Snugpak rocket pak

[bushtank]

Hi all
I am now the proud owner of a rocket going to test it out afterwork today anyone else got one

 

[Gibbsy]

I bought one when I started bushcrafting but sold it shortly afterwards and bought a sabre 45, I found the rocketpack sat too far up my back, I believe they are made so that you can wear webbing underneath them.

 

[-Switch-]

I bought one when I started bushcrafting but sold it shortly afterwards and bought a sabre 45, I found the rocketpack sat too far up my back, I believe they are made so that you can wear webbing underneath them.

I find that with mine too. The rocket pack is designed to fit above military webbing (belt kit) and as such doesn't sit on the hips properly when used without webbing. This puts an awful lot of strain on the shoulders. I'm 6'1'' by the way, and as such have quite a long back.

I also have a slim physique and find the straps don't really adjust to the size I would require to restrict movement of the pack when hiking.

And if you have a full load in the pack the rain cover won't cover the side pouches. That's with the pack at capacity, not overloaded.

Also, there are no straps on the bottom of the pack where you can sling a rollmat etc. This isn't really much of a problem as I tend to strap it on the front with the bungee attachment.

The pack itself is very strong though and I can't see mine breaking any time soon. I imagine it would do the job it's designed for very well (military use) but I don't think the design translates well into the civilian market

If I had the choice again, I wouldn't buy one. I'd chip in an extra bit of cash and go for something like the Sabre 45.


I hope you have more success with yours. I know there are quite a few happy Rocket Pack owners out there.

 

[John Fenna]

I had one and used it until it pretty well died of old age. I found it very comfortable - but then I am a short a*se at 5'6".... it also fits nicely over a Response pack whick makes a good possibles pouch with gear you do not want to be far from when you ditch your main bag.
The 2 pockets plus response pouch make a great day sack/airline cabin bag making it all very versatile!

 

[-Switch-]

I'd agree with John there - the versatility of the pack is very good. With the side pouches removed you have a handy 40 litre pack with mesh side pockets for water bottles etc.
And with a yoke the side pouches make a very good 25 litre daysack.

If only it was 6 inches longer




By the way, if you're gonna put it in the boot of your car make sure it's all definately in before you close it. The buckles on the hip-belt won't withstand the impact of a car boot being slammed shut on them

 

[John Fenna]

That would wreck it for us Hobbits!

 

[bushtank]

cheers for the feed back guys i found the rocket to be very comfortable and sits just where i want it to

 

[-Switch-]

cheers for the feed back guys i found the rocket to be very comfortable and sits just where i want it to

Glad you're enjoying it mate. It's a good pack if you can get it to sit right, I'm just cursed with a long back .

To be honest I didn't notice it's shortcomings until I'd been using it for over a year.
For short hikes to a base camp it's great because you can then strip it down for day hikes and get the most out of its versatility.

The one main problem I have with it is the rain cover. Who would design a pack with a fitted rain cover that doesn't actually cover the pack when it's fully loaded?

This can be easily got round by using dry bags or a shop-bought rain cover but it's one of those little things that really bugs me.
With any luck you wont encounter this problem (I only encountered it once and that was when I had loaded the pack to its absolute maximum).

Perhaps I should just invest in a bigger pack for longer trips...

 

[RAPPLEBY2000]

I also used the Rocket, and found it too short, though used it with webbing pouches on army cadet things.
eventually i binned it in favour of a short back PLCE begenOG which is far stronger and far more comfortable with a heavy load.
now i wear my PLCE short back, as a day pack and rucksack by adjusting the straps!