Reviewed: Shimano Rokko 12 (R12) backpack

The Rokko 12 is Shimano’s premier hydration daypack. A remarkably simple bag, packed with just enough useful pockets to make it perfect for long days on the trail or the daily commute. Extremely light with a slew of features, this twelve litre backpack is a pack you just have to have in your collection.

It will fit all your necessities but without all the unrequired extra room that comes with large packs. The main compartment has room for a change of clothes, lunch and a sleeve for a two litre hydration reservoir which can also take a small laptop if needed. In addition webbed pockets offer room for spares, tubes and a pump.

Externally a felt lined pocket protects your phone and any other valuables you may have, whilst a lower down pocket is a secondary space for any extras you need to store. On the side are two mesh pockets appropriately proportioned for bidons or a banana or two, unfortunately they will hold but not hold onto, larger water bottles.

Ride wise the backpack is very comfortable, although the mesh back panel could be a little better ventilated. With many hydration packs the weight tends to shift toward the top when riding with a bladder, I didn’t find that with the Rokko 12. The straps and harness system is spot on with next to no movement throughout a ride despite a full load. It’s a simple thing but it makes all the difference.

I really like this bag, purely because it is not trying to be all things to all riders. Many large companies make the mistake of creating a correct size bag but over do it on the extras or simply fail to get the size right in the first place. The Rokko 12 gets it all correct, provided you’re not trying to carry around a bulk load of supplies this backpack will carry all you need for your everyday adventures.

Words & Photos: Robert Conroy