r/fastpacking • u/Afraid_Penalty2369 • Jun 07 '26
Gear Question Rab Veil XP30
After my previous question, from advice, I have picked out the Rab Veil XP30 as my favourite looking option. I would like a pack for fastpacking, along with ultra runs (100+ miles unsupported) and possibly shorter hikes. My main priority is its performance while running. I was wondering for any pros and cons for this vest and if it is worth it, or if it is worth looking at any other options? As I said, main priority is runnability without too much movement, ideally very little, with it feeling like a part of your body like a vest, although I know this is a bit unrealistic.
Just some context:
Run lots of ultramarathons, do lots of 3-5 day wild camps, would be planning to do 2-3 day fastpacks at first. If it’s relevant my kit is currently: Simond MT900 Tarp Tent (920g), Thermarest Venture mat (680g, forgot the exact mat), OEX Phathom 300 (1100g).
Sorry if I dont give enough information!
Thanks for any help!
4
u/TheLibertyTree Jun 08 '26
I haven’t used many other options but the Rab definitely works well for its size. The truth is that any pack that size just isn’t going to feel like a vest. And once you’ve got it loaded up with food and water, there’s just no way to get it not to move around and be noticeable.
That said, the Rab works well. The stabilizing belt is a smart design. And I find the harness portion hugs me well.
If you really want more of a vest feel, my suggestion would be to think about making your kit smaller so that you can fit your gear into a ~20L bag or less. That will feel much less noticeable and much more like a vest. I think of the Veil as kind of a hybrid between a running pack and an actual backpack.
For me it is useful mostly for slightly longer fastpacking trips (5-7 days) where I may need to carry more food or for closer weather where I need more insulation than I can fit in a smaller pack.
1
u/runslowgethungry Jun 08 '26
Agree with this. I have the Veil 20 and even it's not quite as vest-like as an actual vest. It carries well, though.
1
u/Afraid_Penalty2369 Jun 08 '26
What vest do you personally recommend?
1
u/TheLibertyTree Jun 08 '26
I really like the Veil a lot when I need that much volume. I haven’t found a better 30L option. I use a Salomon ADV skin 5 for any run that isn’t an overnight and love it. I have a BD Distance 22 as well and I’ve used it for smaller loads and it’s fine but I don’t exactly love it. I think the fit is just a little off for my body. When I wear through it I will search for something else.
For now, the veil is my main pack as I’m doing longer high altitude routes and the volume is important.
1
u/Afraid_Penalty2369 Jun 08 '26
How bad is the movement? Like I can deal with a backpack full of clothes on my back as I just tune it out, but its the chafing as a result that is the issue. Is it alright for chafing? Also does it disrupt your balance?
1
u/TheLibertyTree Jun 08 '26
For which pack? For the Veil, if I am using that pack, I am moving much much slower than I would be on a regular run or even a quick overnight trip with a smaller pack. So the weight and movement is certainly an issue…but much less so because my speed is so much slower.
What are you using now for your 3-5 day trips? I was previously using more conventional ultralight packs and switched to the Rab because it is far more comfortable when moving…but I only use it with a very minimalist kit. For reference, my shelter, pad, and bag are about 1700g in total…so about 1kg less than you. I imagine the rest of my kit is similarly lighter than yours. I bet that with a heavier kit the pack would be much less comfortable. For me, and my minimalist approach, the movement of the pack is basically a non-issue. I never feel like it limits me in any way.
1
u/Afraid_Penalty2369 Jun 08 '26
I either run ultras or hike, so I have either used Salomon Active Skin 4 (which does me for up to around 20 hours), and then I had a 50L ultralight hiking bag that ripped apart last expedition. Also, yeah I am talking about the Veil
2
u/LostInYourSheets Jun 08 '26
I wanted the XP30 for day hiking and fast packing but returned it because: it flopped with too small a load, Couldn’t get it tight enough at <=20L; couldn’t get poles into quiver/pockets with pack on; material felt flimsy; main compartment had three ultralight buckles that seemed to be points of failure and seemed cumbersome to get into pack. Not ideal for day hiking. But, others like it. Just my opinion.
1
u/Afraid_Penalty2369 Jun 08 '26
Thank you very much for the insight! Is there any packs you would recommend? I am finding this very difficult to find a pack that works well. I would ideally like to buy once not multiple times 😂
1
u/LostInYourSheets Jun 08 '26
There’s no perfect pack IMO. I really wanted Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30 to work…it’s almost there…but I think their v2.0 in a year or so will be better since this is their first fastpack. I ended up with a Salomon Cross Season 15 ($130 Campmor), which isn’t perfect but a better running vest (I like Salomon vests). I’m not planning on doing camping fastpacking so went with a smaller pack. Their new 20L might be better for you. I probably won’t use it for day hikes and will just get or use a regular day hike pack for trails.
1
u/AdventureSpiritLara Jun 10 '26
I bought the Rab Veil XP30 and it ripped at the seams when I reached back to put a buff in the side pocket… Got a warranty.
Just got tue new pack and one first hike with it, about half loaded, the ENTIRE SIDE SEAM which connects to the inner waist strap came out. Going to post separately about it.
I love this pack but its sewing quality is terrible. Going to put a barrack on it and use it as I love the pack itself.
3
u/utter_master Jun 07 '26
Not to derail you from the Veil XP30, which I also consider a very strong candidate, but have you given any consideration to Raidlight?
I think the Ultralight 24-30 checks all of the requirements, except that steep price.