The Freeride is a larger version of the EVOC CC, with the same convenient pocket layout and tuck away helmet carrier, but a beefed up harness system to cope with the extra size and weight.
The wide hip belt is extremely comfortable, fastening with a Velcro wrap and buckle on top – it stays put and balances the load with the shoulder straps. Combined with the built-in back protector, this gave a feeling of firm confidence even over more technical terrain.
Our only quibble is that there’s not much depth to the main compartment – we had to take more of a suitcase approach to packing, rather than adopt our usual ‘stuff it in’ style.
However, once you’re done it makes for a load that seems to wrap around your body rather than pull away from it, which is just right for the more demanding terrain this pack is designed for.
