hiking on madeira

Review

Gear review: Rab Muon 50L Hiking Pack

Publication date: 26 Jul 2024

BackpacksGear

The Rab Muon 50L Hiking Pack is a recent addition to Rab’s line of high-performance gear for ultralight hikers. With a substantial 50-liter capacity, this backpack is built to handle long treks and multi-day trails and for sure perfect for a thru-hike. Featuring a blend of durable materials and innovative design, the Muon 50L aims to offer comfort, functionality, and reliability for as little weight as possible. Rab Equipment, known for its high-quality outdoor gear, has now entered the ultralight hikers scene.

In this review, we will dive into the aspects of the Rab Muon 50L Hiking Pack, including its design, functionality, and overall performance. We tested this backpack in Madeira on the trails, while camping along the way. We’ll have an in-depth look at the pack’s features, pros, and cons.

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Editor

Jochem de Jong

Jochem de Jong is a Dutch photographer and the technical guy behind this website. With his passion for photography and design he makes sure that every page on this website looks perfect. The last years Jochem hiked 20+ long-distance trails, mainly in Europe from the Coast to Coast in England to mountain hut trekkings in the Dolomites. Most of the photos on this website Jochem shot on the trails.

Besides hiking, Jochem loves Italy and most of all the dreamy countryside of Tuscany which at one day, he hopes to run a small B&B besides his work as a photographer.

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person hiking on madeiraTesting the Rab Muon Hiking Pack

To truly understand the capabilities of the Rab Muon 50L Hiking Pack, we put it through a series of rigorous tests in diverse conditions on the Madeira Crossing. The backpack was tested for 6 days over 100 kilometers in subtropical forests, mountainous terrain, and open plains, to assess its durability and performance. We loaded it with gear weighing up to its full capacity to evaluate its comfort and weight distribution. The weather conditions ranged from sunny and dry to wet and windy, giving us a comprehensive understanding of the pack’s weather resistance. We also paid close attention to the pack’s organizational features, such as the accessibility of pockets and compartments on the outside and the effectiveness of its compression straps.

While testing the Rab Muon 50L, I found it to be an impressive piece of gear with a few minor drawbacks. One of the standout features for me was its weight and comfort. At just 0.995 grams, it struck a perfect balance between durability and lightness. Most of the ultralight gear doesn’t have a frame, but the Muon does which provides better weight distribution and more comfort. The comfort provided by this, the padded hip belt, and the shoulder straps was exceptional.

backpack
backpack

I did find the external pockets to be a bit lacking. While the backpack offers plenty of storage space inside with one pocket, the design of the outside pockets didn’t meet my expectations fully. They were somewhat too loose for bringing stuff in these pockets. Luckily it also has an inside pocket and a pocket on the outside of the cap. I also think that the shoulder strap pockets are a great addition. The outer straps to compress the backpack are easy to use and do the job. Overall, the pack was comfortable, stable, and easy to use.

close up of rain pantsAbout Rab Equipment

Rab Equipment, founded in 1981 by Rab Carrington, is a brand synonymous with high-quality outdoor gear. Based in the UK, Rab specializes in creating robust and reliable equipment designed to withstand the harshest conditions. From the beginning, the brand has been more focused on alpinism, however, in the last few years they’ve started focusing more on (lightweight) hiking, trail running, and cycling. The brand’s philosophy revolves around innovation, functionality, and durability, ensuring that every product meets the rigorous demands of outdoor enthusiasts. Over the years, Rab has expanded its product range from sleeping bags and clothing to include backpacks, tents, and other essential gear.

The company’s commitment to quality is evident in its meticulous design process for which they’ve won a lot of prizes, for example on the ISPO. They’re well known for their dedication to being as sustainable as possible and they’ve built a loyal customer base that spans the globe but is mainly known in Europe. One great thing about Rab Equipment is the Rab Promise if any of their clothing or equipment fails they promise to help make it right with a repair or replacement, find out more here. Damage due to wear and tear or improper care can also be repaired for a reasonable fee.

About the Rab Muon Hiking Pack

The Rab Muon 50L Hiking Pack is designed to be a versatile and reliable companion for ultralight hikers but because of its comfort, it does also the trick for long-distance hikers. A perfect example is if you’re hiking from hut to hut on a longer tour. Its 50-liter capacity is ideal for multi-day hikes, providing enough space for all necessary gear. The pack features a combination of high-quality materials, including durable fabrics and zippers, which should ensure a long lifetime and resistance to wear and tear on your thru-hike.

One of the standout features of the Muon 50L is its ergonomic design, which includes a well-padded back panel and comfortable shoulder straps for the support you need. The backpack also has a range of compartments and pockets, including a large main compartment, side pockets, and a front stash pocket. The Muon 50L is equipped with hydration system compatibility so it’s easy to fit your camelback with a maximum of 3 liters in there. The Spectra® Ripstop material is a very strong nylon ultralight Dyneema kind of material from which most of the backpack is made.

backpack
backpack shoulder strap
backpack hip strap

Specifications

Rab Muon 50L Hiking Pack
Capacity 50 liters
Weight 0.995 kg
Material 100D (85% recycled) high-tenacity nylon with Spectra® Ripstop
Dimensions 75 x 35 x 30 cm
Hydration System Compatible Yes, for a maximum of 3 liters
Back System TRI-FLEX™
Back Length 19" / 48cm
Pockets 1 main compartment, 2 side pockets, 1 front stash pocket, 1 inside pocket
Back Panel Padded
Waist Belt Padded
Price €250

pro's

Durable and sustainable construction: High-quality materials such as the Spectra Ripstop ensure a long lifetime.

Ultralight and comfortable fit: Ergonomic design with padded back panel, especially for an ultralight pack.

Spacious: Multiple compartments and pockets for organized packing.

Weather-Repellent: Water-repellent fabric is an extra pro feature of this pack.

Price: The price is truly amazing for such a high-quality pack.

con's

Weight: This con is also a pro. But with 0.995 kg, it’s slightly heavier than some ultralight competitors.

Outer pockets: The outer pockets are a bit too loose.

Limited color options: Fewer color choices compared to other brands.

Conclusion

The Rab Muon 50L Hiking Pack is a reliable choice for lightweight hikers. Ultralight hikers might opt for a bit lighter pack but more traditional hikers might love this pack. Rab equipment entered the lightweight hiking scene with the Muon. Its combination of durable materials, design, and storage makes it well-suited for long-distance trails and thru-hikes. While it may be slightly heavier than some ultralight alternatives, its comfort makes it better than many competitors because of the frame and back panel. If you need a dependable lightweight hiking pack, the Rab Muon 50L is a strong contender. Overall, this pack stands out for its quality and performance, making it a valuable addition to your hiking gear collection, suited for backpackers, ultralight hikers, and thru-hikers.

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