ZPacks Zero extinct, who makes equivalent?

If you don’t want external pockets how about an MLD Core? It’s just slightly heavier but it’s made from more durable materials.

I wonder if Zimmer would make a Quickstep sans external pockets?

Are the HMG Stuff or Metro packs similar?  I have no experience with either of them or the Zero.

Good question Jesse – I’m also in the market for a SUL pack sometime this winter. The Zero was such an obvious choice for SUL trips. Right now I’m leaning toward the MLD Core 23 because of the shoulder straps and design quality – they also make a Core 28. The Hancor Ash is worth a look too for a simple DCF pack. KS Ultralight also has many options to cut weight and features on their IMO pack.

For such a simple pack, you might consider MYOG as well – I may try this after a few simpler projects this winter.

Lester,

Quality was a huge part of why I like Zpacks so much (but weight was even more!), finding someone who can match that will put them on the top of my list.  The problem for me is I stopped paying attention to the cottage industry 8 years ago once I found Zpacks and gave them all of my business.  I’ll check out Zimmer and MLD.

As for MYOG, Zpacks was pushing me that way too, after saying they no longer make Zeros but sell material.  I’d honestly rather spend my time outside rather than toiling away for weeks trying to make a pack.  Plus I have zero tools or background in making stuff but the freedom to make whatever I want is appealing.  It might come down to the investment I’ll need to make to be at a level where I could make something that I wouldn’t be embarrassed for someone else to see!

Anyone know anything about Appalachian Ultralight?

https://www.appalachianultralight.com

At the risk of treading into “stupid light” territory, the STS Ultra-Sil pack is another SUL option, if you can fit your kit into 20L and are gentle with your pack. It’s even lighter than your old 5 ounce Zero.

I actually have one of those STS sil packs but I dont use it much at all.  I’m spoiled with the waterproof characteristic of CF and loathe my gear getting wet when it rains.  Pack covers are ghetto!  I’ve also grown to like a pack that is a bit bigger so I don’t have to compress my sleeping bag and down jacket into the density of lead to make fit.

Maybe try emailing Cody over at AppUL and ask him if he’d make you something to your specs.

What features did you have on your zero? My first frameless pack was from Zimmerbuilt and I have been very happy with it and the quality is great. Honestly, if you’re just after a basic clone of your pack, I bet I could make you a quality copy if you want to send me your pack so I can inspect and measure it. A frameless pack without a bunch of bells and whistles would be very easy and quick for me to knock out. I don’t have a business but I do make gear on the side that I feel is of acceptable quality. Feel free to PM me.

@Andy, any comments on AppUL’s build quality?  I only ask because I just saw a big thread on Bearpaw and questionable workmanship and want steer clear of experiences like that.

My only experience with their quality is with a pack called The Balloon. It’s 6.2oz, DCF, frameless, hipbeltless and well made.

I can also personally attest to Tyler’s (Hoosier T) craftsmanship as I briefly owned one of his projects, a cuben fiber and silnylon hybrid tent. The thing was beautiful and I only sold it to go lighter, wish I held on to it though. I’m positive he’d make something special for you.

I’ve been using my Terra Nova Ultra 20 for hammocking lately. It’s only 20L but the pack is only 4.9 oz, and by changing out the buckles I’ve made it a tad lighter. I added a 20L UL dray bag from Sea to Summit as a liner (1.8oz) , and a gossamer gear (size small) airbeam frame sheet for some added strength.  my humming bird single hammock, warbler net, straps and strap extensions only take up about 1/5 of the pack and fit perfectly in the bottom. sadly this pack is also extinct

@jturner140 – Thanks for that offer!  My worn out pack has a few things I can strip off.  What I’m looking for is a Zero with just 2 side pockets and a dry-bag style roll top.  My bonus wish is for full sized envelope on the inside like a camelbak pouch only designed to slip in a piece of blue foam mat across the whole back to give the pack a bit of structure depending on what I’m trying to haul.  The pack would be made from 1.43 oz/sqyd CF.  I’m going to do a bit more research but don’t be surprised to find a PM from me!

Yea that would be no problem. Just let me know if you can’t find someone to do it for a reasonable price and I’ll get you set up.

Hanchor makes a pack called the Ash in 27L and 39L sizes. Not sure what weight of cuben. These packs are 6-7oz but you can remove the internal pocket and pad. Super well made and affordable at ~$160 USD.

Another good option!

I did a bunch of plotting and scheming while thinking about my long term gear desires and ended up buying a sewing machine.  I’m going to take a stab at making this myself along with a long list other items I’m going to fumble around with.  A few days back I made a big material order from Zpacks that should arrive in a day or two and will comb through the MYOG section and see what trouble I can get myself in!  Thanks for the ideas, they will all come in handy for my own inspiration.

Good for you Jesse on buying a sewing machine. This week I took delivery of my first sewing machine as well – still waiting on a RSBTR order to arrive. After some easier projects, my first pack will be made from affordable 30d silnylon to work out the kinks before making a DCF or hybrid DCF pack.

My zero died this summer after about 3500 miles of thru hiking.  I replaced it with a Noblebear MFG backpack and couldn’t be happier.  He does custom work so I’m sure you can design it how you like.  I do have side pockets now since doing more desert hiking/longer water carries.  The price was really similar too somewhere around $130 I want to say with shipping.  One thing I am stoked about is that VX material is really holding up better- on my zero the cuben was delaminating from the dyneema layer, I was getting sores on my back and rips in my merino (anyone who has seen me on trail knows about the holes near the butt on my dress) but with the VX material there’s no issue at all.  I think SWD makes a pretty similar pack as well as Pa’lante but I don’t know how custom they are.  Plus more expensive.  My 2 cents…it IS a heavier pack (about 11 oz vs my zero @ 9oz)

I guess no one has mentioned KS-Ultralight. They make packs with a million customizable options, so you can basically make whatever you want like the old zero. No cuben I think, but some light Xpac options.

http://www.ks-ultralightgear.com/p/je-vous-propose-un-modele-de-sac-dos.html