Backpacks

Rab Kitbag Duffel 80L | Review

Our verdict on the 80-litre version of Rab's expedition duffel

With its 80-litre capacity the Rab Kitbag will swallow a lot of stuff. I’m pretty sure I could carry double the contents of my wardrobe in this. The 600 denier fabric walls and reinforced base also make it capable of taking a bashing.

The seams are triple stitched throughout the duffel and Rab have used bar stack stitching on the straps and handles. If you’re not familiar with this, it’s basically a way of giving ultra reinforcement to stitches through the use of a specially designed sewing machine with a gigantic needle.

For lugging the Rab Kitbag about quickly there are two handles at each end and then two in the centre that both latch together so it can be carried a bit like a briefcase. The two shoulder straps are comfortable thanks to their very generous padding, they’re also easy to adjust and they can both be removed and stowed away – useful if you’re flying and want to check the duffel in as hold luggage. The compression straps at both ends of the duffel are a nice feature as well.

The padded shoulder straps make it easy and comfortable to carry

The daisy chain loops help if you need to strap the duffel to the roof of a car

It's made from a 600D fabric and there's reinforcement on the base

If you’re going safari-style and want to strap the duffel to the roof of your car then the daisychain loops will come in handy for rope lashing. There are also loops on the shoulder straps for hanging carabiners or any extra gear for when you’re on the go.

What about the Rab Kitbag’s wet weather performance then? Well, you could leave it out in the rain for a couple of hours and the contents inside will be protected – so long as the zips are done up properly and covered adequately by the protective flap. The material isn’t fully waterproof though and the YKK zips are basic.

We tested out the 80-litre version. If you want to go bigger, there’s a 120-litre version and if you want to go smaller, there’s a 50-litre version. None of these pack away into themselves or come with a stuff sac so you’ll need to use your initiative when trying to minimise it to store away.

Rab Kitbag 80 Duffel

Price: £95
Weight: 1480g
More info rab.equipment

Full Specifications

Available in 50L, 80L and 120L / Blue, Grey, Red / 70cm x 38cm x 36cm / 600D fabric with TPU water-resistant film / Double thickness base / Lockable YKK 10 coil zip / 2 internal pockets under lid / 2 central handles, 2 end handles / Detachable shoulder straps / Daisy-chain lash points / End compression straps / Triple-stitched seams, bar tacked straps.