MLD exodus full suspension vs Zpacks arc blast?

Both are great I am sure. I have a Zpacks customer Zero and it's a very comfortable and well made pack. I do not have an MLD pack but they are quite popular. Material difference is likely negligible between Zpacks hybrid cuben and MLD's dyneema fabrics. Wait time comes to mind, though. You probably won't have one with Zpacks, but 2 months at MLD. I've heard great reviews of both.

But … why the new pack? The weight difference between your crown VC and, say, a Gossamer Gear Gorilla (another framed pack recommendation you should probably check out), is probably only a few ounces. Your pack is also likely very comfortable. Is it possible you could shave more weight rethining your sleep system or shelter? Perhaps just by trying a small tarp or something for the "nice" time of year.

All that said, if you can afford to do it, buy both and keep the one that feels best on your back loaded.

I switched to hammocking recently, My sleep system is pretty dialed in I have an enlightened equipment quilt weighing 19oz, a underquilt that weighs in at 13 oz. tarp is 13.5 oz, and 12oz for my hammock/suspension. My pack weighs 36 oz. the MLD varies from 18-22 oz depending on how much support I need, and the zpacks is 13.5 oz. Those are some pretty attractive weight savings at not to high of a cost. Just looking for input on how the products carry.

-Loki

That all makes good sense. You're right. Good way to save a pound. You seem to be at a weight level where you could probably go frameless, or at least try it. I have a GG mariposa, it's 27 oz., 2 ounces more than the gorilla that was probably more than I needed, but it carries like a dream. I also have a 7.5 ounce Zpacks zero. It's my only frameless pack, but it carries a lot and is extremely comfortable. Short of winter, its getting lots of use.

I mention this because the Zero starts at $75 and includes a frame option – which I think is $30. I got one with mesh back pocket, water bottle pockets, removable webbing waist belt, and a few other options, came in around $130 and is really quite comfortable. Knowing what I know, and that they take less than a week to build and ship a custom pack, if I were you, I'd get the Arc Blast. I know I would be very into the venting ability of the arc shaped frame, and Joe is great to work with if you want something different or special. I'm sure the MLD is great, and maybe better for off-trail, though Zpacks hybrid material is likely as durable. Lots of Arc and Exodus threads on here.

I have a zpacks blast with stays, I would not push it past 25 lbs. If I had a heavier load I'd use my Granite Gear Meridian Nimbus.

I am also looking at an Exodus FS and contacted Ron about a week ago, he quoted me about a two week build time. If you are really up in the air, order both and then return one.

We just received a womens version of the Prophet from MLD. Our wait time was about 7 weeks. Unfortunately we have to return it and get the next size larger. The return process was easy but I suppose we will have another wait time.