Trango Ration Review

The Trango Ration has taken the standard simple top-loading pack concept, lightened it up, and tried to solve some of its problems in smart ways. Some of these solutions work pretty well, and others feel a little gimmicky while still getting the job done.

Performance Comparison

Weight

The Ration weighs 16 ounces (453 grams). That weight includes the removable hauling cover (more about that in a minute), which weighs about 4.5 ounces. The hip-belt and velcro ice axe keeper are also removable. With that stuff out of the picture the Ration weighs about the same as the lightest packs in our test.

Durability

The Ration is made of a rather low denier fabric - 210D nylon. Recognizing this fabric's low abrasion resistance, the Trango designers came up with a clever solution: a cover that goes over the pack when hauling. This bumped the pack's durability rating.

Made of more durable nylon, this essentially gives the pack a sacrificial layer for hauling. If the Ration is full or has approach shoes strapped to the outside or both, it can be a bit of a wrestling match to get the cover on. Since the cover is completely removable, our testers could leave it behind when not needed (which is most of the time for those that do not haul on a regular basis).

The cover protects the pack during hauling; however, when climbing or hiking, the cover can't be used, and the not-so-abrasion resistant fabric is exposed. The Ration has two big plastic clips on the outside of the pack as approach shoe attachment points. Trango claims they can hold 100lbs; while we believe that, they also seem like something that could get broken while thrashing around in a chimney.

Climbing Utility

This bag comes with most of our favorite “standard” features, including hydration compatibility and a key clip. It's missing the built-in whistle in the sternum strap buckle. There are two interior drop-in pockets made of mesh, which makes it easier to view the contents.

Many of the packs in this test get you partway to attaching an ice axe but leave some of the processes up to the climber. For climbers who want or need the whole setup, the Ration has complete attachment points for the head and shaft of the ice axe.

The external approach shoe attachment points polarized our testing team. Some preferred them, while others couldn't get over how goofy they look, opting to keep their shoes inside the pack. Regardless of aesthetics, it does free up valuable pack real estate.

One feature our testing team did agree on is the expansion sleeve. It's an innovative feature that makes it a lot easier to dig something out of the bottom of the pack, like your headlamp when you're about to be benighted.

Versatility

Like all of our packs, this number works well around town, though it might not be the most stylish. The ice axe attachment does give it limited alpine utility. When it comes to getting stuffed into the bottom of a bigger pack for an extended backcountry foray, the Ration performs slightly better than most.

The Ration has a few external carry options. The approach shoe attachment system could also be used for other items, and there is a six-pocket daisy chain on the front of the pack. As for the rope, your only option is to drape it over the top and maybe tuck the ends into the shock-cord of the approach shoe attachment. Good luck.

Comfort

The Trango Ration is comfortable enough if you don't push its limits. The shoulder straps are the most breathable of any in the test, a boon for climbers pushing the limit of the season in the desert, or for those of us who are sweaty. However, these breathable shoulder straps aren't very padded, and the back panel had no padding, so this model punishes climbers who overload it or don't pack thoughtfully.

Value

Clocking in at just a bit more expensive than the cheapest packs, but with more features, we think this pack is a good value.

Conclusion

This pack is acceptable in every metric but doesn't shine at anything. Some climbers will take the hauling cover out of the pack and promptly lose it. It's got some other features we liked (the expansion sleeve) and some we weren't convinced about, like the exterior approach shoe attachment points. It's lightweight, but not particularly comfortable.