LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve vs Mountainsmith Zerk 40
Quick take: The Mountainsmith Zerk 40 costs $10 less; the Mountainsmith Zerk 40 carries more (51 vs 45 liters); the LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve is lighter (0.81 vs 1.81 lbs).
| Spec | LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve | Mountainsmith Zerk 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $235 | $225 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 45 L | 51 L |
| Weight | 0.81 lbs | 1.81 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | See manufacturer sizing | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | ECOPAK EPLX200 recycled laminate | 210D recycled Extreema ripstop |
| Back Panel | Frameless | Removable frame sheet |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
LiteAF ECOPAK 30L Curve
- ✓13 oz is exceptionally light, second only to the Cotopaxi Batac among packs here.
- ✓ECOPAK EPLX200 is waterproof and made from post-consumer recycled polyester.
- ✓Custom-built to the buyer's torso and belt measurements at no extra cost.
- ✓45 L of total volume is generous for the weight.
- ✓$235 is reasonable for a made-to-order pack in a premium laminate.
- ✓Colour and layout options are extensive compared with off-the-shelf packs.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓A genuinely small maker, so buyers deal directly with the people building the pack.
- ✗Frameless at 45 L is a demanding combination that punishes careless packing.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗Made-to-order means lead times measured in weeks.
- ✗Laminate fabrics are difficult to field-repair.
- ✗No adjustable torso, though custom sizing partly compensates.
- ✗Warranty and support depend on a very small operation continuing to trade.
- ✗Negligible resale market compared with the better-known cottage brands.
- ✗No retail presence at all for trying one on.
Mountainsmith Zerk 40
- ✓The removable frame sheet means one pack covers both framed and frameless use.
- ✓51 L of measured volume against a 40 L badge is unusual -- most packs here measure well under.
- ✓210D recycled Extreema ripstop is a tough woven fabric that repairs easily.
- ✓$225 is mid-range for the segment and below most cottage packs of similar volume.
- ✓Mountainsmith is a mainstream brand, so returns and support are simpler than cottage brands'.
- ✓1 lb 13 oz is competitive with dedicated ultralight packs.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✓Widely available rather than made to order.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗A removable frame sheet is less effective at load transfer than stays or a hoop.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Not waterproof, unlike the laminate packs at this price.
- ✗Mountainsmith has less ultralight credibility than the cottage brands it competes with.
- ✗The 40 L badge understates the pack, which makes cross-shopping confusing.
- ✗Fewer configuration options than a made-to-order pack.
- ✗Limited presence on long trails, so fewer real-world reports.