Zpacks Arc Blast vs Zero

What size zero and arc blast?

I would have some about carrying capacity. My small zero, with a front pocket, would be packed with 5 days of food.

Size is an issue I am still indecisive about.

Depends on if I decide to go with a down bag and down jacket, vs a climashield quilt and climashield jacket.

I have both…

With a Hammock setup, UQ and pad thinking I need a 45L Arc Blast. At least everything fits pretty well in the JamII 50L pack so that should work.

I also have a Cuben Terra nova laser elite 20L pack and my summer SUL gear will fit in that pack but not my AT through gear list so I dont think everything on my AT list would fit in a small 27L zero.

If I was at a 5-6# baseweight, I would probably go with a zero or maybe I should just buy an Arc Blast and a zero later since set up right the zero is more versatile than the laser elite.

If you will routinely be over 15 lbs, you will appreciate the arc blast, and never ever notice the tiny wt difference. It gives you the ability to carry up to 25-30 lbs, and is more durable. You can always use it without the frame when you want and save 3oz as well. Mine is my goto pack nowdays.

Big benefit is dont need CCF for a pack support OR back padding. Important to inflatable users.

I agree with the post directly above me – Arc Blast if adding that kind of food. Not that the Zero won't work, but for a thru, why not enjoy it more?

Makes sense and that is about what I thought.
How does the Arc Blast ride if the pack is not full?

It looks like it has some compression straps, but just curious.

I assume with a frame the pack density is not a big deal.

"How does the Arc Blast ride if the pack is not full?"

Better

I was out two weekends ago in the Bucks Lake Wilderness, 4 hour hike, lunch about and hour in, then another brief break after about 2 hours then a snack about 3.5 hours out. No soreness from using the Zero, more internal from maybe working in the garden or cutting fire wood recently. I'm 60, so any unusual activity like squatting in the garden or working hard like with firewood takes a slight toll on me. I also need to see the Chiropractor and maybe get a deep tissue massage to get my shoulders back to normal. I had maybe 18-20 pounds as I carried three quarts of water because I figured I would have a dry camp and I did. I had the large Zero and had plenty of room left, even to pack a few classic stoves and the three quarts of water. If I'd known my shoulder was going to cause issues, I would have taken my Arc Blast, it handles loads into the mid to upper 20's fine.
Duane

Had the current version of the ArcBlast (can't talk about the zero) and there was really no issue with true ultralight loads. I went up icy snow covered switchbacks at the top of the Grand Canyon's south rim and no handling problem. I loaded it with a couple gallons of water along Saguaro NP's then dry Tanque Verde ridge and it felt a wee bit top heavy until the water container came closer to my back. My only problem was the fear desert vegetation on an overgrown trail would slash it (or the zero) up. If assured of hiking trail, I would go back to the arc blast in an instant.