Article by Jeff Valliere
Rab Equipment Protium 27L Day Pack ($180)
Size M/L or L/XL
27 Liters / 1,650 cu in (also available in 20L, 25L, 30L, 33L and 35L)
27 L. Available now. $180
Introduction:
The Protium 27 is a well thought out and versatile multi use day pack, featuring an adjustable Air Contour back system (for stability and comfort), versatile storage pockets, external carry options for poles/axe/tools, top notch quality construction/durability and built in (but removable pack cover). With 27 liters of storage, it is just the right size for most day hikes, mountain adventures, snowshoeing, etc….
On the back of the pack is a roomy stretch mesh pocket, which can hold a few jackets easily (on a recent hike, I had my mid layer stashed there, then my daughters eventually added theirs and the mesh pocket expanded easily to accommodate).
The Protium 27 carries poles with ease, just slide them under the lower strap and then wrap over with easy to adjust bungee and snug both. The poles stay put and you never even know they are there. There are also very voluminous stretch mesh side pockets for either water bottles, or added gear that you want to keep handy.
View of the other side with hat and gloves stashed in the side pocket. These pockets are more versatile than average, as not only are they roomy, but the mesh is very robust and you can just jam them full without any worry of them ripping or bursting at the seams.
There is a large roomy pocket on either side of the hip belt (again, stretch mesh, but maybe not quite as stretchy as the back and side pockets). Either way, the mesh is quite durable and I can stuff a lot into these pockets, gels, food, inReach Mini, iPhone, etc…. The pockets are positioned such that when full, they do stick out and I find myself bumping them when walking with a normal arm swing. Not a huge deal, but something to keep in mind.
The Air Contour back system is vacuum formed, precurved and moulded using a ABS back panel with a semi rigid structure, which maintains its structure and shape, while flexing with the movement of your body. The back panel is adjustable to fine tune based on torso length.
The waist belt itself is wide, breathable and comfortable on the sides (as shown above), but the remainder of the strap that you buckle/adjust is quite thin (¾” nylon strap). It is not necessarily uncomfortable and I appreciate the intent to save weight, but I do wish it were a wider strap, or continuous mesh most of the way around.
The chest strap is a static nylon strap, with a built-in whistle on the clip. The strap easily adjusts by sliding up and down on the semi rigid rails along the shoulder straps, which is very comfortable and easy to adjust.
The chest strap has a built-in whistle.
The Protium is bladder compatible.
The main compartment is gaping and voluminous, with a two way wrap around zipper for easy access.
Inside the main compartment is a small-ish mesh pocket for keeping smaller essentials.
There is also a zippered pocket on top with easy access, large enough for a sunglasses case, so food and other small items. There is also a key clip here (though I would prefer to have the key clip in the interior mesh pocket).
At the bottom of the pack is a zippered pocket where the pack cover is stashed. It is tempting to remove and gain an extra pocket for storage, but I know that the moment I do, I will get poured on.
It is very easy to access (and put away) and wraps easily over the entire pack (as well as poles and anything else strapped to the back) and stays in place well. I have not been caught out in the rain (it is winter here), but presume that it will be an asset when caught in a downpour.
Performance/Conclusions/Recommendations:
The Protium 27 will feature prominently in my pack rotation for day hikes and high mountain climbs where I need to carry a moderate amount of gear in a pack that has enough structure to handle a little heavier weight than normal. It can also be a good choice for Euro hut to hut type trips although on the more minimal side in terms of capacity for such packs which are generally higher capacity. Rab also has a 30L, 33L and 35L versions of the Protium.
The Air Contour back panel really helps to support and distribute the weight well and make for a very comfortable and stable carry.
The pocket options are very well thought out and easy to access, pole carry is easy, the rain cover is a nice touch, all coming together to make the Protium 27 a very sensible pick for a wide range of outdoor activities.
If I could make any changes, it would be to update to a wider waist belt and perhaps reposition the waist belt pockets if possible so that they are not so prominent. I appreciate the high end quality, durability, as well as attention to detail, making the Protium 27 a highly recommended pick!
Tester Profile
Jeff Valliere loves to run and explore the mountains of Colorado, the steeper and more technical the better. He has summited all of the 14ers in the state, many 13ers and other peaks in Colorado and beyond, plus, he has summited his local Green Mountain over 2,100 times in the past 20 years. He can be found on mountain trails daily, no matter the weather, season, conditions or whether there is daylight or not. On the side he loves to ski (all forms) bike and hike, often with his family, as he introduces his twin daughters to the outdoors. Jeff was born and raised in New Hampshire, but has called Colorado home for over 25 years. He is 5’9” and 145 lbs.
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