Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra

I have an Arc Haul and Arc Blast. The only accessories you “need” would be the lumbar pad if you don’t have much meat or fat in that area, and the hip belt pockets. The shoulder strap pads are not needed if you fit the torso length properly, as in long enough.

The V-strap is nice if you are planning on strapping a bear can to the top.

You can make your own trekking pole chest holder using two sections of shock cord and a line lock.

Some of the accessories are things you can do yourself. The Zpacks made stuff can also be purchased at a later time and added on as needed. It won’t add any cost overall if the items qualify for free shipping.

That pack is ripoff, IMHO. The Ultra fabric does not cost $50 more than what they were using before. Prices have become obscene in the cottage scene. Fad-driven inflation.

I have Arc Blast and didn’t buy any accesseories except the inside pouch with stick on tabs-keep my wallet and keys in. Other items can be found on Etsy or other places. I added Justin’s UL shoulder strap water bottle holder-$16- and Etsy small pouch for hip belt-$9. I made my own back lashing with shock cord-$2.

Thanks for the input!

no use for bear cannister – live in Norway (only a few bears here). But V-strap might be useful when carrying a packraft on top.

It might be a rip off – are you familiar with other packs that is comparable, that have a lower price? Could be useful to check out.

To the guys that have Zpacks packs – are you happy with it? Is customer service ok?

I am happy with mine. 20oz 55L pack that is comfortable. I had one issue with the pack, they replaced it with a couple of emails. No issues with new pack. I really like the company.

Customer service is great on standard stuff. For more edge-line stuff they can sometimes tell you nicely to go F yourself. LOL

I have two Zpacks packs:  A custom Arc Zip (from when they were first introduced and used to do custom mods for you) and a Nero.  While I love the Arc Zip, I’ve taken the Nero on my last two weekend trips, both of which had temps down into the teens and it’s worked really well.  The packs are great and, in my opinion, worth what you pay.

Very happy Arc Haul user here.  I consider the lumbar pad a requirement. Strongly recommend the v-strap for carrying anything on top of the pack. Anything else, like hip belt pockets, are easily added later if you decide you want/need them.

If I needed a new pack, I would probably buy another zpacks, i.e. worth it in my opinion.  The Arc Air Robic looks a nice piece of kit.

So Stumphges, what would you suggest that’s better and for less money?  We must have the latest mustn’t we?  Glad I make my own packs.  And my Benjies stay in the bank to pay the bills.

I have an Arc Blast and I’m very happy with it. It’s lighter than most of the other ultralight packs. The carbon fiber stays give good weight transfer to the hip belt so it’s very comfortable up to a full carry weight of 26–28 pounds. That’s the full walkout weight, including the weight of the pack and anything you might put in at the trailhead, such as water bottles and your phone. The Arc Haul has the same suspension, so its comfort load would be about the same.

I’ve never felt a need for a lumbar pad or extra padding on the shoulder straps.

As for accessories, zPacks’ stuff is lighter than most. I use one zPacks shoulder strap pocket for my iPhone, BivyStick and a few other small items. In the fall when I have more bulky clothing inside, I attach a pair of top side pockets. But I don’t need them in the summer. I don’t use belt pockets because I keep my small stuff in a Monarch Travel Bag inside the main pack or in the top side pocket. That’s handier than a hip belt pocket, because I can just grab it and put it in my daypack when I do a day hike out of my base camp.

zPacks’ customer service has been fine as far as I’m concerned.

Ok, so lumbar pad seems to be a good choice, and the y-strap. Rest can be added later, and not necessarily from zpacks.

the Nero seems interesting. I’ve been wondering about the nero, as that would entail going full on ultralight. Bit worried about changing the cold nights at wintertime, as the need for melting snow, and bringing extra clothes requires extra space. Do u have winter rig-list i can look at? @Kevin Babiore

what would you suggest that’s better and for less money?

SWD rugged long haul 50L and rugged big wild 70L. Seekoutside flight2.

For more edge-line stuff they can sometimes tell you nicely to go F yourself. LOL

+1 I love zpacks carbon fiber staff, especially off trail in talus, but when I emailed them to ask about its lifespan, how much wear and tear mine has, and when I should replace it they ignored me.

Henrik, how did you hear about zpacks in Norway? Are there any local packmakers that might know your conditions better or any reason you think zpacks suspension will work well for you? I think zpacks eq is mainly designed for trails in the continental US. Most of their positive reviews comes from the PCT, AT, and CDT. For 400usd I think you could get an ultra pack from almost anyone making them.

I’ve heard about Zpacks through youtube, and through a norwegian forum for hikers. I’m only familiar with one brand that’s geographically closer  – Sarek Gear (Sweden). But there seem to be limited reviews online of their products, at least compared to Zpacks. In my view, it’s safer to buy gear that have gone through a lot of reviews – at least when it’s impossible to test before I buy.

Legally, it’s preferable to buy from a retailer in Norway as the law provides a 5 year guarantee if the product is meant to last at least 3-4 years. So the limited warranty on products from the US, is not very attractive. However, it’s not that easy to find ultralight gear here.

I am not sure if it’s much of a difference between conditions in Norway compared to conditions one meets at the PCT/AT/CDT. Not any desert here, and somewhat colder overall, maybe. But hiking up and down the mountains here can really break a sweat, and the trampoline-system from Zpacks seems very interesting with that in mind.

I have another backpack for winter-use (skiing), the HMG Southwest 4400. But due to upper back-problems, I have to try to reduce weight, or limit the length of my hikes.

But I am open for suggestions for other backpacks.

@Henrik – The Nero is a small (38L) pack.  I don’t get out in the winter so I can’t send you a gear list of what I take.  I usually sleep in a hammock and used it on a trip 2 weeks ago where it got down to -8C.  I had a -6C underquilt and top quilt but the only extra clothing I carried was my Montbell Exlight puffy, a Blackrock Gear down beanie, a merino buff, and sleep socks so space wasn’t an issue.

Henrik— If you’re considering a frameless pack, take a look at the recent forum ‘Real World Backpack Comfortable Max Loads’. That has some insights on how much various packs can comfortably carry.