Suspension comparison Zimmerbuilt vs GG mariposa vs zPacks arc haul?

[chris smead]

Just curious if anyone has compared the suspension on the Zimmerbuilts vs GG Mariposa vs zPacks Arc Haul.
I love my Zimmerbuilt!!! He only downside is the load doesn't transfer to the hips as much as I'd like. Just curious how GG + ZPacks compares.

[Sam Riggle]

I'm pretty sure Zimmer uses the same frame that Gossamer Gear uses. He may actually order his from them. I don't know though. The packs I've seen online from Zimmer have all used the same removable, internal, upside down u shaped, body contoured aluminum frame that GG uses. I think this style is perfect for what it's meant for. Removed for really light loads and added for heavier loads. Gives just the right amount of support at a really low weight.

The ZPacks pack uses a totally different style of external frame system. I don't know much about it.

Not much help. Sorry

[chris smead]

I'm no expert, but I think the frame hoop is probably fine…but the hip belts don't seem stiff enough to accept the load from the frame. Are the GG hip belts stiffer?
Hrm….Maybe I could just ask Zimmer to make me a pack with a stiffer hip belt.

The Arc haul suspension intrigues me…..just been waiting for some more reviews on it.

[Brad Rogers]

I think the hipbelt is the weak link on most lightweight packs, not the frame. I hate the "wing" belts used by most UL pack makers, and like a wide, full wrap belt even if it doesn't have a lot of cushioning. My favorite frameless pack is a 2010 SMD Swift that has an unpadded but wide full wrap belt. I also really liked the wide thin padded belt on my early 00's Mountainsmith Phantom, it just seamed to wrap around and contour my hips really well.

The best belt that I have used, is the one on my McHale LBP36 though. It isn't terribly thick but is wide and long and has a unique two buckle system which really helps fine tune things. Now this is a 3lb pack so it isnt really a UL pack though

As far as your question goes, I have used a Zimmerbuilt that had the U bent Aluminum frame and I didn't like the hipbelt wings. This was probably my fault as he built it to order, I just didn't convey what I wanted. The construction quality was very good and have nothing else bad to say about the pack.

I have also used a Gossamer Gear Mariposia Plus but it was the older style ~2008 with the carbon fiber stays so its probably not a good comparison.

[Sam Riggle]

My '15 Gorilla has a very substantial hipbelt. It's quite wide with thick padding running the full length. It's not just a wing belt, which really helps with the carry. Quite stiff, but because it attaches with velcro, in order to be removable, it doesn't carry quite as well as it would if it was firmly anchored to the pack and stays.

I love everything about my Gorilla's suspension. The shoulder straps and comfy, hipbelt is awesome, and the U stay gives the perfect amount of support. I know this pack doesn't work for a lot of people, but it sure works for me.
The Mariposa is like the Gorilla in these regards. Frame, hipbelt and such.

The ArcHaul was designed to carry heavier loads so I wouldn't really group it with packs like the Mariposa or other packs with removable stays. They're design isn't conducive to carrying heavier loads like the ArcHaul is with its rigid external frame the securely anchored to pack and hipbelt.

Take with spoon full of salt

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