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I have to admit that Rab is one of my favourite outdoor brands. Whether we're talking about technical clothing or mountain gear, it's one of those brands that rarely disappoints me. In fact, whenever I get the chance to test a new Rab product, I usually approach it with a fair amount of confidence because I know there's a lot of real mountain experience behind the design.
What I've always liked about Rab is that they don't simply follow industry trends. More often than not, they try to rethink existing concepts and come up with solutions that actually work in the mountains. That philosophy is evident throughout their product range, and the new Rab Veil XP 30 might be one of the best examples of it.
When I first saw the Veil XP 30, I wasn't entirely sure how to classify it. Is it a mountain backpack? Is it a trail running vest? After spending several weeks using it, my answer is simple: it's a bit of both, and that's exactly what makes it so interesting.
The answer is the Rab Veil XP 30.
This is a 30-litre pack designed for adventures that require carrying a significant amount of gear without sacrificing comfort and freedom of movement. We're talking about events such as the Tor des Géants, multi-day races like the Marathon des Sables, long-distance adventures such as the Camino de Santiago, the Picos de Europa Ring Route, or pretty much any mountain challenge you can think of.
What really surprised me is that, despite its size, it can also handle shorter and faster outings incredibly well. I've taken it on demanding mountain routes with over 1,500 metres of elevation gain, and it never felt like I was carrying a bulky 30-litre backpack.
That's probably the first thing that impressed me about it.
To achieve this, Rab has blended elements from its Veil running vests and Muon backpack range, taking the strengths of both and combining them into a single product.
The result is a backpack that feels equally at home during fast-paced mountain runs and multi-day adventures where carrying capacity becomes essential.
Despite offering 30 litres of storage, the Veil XP 30 weighs just 550 grams, which is remarkably light. To put that into perspective, many 12-litre trail running packs weigh between 300 and 400 grams.
If there is one thing that impressed me from the very first outing, it was the fit.
Rab uses a system inspired by its smaller Veil running vests, with two elastic chest straps that can be adjusted across five different height positions. It might sound like a small detail, but as soon as you start moving, you realise how effective it is.
The elastic construction allows the pack to move naturally with your body rather than restricting it, making it far more comfortable than many large-capacity backpacks I've used in the past.
The adjustment system is also easy to operate while moving, and the locking mechanism ensures nothing loosens during a run.
Above the waist, Rab has added an adjustable Velcro belt that improves stability when carrying heavier loads. Despite looking substantial, I never found it uncomfortable, even during long days in the mountains.
The belt and harness are constructed using highly breathable MonoMesh fabric with laser-cut perforations to improve ventilation. A side-release buckle makes it quick to fasten, while an integrated elastic keeper allows you to stow the strap neatly away when not in use.
The harness also features side adjustment straps, making it easy to adapt the fit depending on how much gear you're carrying or how many layers you're wearing. Like many Rab products, the finishing details are excellent, with elastic loops neatly managing any excess webbing.
he body-contact areas use a combination of different materials to maximise comfort and moisture management.
The harness is made from lightweight MonoMesh, which offers excellent airflow, doesn't absorb much water, and helps keep the pack stable against your clothing.
Around the shoulders and neck, the mesh construction is doubled and laser perforated, providing extra comfort in the areas that bear most of the load.
At the back, Rab uses a lightweight 3D Spacer Mesh panel. The sensation is almost like pressing a thin layer of sponge. It adds a surprising level of comfort while doing an excellent job of managing sweat and improving airflow.
If there is one area where the Veil XP 30 genuinely excels, it's storage and organisation.
On the front, you'll find the usual soft flask pockets, one on each side. During testing, I comfortably used bottles up to 600 ml without any bouncing or fit issues.
Elastic retention cords keep everything secure, even on technical terrain.
Above the bottle pockets are two large zippered pockets running almost the full length of the flask compartments. The left pocket also houses the integrated emergency whistle.
On the right side, there are two large storage pockets capable of carrying a surprising amount of gear. The outer pocket features a zip, while the inner pocket allows quicker access.
The left side includes another generously sized pocket.
All these compartments remain easily accessible while moving, something I always appreciate during long races or mountain adventures.
At the rear of the pack, Rab has included a large external stash pocket spanning almost the entire back panel.
This quickly became one of my favourite storage areas because it's perfect for carrying items you may need throughout the day, such as a wind shell or waterproof jacket.
The capacity is genuinely impressive.
I have to admit that this was one area where I was initially sceptical.
Most 30-litre backpacks perform best when heavily loaded, but the Veil XP 30 surprised me with how well it handles lighter loads.
Rab has incorporated multiple compression systems that allow the pack to shrink dramatically when carrying less gear.
In fact, on several faster outings I carried little more than two flasks, a lightweight jacket and some food, and the backpack barely moved at all.
Honestly, I've tested some dedicated 12-litre running packs that bounced around more than this one.
Between the 3D Spacer back panel and the main compartment sits a dedicated space designed for a hydration reservoir.
It can also be used to carry additional gear when maximum capacity is required.
Because it extends across the entire back, it provides a substantial amount of usable storage while maintaining good load distribution.
Eventually we reach the heart of the backpack.
The main compartment is huge, but more importantly, it is rated IPX4 waterproof.
For anyone planning multi-day adventures or races in unpredictable weather, this is a major advantage. It means the contents have a much better chance of staying dry during rain and wet conditions.
The closure system uses a classic roll-top design. Two stiffened strips roll together to create a weatherproof seal before being secured with a buckle.
It's simple, fast and highly effective.
Inside the compartment, there is also a large zippered pocket that I found particularly useful for documents, emergency equipment, electronics or any item that benefits from additional protection.
One thing I've always appreciated about Rab products is the attention to detail, and the Veil XP 30 is no exception.
Inside the pack you'll find a safety guide showing emergency signalling methods, whistle signals and visual distress signals.
Hopefully you'll never need to use any of it, but I think it perfectly reflects the kind of mountain-focused thinking that defines the brand.
The Veil XP 30 offers several different ways of carrying trekking poles.
Personally, I preferred using the front elastic attachment system whenever I expected to deploy and store the poles frequently throughout the day.
For longer sections where I wouldn't need them for a while, however, the rear Z-Pole Carry system proved brilliant.
Once the poles are secured, you practically forget they're there.
The only downside is that storing them without removing the backpack isn't particularly easy. That said, once they're in place, they remain incredibly secure and free from movement.
After several weeks of testing the Veil XP 30 in a wide variety of situations, I honestly think it's one of the most versatile backpacks I've used in recent years.
What impressed me most wasn't its capacity, waterproofing or low weight. Those are all things I'd expect from a premium mountain pack.
What genuinely surprised me was how adaptable it is.
I've used it fully loaded for long mountain days and almost empty for fast-paced training runs, and in both scenarios it performed exceptionally well.
I honestly struggle to think of many 30-litre packs that offer a running experience this close to that of a dedicated trail running vest.
Is it perfect? No backpack is.
But is it one of the most innovative and interesting products Rab has released in recent years? Absolutely.
And perhaps that's what I continue to like most about this brand. Just when you think you've seen every possible variation of a mountain backpack, Rab finds a different approach.
The Veil XP 30 is exactly that: a backpack capable of taking on multi-day races, long-distance adventures and fast mountain outings without ever feeling out of place.
And, if I'm being completely honest, that's something you don't come across very often.
One final note: the Veil XP 30 received an ISPO Award 2024, and, as has become standard for Rab, it's manufactured using 100% recycled nylon and is completely PFAS-free, reinforcing the brand's commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
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