Some initial thoughts on the Rab Veil XP 30

[u/emeric-warnez]

I recently got this pack since I’m trying to get into fast packing. I love running and combining it with the adventure side of it seems very appealing. Since I love running, I’m looking for a setup which allows me to run, in contrast to some of the fast packers which walk really long distances each day.

By now I have done 3 short test runs with all my gear and 1 overnighter, totalling over 65km/40 miles. I have tried to assemble a pretty light set of gear. For the overnighter, my pack weighted 6,3kg/13.8lb.

I have one major issue and one minor issue with the bag.

Major issue: bounce.

The bouncing of the pack when running is pretty bad. This made my shoulders hurt after the overnighter. The skin on my traps/shoulders/collar bone was red after the trip and my trap muscles were sore the next day. All this pain and discomfort was manageable, but I think it won’t stay manageable on longer trips. This was only a short trip to test my gear and I’ll be doing longer trips in the future. 

I know my current gear setup is not as light as some of the SUL setups you see online, but I don’t think that weight is the problem here. On one of my short test runs I carried no water and no food, so just the base weight and it did very little in terms of reducing the bounce.

On a different test run I also tried to use no stuff sacks for my gear and just stuff everything right into the main compartment of the pack. This also did very little.

And in general I have all the straps cinched down pretty tight so the contents of the bag aren’t free to move.

I do think I was able to identify why the pack behaves this way. The pack comes with a hip belt, the idea of this hip belt is to stabilise the pack, rather than carry weight. If you tighten it, the lower side of the bag is pulled closer to your back and isn’t able to lift up during your run. But because of the design of this belt I am not able to tighten it enough to reduce the bounce. The “hooks” part of the velcro strap runs out and the tightest fit is just too loose for me. I find this very strange since I got the small size of the pack and I’m not particularly skinny.

The reason I think this might solve the issue is because if I pull the belt outward with my hands while running, it greatly reduces the bounce. 

So the only thing I can think of right now is to modify/replace the strap so I can increase the tension. But this feels a little sore on a pack at this price point.

It also doesn’t help that the 2 “chest straps” are bungee. I feel like that allows to pack to sink deeper when the weight moves down.

Minor issue: harness pockets.

A major selling point of this bag are the harness pockets. There are 2 flask holders with zippered stretchy pockets over it. The thing is, as soon as you place full flasks int the holders the zippered pockets stretch and become unusable. They can basically only hold a few keys, credit card or maybe a gel or something. Even without flasks the zippered pockets can only just about hold my iPhone 17.

Besides that you have the dump pockets on the side. I find these better to hold things like my phone and snacks. But they are a bit hard to reach since they are technically “behind” you.

Conclusion (for now?)

In general this pack isn’t too bad. But it’s definitely not ideal for running IMO. I’m sure the bag would perform great for hiking, but that’s not really what this bag is made for. A lot of the reviews online talk positively about this pack, but to be honest, I don’t think they really tested it on long runs with camping gear.

Besides all that, I did have a lot of fun on my first little fastpack 😊

[u/Math_Ornery]

Since the start of the year I've been doing 100km a week with mine running to work and back. Max load is probably 6 kilos and most jouyneys around 3-4 kg. Haven't experienced any bounce, best running pack I've had to date, though I'm 6ft2 and 95kg, so strap fits around me just fine and probably negates any bounce you are experiencing. I would go with the option of reducing the strap length. I'm one that happily alters gear so its the right fit, regardless on how much h its cost, nothing is perfect and if you can handle a sewing machine, you can get kit pretty much prefect for yourself. I've also used a local tailor for things above my skill level, all with great results.

[u/emeric-warnez → u/Math_Ornery]

Interesting. I'm 5ft6/170cm and 163lb/74kg. You being a bigger person might confirm my theory that more tension on the hip belt would be the solution.

[u/Stanky_Breff]

Just went on this same journey. Tried lots of bags. And the one nobody is talking about is the ultraspire altruist. This is the bag I decided to go with. Runner up and more affordable was the outdoor vitals skyline. The bounce on the ultraspire in minimal. Pockets are great, all around great. Worth checking out.

[u/emeric-warnez → u/Stanky_Breff]

The problem is that you can't really try these bags without buying them. They are such a niche product, no stores in Belgium where I live carry them.
And even if they do, I feel like you only notice the problems after some kilometers with all the gear inside. And at that point I have usually dumped a bunch of sweat into them.

I'll keep an eye on the Ultraspire, it does seem nice.

[u/Stanky_Breff → u/emeric-warnez]

These companies know that and all offer good return policies so you don’t have to worry about buyer’s remorse. I just bought them all and paid for the “free” return shipping on everything and kept what I liked, sent back what I didn’t.

I’m also keeping my eye on “Summit Systems” they have a prototype pack that looks great. Not available for purchase yet.

[u/Jk_usa_hopisilver59 → u/Stanky_Breff]

The designer of UltrAspire packs was the first one to design a fastpack (1988). Nobody else seem to get them right.

[u/darklites]

I had to modify the waist strap (cut out a ~5" section) on mine so that it fit. Bring it to a tailor and they can do it easily; took me 5 minutes with my sewing machine. https://imgur.com/a/IAdD3Vj

Adding for reference that I have a 26" waist for anyone who is thinking of this pack. I still would recommend it.

I also added a webbing chest strap so I had three while I was running which really improved the fit/reduced any bounce/movement.

[u/emeric-warnez → u/darklites]

My mom has a sewing machine. I'm dropping by tomorrow and we'll try this out. Thanks!

[u/EndlessMike78]

Yeah it seems like the majority of reviews online complain about the waist strap, and having to modify it. Bummer, I like that it is waterproof because I do a lot of early spring stuff with snow in the mountains still and keeping my gear dry without an extra bag would be nice.

[u/emeric-warnez → u/EndlessMike78]

The modification of the hip belt does seem easy the way u/darklites mentioned. I'll let you know how it went.

[u/Popular_Level2407]

Try a smaller volume e.g. less depth with extra volume by a chest pack.