8/10

Early days, but lots of quality materials and chunky YKK zips look set to survive anything.

Rate the product for weight (if applicable)
 
7/10

The construction and all the different storage options mean it's a little on the heavier side for a bag of this capacity, but you don't notice when you're carrying it. It's comparable to similarly tough/waterproof options out there.

Rate the product for comfort (if applicable)
 
8/10

Very comfortable, even when full and heavily laden. The straps don't nag your shoulders and the flexible back panels keep the bag positioned to work with the curvature of your spine.

Rate the product for value:
 
5/10

You can buy cheaper bags of this capacity, but it's comparable on price with similar offerings.

Tell us how the product performed overall when used for its designed purpose

The Evoc Commuter is designed for commuting and for that it excels, ticking all the boxes – waterproofing, comfort, storage, visibility – and it also looks great.

Tell us what you particularly liked about the product

It's really comfortable, very secure and I loved all the different storage options (the soft glasses pocket was the icing on the cake!)

Tell us what you particularly disliked about the product

Nothing.

How does the price compare to that of similar products in the market, including ones recently tested on road.cc?

It's more expensive than the Ortlieb Velocity 17-litre backpack, but I'd argue that isn't quite as convenient to access, with its roll-top closure system, and doesn't have anywhere near the storage versatility. The Thule Pack 'n Pedal Commuter Backpack is about the same price and bigger, but doesn't have the same level of waterproofing (you get a rain cover, which isn't as convenient).

Did you enjoy using the product? Very much so.

Would you consider buying the product? Yes

Would you recommend the product to a friend? Yes

Use this box to explain your overall score

If you can afford the premium price tag, you're rewarded with a premium product: great waterproofing, loads of storage options with space for all your tech, a high level of comfort, good visibility and it's very nicely designed to boot. If you want the full waterproofing of a rolltop bag and don't mind the access faff involved, think of this as an 8/very good; for me, it's waterproof enough for my needs, and I love the zips and pockets – it's exceptional.

Overall rating: 9/10

About the tester

Age: 39  Height: 6'4  Weight: 175lbs

I usually ride: Steel audax bike  My best bike is:

I've been riding for: 10-20 years  I ride: Every day  I would class myself as: Experienced

I regularly do the following types of riding: commuting, touring, club rides, sportives,

Add new comment

5 comments

Avatar
northlondon | 3 years ago
0 likes

Nice looking pack, but what sort of place is that for the rear light loop? Lights take a beating even when halway up my packs but this looks very exposed for those times when it's not being worn.

I'm OK with the nearly waterproof though - if it can survive the commute then I'm happy. I've *never* bothered to get off the bike and put on a rain cover (though have regretted this)

Avatar
Dingaling | 3 years ago
0 likes

"It's very waterproof"

"is its solid waterproofing"

"It's not 100% waterproof.

So what is it? For me, something is either waterproof or it isn't and if it isn't then let's call it water resistant for x minutes.

Avatar
northlondon replied to Dingaling | 3 years ago
0 likes

It's waterproof enough for a commute - that works for me.

I'd rather have part waterproof with a few useful pockets than the Ortlieb (for example) 100% waterproof, 0% handy.

Avatar
zero_trooper | 3 years ago
0 likes

I'm a sucker for good rucksack but,

X - expensive :-0

TK Maxx is your friend!

Avatar
LastBoyScout | 3 years ago
1 like

Without waist belt or compression straps, I'm not even going to bother wincing at the price tag.

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