I’ve grown to love using the Rab Tensor 20. It’s an excellent daypack that punches above its weight considering, well, it’s weight. If you want a fast and light pack for summer adventures or a fairly no nonsense, easy going option, I think you’ll be impressed.
March 2026 update: I’ve been using the Rab Tensor 20 for well over a year now. I’ve refreshed my review below to reflect how this pack has stood up through all the hikes I’ve taken it out on. Over a year on and this Rab Tensor backpack has become one of my go to packs for certain hikes. We’ve also included this pack in our lightweight daypacks guide.
Good to know: This pack is offered as unisex
Pros / Reasons to Buy
- Lightweight with excellent roomy feel
- Good back air vent system helps breathability on hot hikes
Cons / Reasons to Avoid
- Back support isn’t the best for heavier loads
- Not waterproof
Overall, the Rab Tensor 20 impressed me as a lightweight summer daypack. It does come in at an impressive spec weight wise (0.59kg / 1lb 5oz) but it doesn’t let up in terms of the hardy durability it offers. It’s also impressively roomy considering its size.
It feels comfortable to wear provided you aren’t carrying extremely heavy loads and makes use of an AirContour back system which helps to keep your back cool, even on hot and sweaty hikes.
It doesn’t offer waterproofing, which is a shame, but then this pack is marketed as a summer model, with lightweight durability being its main focus. With this all in consideration and its affordable price point, we’ve awarded this pack best daypack for hot weather.
Editor’s note: This article is part of our overall guide to the best daypacks, see more in this guide:
- Best Daypacks for Hiking
- How to Choose The Right Daypack For Your Hike
- How We Tested Hiking Daypacks
- Compare Hiking Daypacks
You may also be interested in: Best Waterproof Hiking Backpacks
See the Rab Tensor 20 in more detail:
Analysis and Test Results
In order to fully test the Rab Tensor 20, I put it through its paces in a variety of situations outdoors. Considering it is marketed as a day pack, I’ve focused on one day summer-based hiking adventures for my tests. However since my initial testing window, I loved the Rab Tensor 20 so much that it pretty much became my go to daypack when I didn’t need to carry heavy loads.
Since then, it’s been my go to pack on trips to places like Eidfjord in Norway, used it as my main pack when traveling in Seychelles, and have also used it all winter long with some easy adaptions (by adding a non branded rain cover) in my home Lake District mountains.
Overall, I’ve been really impressed with the Tensor’s performance as a lightweight pack, and I think it sits really well next to some of the other contenders in its category.
If you’re looking for a very lightweight yet well featured pack, you will be happy with this pack from Rab. However, if you’re looking for a pack that will sit well with a heavy pack, the Rab Tensor 20 may fall a little short in terms of the shoulder strap cushioning and support offered.
Performance Comparison
Type and Style
The Rab Tensor 20 is presented as a lightweight (0.59kg / 1lb 5oz) day pack suitable for summer and fair-weather hiking (it offers no waterproofing). It’s a ‘coffin shape’ which means it’s narrower at the bottom than it is the top. This follows the shape of the back.
This pack is offered as a unisex fit, suitable for hiking, trail running and cycling, but I’ve tested it for hiking. Though I do also feel it would be suitable as an alpine light pack as several of the attachment points would suit alpine safety gear.
Material
The Rab Tensor 20 uses 100% recycled 420D Polyester Ripstop for its construction. Through my testing, I’ve found that the fabric used on the Rab Tensor 20 holds up well against pretty much anything you throw its way. It feels very robust in terms of the main body fabric, especially considering its affordable price point.
I’ve had this pack pretty solidly packed on more occasions than I can recount, and the fabric feels extremely robust and fit for the job – there are no signs of weakness in its build and accommodates adding more, which is handy if you suddenly get hot on the trail and need to take off some layers.
I must admit I always feel a little skeptical over the mesh sections on the fronts and sides of packs. However, I’ve pushed hiking poles and other sharper items to the bottoms of both the side and front mesh sections with literally no holes or signs of wear on them. So, I’m pretty confident to say these are built to last (and excellent for stowing wet items whilst hiking or things you may want to keep out of the main section).
One area where I would love to see some improvement on the Rab Tensor is around the shoulder straps. I often carry pretty heavy camera equipment in my day pack, and I do find when doing so that the straps just don’t feel padded enough. Similar if I’m carrying a lot of water. This is where I feel like the Osprey Talon 22 wins out.
Breathability
I tested this pack in some pretty intense summer heat on a number of longer day hikes and never really found it got sweaty in the back section. This is probably due in part to the foam air vents inside the mesh on the back pouch.
When I first got the Rab Tensor 20, I was a little worried that the back suspension wouldn’t be solid enough, but it turns out that the suspension and support system on the back works exceptionally well for ventilation.
Some perhaps more advanced daypacks do make use of well-placed supports and suspension to sit the pack away from the back a little bit, but it really didn’t feel like the Tensor let down in this area.
The water reservoir system that can be added to the back can also help with back cooling and breathability too (and I especially find if you keep your water in the fridge overnight before inserting into the pack, it’s welcome on a hot hike!).
Coming back to this review now after having used the Rab Tensor 20l for much more time, I think one of the main reasons I used in on my Seychelles trip was because of how breathable it felt.
This was a very humid location and I only found my back to be mildly sweaty, even after using this all day to explore and film with my mirrorless camera gear.
Waterproofing
The Rab Tensor 20 daypack is not waterproof, and if you look at Rab’s information, you’ll see it is intended more as a summer hiking pack. Ideally, I’d love to see this daypack offered with an integrated waterproof cover like The North Face Basin 24L. This makes a big difference with this pack and something like this could easily make this pack suitable for more than just fair weather hikes.
Though I should point out that you could very easily buy a non branded rain cover to go with this pack. That would of course allow you to take this pack further and make more use of it through the seasons.
This pack prioritizes fast and light movement, which is great, but I can’t help but think that if it included at least some waterproofing or a rain cover, that you’d likely need to buy less, which would also sit more in alignment with Rab’s general commitment to sustainability.
I’ve actually since bought a rain cover for the Rab Tensor 20 as I enjoyed using it so much that I wanted to keep it in use through the winter. Whilst a proper fitted cover would be better if offered from Rab, I’ve found that a cheap rain cover from Amazon has worked just as well.
Dimensions
The Rab Tensor 20 is 50x30x23cm in size and does feel quite roomy. What’s great as well is that this pack is generally accepted in size as a small carry on item, so great for traveling (though be sure to check with your airline in advance).
I was worried it felt pretty small – especially to fit in most of the gear I like to carry as to what I consider day pack essentials. However, it’s important to remember that this pack is marketed more as a summer pack, which does generally assume you’ll carry less.
When I actually started kitting this bag out though, I was pretty happy with what I could carry, and I easily made space for my swimming gear for hike swims. This pack easily fit a drybag inside, with space for some layers and lunch too.
I loved how easy it was to make use of the stash pouches on the front and sides too, which makes a massive difference, as well as the TipGripper hiking pole attachments.
Fit
This daypack from Rab makes use of a pre curved back panel that is said to encourage a closer back fit and offers more natural movement. What does this mean in reality and outdoor application though?
I personally didn’t really notice a big difference with the back panel from most of the other daypacks I’ve tested, but it also wasn’t uncomfortable, so perhaps it’s a subtle thing. I quite liked the streamline ‘coffin’ style shape and fit of the pack. It’s narrower at the bottom with more width at the top and this suits the shape of the back well, so it feels natural and easy to wear.
The straps were also easy to adjust and fit on the go too, which is excellent when you need to make adjustments for varying gear from hike to hike as to where you need the most support. I didn’t experience any fatigue from wearing this pack at all. It just felt streamlined.
I do feel like I’ve been able to test this pack to it’s limits in terms of what it can hold, perhaps too far at points. My trip to Seychelles was a good example of this as I needed a pack that was comfortable and good for hotter temperatures, but also needed to carry all my filming gear.
In retrospect, it may not have been the right pack for this as I tried to fit too much in and ended up having to offload some of it into Matt’s pack to even the load. When I had my pack ready and full most days, I could feel a strain on my shoulders that really felt like I had pushed it that bit too far here.
Since then, I’ve kept it a little lighter, and is the pack I use when I don’t plan to take heavy camera equipment with me. For general layers, lunch, water combo, it’s perfect.
Storage
Considering the Rab Tensor 20 is fairly small and also makes use of the coffin shape which is smaller at the bottom, I was a little concerned about the storage offered. Especially after the Osprey Talon 22 which seems a lot more roomy in comparison for only two extra liters.
However, I was pleasantly surprised by the room that this backpack offers. When well packed, I was able to fit in a number of layers, some swimming gear and my other day pack essentials.
The pack also makes use of a nicely positioned (and roomy) top back zipped pocket with a key clip for storing valuables close to you. The hydration pouch was also a welcome addition and can hold a 3L system no problem.
The front and side stash pouches also help with storage too, and they really increase the versatility of the pack. What’s more, I found it was easy to get everything to fit back together when taking in and out over the course of a day without any hassle.
Comfort
All in all, I found the Rab Tensor 20 a very comfortable daypack to wear for extended periods with a general load. However, I wouldn’t recommend it for heavier loads. I am often carrying camera equipment, and I found with a well loaded pack, I did start to feel some tiredness and heaviness in my shoulders.
The pack straps just don’t feel well enough cushioned for heavier packs or adventures and in that regard, I’d be more likely to reach for a pack with a better support system.
That said, it’s important to remember that for most hikers this pack will more than cut the bill. It’s also intended as a summer pack which naturally assumes you’ll bring less. Just be mindful if you know you’ll need to carry heavy loads frequently, as you may be better looking at something like the Gregory Citro 24 instead.
I’ve talked about this in more detail above since I tested this pack to the limit on our Seychelles trip, and do feel that for heavier loads a suspension system is always my go to now. For lighter loads though, I love this pack – it’s my favorite for general hiking at present.
Features
There are several features that Rab mention with this pack. The AirContour back system, TipGripper hiking pole attachments, sternum strap with whistle, 3L hydration bladder space and removeable waistbelt are the key mentioned.
In real world use, those things are all handy, but I found the most important features that worked well on the trail was the AirContour back system for keeping dry on hotter hikes. I also really loved the hydration pouch space, especially on a small pack.
Rab have prioritized lightness on this pack which means a reduction in features, but perhaps it doesn’t need them? It’s just a good, dependable, no-nonsense pack. I don’t think you’ll be disappointed if a summer light pack is what you’re looking for!
Durability
This daypack feels like it’s built to last. I’ve stuffed it as full as can possibly be and stretched it out endlessly with hard and pokey gear. I’ve bashed it about between rocks on narrow scrambles and it shows no signs of damage.
The pack makes use of a 420-denier polyester ripstop fabric which is extremely strong and stands up the test of time. I feel pretty confident that I will still be using this pack in years to come with no problems on its long term life.
Having used the Rab Tensor 20l for well over a year now, I can say I’ve been really impressed with how well it has stood up to the many environments it’s been in. Very hardy, cold winter, extreme humidity, very hot days, a lot of things pushed and pulled through it, scrapes against rocks and pretty much everything in between. I don’t really think it looks much different from the day I got it.
Sustainability
Rab is a brand that is making a pretty solid commitment to sustainability. They have a lot of eco focused products, recycled compounds and materials and evolving production practices.
The Tensor 20 is no different, and is 100% recycled, which is great to see. The fact that it is well made is another plus point in terms of sustainability, as you will need not likely need to replace it for a very long time!
However, one area where I do feel this pack falls down a little is that it isn’t waterproof. I know it is intended as a summer pack, but adding a rain cover and a waterproof liner would encourage this pack to be suitable all year wear, which would need you to buy even less. Sure, you could buy a non branded rain cover, but I think given this pack is a technical entry, it would be good to see one added.
Conclusion
Overall, I’ve been really impressed with the Rab Tensor 20’s performance. I’ve put it through its paces in a wide variety of environments and it has consistently impressed me. Considering its size, it modestly fits in a good range of gear with ease and is comfortable to wear.
If you want a waterproof backpack or a pack for carrying heavy loads, then I wouldn’t recommend it due to its lack of waterproofing and shoulder support from the straps (though you could always add a non branded rain cover). However, if you’re looking for a fast and light pack for summer adventures, then I believe this pack should be at the top of your consideration list. I keep reaching for it time and time again, and I’m sure you will too!
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