LiteAF 35L Curve Backpack Review

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Introduction

The LiteAF 35L Curve Backpack (16 oz / 453 g, $255+*) is a frameless ultralight pack constructed partially of Dyneema Composite fabric. This minimalist pack features thin, s-shaped shoulder straps, a close-fitting, stable fit, and accessible water-bottle pockets. As this is a 35 L frameless pack, it requires a collection of gear with low volume.

*Weight and price will vary due to customization, torso size, and optional hip-belt. A stock model (the “Fast Track” configuration is $299), which is the pack I reviewed for this article.

LiteAF Pack Photo — LiteAF 35L Curve Pack in its stock (“Fast Track”) configuration. Photo: LiteAF

About This Review

This Limited Review is based on over 20 days of winter-season testing with my personal kit, group gear, and first aid supplies needed to lead four-hour snowshoe tours from Donner Summit up to Castle Pass, which is located in the Sierra Nevada mountains just northwest of Lake Tahoe.

Features & Specifications

Features and specs are for the Fast Track configuration unless otherwise noted.

overview
- weight: 16 oz (453 grams)
- MSRP:
  - $255+ for custom models
  - $299 for the stock (Fast Track) configuration
- color options: black, silver, white, red, green, pink, and purple
- sizing: unisex (small, medium, and large)
fabrics
- Dyneema Composite Fabrics CT9HK.18/wov.6 (5.0 osy) on back, bottom, and lower front panels
- Dyneema Composite Fabrics CT5K.18/wov.32c (2.92 osy) on sides and front
- Spandex/nylon blend stretch woven (external pockets)
19″ S-Shaped shoulder straps which are 3.25″ wide constructed of 1/4″ spacer mesh and 3/8″ closed cell foam
three point side cord compression with lineloc 3 adjusters
four trekking pole loops (includes four each of 12″ shock cords with mini cord locks)
top buckle roll-top closure with two KAMsnaps
adjustable flat bottom side pockets with drain hole
- each pocket fits two one-liter Smartwater bottles securely
- pockets adjust with shock cord and mini cord locks
two 1″ loops for attaching a removable hip belt or fanny pack to
dual adjust sternum strap
all internal seams sealed with Dyneema seam tape
lower V Loop with dual lineloc 3 adjusters (can secure a bulky item like a closed cell foam pad)
two shoulder strap pockets *NEW SLIM DESIGN* (fits an XL and standard phone quite well)
bottom pocket with trash port
removable top Y strap

Performance Assessment

Because this is a Limited Review, a detailed performance analysis based on using this pack for its intended use (e.g., thru-hiking) over several months will not be presented. In lieu of a detailed analysis, my performance observations and issues are noted below.

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This topic has 14 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 1 year, 3 months ago by Art Rhizhiy Hiker.

Viewing 15 posts - 1 through 15 (of 15 total)

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May 1, 2020 at 8:35 pm #3644620
Backpacking Light
Admin

@backpackinglight
Locale: Rocky Mountains
The LiteAF 35L Curve Backpack (16 oz / 453 g, $255+*) is a frameless ultralight pack constructed partially of Dyneema Composite fabric. This minimalist pack features thin, s-shaped shoulder straps, a close-fitting, stable fit, and accessible water-bottle pockets. As this is a 35 L frameless pack, it requires a collection of gear with low volume.
- Read the LiteAF 35L Curve Backpack Review
May 2, 2020 at 12:45 pm #3644694

David U
Spectator

@the-family-guy

I find it odd to test frameless packs. Generally speaking, they all will carry the same if you are @ 15 lbs or less.

But the price of this pack gives me pause. A big one.

May 2, 2020 at 5:08 pm #3644741

Ken Thompson
BPL Member

@here
Locale: Right there

Too much of a sack with straps for you David?

May 2, 2020 at 11:46 pm #3644808

Doug Coe
BPL Member

@sierradoug
Locale: Bay Area, CA, USA

Shoulder strap design serves to lift pack weight off your shoulders…

What does that even mean?

May 3, 2020 at 8:35 am #3644839

Brad P
Spectator

@brawndo

What does that even mean?

I was wondering, too. With no hip belt, all of the weight is on the shoulders.

May 3, 2020 at 9:07 am #3644844

Matthew / BPL
Moderator

@matthewkphx

Just guessing here but with a running vest style harness it feels like the weight of the pack is attached to your torso rather than hanging on your shoulders. I realize this isn’t a vest harness but the comparison to a running style pack was made.

One question: Does chest strap = sternum strap? Breaking a buckle on a pack is a real bummer and makes me question the quality of the hardware used.

May 3, 2020 at 7:49 pm #3644960

Murali C
BPL Member

@mchinnak

I think there is a place for frameless packs. My MLD Prophet/Exodus can carry 25 lbs comfortably with the hip belt it comes with – which is enough for most of the PCT/AT/CDT trails etc or any trail with a 5 or 6 day resupply. Ryan Jordan has done a test of frameless packs on their load carrying ability and not all frameless packs carry the same weight according to that analysis with a virtual frame. Hip belts matter even in a frameless pack as do the quality of the shoulder belt.

One attractive thing about LiteAf pack was the fact that the back/bottom/front near bottom is made of 5oz DCF which is pretty good and not many manufacturers provide that for a frameless – MLD started doing this recently in their packs. I have been eyeing their packs for some time – except that it is expensive with a long lead time. Though they provide the fancy bottom, shoulder pockets and removable hip belt – which is attractive in a frameless pack.

May 3, 2020 at 9:10 pm #3644981

Jim B
BPL Member

@leftovereggs

I absolutely love my 35L curve. I’ve had this thing for about a year and it’s my go to pack. Although mine is custom print so the entire body of the pack is the 2.92oz dyneema. No 5 oz on mine. The shoulder straps are what really makes this pack comfortable. They are wide and thick with a perfect amount of give. They do indeed wrap around the torso and snug the pack down nicely without giving me that “bear hug” feeling of a fast pack. He makes padded removable hip belts for it now. I have a set, but haven’t used them yet loaded on a trip. No need really, but it is a nice option for folks who want them. The fanny packs he makes use the same clips that are on the optional hip belts so I use the fanny pack and straps as the hip belt, although I let them a bit loose so the fanny isn’t too tight. I can snug it up easily for down hills or scrambling up rocky trail. The fanny pack straps have clips on both sides which is convenient. Just unclip the fanny on one or both sides for easy removal leaving the straps connected to the pack.
The giant lycra mesh pocket holds a ton of stuff and it’s surprisingly durable. It’s been snagged and abraded quite a few times and it shows no signs of wear. Solid choice of material there. I ordered his full suspension 40 liter and can’t wait to get that on trail as well.

May 4, 2020 at 9:51 am #3645034

HkNewman
BPL Member

@hknewman
Locale: The West is (still) the Best

“Darwin on the Trail” (well off for right now) released a pretty good YouTube video on packing a 35 L for 3-4 days with stove, shelter, and 20°F quilt.

The latter (with sleep layer) required stuffing into a stuff sack, so imagine at that low volume, how the stuff sack gets wedged in there will matter for 3-season hiking.

May 4, 2020 at 10:56 am #3645054

Matthew / BPL
Moderator

@matthewkphx

I’d be curious to know the approximate depth and width of the pack.

May 4, 2020 at 12:59 pm #3645082

Murali C
BPL Member

@mchinnak

from their website – 34 inch height for 35L is a lot of pack…

Bottom circumference: 33”
Top circumference: 38”
Pack height when fully unrolled: 34”
Back of pack: 11.5”

May 4, 2020 at 1:37 pm #3645092

Matthew / BPL
Moderator

@matthewkphx

I give up. Where did you find that on their site?

May 4, 2020 at 1:42 pm #3645093

Doug Coe
BPL Member

@sierradoug
Locale: Bay Area, CA, USA

Where did you find that on their site?

https://liteaf.com/ultralight-packs/35l-curve-custom-pack/

It looks narrow and tall in the pictures on their site.

May 4, 2020 at 5:14 pm #3645133

Murali C
BPL Member

@mchinnak

The dimensions are not here on the 35L fast pack – but it is there on the 35L custom option as Doug Coe has shown…..even I used to be frustrated as I thought I had seen it and couldn’t find it when I kept pulling up the fast track 35L:-)

Yep – it looks narrow and tall….though 11.5 is pretty normal – my MLD Prophet/Exodus is 12 inches wide and 30/35 inches tall and I cannot fill my MLD prophet pas the shoulder straps…

Jan 26, 2023 at 6:13 am #3771456

Art Rhizhiy Hiker
BPL Member

@verysimple

2023 LiteAF Curve updates:

New taller side pockets (Ultra Grid)
Adjustable shoulder strap pockets
UltraStretch mesh comes standard
UltraStretch Upper Side Pockets
Easy to adjust webbing
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