I have a ZPacks Arc Blast and have kept a fully loaded pack with 5 days of food and water so it was NOT heavy. I have replaced this super lite pack with an Osprey Eja . The Osprey Carrie’s well and most importantly the straps stay in place. The Zpacks(no matter how it was adjusted repeatedly) straps did not stay on my shoulders…the pack was always lopsided and straps slipped and slid off my shoulders. They DO NOT MAKE A WOMENS VERSION. To Zpacks credit though, when I had a rip in the mesh pocket, they did repair it. We also have had a triplex tent we liked, but it had several problems….with the zipper and it wore out it seemed too quickly. We replaced it with a Hilleberg tent which is not as light weight unfortunately, but it is extremely well made.
Interesting comparison - I actually hate the velcro on my Zpacks pack so I cut it off and replaced it with snaps like the ones on the LiteAF. For the side pocket could you tie a knot in the cord to keep the slider from going too loose? Enjoy!
LiteAF frame is removable and not necessary below 27lb (saving 6oz). Zpacks velcro top catches everything in and out. It'll destroy your 10D quilt in no time. Zpacks is riding too high on you. Find Zpacks too fiddly. Many think they want that air-gap, but every inch away from the back adds 5% extra strain on shoulder-straps. Try it. Hold a full pack against your chest? Then hold it ten-inches away? The further away, the heavier it seems. It's the same pack and it weighs the same, but every inch adds 5%. (more...) So, I like the pack in tight, with no padding or separation of any kind (40L-Curve Custom has no back-padding at all). Most packed items are soft. Pack carefully and it can be more comfortable than a pad or a trampoline?
@@billybastar4022 - Good catch. Didn't know LiteAF made a 40L suspension model? Must be new? Wonder why they did it, it's only 6L and a half-ounce more than the 40L (long torso)? 40L vs 46L seem too similar; no product differentiation? Have had the 40L bare-bones for years and it has load-lifters, but no aluminum stays (suspension). It also weighs a lot less (16oz).
@@tomnoyb8301 they are new. I think they needed the additional height on the frame in order to increase carrying capacity, along with the addition of load lifters. A lot of multiday hikers love load lifters, as do I. I also think they didn’t want to go 50l because ultralighters hate that number😂
@@tomnoyb8301 agreed. I think all these types of packs are smoke and mirrors in the end, I think people would forgive the ultralight departure if these bags could pivot into a winter mission, with more cubes. If you look at a HMG pack say in the 2400 size..if you extend the roll top up, it’s a huge duffel bag!! The problem is most winter gear is bulky and doesn’t, or at least should be over compressed, thus requires a pack that is deeper from front to back. As much as these packs can be filled past the top of ones head, it is not good for many reasons, not the least judging how much you crouch and bend bushwhacking, or ducking branches. Nothing is more frustrating than miscalculated movement’s under a tree or rock to only have that same obstacle grab you from behind because you forgot how tall your back was😂😂could be dangerous, or in the least a pain dusting yourself off after picking yourself up. Let’s face it, the only true winter packs are made by Mystery Ranch, and they weigh about 5 lbs for the lightest one they make. LiteAF could make their packs deeper front to back and compete, but Zpacks flimsy frame would crumble in the cold. I think Seek Outside has some very compelling models in their line. I am considering their Gila model, just not certain if there is enough cubes to address the winter hikers needs
I have a ZPacks Arc Blast and have kept a fully loaded pack with 5 days of food and water so it was NOT heavy. I have replaced this super lite pack with an Osprey Eja . The Osprey Carrie’s well and most importantly the straps stay in place. The Zpacks(no matter how it was adjusted repeatedly) straps did not stay on my shoulders…the pack was always lopsided and straps slipped and slid off my shoulders. They DO NOT MAKE A WOMENS VERSION. To Zpacks credit though, when I had a rip in the mesh pocket, they did repair it. We also have had a triplex tent we liked, but it had several problems….with the zipper and it wore out it seemed too quickly. We replaced it with a Hilleberg tent which is not as light weight unfortunately, but it is extremely well made.
Interesting comparison - I actually hate the velcro on my Zpacks pack so I cut it off and replaced it with snaps like the ones on the LiteAF.
For the side pocket could you tie a knot in the cord to keep the slider from going too loose?
Enjoy!
I am trying to decide between these 2 packs. Any update on which you prefer after actually using the Lite AF?
LiteAF frame is removable and not necessary below 27lb (saving 6oz). Zpacks velcro top catches everything in and out. It'll destroy your 10D quilt in no time. Zpacks is riding too high on you. Find Zpacks too fiddly. Many think they want that air-gap, but every inch away from the back adds 5% extra strain on shoulder-straps. Try it. Hold a full pack against your chest? Then hold it ten-inches away? The further away, the heavier it seems. It's the same pack and it weighs the same, but every inch adds 5%. (more...)
So, I like the pack in tight, with no padding or separation of any kind (40L-Curve Custom has no back-padding at all). Most packed items are soft. Pack carefully and it can be more comfortable than a pad or a trampoline?
Nope...it is the 40l full suspension model. The 46l has load lifters.
@@billybastar4022 - Good catch. Didn't know LiteAF made a 40L suspension model? Must be new? Wonder why they did it, it's only 6L and a half-ounce more than the 40L (long torso)? 40L vs 46L seem too similar; no product differentiation? Have had the 40L bare-bones for years and it has load-lifters, but no aluminum stays (suspension). It also weighs a lot less (16oz).
@@tomnoyb8301 they are new. I think they needed the additional height on the frame in order to increase carrying capacity, along with the addition of load lifters. A lot of multiday hikers love load lifters, as do I. I also think they didn’t want to go 50l because ultralighters hate that number😂
@@billybastar4022 - Isn't Zpacks 58L? LiteAF should skip right to 70L? I need a winter pack. I don't need both a 40L and a 46L.
@@tomnoyb8301 agreed. I think all these types of packs are smoke and mirrors in the end, I think people would forgive the ultralight departure if these bags could pivot into a winter mission, with more cubes. If you look at a HMG pack say in the 2400 size..if you extend the roll top up, it’s a huge duffel bag!! The problem is most winter gear is bulky and doesn’t, or at least should be over compressed, thus requires a pack that is deeper from front to back. As much as these packs can be filled past the top of ones head, it is not good for many reasons, not the least judging how much you crouch and bend bushwhacking, or ducking branches. Nothing is more frustrating than miscalculated movement’s under a tree or rock to only have that same obstacle grab you from behind because you forgot how tall your back was😂😂could be dangerous, or in the least a pain dusting yourself off after picking yourself up. Let’s face it, the only true winter packs are made by Mystery Ranch, and they weigh about 5 lbs for the lightest one they make. LiteAF could make their packs deeper front to back and compete, but Zpacks flimsy frame would crumble in the cold. I think Seek Outside has some very compelling models in their line. I am considering their Gila model, just not certain if there is enough cubes to address the winter hikers needs