Overview
The North Face Route Rocket 16 is a minimalist climbing pack designed for multi-pitch routes, alpine scrambles, and fast-and-light missions where every gram counts and every feature must earn its place. Originally developed with input from climbing legend Peter Croft, this 16-litre pack is purpose-built for vertical terrain—whether you’re hauling it up a granite face, clipping it to a belay, or squeezing through a chimney.
But here’s the twist: while it’s marketed as a climbing-specific pack, the Route Rocket’s streamlined design, durable construction, and compact profile make it surprisingly versatile. It’s equally at home on scrambles, gym sessions, ultralight day hikes, or even as a summit pack tucked inside a larger expedition bag.
Build & Materials
- Volume: 16 litres
- Weight: ~500g
- Fabric: Carbon-coated Shredstop™ nylon
- Frame: Frameless, semi-rigid back panel
- Zippers: Offset main zip (older version); symmetrical in newer models
- Haul Points: Reinforced top and bottom
- Hydration: Internal sleeve (no hose port)
- Extras: Daisy chains, tuck-away shoulder straps, removable hip belt
The Shredstop™ fabric is a standout feature. It’s a carbon-coated nylon that feels like a hybrid between Cordura and sailcloth—lightweight, abrasion-resistant, and surprisingly water-resistant. It shrugs off chimney scrapes, granite abrasion, and the occasional crampon jab. The carbon coating adds a subtle sheen and extra resistance to moisture and grime.
The reinforced haul loops at the top and bottom are burly enough to withstand repeated hauling, and the tuckable shoulder straps mean it won’t snag when being dragged up a pitch. The offset zipper on earlier models was a clever idea—allowing access without fully opening the pack—but the newer symmetrical zip is more intuitive and better balanced.
Climbing Performance
This is where the Route Rocket earns its name. It’s low-profile, teardrop-shaped, and center-hugging, meaning it stays tight to your back and out of the way when stemming, mantling, or squeezing through chimneys. The tapered shape ensures it doesn’t interfere with harness access or arm movement, and the frameless design means it moves with your body rather than against it.
The daisy chains are short but functional—ideal for clipping shoes, chalk bags, or a helmet. The removable hip belt is minimalist and mostly decorative for climbing, but useful on longer approaches.
In testing, it excelled on multi-pitch trad routes, sport climbs, and alpine linkups. It’s the kind of pack you forget you’re wearing—which is exactly what you want when you’re 200 metres off the deck.
Storage & Organisation
- Main Compartment: 16L, single cavity
- Top Pocket: Zippered, accessible even when clipped to an anchor
- Hydration Sleeve: Internal, fits 1–2L bladder
- No side pockets or external bottle holders
This is a single-compartment pack, so organisation is up to you. The top lid pocket is a clever touch—it’s accessible even when the pack is clipped to a belay, making it perfect for snacks, gloves, or a headlamp. The hydration sleeve is basic but functional, though there’s no dedicated hose port.
You won’t find MOLLE webbing, compression straps, or side pockets here—this is pure function over frills. If you’re used to highly compartmentalized packs, there’s a learning curve—but once you dial in your packing system, it’s refreshingly simple.
Comfort & Fit
- Back Panel: Lightly padded, semi-rigid
- Shoulder Straps: Narrow, breathable, tuckable
- Hip Belt: Removable webbing strap
- Fit: Unisex, one size
Despite its minimalist build, the Route Rocket is surprisingly comfortable. The back panel offers enough structure to prevent gear from poking through, and the tapered shape keeps it snug against your spine. The shoulder straps are narrow but well-contoured, and the pack moves with you rather than against you.
It’s not designed for heavy loads, but for 5–7kg of gear, it carries beautifully. On longer approaches, the hip belt helps stabilize the load, though it’s not weight-bearing.
Weather Resistance
The Shredstop™ fabric is inherently water-resistant, and the carbon coating adds another layer of protection. While it’s not waterproof, it shrugs off light rain and snow with ease. The zippers are not sealed, so in sustained wet conditions, a dry bag liner is recommended.
Durability
This pack is built to be dragged, hauled, and jammed into cracks. The reinforced haul points and abrasion-resistant fabric make it ideal for rough use. After months of testing—including chimney climbs, alpine scrambles, and gym abuse—the Route Rocket shows minimal wear.
The only caveat: the zipper can be a weak point if overstuffed or exposed to grit. Keep it clean and avoid forcing it under tension.
Use Cases
Ideal For:
- Multi-pitch trad or sport climbing
- Alpine routes and fast-and-light missions
- Gym climbing and bouldering sessions
- Ultralight day hikes or summit pushes
- Scrambling and technical approaches
Not Ideal For:
- Overnight trips (unless you’re truly ultralight)
- Heavy loads or bulky gear
- Casual day hiking with lots of extras
- Commuting or laptop carry
Pros
- Streamlined design stays out of the way on route
- Durable materials stand up to abuse
- Haul-ready with reinforced loops
- Top pocket is anchor-accessible
- Tuckable straps for clean hauling
- Lightweight and compact
Cons
- Limited capacity for anything beyond essentials
- No external bottle pockets or compression straps
- Zipper access can be tricky if overstuffed
- Not waterproof (though water-resistant)
- One size only may not fit all torsos perfectly
Final Thoughts
The North Face Route Rocket 16 is a specialist’s pack—and it excels in its niche. For climbers who want a minimalist, durable, and climb-friendly pack, it’s one of the best on the market. It’s not trying to be a jack-of-all-trades—it’s a purpose-built tool for vertical missions, and it does that job exceptionally well.
If you’re looking for a pack that disappears on your back, survives chimney abuse, and gives you just enough space for the essentials, the Route Rocket is a top-tier choice. It’s not for everyone—but for the right user, it’s a rocket indeed.
