Fiona Russell dons the Rab Veil XP 20L Waterproof Pack, a running pack designed to carry more kit comfortably.
The Rab Veil XP 20L pack is aimed at trail runners, but also makes a useful pack for hiking and fast-packing.
Fiona Russell recommends
Overall, it’s a well-designed pack, best for days when you need to take more kit but you still want to have the option of moving more quickly in the mountains.- lightweight
- waterproof
- comfort
- features
- volume adjustment
- sizing for women
| Quick Specs |
|---|
| Price: $160 | £125 (available from Rab) Weight: 468g (size S/M) Features: 3D mesh back system, body hugging harness with hook-and-loop webbing, waterproof fabric, fully taped seams, 20l volume, roll top closure, 2 x soft flask front pockets, rear water bladder sleeve, rear and side stretch stash pockets, 3 x external zipped pockets, 1 x internal zipped pocket, pole attachments, 2 x Z-pole pockets Waterproof?: Yes (IPX4) Sizes: S, M Back length: S: 17″ / 43cm | M: 19″ / 48cm Unisex rab.equipment/uk |
The no-frame design is akin to a running hydration pack and offers a soft back, a hook-and-loop chest attachment and a quick-release buckled high waist strap. This means you can achieve a neat, body-hugging fit for times when you want to run the trails, despite the larger volume of 20l. When packed to capacity, 20l feels rather large but surprisingly, there is very little jiggling about. This is helped by the roll-top design that allows you to squeeze out any excess air and reduce the extra fabric.
However, I have found it’s a pack that works best when mostly full. If you try to reduce the size too much – say you only want to carry 10 litres of kit – it’s difficult to create a properly proportioned pack, which means there is a tendency for fabric to flap and for kit to move around inside. It’s a pack that should therefore be reserved for trips where you are planning to fill it to at least three-quarters volume. (Note: there’s a 30-litre version of the Veil, not tested here).
The back system does not allow for much air flow, which doesn’t bother me but might be frustrating if you get sweaty. There are two unisex sizes but as a slim female, I wish there was an XS pack. To me, it feels like a pack made for a small man or medium woman.
There are plenty of useful pockets, including two stretch pockets at the front for water flasks, two side bottle holder pockets and an excellent large rear stash pocket, with a top clip to stop things spilling out. There are also a few zipped pockets, useful for items that you want to keep secure. Z-folding running poles can be stashed in the side pockets, or you can use the elastic pole attachment points.
The main fabric of the pack is rated IPX4. It copes well with being splashed by water, but it won’t continue to repel rain if heavy and sustained. The Veil is completely PFAS-free, and includes 13% recycled content. Overall, it’s a well-designed pack, best for days when you need to take more kit but you still want to have the option of moving more quickly in the mountains.
Testing conditions
Fiona tested this on a mix of walks and runs throughout the Scottish Highlands at the end of winter and into spring. She is of medium height and small build, and a keen runner, Munroist and now Corbett bagger.
