Just 2p on the rocket pak Elen.
I got a black 1 mega cheap brand new on ebay, but after I read a few things on here I feared the worst.
However, I can gladly say I was wrong, Im 5,11 ish and it is a bit shorter in the back than most but for me it worked fine, also when its weighed down it sits quite alot lower thean when its empty.
I took it up a mountain in Wales and it was brilliant.
Plus from what I rememebr you recently bought a snugpak response pack, I have 1 of these too in black to match my rocket pak, and i can also confirm its possible to wear the response pack round your waste and the rocket pak sits nicely on top of it.
also in wales I had 2 down sleeping bags pushed right down the bottom of the pack no problem and still had bags of room for my tent sleep mat, ectra clothes, food stove water etc. and that was without the side pack.
All in all I would certainly reccomend it but not if your were any taller than me.
Hope this helps
Cheers
Steve