Rab Veil XP 20L Waterproof Pack Review

The Rab Veil XP 20L Waterproof Pack is built with movement in mind. It’s lightweight, streamlined, and clearly geared toward fast-paced outdoor pursuits such as trail running, fastpacking, and long-day hikes. At first glance, it leans heavily into Rab’s mountain-ready DNA, with a harness system that looks more like a running vest than a traditional backpack and a feature set focused on accessibility and weight savings.

After testing it on hikes around Detroit’s Belle Isle Park, on city streets with a bicycle, and in daily use, it’s clear that this pack prioritizes agility over structure. It’s the kind of bag that feels most at home when you’re in motion, grabbing gear on the go, and not stopping to dig through compartments. While Rab markets it as “waterproof,” that claim comes with some caveats. Still, for a lightweight pack that can handle variable weather and a wide range of use cases, the Veil XP makes a strong first impression.

External Components

The Veil XP 20L is crafted primarily from nylon, with a notable emphasis on recycled materials and a PFAS-free construction. Rab provides a surprising amount of transparency about the materials on their site, which we always appreciate. The fabric strikes a solid balance between weight and durability—it’s impressively lightweight without feeling fragile, and after multiple outings, it holds up well to typical wear and tear.

All seams are internally taped, contributing to the pack’s IPX4 rating. That means it’s protected from splashes from any direction, though it’s not fully waterproof as the name might suggest. For context, something like a modern smartphone with an IP68 rating offers more robust water protection. In real-world use, the Veil XP handles rain and splashes without issue, but in sustained wet conditions, moisture will eventually seep in. It’s still a strong contender for wet environments—just not a replacement for a dry bag.

Hardware throughout the pack is from Duraflex and performs well. Most of the components are small to keep weight down, which aligns with the pack’s design philosophy. However, if you have larger hands or tend to fumble with smaller buckles and clips, it might take some getting used to. That said, everything functions as intended, and we didn’t encounter any durability issues.

There are only a handful of zippers on this pack—four in total—and they’re all from YKK. There’s no sprawling admin panel or tech compartment here; these zippers are reserved for smaller pockets and secondary access points. They’re smooth, reliable, and exactly what we expect from YKK—no complaints.

Up top, there’s a very minimal grab handle. It lacks padding and airflow, and it can dig into your hand if the pack is fully loaded. That said, this isn’t a bag designed to be carried by hand for long periods—it’s meant to be worn, and in that context, the handle gets the job done.

Externally, a lot is going on—but it’s all optional. The pack is covered in attachment points, loops, and straps that let you secure extra gear or customize your setup. If you’re carrying trekking poles, extra layers, or niche gear for a specific outing, you’ll find plenty of ways to lash things down. If not, you can largely ignore these features without them getting in the way.

Storage on the outside is plentiful and flexible. There’s a large stretchy mesh pocket on the front that can hold a surprising amount of gear, secured at the top with a small buckle. It’s perfect for stashing a jacket, gloves, or anything you want quick access to. On the sides, you’ll find stretchy water bottle pockets for a running or travel bottle, one of which continues down into a hip belt pocket—a unique design that adds extra versatility. There are also dedicated side sleeves for trekking poles, which is a nice touch for hikers and runners alike.

Overall, the exterior feels busy but intentional. You don’t need to use every feature, but the available options add to the pack’s versatility.

Fit Notes

The harness system is one of the defining features of the Veil XP. It’s designed to absorb minimal moisture while remaining comfortable, and in practice, it does a solid job of both. Even during longer walks and rides, it stays relatively breathable and doesn’t feel overly saturated with sweat.

The shoulder straps resemble those of a running vest, with a wide, curved shape that helps distribute weight evenly across your chest and shoulders. They’re incredibly breathable and feature multiple attachment loops and pockets, enhancing the pack’s on-the-go usability. The design encourages you to keep essentials within arm’s reach, rather than buried inside the main compartment.

Around back, there’s more padding than we expected for such a lightweight pack. It remains comfortable, though the lack of structure means your packing strategy matters. If you load it unevenly or include bulky items without much thought, you’ll feel it. Pack it well, and it sits comfortably against your back.

There are two sternum straps, both removable, mounted on a ladder-style system. There’s no micro-adjustment rail, but they stay in place well once set. We prefer keeping both attached, as they help stabilize the load—especially when moving quickly.

The hip belt is not removable and offers minimal padding, yet it still adds noticeable stability. It’s secured with a hook-and-loop system and can rub slightly against bare skin, though this feels like a minor gripe. For a pack in this weight class, the comfort and support are impressive.

Inside The Pack

There are a lot of pockets here—many of which we’ve already touched on—so it’s worth laying them out clearly. Each shoulder strap has both a zippered pocket and a stretchy stash pocket. There’s a large stretchy front pocket with a top clip, long side sleeves for trekking poles, and stretchy water bottle pockets on both sides. Both sides of the hip belt include pockets—one connects to the water bottle pocket above it via an added zipper, while the other is standalone.

There’s also a dedicated space for a hydration bladder behind the back panel, accessible from the top. It includes a clip-and-loop system to keep the bladder upright and route the hose toward either shoulder strap, depending on your preference.

All of these external and harness-based storage options make it easy to customize your carry and keep frequently used items within reach. It’s a very modular experience, and we appreciate how much you can tweak it to your needs.

The main compartment is where things get simpler. It is the only area Rab considers fully waterproof (by their standards), thanks to the taped seams and rolltop closure. The rest of the pockets don’t offer the same level of protection.

Inside, organization is minimal, by design. There’s just one internal zippered pocket, attached at the top like a floating tongue. It’s a good spot for securing smaller items you don’t want shifting around or exposed to the elements in external pockets. Beyond that, it’s wide open.

Because of the limited internal organization, using packing cubes, stuff sacks, a tech pouch, or small pouches goes a long way in keeping things tidy. You don’t have to, but it definitely improves the experience—especially if you’re using the pack for both travel and outdoor activities.

One thing we like is how compressible the pack is. It’s not packable in the traditional sense, but it flattens down enough to fit into rolling luggage without taking up too much space. That makes it a solid option to bring along for hikes, runs, or quick overnighters during a larger trip.

Overall, the Rab Veil XP 20L excels at being lightweight, adaptable, and comfortable for movement-focused activities. The waterproofing isn’t quite as robust as the name suggests, and internal organization is sparse, but those trade-offs feel intentional. For the right user—someone who values speed, flexibility, and less weight—it’s a compelling option.