Rab Veil XP 30 Review: Lightweight, comfortable, durable, and packable, this backpack raises the bar for fastpacking

Rab , the hottest British mountain brand today, continues to captivate mountain enthusiasts around the world with its uncompromising manufacturing that pursues high functionality and sophisticated design to handle tough mountain activities.This released the Veil XP of backpacks for fastpacking

Fastpacking combines long-distance trail running with ultralight backpacking to create a single epic adventure. In this sport, backpacks must incorporate elements of both running and mountain climbing, so a wide variety of elements must be balanced at a high level, including not only lightness but also ease of running, comfort for long periods of use, and storage capacity

However, Rab's exquisite balance of "lightness," "comfort," and "functionality" and high level of perfection have already been proven with the lightweight large backpack Muon released last season. We can't help but expect the same outstanding sense this time around

I've been using it several times in the mountains of the Kanto region since it was released, so I'd like to share my review with you right away

Key Features of the Rab Veil XP 30/20 Backpack

The Rab Veil XP 30 is an ultralight 30-liter backpack, offering versatile functionality and durability for swift movement in challenging mountain terrain, even when used for multi-day tent trips with lightweight gear. Its breathable, quick-drying mono-mesh harness and three-dimensional mesh back padding combine to create a comfortable fit, even during long, intense trips. Features like a top tensioner (30L model only) and side compression keep the pack secure and secure, even during long, intense trips. The ample external storage allows you to access essential gear without removing the pack, reducing clutter and accelerating your speed. Furthermore, its IPX4 waterproof rating allows for lightweight gear, making it ideal for a variety of activities, from fastpacking day trips to multi-day tent trips, and anything that demands speed and lightness.

Favorite points

• Excellent fit and comfortable carrying
• Highly breathable and quick drying, ideal for high-intensity activities
• Ultra-lightweight, yet durable and waterproof
• Multiple functional external compartments allow you to access a variety of gear, large and small, without having to take the pack off

Points of concern

• The entire pack tends to shake when moving violently with a load close to its limit
• The integrated waist harness is long (a little too long for petite people)
• It is highly airtight and does not allow air to escape, so it takes some getting used to when closing and compressing the pack

Main specifications and evaluation

*The trial was conducted on Rab Veil XP 30

Detailed Review

Material (durability, waterproofness, weight): Lightweight, weather-resistant, and durable fabric that has passed IPX4 waterproof testing

The Veil XP's body is made of ultra-thin Robic nylon ripstop. Even though Robic is a highly durable material, at first glance, you might be concerned about its thinness. However, the lining is coated with a silicone coating that reinforces and waterproofs the fabric, reducing its weight while maintaining its durability. Furthermore, this coating, along with the seam taping, makes the backpack completely waterproof, which means you can dispense with a waterproof stuff sack or pack cover, resulting in a highly durable and lightweight backpack

The official weight is 553g for the 30 liter size. This is one of the lightest even when considered as an ultralight backpack, and it is particularly noteworthy that it is an incredible figure when you consider the abundant functionality that will be described later. While last year's Muon somewhat prioritized comfort over lightness (considering that it will be carrying a heavy load), this Veil XP clearly shows an attitude of not compromising even a little on lightness.

Comfort and stability: Back system with excellent breathability and a snug fit for long-lasting comfort

When you cut down the weight to the bare minimum, it's inevitable that comfort and ease of carrying will be sacrificed (the difference is especially noticeable the heavier the load), but the more I walked with the pack on, the more those concerns disappeared

The back system features an extremely hydrophobic mono-mesh outer layer on the shoulders, waist, and back, and a three-dimensionally molded pad on the back that provides soft, highly cushioned and exceptional breathability. Additionally, foam padding (with hollowed-out areas) is installed in the shoulder area, which bears the weight of the load, achieving high breathability, quick-drying properties, and cushioning while reducing weight

The unique feature of this backpack is the waist belt, which is a mono-mesh belt with punched holes that wraps around the waist from the sides. Usually, lightweight backpacks in the 20-30 liter size only have simple straps to prevent movement, which do little to improve fit or load distribution, but this lightweight, wide, and highly breathable strap not only prevents movement, but also provides an excellent fit and ease of footwork

The Veil XP shoulder harness is made of wide, flat mono-mesh padding. Its thin yet gentle and comfortable fit follows the contours of your body, naturally adhering to your skin without discomfort, and supports the weight of the pack across your back and chest.

Only the 30-liter model has a top tensioner (load lifter) attached to the shoulder, which keeps the center of gravity close to the body and prevents shaking even when the pack is full. With or without this, the sense of stability is completely different when carrying heavy loads. The 30-liter model has a secure attachment, which is a testament to the attention to detail

While it offers excellent stability and stability, it also has the limitations of an ultra-lightweight pack

However, although I had almost no complaints during normal use, I would be lying if I said that I wasn't bothered at all by the pack shaking when running with a weight close to its limit

Probably due to the thinness, stretch, and flexible structure of the pack's fabric (it's frameless and soft enough to crumple up the entire pack), I still felt some shaking even when it was compressed firmly. Also, the shoulder pads have minimal cushioning, so they dig in a little, which is a bit of a concern. However, there's no problem with the center of gravity when stationary, and I don't feel like I'm being pulled backwards, so neither of these are at a level that will always be a problem, but it's important to note that this is intended for ultralight speed hiking, so it's not the kind of thing that can withstand any kind of extreme use

Storage and ease of use: It has a wide variety of storage options and easy-to-use parts that you wouldn't expect from a lightweight backpack

The Veil XP is equipped with numerous pockets and attachments that are designed to be accessible while on the move without stopping.

What I personally found most appealing about this pack is that it offers smart and flexible storage capacity that rivals that of a regular hiking backpack, making it hard to believe it's a lightweight running pack. Below, I'd like to introduce some of the easy-to-use storage options that are designed for use in the field

Waterproof, expandable and compressible roll-top main compartment

The main compartment is a lightweight roll-top design that prevents water from getting inside even without a rain cover. The waterproof fabric also makes it extremely airtight, meaning that any air inside will not escape (which means it's highly waterproof), so be sure to remove all air when packing

Another advantage of roll-top packs in general is the wide range of expansion and compression to suit the amount of luggage you have. I found that if you expand the main compartment to its fullest capacity, it can actually hold significantly more luggage than other companies' 30-liter models. Conversely, when you're carrying less luggage, you can narrow the entrance all the way and tighten the compression drawcords on the sides to compress the pack considerably and prevent it from shaking, which is also reassuring. Its high versatility, which can accommodate a wide range of volumes from day trips to multi-day camping trips, is quite appealing

However, personally, I would like a direct access zipper so that I can access the contents without opening the main entrance (although I know this is asking too much). This is a trade-off with weight, so it's a tough decision

Large front stash pocket

The large stash pocket on the front is highly stretchable and can easily hold larger items such as rain jackets, snacks, caps, gloves, sandals, and garbage bags

Large side stash pocket for standing access to various gear

What I personally like most are the side stash pockets on both sides. The stretchy mesh side pockets are a given, but their generous capacity and ease of access make them incredibly useful. They're so big, you can even fit a thick 1L Nalgene bottle inside, as shown in the photo below

The left and right pockets are asymmetrical, and the left stash pocket has a large opening, making it convenient for putting in and taking out things like plastic bottles. The opening is cut at an angle, so you can reach it while standing with the backpack on

On the other hand, the stash pocket on the right side has a zippered opening, although it is not as large as the one on the left, making it convenient for storing small items or things that would be a problem if they fell out (see photo below)

Both the left and right sides can be used to store long items from the top and secured with side straps, allowing for flexible use depending on your needs and style. It meets all the convenience required of a side pocket

Ample shoulder strap pockets

The wide shoulder straps feature spacious and convenient stretch mesh pockets on both sides. They're versatile enough to hold soft flasks and 500ml water bottles, and the zippered pockets allow you to safely store and quickly access a wide range of small items, including smartphones, compact cameras, gels, snacks, and sunscreen

Trekking pole attachment

There are two ways to store your trekking poles. First, you can store them in the "Z Pole Carry" sleeves on both sides. When you won't be using the poles for an extended period of time, you can store them in these pockets for comfortable carrying (see photo below)

In addition, there are two loops at the bottom of each shoulder strap for securing trekking poles. If you need to use both hands temporarily, such as when passing through rocky areas, you can quickly secure your poles here to minimize time loss (see photo below)

There is also a loop at the bottom of the front for an axe pole, so you can secure it there if necessary

Hydration compatible

The hydration sleeve is located on the outside of the main compartment, making it easy to access water mid-day without having to open and close the main compartment

Summary: Top-class lightness without compromising mobility, comfort, or ease of use. A new standard for active lightweight backpacks

Designed for runners and hikers who want to go faster and further with minimal luggage, the Rab Veil XP 30 is a highly complete, lightweight running backpack that is suitable for a variety of activities that prioritize speed and lightness, including fastpacking for day trips and multi-day tent stays.

As mentioned in the article, there are some things that bother me, but most of them the Rab , and I honestly can't imagine a situation where I would be dissatisfied with this pack for an activity that requires lightness. That's how flawless and well-made it is.

Its lightness, making it one of the lightest of all outdoor backpacks, is sure to appeal to even the most dedicated ultralight hikers and runners aiming for a base weight of under 5kg. Its uncomplicated design will satisfy a wide range of people, from beginners looking to take up fastpacking as an extension of mountaineering or trekking, to demanding hikers who don't want to compromise on both lightness and comfort. It's ideal for fastpacking, hiking, mountaineering, and trail running in the snow-free season, when lightness and ease of movement are essential, but I'm also secretly thinking that its high waterproofness could make it suitable for day trips like mountain stream fishing

Now you have another reliable companion that you can take on long and difficult routes. Have a great trip this season

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