I've been running in the Rab Veil vest for quite a while, so I was curious how a vest-and-pack combination would behave. And I was surprised how naturally and comfortably the pack settled on my body. Almost like my favourite running vest – just with the bonus of extra space.
On long runs the pack sat firmly on my back – it didn't bounce or throw off my centre of gravity. A firm back panel, stable shoulder straps, stretchy pockets and handy slots – all of that helped me keep up a fast pace.
I also used the pack on day trips in the mountains with my girlfriend. For example on the Hochkönig or around Berchtesgaden, where we did quick dashes up the hills. I packed stuff for both of us so she didn't have to carry anything extra.
It caught my eye straight away. The grey-and-white colourway struck me as the nicest – very clean. It looks modern and light. Simple and functional at a glance, it instantly makes you think: “This is fast & light, full stop!”
This is an absolute knockout! The pack weighs just 476 grams. Next to nothing. So you're not lugging any extra kilos on your back. I really liked that on long runs. With all my gear for a day, I comfortably stayed under three kilograms – water, food, clothes.
The Rab Veil XP comes in two sizes. The 20-litre version weighs 476 grams, the 30-litre one 553 grams. The back length is 48 cm in both cases.
The back panel with 3D mesh hugged my body, and the pack barely moved even when running uphill or downhill. Thanks to that, I felt good with it even at a faster pace.
The shoulder straps are thin and minimalist, which is another plus for lightness and breathability. Only on longer runs did they sometimes start to dig into my shoulders a little. Not a big deal, just a minor minus. I found the Velcro hip belt a bit odd. It works quickly and simply, even if it looks somewhat makeshift. On the other hand – when running, it gave me the stability I needed and didn't get in the way.
The Mono Mesh back system with 3D spacer mesh wicks away moisture, flexes with your body and stays comfortable even after hours on the trail.
I already knew the carry system well from the Rab Veil vest. So I had an idea of what to expect – and I wasn't disappointed. The back system is airy, wicks away sweat and stays comfortable even when worn for longer. The body of the pack is made of a stretchy material with a silicone finish, so it swallows a surprising amount of stuff – without losing its stability.
Even at that genuinely low weight, the Veil XP stayed stable and fitted well. This combination of low weight and functional features is exactly what you expect from a fast & light pack.
I also like the taped seams, which improve resistance to rain. And the fact that the material is PFAS free (free of harmful chemicals – ed.), which is a nice bonus from an environmental point of view.
Overall, the build strikes me as high-quality and well thought out. The lightweight construction goes hand in hand with functionality – although it's clear that such extremely thin material won't be as durable as on more robust mountain packs.
The pack has loads of pockets, so everything you need is always to hand. The shoulder straps have two pockets for soft flasks, so I could drink on the move. Plus there are zipped chest pockets for gels or smaller items.
On the sides there are four stretchy pockets – ideal for a head torch, a snack or a quickly stashed fleece. On the back there's a large mesh pocket that takes a jacket or another layer – that proved really handy in showers, when I didn't have to open the main compartment and rummage around inside.
Inside the pack there's one more pocket for small items, and I also made use of the pole holders. Overall, I felt the organisation is very well thought out – you don't have to stop and take the pack off to get at what you really need on the move.
It held up surprisingly well. I use it in the mountains and, apart from minor scuffs on the mesh pockets, it shows no major signs of wear. Of course, lightweight ripstop won't be as indestructible as on heavier hiking packs, but for its purpose it's more than enough.
In the rain I was pleasantly surprised by the water resistance – even during a downpour lasting several hours, the contents of the pack stayed dry. The roll-top closure and taped seams work reliably. Of course, for sensitive items (phone, documents) it's still better to have a small drysack, but otherwise I'm not afraid to take it out in changeable weather.
The outer fabric of the Veil XP is waterproof, the seams are taped and the closure is a roll-top. Thanks to that, it meets the IPX4 standard. This means water can splash on the pack from every direction and the things inside stay dry.
Halfway through a hike below the Hochkönig, I decided to spice things up a bit – and set off along a short ridge. In no time I'd stowed my poles in the slots on the pack and could move freely. I was surprised how firmly it sat on my back – the hip belt kept my centre of gravity where it should be, and my hands and shoulders stayed free. That was the moment I realised what fast & light means to me.
All I had to do was reach for the chest pocket, pull out my Hydro Flask and quench my thirst. Then I reached into the other pocket for my phone and snapped a few photos. Everything flowed – no searching, no stopping. The pack was more than just luggage – more like a tool of freedom. And even if it sounds trite, it's exactly this combination of lightness, security and easy access to my stuff that gives me the feeling that nothing is holding me back – quite the opposite, it drives me on.
The Rab Veil XP 20 really stands out for its low weight. That's great for moving fast in the mountains and for long runs. It reliably protects the contents from rain, and the organisation is genuinely well thought out – the shoulder-strap pockets, stretchy side pockets and mesh back pocket give quick access to your kit on the move. The “vest-style” carry system holds the pack firmly on your back even when running or climbing fast.
But the ultralight construction has its limits too. The mesh pockets and seams are more sensitive to long-term or rough use. The 20-litre volume is ideal for day trips, but it may be too little for multi-day expeditions (the pack also comes in a 30-litre version – ed.). The pack has no loops for an ice axe or other technical gear, so it isn't suitable for more demanding tours in winter conditions.
