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Taking the leap into the ultralight way of life might be daunting. Many who don’t need to sacrifice the consolation and sturdiness of conventional packs — however really feel restricted by the load and {hardware} — are able to check out the less complicated, lighter, and sexier choices. However there are at all times tradeoffs if you shave weight, and out of all of the gear you keep on path, your pack (and how nicely it matches!) is arguably a very powerful.
The LiteAF model creates bespoke packs with the detailed-oriented hiker — largely thru-hikers — in thoughts. They’re flashy and vivid and lightweight, all whereas staying extremely practical with clever little particulars. Observe: I didn’t purchase a customized pack, however a pre-made pack (extra on that beneath).
In brief: Making the compromise between consolation and making miles on path can really feel like a catch 22, however the LiteAF 46L Curve Full Suspension seems to be a pack that may do all of it. I do know this pack in and out (fairly actually). It was my entire world throughout a profitable bid to finish the Appalachian Path in 2023 — and after making it 1,700 miles, satisfied me it’s worthy of a evaluation.
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Important cloth
Extremely 200 and Dyneema (physique and aspect pockets), UltraStretch Mesh (entrance pocket) -
Pack type
Ultralight, rolltop closure -
Body
Detachable curved aluminum assist stays (full suspension) -
Quantity
46L physique, further ~15L in exterior pockets -
Verified weight
25-34 oz., relying on options -
Carry weight
35 lbs. -
Hip belt sizes
S (as much as 38”), M (as much as 44“), L (as much as 48”), XL (as much as 55”) -
Total sizing
Customized, depending on torso sizing
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Extremely 200 and EPLX cloth choices -
Thick ultra-stretch mesh exterior -
Absolutely customizable -
Seam-sealed inside -
Straps that aren’t compromised by boobs -
Hip belt is extraordinarily adjustable
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Commonplace Extremely 200 cloth doesn’t carry out nicely on moist sharp rocks -
Water bottle pockets are vulnerable to put on and tear -
Velcro plus snap closure on the pack itself is not one of the best -
Costly
LiteAF 46L Curve Full Suspension Evaluate
It was time for a change after I walked into Damascus, Va., for Path Days. My present pack, the REI Flash 55L, wasn’t slicing it and I used to be prepared for an improve. One thing that match higher and was extra practical for thru-hiking the Appalachian Path. After making an attempt out round half a dozen packs, I ended up with a elaborate tropical rainbow-colored LiteAF 46L Curve Full Suspension.
Particulars That Add Up: Match, Hip Belt, and Straps
Many assume that ultralight means the lack of consolation. The dearth of padding on the pack was initially regarding, however I used to be pleasantly stunned the way it carried out. The location of spacer mesh on the outside of the bag, hip belt, and shoulder straps, plus the internally totally padded again, was big.
Moreover, all nylon straps are ribbed to forestall slippage whereas mountain climbing. All of those clever particulars added up — I used to be in a position to keep snug throughout a few of my most troublesome and largest miles with utilizing this pack.
This bag is designed with a number of physique sorts in thoughts — from the straps to the hip belt to the adjustment. Like many femme individuals within the mountain climbing world, I nervous that switching to an ultralight pack meant it will be designed for a 6’5” skinny white dude, and never accommodate my 34DD boobs. Fortunately, the S-curved padded straps work with my physique form.
I used to be pleasantly stunned to seek out that the match was not compromised by bloating, swelling, hips, and boobs. The twin adjustment factors (aspect and entrance) on each the sternum strap and hip belt had been a lifesaver, perfecting match and luxury on days the place I wanted to make changes. I used to be nonetheless in a position to be snug, and didn’t battle the pack to suit my physique.
All in all this pack is snug, to some extent. Granted, I’m a sweater. I don’t glow daintily whereas I hike … I drip. One of many principal causes I ditched my REI Flash 55L was a foul pack rash from the lack of breathability. Whereas the LiteAF 40L has inner padding for a snug experience, it nonetheless lacks breathability. My pack rash didn’t subside after switching to this pack … but it surely didn’t worsen both.
Cargo Configurability
I had an ultralight pack, however this doesn’t imply I was ultralight. The spacious UltraStretch entrance pocket, the five-point aspect adjusters, and roomy pack meant I didn’t need to play Tetris to make all my gear match.
With a giant, roomy seam sealed inside, the physique of the pack simply match my gear and saved it dry with solely a skinny pack liner. The entrance pocket is ideal for fast and simple to stow and discover gear that I used to be continually utilizing. Additionally, the key trash stash pocket on the underside of the pack prevents trash from leaking or getting close to gear you need to maintain clear.
A bonus clever element: drainage holes in each the physique of the pack, and the aspect pockets prevented moisture buildup inside the pack and allowed the pack to dry whereas empty at evening.
Sturdy in Most Conditions
Lately, LiteAF knowledgeable me that I purchased one among its pre-released printed ECOPAK EPLX baggage at Path Days. LiteAF is now releasing a brand new line of printed EPLX packs, which shall be much more sturdy than the Ultra200.
Particularly in 2023: this UltraStretch mesh cloth comes normal, the usual pockets are barely taller, and there’s added UltraStretch higher aspect pockets. So if a horny robust(er) bag is your factor, this is perhaps your signal. In accordance with LiteAF, at present the entire 46L Curves have these updates.
This pack excelled by means of all of Virginia by means of Northern Massachusetts, however I started to note extra put on and tear on this bag in rockier and wetter sections of path — particularly, these sections that require rock scrambling.
My pack at this level had put up with 1,200 miles of injury, the water bottle pockets had been starting to point out noticeable put on, and by the top of the path, solely one among my water bottle pockets was totally intact after I summited Mt. Katahdin in Maine. The UltraStretch mesh has some punctures from scrambling down moist rocks, and there are abrasion marks throughout the physique of the pack.
That is the extent of injury I anticipated residing solely out of this pack for two,200 miles.
The Appalachian Path is notoriously the roughest of the Triple Crown on gear. I want I had the water bottle pockets made out of a stretchy sturdy materials such because the UltraStretch mesh (which isn’t at present an possibility, however one I’d like … ahem).
LiteAF 46L Curve: Conclusion
Let’s face it: the one main downside on this pack is the value. In different phrases: being LiteAF is pricey AF. I ended up getting the Path Days low cost, saving me about 15%. A totally tricked-out custom-made LiteAF is going to set you again about $400-500. Once more, LiteAF makes packs to order, except you purchase one among its “On the Shelf” packs which is able to set you again ~$300.
If you need a pack that can serve you and your wants on a thru-hike, or as an avid backpacker over the course of a number of journeys and plenty of miles, it is perhaps value that splurge.
Whereas the value tag and potential pack rash is perhaps a downside, this bag has so a lot good going for it.
For these trying to make the swap to the ultralight life, LiteAF could possibly be the pack you’re in search of. LiteAF actually thought out what core options hikers want in a pack for any size of journey. Designers thought exterior the field ensuring that this bag can comfortably match a variety of physique sorts. Fear not, femme hikers! Your curves, bloating, and boobs won’t intrude with the match of this pack.
However this pack is just not an entry into ultralight. With the value tag, it’s a dedication. By having bespoke bag choices, hikers can select which options (hip belt, added pockets, and many others.) they discover important and make their excellent bag — with out settling for a boring pack.
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