This review is about the Evadict Trail Run Backpack 10 liter that I have been using on my trail runs for the last six months. Enjoy the video!
- Weight: 328,8 grams
- Size: XS/S, M/L, XL
- Volume: 10 Liter
- Price: € 39,99
I love trail running. Why? It’s the best way to exercise in nature without putting too much strain on the knee bones. I mostly run a 10K route in my neighborhood; I get easily bored on longer runs… But on the last beautiful days of the autumn in ‘21 I wanted to do more. 21K is never a problem except for getting thirsty on hotter days. I tried a waist belt with those little bottles. It does not work for me. I did test some very expensive trail run backpacks as a jury member of the Scandinavian Outdoor Award but just spending € 100,00 or more just to try a backpack, it’s a bit much. By coincidence I was checking the local Decathlon store on camping gear and I stumbled on the Evadict Trail Run Backpack. It fitted and the features seemed quite nice so I bought it. And € 39,99 doesn’t break the bank.
Size and weight
The Evadict Trail Run Backpack is available in 3 sizes: XS/S: 62 cm to 72 cm, M/L: 73 cm to 83 cm and XL: 84 cm to 99 cm. The centimeters are the waist circumference sizes. In my case I bought the XS/S so all the experience below is based on that backpack. The XS/S weighs 285 grams according to Decathlon. I measured on my calibrated scale a weight of 328,8 grams. This is with the hydration bladder in the backpack.
Materials
The main outer fabric (the blue parts) is a 100% polyester. The harness is a mix of 74% Polyester and 26% Elastane. The mesh on the back and shoulder straps are 80% Polyamide and 20% Elastane The liner is 90% Polyester and 10% Polyurethane. The bladder and tube are made from 100% Thermoplastic polyurethane.
Features
The backpack has an internal bladder with a volume of 1 liter (32 Oz). It is positioned between the mesh back panel and the backpack’s main compartment. This main compartment is accessible by opening a zipper with a large pulling tab. The zipper is a water resistant one. In the main compartment you will find a small security pocket with a zipper. On the lower back part of the backpack a good size open mesh pocket is convenient for a very compact thin rain jacket or a banana. Also on the back: four elastic loops for poles.
Also on the front – on the shoulder straps – multiple (8) loops are positioned for poles or other things, for example to guide the hose of the bladder. On the shoulder straps 4 flexible mesh pockets are there for two flexible 500 ml squeeze bottles, muesli bars, a smartphone or a banana. On the lower part of the shoulders straps two nicely designed flexible mesh pockets provide storage space for power bars or in my case dried fruit, the case for my wireless headphones and a small foldable tripod (in case I want to shoot a selfie).
Running comfort
Putting on a fully loaded Evadict Trail Run Backpack is easy. On both shoulder straps three chest straps are connected to a daisy chain. Because of this I can position the chest straps higher or lower in the most comfortable position. The plastic buckles are easy to use and cold or wet hands are no problem. With everything adjusted the trail run backpack sits very firm but comfortable and bounce free on my back. The 3D mesh back and shoulder straps help to keep the heat and sweat away from the body. Again: it is a comfy pack.
Ease of use
When running I noticed that the trail run backpack is very well designed. On the front it is easy to reach for something in one of the pockets and take it out and put it back in. I use one of the flexible mesh pockets for my iPhone 12 Plus. It’s a snug fit and the phone never has the tendency to fall out. The lower pockets on the shoulder straps are pretty secure too. The pole storage on the back… It works but it is hard to get poles out or back in the loops when running. On the front it is easier, but I don’t have a lot of experience with running with poles.
Keeping hydrated
The main reason for me to buy a trail run backpack was to keep hydrated on longer trail runs. The bladder has a volume of maximum 1 liter (32 Oz) but I mostly fill it with about 600 ml. This has proven to be enough for me. Filling it to the brim means not only more weight but also a ‘balloon’ on my back. I don’t like that. If you need more: just use the two 500 ml soft flask pockets on the shoulders.
TIP: Fill the bladder and hose for the first time to the max and leave the water in for 24 hours. Then rinse it a couple of times otherwise a plastic taste will remain in the water.
The bladder hose runs nicely over the left shoulder and rests in a plastic clip on the right shoulder. In this way it is close to my mouth for drinking. The nozzle has an open and close position and the twisting is sometimes a bit of a fiddle. A more pronounced structure to grab on to would be an improvement.
TIP: I do like that the 1 liter bladder is also sold separately in case you need to replace it. It will set you back € 10,99. The same for the chest straps. A replacement costs 2,99.
Safety
When running it is important to stay safe. In the big pocket there is space for a small first aid kit, a rescue blanket, some clothing and a compact rain jacket. On the outside the loops are handy for lights. The backpack has some nice reflective logos and material on the back and on the front. Last but not least: an emergency whistle is fixed on the right shoulder strap in one of the pockets. Decathlon claims 110 decibels!
Verdict
The Evadict Trail Run Backpack with a volume of 10 liters has proven to be worth every euro. It sits comfortably, stable and bounce free on my back. The bladder is big enough for a couple of hour trail running in warmer conditions. Need more? Simply fill the mesh pockets with two 500 ml bottles. All pockets are super usable when running. I like the reflection and the safety whistle. The turning and closing of the drinking nozzle could be a bit better if it had a grippy structure. Positive is also that replacement parts are available. At € 39,99 the Evadict Trail Run Backpack 10 liter is a steal. I rate it at 9.0 points out of 10 total.
Information
Decathlon: www.decathlon.com
