Rab’s Protium ND25L Day Pack it described as ultra lightweight. It is aimed at runners and hikers and has a volume of 25 litres. The ND, means Narrow Dimension, and this is designed to suit the smaller and narrower (on average) female physique, or for smaller frames generally. There is a Protium 27l version for larger physiques.
Features include:
Air Contour™ back system
Adjustable back length for personalised fit
Vacuum formed, precurved and moulded ABS back panel with semi-rigid structure
Wide zipped opening to main compartment
Storage options include front mesh stash sleeve, side mesh pockets, zipped hipbelt pockets and an internal security pocket
Forward pull hipbelt for easy adjustment
Rain cover
Attachment loops and bungee retention system for hiking poles etc
PFAS free product
Weight: 1050g
Volume: 25 litres
Back length: 43cm to 48cm
Colours: Anthracite, Mulberry, Orion Blue
Price: £130
My thoughts: Rab Women’s Protium ND25L Day Pack
First off, Rab describes the pack as ultra lightweight. I don’t agree. It is a fairly standard weight for a hiking pack and quite heavy for a running pack. That said, it’s a really nice rucksack.
The back system is comfortable and because’s adjustable, it will suit people of different heights. I was able to adjust the pack to fit me and it sits comfortably in place, whether I have a lighter or heavy load.
The shoulder and waist straps are padded and make the pack a joy to carry.
The Air Contour system is fine but not the best I’ve tested. I prefer the back system of an similar type of pack, the Berghaus Remote Hike 23 litre pack. The Berghaus pack keeps more of the rear of the pack away from my sweaty back.
Overall, the pack looks to be great quality. The fabric, straps and zips seem robust, while the clips are large enough to be easily used and strong enough to withstand wear. I am not a fan of small clips that save weight but are too fiddly to use. Thankfully, Rab has not done this.
The main compartment is accessed through a wide top zip. The wide opening allows for easy rummaging inside the pack but it can sometimes be a bit of a fiddle to retrieve one end of the zip when it is closed. The two-way zip ends at each side under the inside of the external side pockets.
There are some useful mesh external pockets, including one at the rear and two at the side. The rear sleeve is roomy and great for stuffing extra items that you might want to have easier access to. There is also an additional strap-and-clip closure to stop the top of the mesh sleeve falling open. The side pockets are deep, which means items, such as water bottles, stay put.
I like a smaller top pocket that is zipped. This is a great place to stow items such as a PLB or car keys.
It’s possible to position a hydration bladder in a rear sleeve, between the back system and the pack.
The pockets on the waist band are large enough to fit my iPhone (Max size). This is very good news because I am always looking for a place to put my phone for easy access. Too many packs do not have waistband pockets with enough space for a large phone, which seems silly.
The rain cover sits in a zipped pocket at the base of the pack. It’s a useful extra, although I have rarely used such a cover.
The pack is on the pricey side, I’d say, at £130 but not extraordinary.
In conclusion, it’s a really well thought out and designed pack. It is well made with durable looking fabrics and clips. It fits well – it’s great to have the option of the ND size – and it’s comfortable to carry. It is a pack I’d recommend for general summer hiking, although I would prefer a run-specific pack for running.