Rab's lightweight, functional Latok packs are designed primarily for climbers and mountaineers, but we think they're ideal for winter hillwalking and scrambling too. The range includes three models: a 38L (£160) and a 28L (£150) that have a bit more in the way of padding and features, and a minimalist 20L that pares things back to bare essentials. On the basis that less is quite often more, this is the model we're looking at here.

What is it for?

The Latok 20 is described as a 'summit pack', and if you're on a final push for the top from a camp or an alpine hut then something small and simple like this might indeed be ideal. Close-fitting, not too bulky, and built tough, it would also be a cracking pack for multi pitch mountain rock climbing or summer scrambling. While mountain pros do seem to like an unfeasibly tiny pack, for me 20 litres is way too small for full rack-and-ropes Scottish winter climbing, for which I'd be looking at the Latok 38 at an absolute minimum. The 20L is a practical size for more lightly equipped mountaineering, and I've been happy using it on walking days too, though in winter I think it's best saved for fair weather, when you can generally get by with a bit less kit.

Weight and durability

At a skimpy 430g (Rab say 480g), the Latok 20 is pretty darn light, and you can reduce that to only 400g by removing the waist belt. That's a lot lighter than most packs around this size, a fact bound to appeal to weight-conscious mountaineers. And in this case light doesn't mean remotely flimsy. Thanks to its 210D Cordura fabric, reinforced with a Spectra ("15 times stronger that steel") ripstop grid, and what feels like a high build quality throughout, this little pack should take plenty of punishment. It's got a weather-shedding coating too, which ought to help in Scottish spindrift or Welsh drizzle (though the top opening is less weatherproof). While it's early days in terms of this review, I'd expect to get years of decent use out of the Latok 20 - not at all bad for something this lightweight.

Fit and comfort

There's a trend at the moment for packs aimed at climbing or walking to adopt some of the features of a running vest/pack, and I am all for it. The Latok 20 is a great example. Its close fit is well-balanced and comfy, and allows for the full range of arm movement necessary when climbing. Made of a single thin layer of highly breathable mesh, and secured via an effective, comfortable and easily adjusted web of elastic, the shoulder harness is absolutely fantastic, hugging the body almost like a running vest to spread the load and minimise bounce. With a fit this good, on a pack this small, who needs bulky padded shoulder straps? Not me. These mesh straps are something of a revelation.

Securing via a couple of hooks, with several possible attachment points for fine tuning the fit, the chest elastic has a decent range of adjustment, though I think the very broad-chested in particular probably ought to try it on for size before buying. At 1.83m tall and with a  medium-heavy build I end up towards the upper limit of adjustment once wearing a few layers.

While there's no frame, the foam back sheet offers some modest support, and also protects you from getting jabbed by pointy things like crampons. It can be removed, though you'd only save a few grams at the expense of some comfort. The outer fabric on the back is non-porous, which helps it shed snow but of course means it's also totally non-breathable. I've not yet used the Latok 20 in warm weather but I suspect this is one feature that would count against it in summer.

A thin webbing waist belt is provided. On me this sits too high to take any weight, besides which the metal buckle is very fiddly and always seems to creep loose. I've removed it, since you don't need a belt on such a small pack anyway, especially given the lovely running vest-style fit of the shoulder harness.

Features

Simplicity is the name of the game, and the features that Rab have included are all really useful.

Entry to the main pack is via a drawcord, with an additional over-the-top clip doubling as a rope holder. The top flap is supposed to help keep the weather out, but it's not going to do a lot to stop wind-blown rain or snow, so if there's much chance of precipitation then I'd stow stuff in dry bags. It might seem odd to talk about a 'fair weather pack' but this is one of the reasons (along with its small capacity) that I think the Latok 20 is just that.

An inner security pocket is a good place to stash things like your phone and sunglasses, and it comes with the essential key clip. Rab have also added one small zipped pocket to the outside, more a sleeve really, which with its water-resistant zip would be an alternative place for a phone - you won't fit lots else in there.

As with a running pack you get extra pockets on the chest straps. These are great for easy access on the go to snacks, sunglasses, or a phone, and I wish every rucksack had them since there's never a time when they wouldn't be handy. I've also been carrying a squeezy water bottle here, far preferable in my opinion to a water bladder and tube, but it's a bit of a shame that these zipped pockets are not stretchy since they only fit smaller, narrower soft bottles. Best of both worlds might have been a zipped pocket on one shoulder and a stretchy bottle-friendly one on the other.

With twin axe attachment points (simple webbing loops and elastic), daisychains and a couple of small gear loops, you're well set for strapping on other bits and bobs. You could also string some extra elastic, for stashing crampons. One thing the Latok 20 isn't great for is carrying walking poles, since it lacks either side compression straps or stretchy side pockets to fit them in. However this does make for a neat, uncluttered feel, which will be an advantage when climbing. The larger Latok packs do have side straps. 

Ethics and environment

The Latok 20 has a fluorocarbon-free DWR and recycled lining. Rab's clothing and equipment is covered by the 'Rab Promise', and if an item fails they will repair or replace it. Damage due to wear and tear or improper care can also be repaired for a fee.

Summary

Lightweight, durable, close-fitting, and boasting a functional and uncluttered design, this is a fantastic little pack for minimalist mountain activities year round - though perhaps with a bit more emphasis on winter than hot summer weather.