ROKK Flat Iron

I work for a retailer that sells ROKK equipment and believe me, this past summer i've sold alot of ROKK packs. The one thing i want to make clear to anyone who checks this sight for information on ROKK is that they get an accurate picture of the type of pack you're going to get if you buy a ROKK.

First of all, ROKK is a division of American Recreation Products, the same company that owns Sierra Designs, Kelty and Slumberjack. So they aren't go to give you anything "New and/or Reevolutionar," they're going to let the big boys in the company do all the innovating.

What you are going to get, from what i've seen so far, for that "Oh so reasonable price" is a pack with basic features where the packbag appears to be well made (taped seams, bar-tacked in the right spots, ykk zippers, decent fabrics) but they did cut afew corners (lightweight shock-bungee cords, barrel locks, frame stays, and single layer foam padding in the shoulder harness and belt) and the suspension systems run shorter than stated if you're looking for a proper fit. The minaret is the largest pack in the line to date at 5400 cu. in. but the suspension system isn't capable of carrying any more than 40 lbs. comfortably, because of the light stays and single layer foam in the belt and shoulder harness.

There is a place in the market for these packs. If you're just starting to take up backpacking, my first recommendation is to seriously consider a good external frame pack (they are much easier for inexperienced packers to pack and use) but if you have to get an internal and your only going to use it 3-4 times a year carrying light loads you should look at the ROKK line.

Just remember, NEVER let price or style be the major be the deciding factor when purchasing any backpack. FIT and COMFORT are the most important factors, because it doesn't matter how much you saved or how cool it looked in the store, if it feels like s_ _t on the trail you won't be a happy camper. And for the best results always try to have your pack fit by a professional in the store, we don't charge for the service and you'll know you've got a pack that fits.

You can haul a bunch of stuff and this thing is hard to kill. Rain fly included. But you will definitely be sore after a few miles with any significant amount of weight.

I have used my Flat Iron since 1994 and it still holds my stuff. I don't know the size of it, but I currently use it to haul my float tube, fins, and water on day hikes into the mountains of Utah.

I will say that my fishing setup ends up being about 30lbs with all my gear and the pack becomes rather uncomfortable on a 6 mile day trip. My back and shoulders are not happy after a full day.

I've had it on longer hikes as well, where I stayed in the back country for a few days. Those trips were also grueling, hiking for many miles with 50 lbs.

That said, It still holds what I want it to and I haven't managed to destroy it yet, which is quite the accomplishment for any gear I own, let alone something that's nearly 30 years old.

The rain fly still works flawlessly too.

Background

I've only ever used this pack for backcountry camping trips and day hikes in the mountains or deserts of Utah. I can't compare it to anything else, but judging by the reviews on other packs, I feel like I'm missing out.

Not really that well made, blew out the zipper on the top cover pouch on day 1. Okay, we attached it with carabiners for the remainder of the trip.

Not really comfortable for anything over 40 pounds, lightly built shoulder straps cut into you. Not intended for "big guys".

Good weekend pack if you set up a base camp and don't have to carry this everywhere you go.

Received this pack as a gift,

Fit: Uncomfortable for a large shouldered guy.

Capacity: Okay for a weekend trip, wouldn't put anything more than 40 pounds in it.

Organization: I liked the zippered pouches and internal dry sack, until the zipper blew out.

Ride: Lightly built shoulder straps tend to cut into you with heavier loads, on the plus side, held pack nicely in place, not a lot of movement.

Construction: Lightweight nylon zipper failed on first trip out. I'd love to get a replacement pouch if I knew where to get one.

Used this pack on a 3-day weekend trip on the PCT in California. I think I'll stick with my USMC ILBE pack for future use.

I loaded this pack beyond its limit for 5 days in Holy Cross wilderness, a few summers ago, with no failures. Loaded more appropriately (lighter), it was comfortable for 3 desert days in Grand Gulch. The top pocket does convert to a smallish lumbar pack, but zipping it closed when converted is challenging. Well built, fully warranteed, functional with basic features, adjustable and comfortable, this pack is all you need for small loads and short trips. Remember, it holds a little less than 4000 cu. in, so it fills up fast. This pack ROKKs!

The summary, pros and cons tell the story. Also, I'm 5' 11'' and could barely get it to adjust to my height. Would be better for someone shorter. I don't know if these come in different sizes.

Does well for a mid-range pack; great for a starter or even a 2nd back-up backpack

Picked up this pack from a friend as I wanted to try a smaller pack.  It was in amazing shape and had some interesting features. 

The shoulder harness has the typical ladder-adjustment, but this pack may not suit hikers over 6'0". The shoulder harness is fairly comfortable and has a sternum strap. The harness is a bit thicker towards the back, so you could feel some pressure against your neck. The waist belt appears to be more cosemetic than anything; it was nicely padded but no support.  

The pack has a feature similar to High Sierra packs — there's a rain cover on the very bottom of the pack. The bag has 4 sections: a lower sleeping bag compartment, main compartment, top lid (which also doubles as a waist pack), and an outside pocket.

The material seems well built and is an overall decent pack — however if you are bigger, like me, then you may not be able to land a comfortable fit.  If you are an average-sized person, then you'll be fine. 

I make no judgements, I just offer this as information. This pack is shown in the lightweight catagory on some sites because the manufacturer lists the weight as 3.16#. A few places give its shipping weight, which varies from 4.8# to 5.3#. I called ROKK and they said their computer had it as 2.8#. So I took my scale to a local retailer and weighed one and it was 4.8# even with most of the strap-ends touching the counter, so it's probably closer to 5#, maybe even 5.3#. Also noticed the torso length adjustment and convertable top lid/fanny pack arrangement is exactly the same as a "Ridgeway by Kelty" pack.

Just finished a trip into Golden Trout Wilderness, this pack performed better than expected for the price, it was very comfortable, easy to adjust, ample room for a week's worth of gear. I was very impressed with this pack, Rokk is doing it right. It would be hard to find a better pack at even twice the price, many of its features are normally only found on much more expensive packs. Lifetime Guarantee and it is made to last.

This is a fairly new company ..But they're on the right track!! This is a very nice pack. not only is it guaranteed for life but is built to take alot of abuse!! I have used it on several trips in the Red River Gorge and it is performing very well. It is very comfortable, carries well and is a nice pack at a great price!! Hats off to ROKK!!

I got this pack in 05', I have lugged it about 300-400 miles or so, has had no rips, tears or failures.

The padding in the shoulder harness is still crisp and shows no fatigue, The hip belt is far above average and still like new.

Only negative thing: One of the zippers on the pocket broke, but that may have been my fault.

I love the rokk company. it is so comfortable and easy to move around. I reccomend this bag to anyone willing to go on a hike. It is very reasonable. I hope you take the advice and don't go somewhere where they screw you and you have a terrible time just because you have an uncomfortable bag.

I just got back from an alpine backpacking trip in Yosemite National Park. My Rokk was awesome. While my buddy was in pain w/his North Face bag I was walking on clouds in my Rokk!! I only wish that it had a bladder pocket.

Very comfortable, alot of room, lots of features. lifetime warrantee.