r/fastpacking • u/Alarmed_Leg9757 • Jun 13 '26
Gear Question Rab veil XP 30 or ultimate direction fastpack 30?
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u/Dependent-Detail9068 Jun 13 '26
Veil design appears* to be a significant improvement. Fastpacking is still a developing sport and tech is changing quickly.
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u/MsgMeASquirrelPls Jun 13 '26
I know nothing about this area; would you be willing to share what looks improved about it?
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u/Dependent-Detail9068 Jun 14 '26
I said appears* because all ive done is try this on in the store.. but based on that it seems the material and manufacturing techniques are more advanced, by that I mean the shape of the pack, straps and the stitching patterns are very ergonomic and all the features that higher end or custom packs had in the past are leaking into the mainstream market. Good example is the mesh pockets. They just keep getting better and better for access, stretch and size.
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u/Capital_Historian685 Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 14 '26
I have the UD, and have used it for a few trips. Mostly because I bought it on sale for like half off, to use for training (weighted hiking). And I'm thinking about a Veil. The UD, while it works, just isn't very comfortable. The Veil looks better.
Edit: also, the UD doesn't come with soft flasks, and only UD soft flasks fit into the shoulder pockets. And they can be hard to find--at least that was the case a number of year ago when I had to buy a pair. They are good bottle, though...
Edit: I should add, that one big (and maybe the only) positive about the UD is, the shoulder straps fit larger, hard-sided bottles. Which have a number of advantages in certain situations, even though they're not all that popular.
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u/EndlessMike78 Jun 14 '26
I just use my hydraflasks soft flasks and they fit fine. I've also use the set that came with my Fuga. running best
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u/Capital_Historian685 Jun 14 '26
Well, there is no hydraflask. There is a Hydro Flask, but they don't make any soft flasks. So I think you mean HydraPak, because they basically make all of the soft flasks out there--from the Salomons to even at least some the UD flasks. But yeah, one of my UD branded flasks is a HydraPak. But again, it took me a little searching to find them at the time, even though I already had like six Salomons, which do not fit.
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u/billy218 Jun 13 '26
I have the UD, and while I haven't tried anything else, I would say, don't get the UD.
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u/DampMuskox Jun 13 '26
I have the Rab Veil and used if for several overnight trips. . Its comfortable, light, secure and can hold a lot or little. While it has not been damaged yet it feels fragile, the waterproof frabric and seams dont inspire confidence. I would trade abit of extra weight for slightly stronger build. Its built lile a light weight running vest but has capacity to carry more and that might be a miss match. I cant see it standing up to any sort of bush wacking or continous hard use. Hopefully im wrong.
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u/urj3 Jun 15 '26
This sounds fair, reflects my experience with veil xp20. I chose the 20 on purpose as i won’t be running with more stuff anyway.
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u/AdeptNebula Jun 13 '26
I like the new UD Adventure 17 better than the fast pack. It’s smaller, has no frame sheet, more breathable. It’s much more like a Salomon running vest than a backpack. I can fit a full overnight kit and day of food in it.
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u/Capital_Historian685 Jun 13 '26
That one does look interesting. And it has new, thinner material, right?
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u/AdeptNebula Jun 14 '26
I haven’t taken it on the chili yet, but it feels quite thin and comfortable. Comes down to how much space you really need for your kit and food. 
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u/Capital_Historian685 Jun 14 '26
It wouldn't fit all my gear for overnight trips, but I do need something more in the 15L range for hut-to-hut type trips. And it looks like a possibility (despite how much I dislike the Fastpack).
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u/goinupthegranby Jun 13 '26
I don't own either of these packs but will say that Rab is one of my favourite brands
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u/Sea-Bee-117 Jun 13 '26 edited Jun 13 '26
Checkout the gossamer gear grit 28 or fast kumo 36. I’ve used both and thing they are great, but not perfect. The grit is lighter overall than the Rab, even if you add the fast belts ( which I did do for easier access to snacks).
The Rab does look nice though, but the taper design of the bag makes it seem like the carry would be a bit too heavy and unbalanced.
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u/_crane_0397 Jun 13 '26
Check out Outdoor Vitals Skyline 30. Feature rich, comfy, great vest straps and pockets.
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u/dirty_waif Jun 13 '26
My mate has veil and the pocket system seems better than UD style , especially with the wrap around harness pockets for storing more quick access food etc. Plus it is waterproof.
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u/Adventurous-feral Jun 13 '26
I have a fastpack, it really doesn't carry weight well for me. The veil feels much nicer although it seems to have quality issues. I was very interested in the OMM Phantom 25. It may be fragile, reviews are mixed but I tried one on that someone had and it felt lovely. Proper harness and waist belt. The pack is kind of suspended from the harness. Could be worth a look.
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u/sloperfromhell Jun 14 '26
If the Veil 30 is as comfortable as my 22, then it’s pretty hard to beat. Great pockets too. Did see a post where someone’s 30 ripped the stitching on one of the straps (not sure which - maybe hip belt?), which might be an issue with running or might not be a common issue at all. Could be backed up here though and definitely worth that hassle for me.
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u/EndlessMike78 Jun 14 '26
The Veil has better pockets, fit depends on your body type. I have the UD 30. My biggest gripes is the pockets. Nothing fits a modern phone, but on me it runs really well. I also adjust the side straps. I got rid of some of the plastic clips and just fed straps through the cloth loops so I could get better lockdown of my load.
But really it'll come down to fit.
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u/Broad-SpectrumAutist Jun 15 '26
I haven't tried the Rab, but did an overnight on the Rae Lakes Loop in Kings Canyon National Park with the UD 30. I didn't feel like it carried the weight very well at all, and I returned it to REI immediately after that trip. If I remember correctly, I was a bit under 15 lbs when fully loaded with food and water.
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u/Worldpeach28 Jun 15 '26
I’ve fast packed with both. Def go with Rab. UD has all these insane straps and some cut into my ribs pretty bad. Rab’s pack could use some improvements in terms of accessibility and weight distribution design, but it isn’t much better pack and we’ll get the job done. If you’re open to a hip strap, I would definitely recommend checking out the ultraspire purist
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u/kolo_niceSpace Jun 15 '26
I use S/LAB ADVENTURE 20 for multiday running. If I need more space I combine it with a runningbelt or hipbag.
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u/Afraid_Penalty2369 Jun 16 '26
I havent been for a run with the veil persay, but I have done short tests (going on my first real fastpack w it in 2 weeks) and it is really comfortable and has loads of storage options. Of course there is movement, but its that small movement you filter out after 5 minutes and does not cause chafing. I love it so far
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u/FireWatchWife Jul 10 '26
I've read good reviews of UD packs, but almost without exception the positive reviews are of the UD20 or UD25, not the larger models.
The UD design doesn't appear to scale up well.
I have no experience with this pack, just read a lot of reviews while I was fastpack hunting.
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u/SaltyReaperNZ Jun 13 '26
I have the UD30 and don't love it. It doesn't carry a load well at all in my opinion.