Rab Latok 20L Mountain Pack Review

The Latok 20L Mountain Pack from Rab is a good example of a big company being prepared to produce fairly specialised (though versatile) kit. In some ways it is just an updated version of the small day packs climbers have always used. However Rab have updated things for the modern fast and light brigade and incorporated design elements from their running range. The result is a day pack that transitions from rock to alpine and even quick hit winter routes whilst remaining super stable, comfortable and robust.

Features wise the Latok 20 is pleasantly streamlined there are two classic ice axe loops, an internal slip pocket, an external slip pocket, two zippered shoulder harness pockets, gear loops and a simple drawcord/flap closure. The main body fabric is a Cordura/Spectra mix which is super durable – there are no worries about scraping this in chimneys or having to molly coddle it on long granite routes in the Alps all for 476g on my scales. The fabric is fairly stiff which helps the pack maintain shape without collapsing and you don’t have to worry that your cams are going poke a hole in it after a few uses. The non-removable back panel makes the Latok 20 a little less suited to packing in a big sac for later use as a summit pack. I’ve hovered over the back panel with a knife a few times thinking about cutting a slot to make the foam removable but stopped short as I fear it would ruin the internal pocket. Removable back foam as on the Latok 28 would turn this from a probable summit pack to a dead cert and I’m sure would be a simple upgrade for Rab to make, it would also make a nice seat to keep you dry on snowy days when no convenient rock is to be found! The harness borrows from running vest design, the straps are non-padded using the Mono Mesh that Rab utilise in they running packs. This is super fast drying, low bulk and spreads the load sufficiently to be comfortable even over 8-9 hour days. There is a limit here obviously as the pack is designed for lighter loads but I was completely happy with my share of the rack (cams, set of wires, 14 quickdraw and slings) half rope, food/water, warm top and waterproof for alpine cragging/multi pitch in the Aiguille Rouges Eau Noir area this summer.

On each strap is a zippered, gusseted pocket that is capable of holding food, compass, large mobile phone (iPhone 11Pro Max)etc. or a small to medium soft flask. Thinking of hydration there is no sleeve or attachment for a bladder but you can rig one up though it is not terribly convenient. Rab provide a waist belt with a great metal buckle which is a nice change and though perfectly functional I felt no need to use it and removed it using its simple larks foot attachment. I found the Mono Mesh harness completely sufficient with any normal load in the Latok 20 and it kept the pack stable when climbing. I imagine if you overload the pack then the waist belt might give you additional stability or you might wish to use it for a camera pouch or mount etc. The Latok 20 closes with a simple drawcord and integrated flap that provides basic weather resistance but should not be considered waterproof. During a brief storm in the Alps with the pack clipped into the belay water was channeled down the rock onto the Latok 20 and being only half full the water pooled on the drawcord top and inevitably found its way into the pack. This was exceptional however, basically like being under a waterfall, and very few packs would keep water out in theses circumstances. A roll top closure would be better in this instance but then would not give the rapid easy access so it boils down to a design decision.

For summer alpine rock or British multi pitch trad routes the Latok 20 makes a fantastic pack which can hold all your kit for the approach and is then compact enough to bring on the route. Its size does mean that you will likely need to fasten both helmet and rope on the outside and it would have been nice to have a helmet net included to facilitate this but these are readily available (I use the one that came with my Grivel Duetto). Daisy chains on the front and the traditional ice axe loops allow you to easily rig up poles or ice axes – technical ice tools require a little ingenuity but the Latok 20 is a bit small for technical winter climbing unless your are either a extreme minimalist or have a partner with a big sac and a generous nature.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Robust
• Good feature set
• Quick access
• Stable

Cons

• Top closure not weather proof
• Side pocket not big enough for topo guides

SRP

Stockists

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