The perfect backpack is much like Sasquatch…we all know it could be out there, but will anyone ever track it down? Instead of trying to find that one perfect bag, most outdoorsy folks assemble a quiver of packs. Having a few choices based on the particular adventure makes carrying the ideal bag a much less daunting task. If it’s a small-capacity bag for commuting and day hiking that you desire, the Sierra Designs Rohn 15 may be just what you are after. I used the Rohn for mountain hiking, city biking, and commuting to work to see if it’s worthy of a spot in your gear closet.
The Rohn 15 is small by design. Just 15 liters (950 cubic inches) of pack space translates to a very light weight sack: 1lb, 13oz. That’s light! But don’t think for a second that Sierra Designs didn’t load it with features. Generous, zippered hip belt pockets and stretch side pockets mean more places to hide snacks and water bottles. There is also a front bungee for stowing items like gloves, bike helmets or anything else you need readily accessible. The Rohn 15 is a panel loading pack that has an interior bungee strap, two mesh compartments that close via velcro pads, and a stash pocket. Aside from this main compartment there is also a smaller front security pocket that has a key clip. It’s also hydration compatible. Yes, there are plenty of places to cache your gear in the Rohn, but the real question is how this little bag performs out in the world.
My biggest rave regarding the Rohn 15 is comfort. Sierra Designs has nailed it with their suspension and ventilation system. Small pads separate the user’s body from the frame sheet, and this adds up to an awesome feel and much less back sweat. With all the attachment points secured (shoulder pads, hip belt, and sternum strap) the pack clings to you without getting in your way. The Rohn 15 proved to be a top performer when it came to bagging peaks: the pack is secure on ascent and descent, and I was never uncomfortable because I barely noticed it was there. The interior pockets were perfect for separating different gear; I put my knife, emergency kit and other small items in the mesh pockets, while bigger items like my jacket occupied the main panel. Kudos to SD for the stretch side pockets as well- they actually fit a full sized water bottle without the nagging worry that it might fall out on the trail. The hip belt pockets easily accepted my point and shoot camera and some snack bars. This little pack actually carries more gear than I thought it would. There was never a time when I felt that I needed more gear than the Rohn could carry for me.
When it came to the mean streets of SLC, the Rohn 15 was a superstar. I used the bag for bicycle commutes with solid results. Again, thanks to the suspension and attachment system, the bag never jostled around during my rides. It didn’t matter if I was in or out of the saddle, braking or accelerating, the bag clung to me and I hardly noticed it. There was no issue with carrying everything I needed for a day at the office; my dinner and change of clothing fit snugly inside the confines of the Rohn. The sack also gets bonus points for the efficiency in which it transported cold beer. I never had to worry about my precious cargo when I had this bag on my back.
A bag this small does have drawbacks. My biggest gripe with the Rohn 15 is that I could barely fit a full-sized hydration bladder in it. It was damn near impossible to get my 90oz Camelbak crammed into the storage sleeve. An Osprey 100oz bladder has zero chance of fitting. Plan on using a smaller bladder and carrying supplemental water in the outside stretch pockets. Additionally, I thought the exterior bungee straps were smaller than advertised. I could stuff my jacket and gloves in it with no trouble, but my bike helmet barely fit. I ended up using the bungee as a last resort for anything that wouldn’t fit in the main panel.
After using the Sierra Designs Rohn 15 backpack for several months, I can confidently give it a thumbs up. Loads of attachment points and pocket space combined with great comfort make this bag a winner. Ideal for bike commuters, trail riders and even lightweight peak-bagging, the Rohn 15 delivers a lot of performance in a small package. Perhaps the ideal bag isn’t a myth…if only I could say the same for Bigfoot.
The Good: Versatile, lightweight, comfortable, bomber build and innovative design
The Bad: Too small for full sized hydration bladders, exterior bungee not as useful as advertised
The Verdict: Perfect bag for day trips, bike rides or days in the city; ideal small capacity backpack
I use a Rohn 15 pretty much exclusively and have found it to be as good as you describe, esp. the suspension. It carries weight like no other day pack I’ve used!!
I’m not sure about that whole 100oz bladder problem you have. The Rohn has a bungie pull tie to secure your bladder so it doesn’t jostle around. Maybe you have yours pulled tight and just need to release it. I put a full bladder in mine all the time.
I’ve never used it to carry bombers though. Gonna have to try that out ASAP!