The Latok 28 is a lightweight, streamlined climbing pack for Alpinists counting every gram on expeditions. It's ideal for winter tours and multi-day adventures, with various storage options and adaptations that save weight and bulk.
What is the Latok 28?
Rab has built this pack specifically for technical climbs and Alpine missions when every gram of weight makes a big difference. It has features that can be stripped away if you want to bring the pack down to its absolute minimum, alongside various storage options, including somewhere to securely store skis when they're not in use.
What is it made of?
The Latok 28 pack is constructed using a mixture of materials, including 210D Cordura with Spectra® Ripstop, Hydroshield Dura and 50% recycled plain weave Hydroshield.
The combination of materials creates a super tough, durable face that can withstand heavy wear and abrasion against jagged rock and rough surfaces.
Spectra® Ripstop Technology uses a super tough grid of polyethylene fibres woven into a solid yet lightweight 210 Cordura nylon. The fibres are made with a high molecular weight, making them 15 times stronger than steel and bullet resistant materials. It's complete with a high UV resistance to help prevent any sun damage or deterioration when used regularly on exposed routes.
This technology brings a whole new level to technical fabrics, creating something incredibly abrasion, UV and water resistant while extremely lightweight - perfect for rugged environments and changeable weather conditions.
Which backsystem does it use?
The Latok uses the X-Shield™ carry system uses a single snow shedding sheet of 420D nylon over a layer of EVA foam. The foam helps prevent sharp bits of kit or equipment from pointing or digging into your back uncomfortably when the pack is mounted. The sheet is removable, so if you want to reduce weight and bulk, this pack allows you to do so.
What are its features?
Where to start! For such a lightweight pack, it really does have an (almost) endless list of features - most of which can be removed for those prioritising weight for more extensive, technical expeditions.
At the top of the pack, the main entry uses a roll-top closure with zipped rear pocket access. The roll-top is extremely water resistant and more protective than regular zips. It also helps reduce the risk of breakage at the entry. However, suppose the pack has taken a harsh beating over a long period and does eventually break. In that case, you can even tie it up using a carabiner for a speedy repair, allowing you to make a quick descent with all your kit still safe.
A detachable rope strap on the top allows you to stow away ropes on the pack's exterior securely, saving space inside for smaller possessions. This strap and grab handle on the back of the bag are a distinctive bright orange, so if you get caught in a snow storm when visibility is low, you're still able to navigate your equipment.
Two Headlocker ice axe attachments, with a removable lash, are simple to use and much safer as the axes will sit on the bag's exterior away from your body.
Once packed, you can cinch everything in to get rid of any dead space using the lightweight compression straps, which use tough metal hooks. The compression straps also double as an A-frame ski carry for those on multi-activity winter tours, whilst the daisy chain attachment holds extra gear for longer excursions.
Shoulder straps are shaped to give you plenty of comfort and support, being broader and more padded nearer the top, where you'll feel the weight more. The bottom of the straps is slimmer, reducing poundage and bulk where it's not needed and improving freedom of movement as they are much more flexible. A sternum strap offers extra security, with a whistle attached in case of emergency.
The hipbelt helps stabilise the load and balance the weight by pushing it more into the hips - it feels much comfier as the bulk doesn't sit on the top of your back. Wave goodbye to nasty back aches! It has an easy-release aluminium buckle, so even with numb fingers or chunky gloves, minimum faff is required.
Features:
- Part recycled, tough, lightweight fabric construction, protects against sharp tools, rocks and ski edges
- Roll-top entry and zipped rear pocket access
- Sternum strap with whistle to attract attention
- Top tensioner stabilises load close to your body
- Hipbelt with easy release aluminium buckle
- Strippable parts for lightweight mountain days
- 2 HeadLocker ice axe attachments with removable lash
- Secure rope carry strap, detachable for flexibility
- Daisy chain for attaching extra gear
- Lightweight compression straps with tough metal hooks, double as A-frame ski carry
- Ultra tough Cordura fabric with Spectra® Ripstop
- Snow shedding back panel with removable foam