When a mountaineer can barely catch his breath and draws the energy for every next step from deep bodily reserves, he feels every extra ten grams. So after his K2 expedition, Lukáš Jasenský went lighter. The mountains never stop teaching you. When he was then looking for a new pack, he chose the 38-litre Rab Latok. How did it do on his next expeditions?

Minimalist design

"I like simple, practical things," says Lukáš, describing his approach to gear, and stresses that the Rab Latok exceeded his expectations. "Even though it's been through a lot, I still like the look of it."

Material for the extremes

"It's tough and strong. I've dragged it all over the place – from Denali to Makalu – and I can't see any signs of wear on it," Lukáš nods, thinking of everything the pack has had to endure with him.

A compromise that makes sense

"The back panel is the price you pay for low weight," Lukáš explains – with heavier loads and in the heat his back tends to get wet – "but I expected that." And the shoulder straps? "They're thin and without much padding. But they adjust brilliantly, don't press anywhere and don't dig in," he adds, saying that whether the pack is full or half-empty, it fits well – both walking and climbing.

Practical simplicity

"The inside is simple," says Lukáš, describing the single main compartment, complemented only by a waterproof pocket for documents, a phone or a head torch. "On the outside there's just the right amount of everything – easy-to-use straps and loops and simple ice axe attachment. Exactly what I need on an expedition."

Tough enough for any challenge

"The pack has been through all sorts. And it's proven itself. The only things I might have appreciated are a zip instead of the roll-top closure and an integrated rain cover," Lukáš lists what he missed. "On the other hand – I understand that leaving out both is, again, a sacrifice for the sake of low weight (and a rain cover can be bought separately if needed – editor's note)."

Tester

Lukáš Jasenský

began his high-altitude adventures in 2018 with a successful ascent of the highest mountain in South America – Aconcagua (6,961 m). In 2021 he climbed Makalu solo up to 7,618 metres, and a year later fate's games punished him hard on K2 – lost gear and, to top it all, illness. But that failure turned out to be what taught him the most. And so on 15 May 2023 at 13:46 Nepal time, he looked around from the very summit of Makalu.

https://www.lukasjasensky.com/

Mountaineering pack

Rab Latok 28 and 38

Spectra® – extra-tough fibres that are fifteen times stronger than steel at the same weight. Among other things, they're used in bulletproof vests. That's why not even the sharpest rock or the harshest winter terrain will leave a scratch on this mountaineering pack. The roll-top closure keeps moisture out, and the metal buckles work reliably even in severe frost.

4 390 Kč

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