Why I Chose the Veil XP20

Most hydration vests simply don’t offer enough storage for a multi-day Camino adventure.

I needed enough capacity for spare clothing, waterproofs, nutrition, electronics, first aid supplies and daily essentials, while still being able to run comfortably.

Many hiking packs offered the capacity but looked cumbersome for running.

What attracted me to the Veil XP20 was the promise of combining genuine running comfort with fastpacking-level storage.

On paper it seemed to bridge the gap between a traditional hydration vest and a lightweight backpack.

After two long training runs, I now have a much better understanding of whether it actually delivers on that promise.

Fit, Comfort and Running Performance

The first thing that struck me about the Rab Veil XP20 was how little it felt like a traditional backpack.

Most 20-litre packs sit somewhere between a hiking pack and a running vest. The Veil XP20 feels much closer to the running vest end of the spectrum.

The mono mesh harness wraps around the body in a similar way to a hydration vest and, once adjusted correctly, the pack feels secure without feeling restrictive.

I’ve now completed two training runs of over 20 miles carrying a realistic Camino load and was genuinely surprised by how comfortable the pack remained throughout.

One of my biggest concerns before buying the Veil XP20 was bounce. Carrying a few litres of fluid and some snacks is one thing. Carrying clothing, electronics, nutrition, waterproofs and all the other kit required for a multi-day adventure is another.

Fortunately, bounce was minimal.

Even on rough trails and descents, the load remained remarkably stable. I rarely found myself adjusting straps or constantly repositioning the pack, which is usually a sign that a pack has been designed properly.

The Waist Belt System: The Feature That Changed Everything

If there is one feature that impressed me more than any other, it was the waist belt system.

Most hydration vests rely almost entirely on shoulder straps and chest straps to support the load. As pack weight increases, that weight inevitably starts pulling down on your shoulders.

The Veil XP20 takes a different approach.

The adjustable waist belt allows you to transfer a significant proportion of the load onto your hips, creating a much more balanced carrying experience.

What I particularly liked was the combination of Velcro adjustment and buckle closure.

This allowed me to fine-tune the fit throughout the run depending on terrain, fatigue and how much fluid I was carrying.

On longer climbs I could tighten the belt slightly and shift more weight onto my hips.

Later in the run, when fatigue started creeping in, I could make small adjustments to maintain comfort.

It sounds like a simple feature, but over the course of a 20+ mile day it makes a noticeable difference.

Rather than carrying everything through the shoulders, the load feels distributed across the entire torso.

For runners considering multi-day adventures, fastpacking routes or Camino journeys, I believe the waist belt is one of the Veil XP20’s strongest features.

Sweat Management: A Hidden Feature That Heavy Sweaters Will Love

As someone who sweats heavily, one issue I rarely see discussed in backpack reviews is what happens when litres of sweat start soaking into the pack over several hours.

This matters more than many runners realise.

On long runs I regularly soak shoulder straps, back panels and waist belts. With some packs, that moisture eventually works its way into spare clothing, electronics and other kit stored inside.

During both of my 20+ mile training runs, the outside of the Veil XP20 became completely saturated with sweat.

The shoulder straps were soaked.

The waist belt was soaked.

The rear of the pack was soaked.

Yet despite all that moisture, the contents of the main compartment remained dry.

For me, this was one of the biggest surprises of the entire test.

Rab’s water-resistant construction appears to work both ways. It helps keep rain out, but it also significantly reduces sweat ingress from the outside.

As a heavy sweater carrying spare clothing for a multi-day adventure, this was a genuine game changer.

Another pleasant surprise was how quickly the pack dried after use.

Although I managed to completely soak the outer materials during both runs, the fabrics shed moisture remarkably quickly once I stopped.

Many packs remain damp for hours after a run. The Veil XP20 dried far quicker than I expected.

It may not be the feature highlighted in the marketing material, but for sweaty runners it became one of the most valuable benefits of the entire pack.

Want to know how to measure your seat rate  – try my sweat rate calculator

or want to:  Know why you sweat so much when running  

Front Hydration Pockets: Better Than Most Running Vests

One of my biggest frustrations with many hydration vests is replacing soft flasks while moving.

Removing them is easy.

Getting them back into the pockets often isn’t.

Many hydration vests use pockets that grip the flask so tightly that replacing it requires both hands and often means slowing down or stopping altogether.

The Veil XP20 was noticeably different.

The hydration pockets are larger and far more generous than those found on most running vests I’ve used.

Throughout testing I found it much easier to remove, refill and replace soft flasks without fighting the pocket opening.

This sounds like a small detail, but over the course of a long day it makes hydration management significantly easier.

For heavy sweaters who regularly refill bottles, manage electrolytes and monitor fluid intake, the larger pockets become a surprisingly important advantage.

Want to know what are the best soft flasks to use, then have a look at my product review for: soft flasks

or want to see the: Best electrolytes for heavy sweaters

Pole Carry System: Excellent for Nordic Walking Poles

One feature I wasn’t sure I would use much when I bought the Veil XP20 was the integrated pole carry system.

After two long training runs, it has become one of my favourite features.

For the steeper trail sections I switched from running to an ultra-style Nordic walking technique using my Nordic walking poles to help maintain forward progress while reducing effort on the climbs.

The ability to quickly deploy and stow the poles made a huge difference.

The attachment system held the poles securely and I never experienced any unwanted movement, rattling or bouncing while running.

What impressed me most was how naturally the system worked when transitioning between running and pole-assisted climbing.

I could run the flatter sections, deploy the poles for steeper climbs and then stow them away again when they were no longer needed.

For runners training for long-distance events, mountain ultras or Camino adventures, this flexibility is a genuine advantage.

While the system is marketed towards trail runners, I found it worked equally well with Nordic walking poles and became an important part of my overall strategy for managing fatigue during longer training runs.

Why I Think This Pack Is Perfect for Camino Training

The Veil XP20 feels almost purpose-built for Camino training.

It has enough capacity to carry a realistic multi-day load without becoming bulky.

It remains stable while running.

The hydration access is excellent.

The pole carry system works brilliantly.

The water-resistant construction protects spare clothing from sweat ingress.

Most importantly, it allows you to train exactly as you intend to travel.

Rather than guessing how a pack might perform during a multi-day journey, I’ve been able to load the Veil XP20 with realistic gear and test it properly over multiple 20+ mile training days.

That has given me confidence not only in the pack itself but also in my packing strategy before setting foot in Portugal.

How Does It Compare to a Hydration Vest?