If you own a pickup truck, tailgate pads have been and continue to be the simplest and most cost-effective way to transport multiple mountain bikes at a time. Sure, you could save some money by using a moving blanket or creating some other DIY pad solution, but purpose-built tailgate pads generally offer some features, durability, and performance that make them a worthwhile investment to protect both your bikes and vehicle in transit. Evoc has been a player in the tailgate pad market for years, and its Classic pad has been a popular and durable choice (and is currently available at a discount).Recently, Evoc updated its Tailgate Pad, building on the design of its predecessor, but with some new features, colors, a lighter weight, and a more compact, storable size. At $170 (size M/L) or $190 (XL), the price hasnt gone up, but the new Evoc pad provides a bit more bike protection, a clean aesthetic, and is notably easier to store when off the truck for extended periods. Its nothing groundbreaking, but Evoc has managed to improve upon an already solid product.The M/L pad on a 2009 Tacoma tailgate.Evoc Tailgate Pad DetailsThe latest version of Evocs tailgate pad features a tarpaulin exterior shell material, which is said to be cut-resistant, water-resistant, and UV-stable. The inside of the pad features a soft, anti-scratch lining that makes contact with your vehicles paint. Three webbing straps extend from the front of the pad under the tailgate with slim, aluminum hook-cam buckles that attach and adjust tension on the inside.Eight molded blocks across the top/top inside of the pad create six slots to add stability and support for bikes in transit. Evoc replaces the Velcro straps on the previous version with TPU ski straps to secure the bike to the pad if/when needed. Evoc also added foam pads on the outside of the pad for protecting the fork lowers. The tailgate handle flap is large and folds up and out of the way for use with backup cameras.The separator blocks are similar to the previous version, but the TPU stki straps are new.Like most tailgate pads, Evocs comes in two sizes to fit mid- and full-size trucks; both are designed to carry up to six bikes. Evoc also makes a Curve version to fit trucks with chonky tailgates. The new Tailgate Pad comes in Black and Sand and retails for $170 (M/L) or $190 (XL).M/L for Mid-Size TrucksFits tailgates 132 cm / 52 wide (inside), 50 cm / 19.7 tall (outside)Compatible with: Tacoma, Ranger, Colorado, Frontier, RidgelineWeight: 2,000 g / 4.4 lbsDimensions: 136 x 50 x 17 cm, up to 6 bikesXL for Full-Size TrucksFits tailgates 156 cm / 61.4 wide (inside), 58 cm / 22.8 tall (outside)Compatible with: F-series pickup trucks, Silverado 1500+, Ram 1500+, Tundra, Sierra 1500+Weight: 2,500 g / 5.5 lbsDimensions: 160 x 65 x 17 cm, up to 6 bikesUsing the Evoc Tailgate PadI drive a 2009 Tacoma, so I got Evocs new Tailgate Pad in the M/L size. Unboxing the pad, the first thing that stood out to me was how light it was and how compact it was when folded up. Ive used lots of different tailgate pads in the past decade, including Evocs Classic, and none of them have been quite as compact when taken off the truck. The Evoc Classic was a bit more rigid, whereas the new version is very pliable. The foam blocks and pads are stiff, but Im able to fold the pad down to a 12 x 12 x 24 bundle thats easy to toss on a shelf in my garage.Installing the Evoc pad is pretty easy, too. Evoc has been using slim aluminum hook buckles on its pads for years, and Ive always found them to be a bit more user-friendly than standard plastic cam buckles. Rather than feeding webbing all the way through a buckle every time, you just hook the buckle and snug it up. In my experience, this system makes installing and removing the Evoc pad quicker and easier than the competition.These hook buckles help make installation and removal relatively quick and easy.Fit-wise, the M/L pad is pretty much maxed out on my 2009 Tacomas tailgate, which is a little bit slimmer and shorter than the tailgates on most newer mid-size trucks. That said, its still a good fit with excellent coverage and stability. On the outside, the pad covers the entirety of the tailgate height-wise, with basically no room to spare if it were any taller, it would be too long. Width-wise, theres about an inch of tailgate showing on both sides, which is pretty ideal.Given that the front height of the pad is maxed out and the top of my tailgate is about 2 inches thick, the foam separation blocks fold over the back of the tailgate just slightly, rather than sitting right on top. On taller and/or thicker tailgates, these may end up positioned across the top, rather than on the back of the tailgate. Regardless, in this position, the blocks support both sides of the downtube and provide excellent bike stability in transit. In fact, unless Im driving on bumpy roads, Ill skip strapping the bike(s) to the pad altogether.The TPU straps take a bit more time to attach but seem secure and high quality.The TPU ski straps are a departure from the Velcro straps traditionally used on tailgate pads, including the Evo Classic. They are slightly fiddlier to attach around the bike, but they are very secure, and they seem very durable. The underside of the plastic buckle even has a rubber bumper added to prevent abrasion damage to your bikes paint. Again, I dont think they are always necessary, but certainly nice to have and probably more durable than Velcro. I would always recommend reattaching them when not in use, so they dont fly off the pad in the wind, or removing them and stashing them in the vehicle.Easy access to the tailgate handle, and easy enough to keep folded up for use with the backup camera.The handle flap is fairly large and well positioned for the handle and backup camera on my tailgate. Tailgate handle positions vary, of course, so its hard to say how it will line up on other trucks, but it seems like it should be compatible with most. It would be nice if Evoc included a strap or a clip to keep it folded back, but I found it easy enough to use the Velcro to hold it open when needed. The fork leg pads on the outside are a welcome addition to the updated pad. While they arent exactly necessary, they do provide a bit of extra cushion and protection for your bikes front suspension.Much tidier for storage than most of the other tailgate pads Ive used/owned.My TakeawayEvocs updated Tailgate Pad combines the user-friendly installation and removal, separation blocks, and durable construction and materials of the Classic version, with the addition of fork padding, TPU ski straps, and a lighter, foldable construction. Its not changing the game or anything, but its easy to use, carries all the bikes, and helps protect both your precious rides and vehicle in the process. And, when its not in use, it folds down to a compact size that tucks away neatly in your garage, shed, or other storage space.Evoc is also moving away from the graphics on the Classic version to understated solid black and sand colorways. The Evoc logos dont go unnoticed, but I think it looks as good as any other tailgate pad around. At $170 (or $190 for the XL), its also priced competitively compared to pads from Race Face, Thule, Kuat, Yakima, and others, and I think its worth a serious look if youre in the market for a new tailgate pad.evocsports.com