Z-Packs Arc Blast to replace Mariposa Ultralight?

Christoph,

I have the same version of the GossamerGear Mariposa that you show in your link. It is rated at 35 lbs/16 kg maximum, but for me, it has been very stable up to 18 kg/40 lbs. I would think that it would be fine for carrying something like a DSLR suspended from the straps.

The reason I carry so much is that I frequently hike with my daughter.

Since I am carrying food, gear, etc. for two, my pack sometimes is fairly full, but both I and the pack have had no problems carrying the weight.

Packed for two people:

HJ

It will take a bit more info than that "you might sometimes carry a tripod in the pack" to get good advice.

The arc blast is a great pack. It IS a ul pack. Dont assume because it has a "frame" that its a load hauler, its not. It is best kept below 25 lbs. Cuben is also not abrasion resistant and hard items in the pack can rapidly wear through the material. The carbon frame itself has been known to do so.

I have that version on the Mariposa and often hike with a tripod; I hike with a camera, 2-3 lenses, filters and a tripod I have ample room for 2-4 days gear (I don't carry water as I drink from streams/Scotland). The tripod goes in a side pocket. I find that the bag is comfortable and retains balance, even with the tripod in a side pocket. My tripod with head weighs around 1.35/1.4kg – adds a lot of weight to otherwise lightweight gear!

Hope this helps.

Good to hear that the frame is stable enough.

Since the version linked above is not available anymore, what are the alternatives out there? The new Mariposa is a bit heavier..

Regarding the missing details, there is not much to add, I'm looking for a backpack in the same class as the two backpacks linked above (size and weight-wise). I assume the Arc is a bit more fragile, but I'm not sure.. the new Mariposa has 8xx grams.. are there any others like this? I don't know many that have a frame.

Some other light framed packs: elemental horizons kalais, hyperlite mountain gear, and the new katabatic helios are all good bets depending on what fits you. The osprey exos is also super nice, although a little heavier.

In that class of framed packs @ 2bs or less..
You might look at the ULA OHM .

Thanks a lot for the further suggestions!

The ventilation/frame on the Arc looks a bit better than on the other backpacks, can anyone confirm this? I think the larger/different frame allows a bit more distance to the back

Its right there in the name..
"Arc" as in Arched Carbon fiber stays.
"Blast" as in more ventalation(blast of air) around your back.

The AB is a great UL pack but the Cuben lined main compartment does not play well with hard objects. If you carry a tripod ,etc in the main compartment, it might behoove you to line the inside of the pack with a thin CCF foam sleep or sit pad cylinder style and jam your sleeping bag or clothes etc in the bottom as padding .That might make your $300 investment last a little longer..;)

Arc Blast has been my main pack for 2 years.

I think it's unbeatable up to 25lb – superbly comfortable in it's "sweet spot" of sub-25lb, when you can forget that there's anything on your back at all. And it's still very comfortable for frequent use up to ~32lb. Up to that weight, I'd say it transfers weight to my hips just as effectively as any more substantial suspension that I've tried. I don't even think of using anything else unless my starting pack weight will be over 35lb (i.e. 2 weeks without resupply or winter).

It's also quite strong enough to carry 40lb when needed – I have done so for occasional desert segments when loading up with water.

The "arc" is adjustable. If you have only moderate bulk & weight in there, you can increase the cord tension (i.e. increase the compression and bend of the carbon fiber bars) to get it right off your back for ventilation if you wish. If you have (say) a fullly loaded Bearikade Expedition sitting in there, that dictates a more modest bend. The suspension is equally effective either way.

Note that there's no built-in adjustability of torso length – it is custom made to your size. So take care to get your measurement correct.

I don't think carrying a moderately pointy item like a tripod is any problem – the material has remarkable tensile strength and tear resistance, so it's not subject to stretching or tearing from an unusually shaped object. Durability is a problem only with abrasion against rough rock surfaces. You need to be careful with the base of the pack, and when lowering the pack.

I have been using my Arc Blast for a little over a year now, and I love it. The most I have carried in it has been around 25 lbs, and it rode great. I wouldn’t be too worried if I had to carry a little more in it every once in a while, but I have no plans to need to do so…

I have also carried a tripod in mine, although, the tripod was inside a cuben fiber sleeve and then secured in one of the outside pockets. Being that I want access to my tripod during the day, I wouldn’t see why storing it inside the pack would be a good idea.

As for the inside of the pack, yes it is the stock 1.43 oz cuben, which is pretty tough, but over time, it could begin to delaminate/peel. However, this would be with a lot of use I would presume (none of my cuben packs that I have been using for the last few years have begun to show any wear on the inside of the packs from putting stuff in the pack, or taking it out). However, I do, and would suggest lining the pack with a pack liner, such as the ones from LiteTrail. These are 1 oz in weight, will help protect the items inside your pack from getting wet, and will in turn also help protect the inside of the pack itself since things will be sliding against the liner and not the pack.

And yes, the Arc does ventilate quite well. I think the Osprey packs with the similar suspension would be the only other pack that comes this close to ventilating as well, but in all fairness, I haven’t tried many other packs. But, depending on how much arc you have in the stays, the pack is definitely lifted off of your back, which will allow air to pas through unobstructed…

Anyway, for routine loads under 25 lbs, I think the Arc Blast is a great option, and still one of the lightest for what it offers.

I have the same Mariposa as your friend. I have just switched to the arc blast. Only been on one trip with it. I hiked the entire AT with my Mariposa and still love it. But I think the Arc Blast delivers almost the same level of comfort for a few less ounces.