LiteAF Curve Full Suspension Backpack Long-Term Review
A lightweight, fully customizable thru-hiking backpack
Our Verdict
The LiteAF 46L Curve is a lightweight, durable pack with the volume and features to make it a great thru-hiking backpack. LiteAF offers a wide assortment of customization options, including extra pockets, over 40 pack colors and designs, three pack material options (Ultra, ECOPAK, and Dyneema), different top enclosures, and torso and hip-belt-specific sizing options. You can create your perfect pack.
I recently carried the LiteAF ECOPAK 46L Curve Full Suspension pack on a 600-mile hike through Arizona and New Mexico. The Curve’s volume and full suspension system comfortably carried up to four days of food and six liters of water.
The optional bottom and upper side pockets were my favorite features. The bottom pocket securely carried and provided easy access to snacks, maps, and a full two-liter water bladder. The upper side pockets were the perfect size for my cold soak container.
However, the customization options come at a cost. Few folks will stick with the $330 base ECOPAK model; The base Ultra and Dyneema models are $365. As you customize colors, pockets, and straps, the final price could exceed $600.
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Specs
Price: $330-$620
Weight: 25 to 36+ ounces, depending on fabric, size, and add-ons
Main body pocket: 40L or 46L (we tested the 46L version)
Total capacity: 55L or 61L
Custom options available: Yes
Max recommended weight: 35 lbs
Torso sizes: S (17-18.5"), M (19-20.5"), L (21-22.5"), XL (23"+)
Hip belt sizes: S (28-32"), M (33-38"), L (39-44"), XL (45-50")
Internal stash pocket: No (A stick-on pocket is available for $22)
Water bottle pockets: 2 flat bottom pockets with drain hole
Hip belt pockets: No (An Ultra hip belt pocket is available for $30)
Front pocket: UltraStretch
Bottom pocket: Spandex, nylon (optional + $10)
Extension collar: Yes
Shoulder straps: Standard (chest under 44") or long (44"+)
Shoulder strap pockets: Optional ($14 per pocket)
Upper side pockets: Optional ($15 per pocket)
Suspension: Removable curved aluminum stays
Load lifters: 46L packs only
Compression system: Roll top and side compression straps
Roll top closure: Top Y strap
Material: Ultra 200, Ultra X, ECOPAK, or Dyneema
Gender: Unisex
Ice axe attachment point: Optional
Fits bear canister: Yes
Best For
The LiteAF 46L Curve is a great thru hiking pack. It has the volume and suspension system for large food and water carries but doesn’t feel like a large pack. The pack felt secure and nimble while bushwacking and covering difficult conditions.
The LiteAF 46L Curve has the features valued by thru-hikers—large water bottle pockets that can be accessed while on the move, a large stretchy front pocket that can accommodate a wet tent, rain gear, and other items needed throughout the day, and the optional bottom, upper side, and shoulder strap pockets are ideal for long-distance hikers who need quick access to essentials.
The pack fit securely and comfortably, helping to negotiate difficult trail conditions.
How We Tested
I used the LiteAF 46L Curve on a 600-mile hike through Arizona and New Mexico in Spring 2024. The route included the entire Mogollon Rim Trail (Cottonwood, AZ to Alma, NM), a section of the Grand Enchantment Trail from Alma, NM to the Gila Hot Springs area, and the Continental Divide Trail Gila Alternative to Silver City, NM. The route required large food and water carries, off-trail travel, and multiple river fords.
The author with the LiteAF Curve backpack on the Mogollon Rim Trail.
What We Liked
Comfortable and Secure Fit
The LiteAF Curve was comfortable even when carrying heavy loads. I never had sore shoulders or hips. The backpack was secure and well balanced when climbing over deadfall or fording fast flowing rivers.
The Bottom Pocket
LiteAF backpacks have an optional (+$10) spandex/nylon bottom pocket. This was my first experience using a bottom pocket. I was initially skeptical about the utility and security of a bottom pocket. However, the bottom pocket became my favorite feature. I typically used the pocket for snacks and maps. I could easily retrieve the items while on the move, and I never lost any items out of the bottom pocket. The stretchy spandex/nylon bottom pocket was even large enough to hold a full two-liter water bladder.
The LiteAF bottom pocket was large enough and secure enough to hold a full 2-liter water bladder.
Upper Side and Shoulder Pockets
LiteAF custom backpacks have the option of upper side pockets (+$15 per pocket) and shoulder pockets (+$14 per pocket). I recommend folks upgrade to these pockets.
The upper side pockets are made from the same Venom Eco Mesh as the large front pocket. The pocket is perfectly sized to hold my Talenti cold soak container. The upper side pockets are also perfect for holding my tent stakes and toilet kit.
I love a usable shoulder pocket. The LiteAF stretchy shoulder pockets are made of a stretchy mesh fabric. They are large enough to secure an iPhone 14 Pro Max and are designed to hold a 700 mL water bottle.
The author's cold soak container fit nicely in an upper side pocket.
Durability
The backpack body and water bottle pockets are made with ECOPAK (EPLX200) material that is waterproof and seam-sealed. The ECOPAK was very rugged. After 600 miles through difficult conditions, the pack still looks pristine. There are no tears (except for some small punctures in the bottom pocket) or missing stitching.
What Could Be Better
Cost
The LiteAF backpack has many great features; however, these come at a cost. Few folks will stick with the base model for $330 (ECOPAK) or $365 (Ultra or Dyneema). Colors other than black or white cost an extra $35. The hip belt, bottom, and upper side pockets cost more. Shock cord, ice ax loops, and pull-down top enclosures are extras. If you include all the extras, the total price is over $600. (Compare this to another similar pack in weight and materials, the Gossamer Gear Mariposa, which is $315 total, including its side and hipbelt pockets and attachments. Though the design is very different.)
No Hip Belt Pockets
I consider large hip belt pockets to be an essential element of a backpack. The LiteAF packs do not come with hip belt pockets, but they can be purchased for $30 per pocket.
Top Y Strap Clip Location
The wide top Y strap securely held my foam sleeping pad; however, the strap clips to the pack's main body instead of the large front pocket. As someone who regularly overstuffs the front pocket, I prefer that the Y strap connects to the front pocket.
No Hydration System
The LiteAF Curve does not have an internal hydration bladder holder or hydration ports.
Features
Front Pocket
The LiteAF Curve has a large front pocket made from UltraStretch Mesh. The pocket is large enough to hold a wet tent, plus other food and gear. The UltraStretch Mesh is very durable. It had no holes despite 600 miles of challenging desert hiking.
Side Pockets
The LiteAF backpack has two flat-bottomed adjustable side water bottle pockets. Each pocket is large enough for a Smart Water and a Gatorade bottle. The pockets are made from the same ECOPAK material as the main body and have shock cords and cord locks to secure water bottles. They also have drain holes to quickly shed water in the rain.
Seam Taped
The main pack body of all the LiteAF ECOPAK, Ultra, and Dyneema packs are seam-taped, significantly improving their water resistance.
Materials
The LiteAF Curve is available in ECOPAK, Ultra, or Dyneema fabrics. We discuss the three fabric options here.
Compression system
The Curve has a 5 point side compression with 3 lineloc adjusters. The side compression is also great for drying clothes during the day.
Padded back panel
The LiteAF Curve has a fully padded, non-removable back panel constructed of closed-cell foam. The pack remained comfortable even in hot conditions.
Sternum strap
The backpack has a dual adjustable sternum strap. I found the sternum strap comfortable to use.
Top closure
The LiteAF Curve has a top buckle roll top closure with 2 KAMsnaps. There is also a wide (¾”) Y top strap. The Y strap is great for securely holding a closed cell foam pad or a full water bladder.
The wide Y-strap securely held a 3-liter water bladder.
Made in the USA
LiteAF is a small cottage manufacturer out of New Jersey. Their backpacks are made in the USA.
Torso and hip belt sizes
The LiteAF packs are available in four torso and four hip belt sizes, so most folks can find a great fit.
Performance
Durability
I am very impressed by the LiteAF ECOPAK's durability. After 600 miles of rugged hiking, the stretching is intact, and there are no holes in the large front pocket. I’m confident I could get thousands of more miles out of the backpack.
We were impressed by the durability of the LiteAF Curve Full Suspension backpack after 600 miles of rugged terrain.
Volume
The LiteAF 46L Curve has a 46 L main body plus the external pockets plus 15L+ of external pockets. I think this is the perfect size for most thru-hikers and weekend backpackers. It is large enough to carry 4-6 days of food and 6+ liters of water. There is also room for a bear can, if necessary. I prefer backpacks large enough to eliminate the need for compression sacks, fanny packs, and hanging gear off the pack.
Ease of use
The LiteAF Curve is perfectly designed to meet the needs of a thru-hiker:
There is a large front pocket to store items needed throughout the day without needing access to the main pack body.
The water bottle pockets are large enough to securely carry two bottles and provide easy access while on the move.
The bottom pocket is perfect to securely store and access snacks.
The large stretchy shoulder pockets can hold a large-size iPhone.
The upper side pockets are perfect for your cold soak container or small cook pot.
The water bottle pockets are large enough to hold two water bottles.
Custom Options
LiteAF custom packs offer a host of custom options, allowing you to create your perfect pack, but this customization comes at a cost. If you chose each option, the cost of the base pack would go from $330 to over $600. Below are the options available:
Main pack color (Over 40 options available) +$35
Pocket color (Over 40 options available) +$20
Logo stripe color (Over 40 options available) +$10
Shoulder pockets +$14 per pocket
Upper side pockets +$15 per pocket
Bottom pocket +$10
Ice axe loop +$5
Shock cord +$8
Trekking pole loop +$5
Top single strap +$8
Side pull down top +$14
Hip belt pockets +$30 per pocket
Internal stick-on organizer pouch +$22
Fabrics and Colors
We have to admit, the LiteAF Curve pack in the "mountain" colorway might be the prettiest pack we've ever seen.
The LiteAF 46L Curve is available in ECOPAK, UltraWeave, and Dyneema. The UltraWeave and Dyneema add $35 to the base model. All three fabric types are seam-sealed.
ECOPAK is a highly durable, waterproof material with a DWR coating. It is made from recycled plastic water bottles. ECOPAK adds approximately one ounce to the pack's weight compared to Ultra or Dyneema.
Dyneema and Ultra have approximately the same per yard weight; however, Ultra has three times the tear strength and is more abrasion resistant than Dyneema.
Other Packs to Consider
Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra
Capacity: 40L, 50L, or 60L (including side and front pockets)
Weight: 20.6 oz
Price: $399+
Material: Ultra
An even lighter option, the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra weighs a mere 20.6 oz. With carbon fiber stays, the Arc Haul can carry up to 40 lbs. Similar to the LiteAF, there are many add-on features, such as shoulder pouches, belt pouches, top side pockets, and ice axe loops, which all add weight and cost to the pack.
Capacity: 68L
Weight: 33.8 oz
Price: $380+
Material: Ultra or Robic
New in 2024, ULA started selling their much-beloved Circuit backpack in Ultra fabric. The Circuit is a tried and true, extremely popular thru hiking backpack. Treeline Operations Coordinator Sara "Socks" Kruglinski has over 5,000 miles with a ULA Circuit – at times carrying 9 L of water or 10 days of food. You can read her full review of the ULA Circuit here.
Capacity: 65L (including side and front pockets)
Weight: 33.8 oz
Price: $379+
Material: DCH
Similar in weight to the LiteAF Curve, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear (HMG) Junction 55 is made with Dyneema Composite Hybrid (DCH), which is a waterproof fabric. However, HMG only tapes the vertical seams, leaving room for water intrusion. You can read more about the Junction 55 in our in-depth review here.
Compare prices of the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Junction 55
Capacity: 56L (including external pockets)
Weight: 38.8 oz
Price: $375
Material: X-Pac
Similar in weight to the LiteAF (with all the options), the Six Moon Designs (SMD) Swift X is an incredibly comfortable and versatile pack. You can strip it down to 27 oz and use it as a frameless pack, or for a few ounces more you can add a vest harness. It's made with either X-Pac VX21 or LiteSkin LS21, both waterproof fabrics. You can read my full review of the SMD Swift X here.
Why You Should Trust Us / About the Author
Mike Unger is a Double Triple Crowner — he has hiked the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, and Continental Divide Trail not once, but twice (he's actually hiked the PCT three times, the third being a sobo hike)
In addition, he has backpacked numerous other on-trail and off-trail routes, including the Pacific Northwest Trail, Blue Mountains Trail, Great Divide Trail, Arizona Trail, John Muir Trail, Ouachita Trail, Oregon Desert Trail, Grand Enchantment Trail, and Mogollon Rim Trail. Over the course of his backpacking, he’s purchased and owned an embarrassingly-large number of backpacks.
Mike has tracked and researched pack technology for the past 20 years. He's notoriously extremely hard on his gear, which makes for a good gear tester.
He’s also picked up another passion along the way: long-distance bike packing, including the 1,850-mile Pacific Coast route.
Mike Unger is not and has never been a sponsored athlete, ambassador, or influencer for a backpack company.
You can read all of Mike's stories on his author page.
