Review: Raide LF 40 Pack

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In a Nutshell

The Raide LF 40 is a remarkably well-thought out and easy-to-use pack. It’s got some clever features and a lightweight construction that make it a clear leader among ski mountaineering-oriented packs.

• Stated Capacity: 40 L (+10 L expandable roll top)

• Weight: 1101 g

• Size Tested: M/L

The Raide LF 40 is available now.

Intro

I already admitted in my introduction of the LF 40 to being a bit of a pack dork. But I’ll reiterate that this pack makes my nerd heart sing. There are just so many clever features that make so much sense. But when I wrote that intro, I had only gotten to play with a prototype pack. Now, I’ve skied a fair number of days in the production version, and am excited to report back on how they all worked.

Capacity and Sizing

The LF 40 is, unsurprisingly, 40L. However, you can expand that capacity to 50L with the internal roll top sleeve. It feels fairly average for a 40L pack, although, as we’ll dive into later, it’s laid out nicely so that it’s easy to take advantage of all of that capacity.

The LF 40 is only available in two sizes, a S/M and a M/L. I’m usually on the large end of M/L products (21.75” torso) and that was the case with the LF 40. It fit me well, and honestly, up until this year, I would have been really stoked on the fit. But unfortunately the Hyperlite Crux in a size Tall opened my eyes to how nicely really tall packs can carry. That said, I think the M/L LF 40 fits and feels better on the way down than the Crux, even though the Crux feels more comfortable slogging uphill fully loaded. All that to say, the M/L is fine, and I understand why a first-year brand like Raide would offer slightly more limited sizing.

I also did really notice the addition of load lifters on the Raide. I like to adjust their tension throughout the day to change which muscle groups are dealing with the load, and on bigger days I was glad to have them, and wished the Crux included them.

Features

While, from a distance the LF 40 looks sleek and minimalist, it’s actually got a bunch going on. So we’ll start at the top and work our way down.

The stretchy helmet carry on the LF 40 is tidy and works well. I had no issues stowing a variety of helmets in it, and they all stayed put nicely. This is very idiosyncratic, but over the last decade, I’ve gotten very used to harness-style helmet carries that allow me to stuff a layer inside my helmet as it hangs off the pack. There was a bit of a learning curve for me, since the LF 40 doesn’t have any daisy chains to attach that style of carry to. But, the stock helmet carry works really well.

Underneath it, you’ve got the standard drawstring opening. But inside that is the waterproof “foreskin” system I raved about in my first look. I’m pleased to announce that this system works even better than I’d hoped. Most of the time I keep it rolled up and out of the way, where it forms a semi-rigid rim around the opening of the pack, which holds it open and makes it easier to access gear.

But you can either close the roll top and stuff it down to create a waterproof stow pocket on top the pack, or extend it up to add those extra 10L of capacity. It’s one of those features that stays invisible until you need it.

There’s also a zipper that allows you to access the main pocket of the pack, or more importantly, your avalanche gear, without fumbling with the drawstring. This feature is a really nice touch and I find myself using it a bunch. It’s important to be able to get to your avy gear easily. It would be even better to be able to access your avy gear without having to unclip the helmet carry, but as it is, it’s not too frustrating. The avy pocket has a cutout for the throat of your shovel. I appreciate this feature, but I have heard from some folks who either wish it didn’t have that cutout, or wish it was entirely separated so that no snow from your shovel can get into the rest of your pack. This pocket does have a drain though.

Inside, the main pocket is fairly minimalist. The black version of the pack is lined with white material, which makes locating gear much easier.

It’s got a removable aluminum frame and removable foam back panel, which is handy in a rescue situation, or anytime you find yourself sitting around. Notably, that panel is fairly easy to get in and out, even with gloves on. I’ve used packs with “removable” back panels that, once removed, required a come-along and winch to get back in. The LF 40, in contrast, is smooth and easy.

The back panel is zippered around its perimeter, and opens to almost the full width and height of the pack. The zippers are easy to use, and you can open just a corner or the whole thing. Inside the back panel is a large mesh pocket with plenty of space for glasses, a radio, and repair kit.

The outside of the pack features easy-to-use compression straps that also work as A-frame carry straps. There’s a built-in diagonal ski carry system that works really nicely and distributes the weight well. On the back of the pack, there’s a double ice ax carry and two more pockets.

The outside zippered pocket is fairly wide and deep. I can easily carry a day’s worth of snacks there. The inside pocket is even deeper and wider. It runs the whole width and depth of the pack and is perfect for skins, an extra layer or a rap line. It’s not quite as easy to access or voluminous as the stretchy pocket on the Crux, but it’s dang close, and a lot sleeker.

Notably lacking on the back of the LF 40 is any sort of daisy chain. That’s by design–Raide isn’t interested in letting you hang your crap off their pack. I get where they’re coming from, but I really like having at least a couple more solid attachment points for ski straps on the pack. It’s rare, but I’ve been in scenarios where I’ve had to carry multiple pairs of skis on my back out from an accident, and having a few places to slot ski straps into your pack just ups its versatility in my experience.

The Raide’s waist belt is not removable, but it does feature a gear loop and stretchy pocket. The sternum strap slides up and down, and the waist belt has the same style of locking buckle you’d see on avalanche packs. It took me a second to get used to, but didn’t cause any issues.

In Use

I’ve used packs that feel too minimalist, like they were designed to be as light and fast as possible, user experience be damned. And I’ve used others that felt almost precious in their design, like someone went overboard tacking on little doodads that sound nice but just get in the way. The LF 40 strikes a really nice balance. It has every feature I need for a big day of skiing, with nothing getting in the way.

It carries fairly well on the way up, and on the way down does a really good job of disappearing while I’m skiing. I also rode lifts for a day in the LF 40 and was impressed with how well it cinched down and didn’t flop around.

The biggest thing that sets the LF 40 apart for me is access. The back panel is really well executed. It’s easy to use, comfortable, and smart. No notes. Five stars. Put this back panel on every pack and I’m a happy camper.

Similarly, the avy tool access is really good for this class of pack. Would it be better with a dedicated, separate avy tool pocket? Maybe? I’m not sure. I think that precluding some unique form of access, the LF 40’s passthrough zipper is excellent. I’ve really appreciated how easy it is to get to my gear when running rescue drills.

I haven’t gotten into any technical days, necessitating a rope and gear yet, but once I do, I’m excited to use the LF 40. I think that top garage will be perfect for stowing a wet rope for the ski out, and the pack’s feature set lends itself really well to technical days in the hills.

I’m going to have a hard time reviewing any other 40 L packs this winter, because the LF 40 works so well that it’s challenging to leave it at home and risk spending time with a less excellent option.

Price and Value

At $399, the LF 40 is $100 less than its main competitor, the Hyperlite Crux. That’s still a lot of money, but the LF 40 does make a solid value proposition. It’s lightweight, really well thought out, and should last a long time. And if it doesn’t, Raide does warranty their packs for five years.

What sort of skiers will get along well with the Raide LF 40?

If you dream of moving efficiently through the mountains on big days and seeking out technical objectives, the LF 40 is a great companion. It’s everything an all-day pack should be: light, functional, and comfortable.