Rab Syclon XP 30L review

The Bottom Line

The Rab Syclon XP 30L has two major strengths: It’s fully waterproof and features one of the most comfortable back panels of any daypack we’ve tested and reviewed.

You don’t need to ride a cyclone to enjoy the Syclon. Our desert tester didn’t mind wearing it in the sun because its fixed mesh back panel has plenty of breathability.

We also found the Syclon incredibly supportive for a 30-liter pack that weighs less than 2 pounds. It’s one of the few daypacks on our list with a metal inner frame, so it carries weight well when we’re hiking with a full pack. At the same time, the pack fits comfortably and weighs over a pound less than other framed packs on our list of the best hiking daypacks.

That said, the biggest selling point of the Syclon is that it’s waterproof – there’s no need to drop another $40 to $50 on a rain cover or dry bags. We recommend this hiking pack for brave hikers or adventure travelers who want to protect their clothing and equipment from hut to hut.

How We Tested

editor and gear reviewer Jory Brass spent three months swapping the 30-liter Rab Syclon XP with other daypacks on our list, logging more than 50 miles in it. He rated its comfort, fit, support, weight, and compression after more than 300 miles of each test on the mountain roads of New Mexico.

Comfort

The Rab Syclon XP isn’t just comfortable by waterproof backpack standards – it’s a comfortable day parka, period. We really appreciated its feel on long rides with a medium to full pack.

The harness of this pack really stood out, from its ventilated back panel to its sturdy shoulder straps and well-padded but flexible hipbelt. These three elements work together to provide a body-hugging fit. We tested the Syclon lightly loaded and fully loaded and comfortable regardless of how much water, food, and gear we were carrying.

Rab’s AEROFIT back panel is the real star. Its soft, slouchy mesh kept the pack off our backs, which reduced back sweat and made it dry faster. If you are hiking in hot or humid weather, this fixed mesh back panel can provide great comfort. The suspension also sat on our back softer than other daypacks with an off-the-back fit.

Generally, daypacks are supportive or lightweight. In a way, the Syclon is both: a very supportive, high-volume pack that weighs less than 2 pounds. It’s a rare pack that should score points for comfort with both juniors and hikers who prefer more technical designs. This balance is the main reason why the Rab Syclon XP won the coveted IPSO Award.

We didn’t notice any fit restrictions in the camp because this pack fit our tester perfectly. However, the Syclon XP has a narrower fit than other daypacks. It doesn’t have an adjustable torso length, doesn’t come in gender-specific sizes, and is only available in one torso length (which can accommodate 18 to 21 torsos). If you have a short back or small frame, this daypack may be too big for you.

Organization

The waterproof construction of the Rab Syclon limits the organizational aspects of the pack. The primary function of a waterproof pack is to keep all clothing, food, gear, and electronics safe and dry. In this case, the Syclon features a spacious main room. The closing roll-top makes it easy to pack gear and take it out when you need it.

The interior of the pack features a small hanging pocket with a key clip. We loved how this handy pack kept our wallet, cards, keys, and small essentials positioned at the top of the pack, where it was reasonably (but not easily) accessible. Apart from this, the interior of the Syclon includes 30 liters of empty space.

The outside of the pack features small storage. The shoulder straps and hipbelt boast four small pockets, with elastic slots, that aren’t too roomy or tight. Our tiny iPhone fits in hip pockets, but it fits more lip balm, gels, and granola bars. We kept our glasses in the left shoulder pocket and could pack our soft flask in the right shoulder pocket.

The front cargo pocket is not expandable, but its size is useful for pedestrians. In various tests, we stuck a rain jacket, or a DSLR camera in that space, where they were somehow accessible.

On the other hand, the Syclon takes every hydration system we have. A dedicated water bladder pack easily swallowed a 3 liter reservoir while keeping it separate from our dry clothes and gear. Two side water bottle pockets fit both Nalgenes and Smartwater bottles. Finally, the right shoulder pocket carried our small, delicate flask.

Support

The Rab Syclon XP isn’t a dry bag with straps – it’s an incredibly supportive daypack for hiking. Intentionally carrying extra weight while reaching the South Sandia Crest — a 12-mile slog with 4,000 feet of vertical gain — we couldn’t believe how well the Syclon carried 3 liters of water, a heavy tripod and DSLR camera, winter layers, microspikes, a puffy, and our waterproof shell.

Despite its low weight, this daypack has an internal steel frame, which distributes the weight on the back while reducing the load on the hipbelt. The strap isn’t too tight, but it wraps around our hips enough to hold the weight of the pack just below our waists. This is great if you have extra weight – it rides on your waist, not your neck and shoulders.

After testing the support of several daypacks side by side, the Rab Syclon XP ranks just under the two heaviest daypacks on our list. This is good news if you need to haul loads of clothes and gear and keep them dry. No wonder Rab recommends the Syclon XP 30L backpack for hut-to-hut hikes like the Tour du Month Blanc.

Weight & Compressibility

The weight of this pack is in the middle of the pack among the daypacks we tested and reviewed. At the same time, its weight is surprising considering the large capacity of this pack (daypack), waterproof material, and support harness.

The 30-liter Syclon XP checks in at 1 pound, 12.5 ounces — more than a pound less than other daypacks we’ve tested with lightweight metal frames. In our field tests, the Rab Syclon struck a better balance of weight savings and support than most alternatives. The hipbelt, shoulder straps, and stretch mesh pockets cut weight without sacrificing comfort or great support. In use, the Syclon actually felt lighter than the most feathered packs on our list because its suspension is weighted so much better.

This daypack is not designed to fit in a suitcase or duffel bag. With its internal frame and fixed back mesh panel, the Syclon XP can’t be squeezed. At the same time, the roll-top closure allows hikers to reduce the volume of the pack, as do its external compression straps.

Should You Buy The Rab Syclon XP 30L?

If you’re looking for a waterproof daypack for hiking, we haven’t tested a better one than the Rab Syclon XP. Its waterproof construction may be its calling card, but we were also impressed with the Syclon’s highly ventilated back panel and weight-to-performance ratio. It’s hard to find a pack this size that weighs less than 2 pounds – especially with a larger volume and more supportive harness than we expected.

Sure, it’s expensive with limited interior design. At the same time, buying a waterproof pack saves you from having to buy a rain cover or dry bags – and can save you tons of money and frustration if you encounter snow or a freak shower that can soak your clothes, food, and tech toys. We recommend the Rab Syclon XP for adventurous day hikers and active hikers who want a waterproof pack during their hut-to-hut tours.

What Other Hiking Daypacks Should You Consider?

If you don’t need a waterproof daypack, there are plenty of alternatives in our best daypacks for hiking gear guide, including the three options below.

Osprey Stratos 24/Sirrus 24 Review: These Osprey packs are not waterproof, but they do include a light rain cover. Also, they feature high-ventilation back panels and internal frames that help you haul more water or gear.

Gregory Zulu 30 Review: IsiZulu is a fully padded, high volume hiking day parka with a fixed mesh back panel that keeps the breath away. Also, it is very supportive and best for the journey from house to hut.

Review of Rab Protium 27L: If you like the Rab but don’t need a waterproof backpack, we recommend the Protium as an alternative. Although it is heavier than the Syclon, it is a versatile design with a very flexible and logical and well-thought-out organization.