Gear review: Rab Latok 38L Mountain Pack

Publication date: 16 Dec 2024

BackpacksGear

The RAB Latok 38L Mountain Pack is a versatile and robust choice for climbers and mountaineers who need a reliable backpack for challenging alpine environments. Designed by outdoor professionals, the Latok prioritizes durability, functionality, and comfort. Its weather-resistant fabric, lightweight frame, and ergonomic features make it ideal for long ascents or multi-day trips in tough conditions.

With gear loops, an ice tool attachment system, and a roll-top closure, this pack has lots of storage while keeping a sleek profile. Whether scaling rocky ridges or traversing glaciers, the Latok 38L is engineered to perform in extreme situations. This design even secured an ISPO Award in 2022!

Deen & Alette | Hikaholics

Deen and Alette, from Hikaholics, originally started hiking for their mental health and haven’t stopped since. They are outdoor filmmakers on YouTube where they share the beauty of long-distance trails, give information about backpacking trips, and talk about outdoor gear. After multiple well-known European long-distance trails, it is time for their next big adventure which soon will be released!

View profile

About the product

This mountain pack from Rab is designed for serious outdoor adventures with its blend of durability, functionality, and lightweight performance. Constructed with a robust (210D Cordura with Specctra Ripstop), weather-resistant 50% recycled 420PW fabric, it protects from the harshest alpine conditions. The pack is built to withstand abrasions from rock and ice while remaining light enough to carry comfortably during long ascents.

One standout feature of the Latok 38L is its adjustable and removable frame, which means you can have customizable support based on the load and terrain. The roll-top closure ensures quick access and added weather protection, while the large front stash pocket and side compression straps allow for efficient gear storage and stability. Additionally, the integrated ice axe attachment system and multiple gear loops cater to the needs of climbers, rife with secure options for tools and accessories.

close up of the Rab Latok 38L mountain pack in the snow

The pack’s design also focuses on comfort, with a padded and contoured back panel. The narrow, streamlined shape allows you to move unrestricted, ideal for technical climbs. At 38 liters, it strikes a balance between storage capacity and minimalism, perfect for both single-day and lightweight multi-day alpine expeditions.

About RAB

RAB Equipment, founded in 1981 by Scottish climber Rab Carrington, has become a leading name in the outdoor industry, known for creating high-performance gear designed for the harshest environments. The brand’s roots lie in the climbing and mountaineering community, with Carrington’s own experiences in alpine expeditions shaping the company’s commitment to producing durable, functional, and reliable equipment.

RAB’s focus is on combining cutting-edge materials with practical, real-world design. The brand is well-regarded for its use of innovative technologies. Sustainability is also a key component of their ethos, with many of their products now incorporating recycled materials and responsibly sourced down.

Whether it’s clothing designed for extreme cold or packs like the Latok series tailored for mountaineering, RAB is synonymous with gear that’s been field-tested in some of the world’s toughest environments. Their commitment to quality and functionality has earned them a loyal following among climbers, alpinists, and outdoor enthusiasts globally.

Testing the RAB Latok 38L

Deen put the RAB Latok 38L Mountain Pack to the ultimate test during four weeks of mountaineering across the Alps with official UIAGM guide Jelle Staleman. This journey included some of Europe’s most iconic alpine routes: Grossglockner, Gran Paradiso, and the Monte Rosa Summits. Each challenge pushed both Deen and the Latok 38L to their limits, offering valuable insight into the pack’s performance across diverse and demanding environments.

The adventure began with the ascent of Grossglockner, Austria’s highest peak at 3,798 meters. Known for its rugged terrain and dramatic weather shifts, this route was an early test of the Latok 38L’s durability and stability. Deen found the pack’s weather-resistant fabric proved invaluable as it brushed against sharp rocks and faced snow and ice, showing little wear. He appreciated the narrow profile, which allowed for ease of movement through technical sections of the climb.

Next came the alpine course in Chamonix, a perfect opportunity to refine mountaineering techniques such as rope work, crevasse rescue, and glacier travel. During this phase, the Latok 38L’s functional design came into focus. Its efficient storage system, including the roll-top closure, allowed Deen quick access to essentials like his rope, harness, and crampons. The pack’s ergonomics also shone through, with the ventilated harness system keeping Deen comfortable while hauling gear in the warmer, lower altitudes of Chamonix.

Following the beginner’s course, Deen moved on to Gran Paradiso, the highest peak solely located in Italy at 4,061 meters. The approach included rocky trails, glacier crossings, and long, steep sections where his stamina was tested. Here, the Latok 38L’s integrated ice axe attachment system and multiple gear loops were essential, keeping his tools secure and easily accessible. The weather was harsh at times, with icy winds and unpredictable mist, but the pack’s streamlined design and weather-resistant materials provided reliable protection against the elements. Despite carrying a full load, the Latok was comfortable, thanks to its padded back panel and adjustable frame, which allowed Deen to fine-tune the fit to match the demands of the climb.

Finally, Deen and Jelle embarked on the ultimate test: the Seven Summits of the Monta Rosa Massif, a grueling series of ascents that included the Punta Gnifetti at 4545 meters where he stayed in Europe’s highest mountain hut, the Margherita hut. This final leg demanded the utmost endurance, with long days spent above 4,000 meters. The Latok 38L’s capacity was just right for this high-altitude expedition—it had enough space for layers, food, and technical equipment without becoming bulky.

pro's

Lightweight: One of the standout features of the RAB Latok 38L is its lightweight design. At just over a kilogram, it strikes a perfect balance between durability and minimalism. For long ascents or multi-day alpine expeditions, every gram counts, and this pack’s low weight reduces overall fatigue during demanding climbs. Despite being lightweight, it doesn’t compromise on robustness, which is critical in harsh mountain environments.

Detachable Rope Strap and Minimalist Gear Attachments: The detachable rope strap is an incredibly useful feature for climbers who need quick access to their rope without sacrificing pack stability. Combined with the minimal compression straps, it allows for a clean and organized way to carry essential gear without overcomplicating the design. The ice tool mounts are practical, although they perform better when the pack is full. Nonetheless, their inclusion is a strong point, ensuring that all critical climbing tools are secure and easily accessible when you need them.

Simplicity of the Roll-Top Closure: Deen absolutely loved the roll-top closure. Its simplicity is a huge advantage, offering quick access while also sealing out moisture and snow effectively. The minimalistic roll-down design keeps the pack sleek and uncomplicated. The two internal and external zip pockets are a nice touch, providing just enough organizational space to store smaller items like a map, headlamp, or snacks, so you can remain well-organized without cluttering the pack's clean lines.

Clean Design – No Excess Straps or Catches: Another major plus of the Latok 38L is its clean, streamlined design, which minimizes the number of external straps, loops, and other features that could get snagged or trapped while mountaineering. This is particularly beneficial when you're navigating tight rock faces, traversing dense snowfields, or climbing in unpredictable weather. The lack of excessive gear hanging off the pack reduces the chances of snagging on rocks, ice, or ropes, making it an ideal choice for technical climbs where simplicity and reliability are key. The minimalist design also contributes to the pack’s overall lightweight profile, further enhancing its appeal for serious mountaineers.

con's

Belt Buckle System: One of the main drawbacks of the RAB Latok 38L is its belt buckle system. When you're dealing with harsh alpine conditions—wearing big gloves, or when snow and ice accumulate on your gear—the buckle becomes a hassle to fasten and tighten. The design, while solid in some respects, isn’t user-friendly, which can be frustrating during technical sections of a climb where stopping to adjust your pack isn’t ideal. The issue lies with the buckle that releases very quickly, making it difficult to adjust the belt and tighten it. In icy conditions, this can be an annoying and time-consuming problem, especially when you need to make fast adjustments. The belt’s buckle release function works but needs further improvement.

Ice Tool Mounts The ice tool mounts on the Latok 38L are another point of frustration. While they are functional and secure when the pack is full, they perform less effectively when the pack isn’t fully loaded. The tools tend to shift or feel less stable when the bag has minimal contents, which can make carrying them awkward during lighter ascents. This instability is especially noticeable when moving through technical or rough terrain. In these situations, having ice tools that shift or aren’t perfectly secured can be a distraction and even a potential safety concern. Although the attachment system works well under heavier loads, it could benefit from a more versatile design that performs consistently regardless of how full the pack is.

Conclusion

After four weeks of testing the RAB Latok 38L Mountain Pack on iconic alpine climbs, Deen found it to be a reliable and versatile companion. Its lightweight design, simplicity, and durability excelled in harsh environments, which made it ideal for demanding mountaineering adventures. The roll-top closure, detachable rope strap, and minimal gear attachments added functionality without unnecessary bulk. However, the belt buckle system can be improved, and the ice tool mounts were less effective when the pack wasn’t fully loaded. Despite these minor drawbacks, the Latok 38L performed impressively, offering comfort, stability, and enough capacity for multi-day expeditions. Overall, it’s a solid choice for mountaineers looking for a streamlined, no-nonsense pack that can handle a wide range of alpine challenges.

Gear review: Rab Latok 38L Mountain Pack

Testing the RAB Latok 38L

Conclusion

Join the community!

With an account you can:

Happy trails!