Z Pack Arc Blast

I suspect I'll be getting an Arc Blast for next season, it's definitely at the top of my list for now.

I have one.

I love it.

This pack is really comfortable. The mesh panel has some really good tension in it. The bottle holders are well located and easy to get to (and to replace water bottles). The material is durable.

I don't really have a need for a hydration port, so if I had my choice again, I would have asked Joe to leave that off, and possibly seam tape the whole thing (although, I would be interested to know how much weight that would add…perhaps too much…and so not worth it). Joe did mention that unless in prolonged rain (like all day), water will barely get through. Even still, I use a garbage bag pack liner so it wouldn't matter.

I think my focus should be on learning to pack it correctly. I think this is vital for the arc frame and mesh panel to keep its shape and integrity.

Well worth it…I'm a happy camper.

Joe has switched from his Blast30 on his Ultimate Hiking Adventures to now the Arc Blast on his New Zeland Adventure with wife.

Samurai Joe's Te Araroa (New Zealand Trail) 2012 / 2013 Gear List

On November 10th, 2012 Sheryl and I will be flying to New Zealand to thru-hike the Te Araroa Trail! The trail is roughly 3,000 km (1,864 miles). We expect it to take us about four months to hike. View Map. The store will still be open while we are away.

Sheryl and I will have pretty much the same gear list, with some shared items. If we were to do any of the other long trails again (AT, PCT, CDT) we would also carry this list.

This is the gear list we plan to carry:

Packing System:………………..(15.6 oz)
Arc Blast Backpack 13.5 oz
Pair of Shoulder Pouches .6 oz
Pair of Belt Pouches 1.5 oz

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Hey Josh

Thanks for that! I'll grab some CF tape from Joe and have a go. Did you have a hydration port?