LiteAF Featherweight Fanny Pack Review

Bottom Line

Well, the name of this fanny pack speaks for itself. The LiteAF Featherweight is a minimalist fanny pack and is one of the lightest options on the market. Lightweight fanny packs can sometimes be a bugger. So we tested this little beast, and it earned a spot on our guide to the best fanny packs for providing efficient storage without weighing you down. Its compact size keeps essentials accessible and out of the way, making it perfect for quick hikes or trail runs.

The front stretch pouch is a standout feature, allowing for quick access to items like your phone. Despite its thin material, which slightly reduces durability, the pack remains incredibly lightweight and functional.

This pack shines for those who prioritize simplicity and convenience. LiteAF offers alternative straps that seamlessly integrate into larger ultralight packs without hipbelts. Though its lack of robust durability means you need to handle it carefully, its well-thought-out design and practicality make it a great addition to any ultralight backpacking kit.

How We Tested

The Featherweight was used on several day-long hikes around the Boise foothills in weather ranging from sunny to light rain and snow. It was also attached to a larger backpack on long backcountry ski tours. Targeted abrasion testing on the fabric was performed with 160-grit sandpaper. Weatherproofing was evaluated after a rain simulation and brief submersion.

Comfort

The Featherweight’s standout feature is the impressive adjustability of its standard strap, which ranges from 15” to 55”. This provides a versatile fit, accommodating a wide variety of body sizes. The strap is easy to adjust and fits snugly against the body without riding up during hikes, ensuring a secure fit no matter how many miles you cover. The 1” strap is practical for a 1.5L pack, with flared webbing anchors offering some support for lighter loads.

Though the pack excels in adjustability and accessibility, comfort isn’t its strongest suit. Its minimalist design eliminates padding to save weight, which can cause the thin strap to dig into your waist when carrying heavier loads on longer hikes. While it’s not the most comfort-forward option for extended treks, it’s ideal for those looking for a practical way to keep essentials and snacks easily accessible on the trail without added bulk.

Durability

In addition to the EPLX version we tested, LiteAF also offers the Featherweight in Dyneema and Ultra200 fabrics, both known for their lightweight and durable properties. EPLX stands out for its waterproof capabilities and resistance to UV degradation, making it a solid choice for prolonged outdoor use.

The construction of the pack is clean and well-finished, with no loose threads or unfinished seams. LiteAF stands behind their products, and offers a one-year warranty as well as in-house repairs.

While the Featherweight excels in ultralight design, it’s not the most durable pack on our list. During our abrasion test, it was the only pack that showed broken threads and suffered a pinhole. The fabric also retained some staining despite scrubbing with soap and water.

For those prioritizing weight over rugged durability, the Featherweight provides a great solution, but for more durability in harsh conditions, consider the Ultra200 version.

Features

The Featherweight impresses with its fully taped seams and water-resistant zipper, offering excellent weatherproofing. It kept contents dry during both a simulated rain test and brief submersion, maintaining its integrity even after sustaining a pinhole.

Another standout feature is the optional detachable straps, allowing you to attach the pack to a larger backpack while maintaining an adjustable fit. This makes the Featherweight a great accessory for packs that lack a traditional hipbelt, providing a convenient storage solution without the added bulk.

However, it’s important to note that the Featherweight isn’t universally compatible with all backpacks. If you plan to integrate it into your setup, be sure to confirm compatibility with your specific pack or plan on using the standard waist belt.

The Sliqclips, while functional, can be tricky to open and close, especially in cold weather. Additionally, both strap options lack keepers to secure excess slack, which can be a minor inconvenience during long hikes.

Organization

Designed to be an ultralight pack that cuts back on frills to save weight, the Featherweight offers just enough organization to keep essentials accessible. It features a main compartment with dual zipper pulls, a stretch front pocket, and a slim internal divider to separate your ID, bank cards, phone, and snacks. These practical pockets ensure that your most important items stay secure and easy to reach while hiking.

Given the pack’s minimalist design and compact size, the organization options are functional without excess. However, the internal pocket is open at the top and lacks stretch, so bulky or heavy items can shift into the main compartment. The lack of structure also makes it harder to open the pack with one hand and requires two hands to close it securely.

Despite these small drawbacks, the Featherweight is well-suited for ultralight hikers who prioritize simplicity and weight savings on long trails.

Should You Buy the LiteAF Featherweight?

Backpackers searching for additional storage for packs lacking a waist belt should consider the Featherweight. With its incredible weight-to-capacity ratio, it is hard to find a lighter fanny pack. The attachment style is a bit niche and differs from other pack-compatible bum bags, so you’ll need to confirm it will work with your kit before making a purchase. Taped seams and waterproof materials make the Featherweight an ideal carry on rainy hikes or trekking into unknown conditions. 

If you know you’re tough on gear, consider one of LiteAF’s Dyneema or Ultraweave models rather than the EPLX, as we found this to be less durable than other fabrics on our list. Designed with trail use in mind, the minimalist organization and outdoorsy look may not be the best or most affordable choice for buyers seeking an everyday carry or a more casual fanny pack.

What Other Fanny Packs Should You Consider?

Maybe you want something a little more durable? Check out some other lightweight options below from our fanny pack gear guide:

ThruPacks Summit Bum Review: Backpackers seeking extra storage that easily integrates with their setup should consider the Summit Bum by ThruPacks. Its padded loop accommodates straps up to 2” wide, fitting most backpack styles. Despite providing an additional liter of storage, it adds minimal weight and cost, making it a practical option for many.

High Tail Designs – The Ultralight Review: For ultralight hikers who prefer a fixed waist belt, the Ultralight from High Tail Designs is a top choice. It adds 1L of storage with only 2 ounces to your base weight. Dyneema construction provides durability and weatherproofing, while High Tail’s unique prints offer a variety of style options.

Hyperlite Mountain Gear Versa Review: The Versa by Hyperlite Mountain Gear offers multiple comfortable wear options and features, including padding, extra storage, and a 2.5L capacity. Weighing just over 4oz, it remains lightweight, but its additional features come with a higher price tag, making it a premium choice for backpackers seeking versatility.