Rab Veil 30 XP Review: A Waterproof 30 L Race Vest for Fast and Light Days

Introduction

A waterproof 30 litre race vest is an unusual proposition, and the Rab Veil 30 XP makes a clear case for it. Rab has been building running gear for a number of years, and the Veil line has grown from small race vests into a full range that now includes 20 litre and 30 litre XP models. The XP designation signals the headline change: a fully waterproof construction with taped seams and a silicone outer face that sheds rain rather than soaking it up.

That matters for anyone whose idea of a good day out involves moving fast in the hills, whether that is a long ultra, a fast and light scramble, or an overnight camp with minimal kit.

Who the Rab Veil 30 XP Is For

Fastpacking sits at the centre of this pack’s brief. It covers any situation where you are moving through the hills, keeping weight low and pace high. That does not have to mean running. A long day out with a bit of scrambling, or an ultra light overnight camp with a small tent, a compact sleeping bag and a tiny stove, fits the same pattern.

The pack has been recognised for its design with an ISPO award for innovation. Longer races such as the Spine are the obvious use case, and 30 litres is enough volume for that kind of event without forcing a switch to a conventional rucksack. It is equally happy on a hill walk where you simply want the load to feel secure.

Two sizes are available, small and medium, and both the 20 litre and 30 litre versions share them. The medium 30 litre pack weighs 553 grams. The small version and the 20 litre model come in lighter still.

Waterproof Build and Weight

The most interesting feature is the waterproofing. Taped seams and a silicone outer mean the pack repels water effectively, and the roll-top closure keeps the main compartment sealed when it is rolled properly and clipped shut. The practical benefit is weight saved elsewhere: there is no need to pack every item inside its own dry bag.

Capacity is generous for the category. A 30 litre pack of this type will swallow a pair of size 11 boots, a down jacket, a waterproof shell, a water bottle, trekking poles, a map, a hat and gloves, with room to spare.

Carry Comfort and the 3D Mesh Back System

A fully waterproof pack raises an obvious worry: a sweaty back. The 3D mesh back system addresses it by holding the body of the pack slightly away from you while keeping it close enough to stay stable, which creates a breathable, vented layer against the back.

The waist strap and shoulder panels use the same mono mesh found on the smaller Veil 6 and Veil 12 race vests. It absorbs essentially no water, so it comes back dry after heavy sweating or rain, and it is both very light and very durable.

Storage and Pole Management

Pole storage is one of the standout details. Both sides accept poles directly, with no fiddly clips required, and even bulky Z-poles slide in without trouble. Elasticated side pockets take a map or a rigid bottle, although a Nalgene is likely to bounce free while running, which is where the chest bottle holders come in. A large elasticated bungee pocket on the back is there for layers that come on and off through the day.

Rab has used every scrap of the pack as storage. A mesh bungee pocket extends upward and down into the waist belt, so small items can be tucked into the crevices and the load can still be compressed properly. When the pack holds little more than a single jacket, it cinches down and stays put instead of bouncing.

Bungee cords on the chest strap let you stow poles while running, without taking the pack off. A simple top tensioner keeps everything secure at speed, and the waist belt uses a Velcro adjustment for compression with a large buckle that is easy to operate with gloves on: set the adjustment once, then simply clip in and out.

Hydration, Pockets and Chest Rigging

Each chest pocket takes a 500 ml collapsible bottle, which is the familiar setup for this style of vest. On top of that, Rab has added zip pockets: one holds a phone and is handy for snacks you want mid-run, and a larger zip pocket on the other side gives a secure home for anything you would rather not drop.

A dedicated sleeve takes a 3 litre bladder. It sits between the back system and the main body rather than inside the pack, so it does not eat into cargo space, and a clip at the top stops it sliding down. The two sternum straps use bungee cord with hook-and-loop clips. They are chunky rather than featherweight, which makes them easy to use and gives plenty of adjustment.

Things to Consider Before Buying

Waterproofing depends on how well you close the pack. Roll the top through several turns and clip it shut, and contents stay dry. Cut that step short and the advantage disappears.

Rigid bottles in the side pockets can work loose while running, so collapsible bottles in the chest pockets are the more reliable choice when you are moving fast.

The waist belt is neither a full rucksack hip belt nor a minimal vest strap. It holds the pack securely rather than carrying load on the hips, which suits a bigger vest like this but takes a little getting used to if you are coming from a traditional backpack.

Sizing is worth checking. Only small and medium are offered, and medium is the largest size made. A 6 ft 4 in, 90 kg wearer fits the medium comfortably, so the range covers taller users, but anyone who normally needs a large in other brands should plan to try before committing.

Buying Advice

The Veil 30 XP suits runners and fastpackers who want a large vest that stays tight and high on the body. That positioning is the reason it works: a conventional running rucksack still has to put weight on the hips, and over long events that can lead to chafing and friction problems that are painful enough to end a race. A race vest that sits higher and hugs the torso avoids the issue.

For day walking, camping and scrambling, the same design makes sense. If you need less volume, the 20 litre XP or one of the smaller Veil vests is the better match. If you need a waterproof pack for long distances in wet conditions and want to travel light without a nest of dry bags inside, this is a strong option.

Conclusion

The Rab Veil 30 XP is a well thought out piece of kit. Full waterproofing, a genuinely comfortable ventilated back system, mono mesh that stays dry, and storage tucked into every available corner make it a convincing choice for fast and light days, long races, and minimal overnight trips. Check the sizing, close the roll top properly, and it will do exactly what it promises.