In our Rab Khroma 22L ski pack review, we take a look at a rugged, full-featured ski mountaineering pack. I sincerely hope you find this information helpful.
introduction
A dedicated ski mountaineering pack has many requirements. You must carry all necessary equipment. You must also be able to transport skis and other technical equipment. Your backpack should keep the weather out, protect against difficult medical treatments, provide efficient access to general gear, and provide very quick access to emergency items. It must also be comfortable to carry when fully loaded, and be balanced and safe when descending. That's a big question.
Rab makes a variety of packs for a variety of uses. They have a variety of alpine and climbing packs and I have previously reviewed the Ascendor 28 climbing model here (more information about this pack can be found on the Rab website here). The Rab Latok 38 was used as my everyday work pack last year as well. More information about that model can be found here. They also make ski mountaineering packs. The Khroma range includes 22, 30 and 38 liter models. This Rab Khroma 22L Ski Pack review considers its smaller sibling, the 22-liter version, as the name suggests. I sincerely hope you find this information helpful.
characteristic
textile
The Khroma 22L is made from ultra-durable 201D Cordura fabric with Spectra Ripstop. Spectra fibers are woven into the fabric to provide exceptional durability. In fact, Spectra fiber is 15 times stronger than steel relative to its weight, says Rab. In addition to being highly UV resistant, this fabric also has a HydroShield water-resistant finish. The pack contains 50% recycled content.
harness
This pack includes Rab's X-SHIELD carrying system. This is designed to hold the pack close to your back so you can move it up and down freely. The contoured shape of the back features a single layer of 420-denier snow-blocking fabric over a single layer of EVA foam. The EVA foam is designed to provide support and stability while also being firm enough to prevent packed items from penetrating your back.
The shoulder straps are shaped for comfort and stability and are made of dual-density foam, thick at the top and thin at the bottom. It has a sternum strap with a whistle. The tensioners on the shoulder straps also keep the dials snug. It has a wide, padded waist belt with a metal quick-release buckle.
internal storage
Internal storage comes in many forms. A front clamshell zipper allows quick access to the avalanche gear pocket. It has a divider to separate the shovel handle and probe and has plenty of room for the shovel blade. This pocket has a two-way zipper with a bright orange pull tab for easy identification in an emergency.
Inside this pocket is another zippered organization pocket. To keep small items organized, there is a zippered pocket on one side of the waist belt to store small items. On the other side of the waist belt there is a clip on the gear loop. The top features an externally accessible, soft-lined pocket for storing goggles, sunglasses, or small electronics.
The main storage compartment is accessed by a large two-way clamshell zipper accessed through the back panel. The inside back panel has an additional zippered pocket for storing small items. All zippers come with thick gloves or mittens. The Rab also includes a detachable helmet holder that secures to a dedicated external loop.
external storage
Each side has a lower compression strap that runs across the front of the pack. Not only can this be used to control the internal volume, but it can also be used to attach skis. The pack is designed as a diagonal ski carry and features a lash strap with metal hook hidden in a small dedicated zippered pocket. Lastly, there is a single HeadLocker ax attachment system with a removable lash tab.
Its volume is 22 liters (1340 cubic inches) and its dimensions are 54 x 28 x 20 cm. Available in one size with a back length of 19 inches (48 cm), the Khroma weighs 2 lb 8 oz (1.14 kg). Retail price is £180.
use
important factors
An effective ski mountaineering pack has several key elements: It needs to be able to comfortably support quite a bit of weight but also be stable for technical descents. The backpack should also be durable enough to withstand tough hikes and sharp ski attachments. It also requires excellent organization to ensure quick access to emergency equipment and efficient disposal of other items. Lastly, I think it's good if you look good too. In our Rab Khroma 22 pack review, we will consider all the factors to consider in turn.
weight management
Even with a smaller capacity ski pack, the weight will be manageable. This is especially true when attaching skis and all other items. We found it to be very comfortable to carry, even when fully loaded. The combination of a supportive backrest, tightly padded and contoured dual-density shoulder straps, and a well-padded waist belt all come together very efficiently. Then, as you head down, you can tighten your backpack and go down comfortably. Shoulder strap adjusters that allow you to pull the backpack securely are also helpful.
durability
We haven't used the Khroma long enough to really test its durability, but so far we've easily put it through a reasonable amount of use. Paul also used Latok 38, which uses the same fabric, and has held up well throughout last year's harsh winter and summer seasons. The 210-denier Cordura fabric with Spectra ripstop is definitely as durable as we expected. You can enjoy different seasons at Khroma 22L. The video below explains the technical aspects of Spectra and some interesting testing methods.
group
The next definer of a good ski touring pack is organization. For day tours, you will typically take avalanche safety gear, drinks and food, extra clothing, leathers and Harscheisen, ice axes and crampons (depending on purpose), navigation and emergency communications equipment, headlamps, first aid kits and shelters. . , goggles and sunglasses, sunscreen and helmet.
It may seem like a lot for a 22-litre pack, but it actually fits well inside and out of the Khroma 22. The shovel and probe have their own pockets. Sometimes I can keep the skin there until I first need it (after that I prefer to keep it warm inside my jacket). There is a dedicated storage pocket for goggles and/or glasses. Small items have their own pockets inside the avalanche gear pocket, waistbelt pocket and an additional small pocket in the rear main compartment. Lastly, the large rear pocket makes access very easy and all other items can be stowed inside bag-style. It all works very well. Oh, and the method of attaching the ice ax is also simple.
Unless you know a better system than we do, you won't be able to fit your helmet inside, but that's okay, as the included helmet storage net is useful. In fact, this is a great system because Rab has included tabs in the right places on the outside to hang the helmet carrier hook. This is the best system of its kind we have ever used.
ski carry
The Khroma 22L allows for diagonal ski carry. Skis slide into the lower compression straps and hooked straps fit around the skis at the top of the pack. We found this to be very easy to deploy and secure. Rab sewed the top straps to the back panel of the pack structure, allowing the load to be transferred through the pack harness and onto the shoulders. It's simple and effective. When not in use, the top strap can be stowed away in a small dedicated zippered pocket (also an ideal place to store lip protection sticks!).
Is it big enough?
This makes it an ideal day trip pack, but not ideal for longer trips or if you need to carry more technical gear. For this we offer larger options in our range. For example, the 30 liter version has the same features but a larger capacity. A-frame ski carry options are also available if desired.
styling
Lastly, they said it would be good if the pack looked good. Our opinion is definitely that the Khroma 22L is a great product. We really love the grid pattern and bright colors of the fabric. We also really like the blocky teardrop shape.
sustainability
Rab is an industry leader in sustainable manufacturing. For example, our Material Facts program (we are the first apparel/equipment company to do so) allows potential buyers to understand the composition of every component of the product they are considering. More information about this system can be found on their website here. Although we highlight this as an example of our sustainability drive, Material Facts currently only covers the clothing range. Data tables for packs, gear, and accessories will also be available next season.
They say that the Khroma 22L uses 50% recycled materials. Some products have a higher recycled content (some have lower), but it's the pack's durable construction that makes a big difference to its environmental impact. If we can all find products that last longer, we will inevitably leave less of a mark on the environment. The Khroma 22 certainly ticks those boxes.
summary
In our Rab Khroma 22L ski pack review, we take a look at a great, full-featured ski mountaineering pack for anyone tackling day tours. It's actually excellent for its intended purpose. In fact, while this pack is great for ski mountaineering, it also works great for piste skiing.
The Rab design team has clearly considered all the key requirements for this type of pack and has put every effort into producing the best product possible. We really rate this pack. For more information about Khroma 22, check out the Rab website here. The video below also highlights key features well.
We hope you found our Rab Khroma 22L ski pack review helpful. We tested a variety of Rab instruments. For example, you can check out our review of the Rab Mythic 600 Sleeping Bag here. The Cubit Stretch Down Hoody is also reviewed here and the Windveil Pull-On Jacket is here. We have many reviews of items from Rab and other brands, and you can find them all here in our reviews section. Be sure to look for it.