Rab Syclon XP 30L Daypack Review

Bottom Line

The Rab Syclon XP 30L has two superpowers: 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 hike in a cyclone to enjoy the Syclon. Our desert tester didn’t mind wearing it in the sunshine because its suspended mesh back panel has so much give and ventilation.

We also found the Syclon surprisingly supportive for a 30-liter pack that weighs less than 2 pounds. It’s one of just a few daypacks on our list with an internal metal frame, so it carried weight well when we hiked with the pack fully loaded. At the same time, the pack flexes freely and weighs over a pound less than the other framed packs on our list of the best hiking daypacks. 

That said, the Syclon’s best selling point is that it’s waterproof – no need to drop an extra $40 to $50 on a rain cover or dry bags. We recommend this stellar pack to day hikers who brave the elements or adventure travelers who want to protect their clothes and equipment on hut-to-hut hikes. 

How We Tested

CleverHiker editor and gear analyst Jory Brass spent three months alternating the 30-liter Rab Syclon XP with other daypacks on our list, logging well over 50 miles in it. He rated its comfort, organization, support, weight, and compressibility after more than 300 miles of side-by-side testing on New Mexico’s desert mountain trails. 

Comfort

The Rab Syclon XP isn’t just comfortable by waterproof backpack standards – it’s a comfortable daypack, period. We most appreciated its feel on longer hikes with a moderate to full pack. 

This pack’s harness really stood out, from its highly ventilated back panel to its ergonomic shoulders straps and well-cushioned but flexible hipbelt. These three elements worked together to provide a body-hugging fit. We tested the Syclon lightly loaded and fully loaded and were comfortable no matter how much water, food, and gear we carried. 

Rab’s AEROFIT back panel is the real star. Its soft, suspended mesh kept the pack off our backs, which minimized back sweat and allowed it to dry quickly. If you hike in hot or humid weather, this suspended mesh back panel can be a huge comfort plus. The suspension also sat softer on our backs than other daypacks with an off-the-back fit. 

Normally, daypacks are either supportive or lightweight. Somehow, the Syclon is both: a highly supportive, high-volume pack that weighs less than 2 pounds. It’s the rare pack that should score comfort points with both minimalists and hikers who prefer more technical designs. This balance is a big reason why the Rab Syclon XP won a coveted IPSO Award.

We didn’t notice any fit limitations in the field because this pack fit our tester well. However, the Syclon XP has a narrower fit range than other daypacks. It doesn’t have an adjustable torso length, does not come in gender-specific sizes, and is only available in a single torso length (which can accommodate 18- to 21-inch torsos). If you’ve got a short back or petit frame, this daypack may be too big for you. 

Organization

The Rab Syclon’s waterproof construction somewhat limits the pack’s organizational features. The main job of a waterproof pack is to keep all clothes, food, gear, and electronics safe and dry. For this, the Syclon features a spacious main compartment. The roll-top closure makes it easy to pack away gear and pull it out when you need it. 

The pack’s interior features a small hanging pocket with a key clip. We liked how this useful pocket kept our wallet, cards, keys, and small essentials suspended higher in the pack, where they’re reasonably (but not easily) accessible. Other than this, the Syclon’s interior comprises 30 liters of empty space.

The pack’s exterior features small storage. The shoulder straps and hipbelt boast four small, stretch-mesh pockets, which aren’t very roomy or robust. Our small iPhone fit in the hip pockets, but they’re sized more for lip balm, gels, and a granola bar. We stored our sunglasses in the left shoulder pocket and could pack our soft flask in the right shoulder pocket. 

The front stuff pocket isn’t stretchy, but its size is useful for day hikers. On various test hikes, we stuffed a puffy, rain jacket, or DSLR camera in that slot, where they were somewhat accessible. 

On the plus side, the Syclon accommodates every hydration system we own. The dedicated water bladder pocket easily swallowed a 3-liter reservoir while separating it from our dry clothes and gear. Two side water bottle pockets fit both Nalgenes and Smartwater bottles. Finally, a pocket on the right shoulder accommodated our small soft flask. 

Support

The Rab Syclon XP isn’t the typical dry bag with straps – it’s a surprisingly supportive hiking daypack. Deliberately carrying extra weight while summiting 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 metal frame, which spreads weight across the back while lowering the load to the hipbelt. The belt isn’t super sturdy, but it wrapped around our hips enough to hold the pack weight just below our waist. This is great when you’re carrying extra weight – it rides on your hips, not your neck and shoulders. 

After testing the support of several daypacks side by side, the Rab Syclon XP only ranked below the two heaviest daypacks in our lineup. This is good news if you need to haul heaps of clothes and gear and keep them dry. It’s no wonder Rab recommends the Syclon XP 30L backpack for hut-to-hut hikes like the Tour du Month Blanc. 

Weight & Compressibility

This pack’s weight is in the middle of the pack among daypacks we tested and reviewed. At the same time, its weight is impressive given this pack’s large volume (for a daypack), waterproof material, and supportive harness. 

The 30-liter Syclon XP checks in at 1 pound, 12.5 ounces – over a pound less than the other daypacks we tested with light 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 clearly cut weight without sacrificing too much comfort or support. In use, the Syclon actually felt lighter than the most feathery packs on our list because its suspension carried weight so much better. 

This daypack is not designed to be stuffed in a suitcase or duffel bag. With its internal frame and suspended mesh back panel, the Syclon XP cannot be compressed. At the same time, the roll-top closure does allow hikers to reduce the pack’s volume, as do its external compression straps. 

Should You Buy the Rab Syclon XP 30L?

If you want a waterproof daypack for hiking, we haven’t tested one better 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 this much pack that weighs less than 2 pounds – especially one with so much volume and a more supportive harness than we expected. 

Sure, it’s expensive with limited internal organization. At the same time, buying a waterproof pack spares you from buying a rain cover or dry bags – and can save you tons of money and frustration if you encounter a snow squall or surprise shower that would otherwise soak your clothes, food, and tech toys. We recommend the Rab Syclon XP for day hikers who regularly brave the elements and for active travelers who want a waterproof pack for their hut-to-hut hiking vacations.

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 aren’t waterproof, but they include a convenient rain cover. Plus, they feature highly ventilated back panels and internal frames that help you haul heaps of water or gear. 

Gregory Zulu 30 Review: The Zulu is a fully featured, high-volume hiking daypack with a suspended mesh back panel that keeps air moving. Plus, it’s highly supportive and excels on hut-to-hut trips.

Rab Protium 27L Review: If you like Rab but don’t need a waterproof backpack, we recommend the Protium as an alternative. Though heavier than the Syclon, it’s a capable do-it-all design with a highly customizable fit and thoughtful organization.