ROKK Minaret

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 your 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.

Great pack. It hasn't logged as many miles as my last ROKK pack but has been around the block (high Uintas mountains) and proved to a good pack I have carried well over 50lbs with it on shorter trips with the kids, sucks carrying gear for 3. And had no probs with comfort.

It is very rugged, and survived trips deep into the backcountry in the heat of the southern Utah summers and cold of Teton mountain winters.