Gear review: Rab Muon 50L Hiking Pack

Testing 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.

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.

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.