Evoc Handlebar Pack Boa 2.5

Whoever goes biking with a hip bag appreciates the freedom of movement and the free back. But they only hold the essentials. What do you do on colder days when you need a warm jacket or a change of clothes? You reach for the handlebar bag from Evoc.

First impression
The handlebar bag looks robust and solidly made. All seams are welded waterproof, only the external snap fasteners are sewn. The bag can be filled from both sides and secured with roll closures. It is attached to the handlebars using clips that are lashed on using a Boa system.

In use
The bag is quickly fitted and fits almost any cockpit. If you are one of those who fill their handlebars with a light, a GPS, a cell phone and a bell, you will certainly have difficulties. With MTB handlebars, you can hardly get in the way of the controls. Drop bars on gravel bikes should have a width of 420 millimetres, otherwise it will be tight.

The volume of 2.5 liters is deceptive, there isn't quite that much space. A rain jacket plus spare inner tube and a mini pump just about fit in. If you want to pack an insulating jacket, you need a good wrapping technique, as you can get caught on the construction inside the bag when stuffing it.

Conclusion
The Handlebar Pack from Evoc is a simple solution for stowing a jacket or spare clothes. Due to its small size, it is more useful as a supplement than for solo use. The bag sits firmly and doesn't wobble around even on rough descents. As it is waterproof, you can use it well in bad weather. Filling the bag takes a little patience at first, but with time and the right technique, it goes very quickly. The retail price is considerable for such a small bag. After ten uses, it has hardly any signs of wear, so if it holds up like this over the years, it's worth every penny.

Price: CHF 159.00

Manufacturer/distributor
www.evocsports.com / www.chrissports.ch

Chrome Summoner Pack

Many mountain bikers are also commuters and a good backpack is worth its weight in gold for the journey to work. If you can also use it to transport your luggage on a bike weekend, all the better.

First impression
The Summoner is a kind of two-piece bag. It consists of two main compartments that are sewn together on one side and connected on three with a zipper. Four compression straps ensure a snug fit.

On the back is the office compartment. Numerous small and large compartments hold a laptop, tablet, pens and whatnot. The outward-facing compartment has no dividers. The simple design is just as appealing as the robust workmanship throughout. The materials and seams appear to be designed for a long service life.

In use
The Summoner is ideal for everyday use. The numerous compartments are well chosen and hold a vast number of small items. Very practical: there is a waterproof zipper at the top for direct access when removing the laptop. The carrying comfort is good, the only thing you wish for is a hip belt for better weight support when carrying a maximum load.

The cut is suitable for both cycling and walking in an upright position. The shoulder straps ensure a comfortable fit with the help of a narrow chest strap. Although the Chrome bag is not labeled as waterproof, it can withstand prolonged showers. With its 32 liters, it has enough space for a pair of shoes and a change of clothes for weekend trips.

Conclusion
For over a year, the rucksack was used five to six times a week, whatever the weather. There are no signs of wear and tear. The safety hook on one of the four compression straps was lost. These are not really needed in everyday use. The Summoner Pack from Chrome is convincing across the board. The only thing missing is an external compartment for quickly removing a water bottle.

Manufacturer/distributor
www.chromeindustries.com / www.chrissports.ch

Vaude Trailpack

The Trailpack is anything but a "normal" backpack; it combines a comfortable carrying system with a removable, waterproof pack sack. Its range of use is correspondingly wide and extends from bikepacking to everyday cycling and outdoor adventures of all kinds.

First impression
The base is a carrying system that holds the included pannier. Thanks to numerous lashing straps, everything imaginable can be transported. There are zippered compartments at the top and sides to store small items. A tool compartment is well hidden in the bottom of the rucksack.

For the use of a hydration bladder, there is a separate compartment and guides for the tube. A wide hip belt is designed to enable the transportation of heavy goods. There is a side pocket on the right-hand side of the belt, large enough for a smartphone.

The pack sack has a volume of 28 liters and is completely waterproof thanks to the roll closure and welded seams. The Vaude Trailpack is extremely robust and all materials look ready for adventure.

In use
Whether you're carrying a mountain of clothes or a pile of firewood for the campfire, the EMP (Ergonomic Movement Panel) back system makes transportation very comfortable. The wide hip belt provides ideal support and ensures good weight distribution. Even bulky items such as a set of wheels can be carried with the trail pack.

The backpack only reached its limits when it was necessary to transport a tree stump weighing around 30 kilograms. The long compression straps secured the load well, but the weight was a little too high for comfortable transportation. This was certainly not the smartest idea and not what the inventor had in mind. Nevertheless, it worked reasonably well.

Conclusion
Vaude's Trailpack is ideal for carrying large and heavy loads. It has established itself as a speedy helper on many a trail building day. The robust materials defy dirt and the effects of the weather. The small compartments are not waterproof, but can still withstand the rain for a while. There are more suitable candidates for classic bike tours, but it is suitable for bikepacking. "Normally" fully loaded, the bag sits comfortably and firmly on the back. The ventilation is average.

Price: CHF 170.00

Manufacturer/distributor
www.vaude.com

Ortlieb Atrack BP

Sometimes the weather is not kind to you and it's pouring with rain. If possible, you stay at home. But if you have a long-planned tour coming up or are in the middle of a bikepacking adventure, you'll be glad to have a waterproof bag like the Ortlieb Atrack at your disposal. The backpack was developed for general outdoor use, the suffix BP indicates that this is the model from the bikepacking line. It is color-coordinated with the other products from this collection and has no hip fins compared to the standard product.

The back length can be infinitely adjusted for young and old. There are two open mesh compartments on the outside, each of which can hold a large water bottle. The material and workmanship are of a very high standard, as you would expect from Ortlieb.

In use
It takes a bit of practice to get the hang of how the system works with the lashing straps and the zipper at the back. The handling is a little awkward. However, the Atrack can be opened along its entire length. This provides a good overview of the packed items and you can quickly find what you are looking for.

The Ortlieb Atrack BP sits well when cycling as well as running. It's not the most comfortable backpack, but it's basically comfortable to wear. The waist belt consists of just a narrow strap. Although it helps to prevent the backpack from slipping, it does not relieve any load pressure when heavily loaded. Nevertheless, the Atrack carries a heavy load unobtrusively.

The external compartments are very practical when hiking, skiing or snowshoeing; you can quickly access a water bottle or your cell phone. If you're carrying bulky items, the straps and daisy chains can be used to attach them quickly and securely.

Conclusion
The Ortlieb Atrack BP also has a very wide range of uses. It is predestined for use on wet days or in the snow. As you would expect from the German manufacturer, it is 100% waterproof. Due to the awkward opening, the rucksack is more suitable for transportation purposes if you don't need to access the contents regularly. Its basic function is impressive, but it would be nice if it could be combined with third-party hydration systems.

Manufacturer/distributor
www.ortlieb.com

Ikea Frakta - bargain tip

This bag doesn't need much explanation, hardly anyone who doesn't know this classic

In use
The Frakta can only do one thing, transport things, and it does it very efficiently. It holds 71 liters and no bag can be loaded faster. Its big advantage - apart from the almost unbelievable purchase price of 95 centimes - is that you can hose it down with a shower head or garden hose if it gets dirty. That's what makes it so popular with downhill bikers, no matter how dirty the equipment is, just put it in and clean the bag with water at home.

Conclusion
In terms of value for money, the Frakta from Ikea is unbeatable. With reasonably careful handling, it will last for years. When it is not needed, it can be folded to a very small size and easily stowed away. Especially if you have to transport bulky equipment by car, there is no more practical bag than this one.

Manufacturer/distributor
www.ikea.com