Zpacks Multi-Pack Review

by Chris Wallace on August 14, 2012 Performance Gear Reviews

Overview

The Zpacks Multi-Pack is a unique product that doesn’t have any direct competition. Thanks to all of the available mounting options, you can use the Multi-Pack as a chest pocket hung from your pack’s shoulder straps, a pack lid, a waist pack (fanny pack?), or even a shoulder bag (purse or man bag). The Multi-Pack has three buckles and one webbing loop on each side that can be used with the four pieces of webbing also included. All four pieces of webbing can be attached to a backpack on one end and to the Multi-Pack on the other, and the two larger pieces can also be clipped to one another to form a waist belt or shoulder strap when using the Multi-Pack alone.

Zpacks Multi-Pack Review - 1

Zpacks Multi-Pack Review - 2
The Multi-Pack as viewed from the front and back showing the variety of mounting options

The Multi-Pack is a good size for general all-around use with a volume of around 215 cu in (3.5 L). Zpacks uses a waterproof hybrid material composed of Cuben Fiber and Nylon for the Multi-Pack (this is the same fabric used on their Exo backpack). The Multi-Pack features a water-resistant zipper for access, and the water-resistance of the pack itself is enhanced by placing the zipper across the front of the pack rather than on the top. However, the Multi-Pack is not seam sealed. So while it is quite water-resistant, it will not survive submersion, and when used in a long downpour water will eventually leak in.

Zpacks Multi-Pack Review - 3
The Multi-Pack uses a water-resistant zipper mounted across the front, rather than on top

Thanks to the variety of mounting options, the Multi-Pack can be attached to most any backpack. I primarily use the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Porter or a GoLite Rush 20 for my trips and had no problems mounting the Multi-Pack to either. On a recent overnight trip I was able to load all of my gear into the Rush 20 with the Multi-Pack mounted as a front or chest pouch. Using the Multi-Pack in this configuration allowed me to shift some weight to my chest and provided me with quick access to my camera, a Sony Nex-5n, and my day’s rations.

Zpacks Multi-Pack Review - 4
The Multi-Pack mounted to a GoLite Rush 20 for use as a front (or chest) pack

Overall, I believe the Multi-Pack is an excellent product that doesn’t really have any direct competition. With the variety of configurations and mounting options, this is an item that easily goes from backcountry to front country. The only thing preventing a Highly Recommended rating is that while the Multi-Pack is really good at several things, it doesn’t necessarily excel at any of them.

Specifications


Year/Model	2012 Zpacks Multi-Pack
Style	Accessory pocket
Weight	Manufacturer Specified: 2.8 oz (80 g)BPL Measured: 2.8 oz (80 g)
Features	4 adjustable straps, 3 buckles and 1 loop per side on the pocket, water-resistant zipper
Options	40 inch (102 cm) or 50 inch (127 cm) belt for use as a waist belt or shoulder strap
MSRP	US $39.95

Comments

Viewing 20 posts - 1 through 20 (of 20 total)

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Author
Posts
Aug 14, 2012 at 6:00 pm #1292977

Maia Jordan
BPL Member

@maia
Locale: Rocky Mountains
Companion forum thread to:
Zpacks Multi-Pack Review
Aug 15, 2012 at 11:28 am #1902925

Fred eric
BPL Member

@fre49
Locale: France, vallée de la Loire
I have been using one for a while now, and i am very satisfied with it.
Since i only used it as a frontpack while hiking and as a shoulder bag when taking my plane or going to the pub i cut all the attachments but the 2 on top.
At first i thought it was a little bigger than i needed, but when i started using it with my photo gear : EP2 + EVF +12mm+20mm+45mm it was a perfect fit.
It stayed completely dry even with 10 days of almost continuous rain/sleet/snow on the TGO 2013 in Scotland.

But for added waterproofness i used a plastic bag, i cut 2 slits into it to get the straps through and i ductaped the 2 slits against the straps.
When its raining i just pull down the plastic bag over the zpacks.
It may seems overkill,but ill do it again next time i hike in Scotland :p
The green on the photo is a foam insert weighting less than an ounce , giving some rigidity and separating one side for the 12mm and 45mm and one for the EP2 +20 mm ( that i used on most photos ).
Before this pack i was using the OMM trio map pouch wich had a lot of features i didnt need ( and that i removed ) but i prefer the Zpacks, one of the advantage being the way you fix it to your backpack, it is way easier to switch between packs, the other being the shape that fits better my photo gear.
Aug 16, 2012 at 5:47 am #1903170

Ken Thompson
BPL Member

@here
Locale: Right there
What are the basic dimensions?
Aug 16, 2012 at 6:14 am #1903173

Ken Larson
BPL Member

@kenlarson
Locale: Western Michigan
http://www.zpacks.com/accessories/backpack_lid.shtml
Aug 16, 2012 at 11:57 am #1903252

Ken Thompson
BPL Member

@here
Locale: Right there
Yes I know I can look it up for myself. Basic information like that should be included in the review. Just saying.
Aug 16, 2012 at 12:58 pm #1903265

David Ure
Member

@familyguy
"Basic information like that should be included in the review. Just saying."
Indeed. In fact, it should be the first thing presented, along with weight. http://www.backpackgeartest.org does it well.
Aug 16, 2012 at 1:34 pm #1903273

Bob Gross
BPL Member

@b-g-2-2
Locale: Silicon Valley
Lots of inexperienced writers check and double-check to make sure that the facts in the writing are accurate. What they completely miss out on tends to be around the facts that are not there at all.
That's why the writer must get a proofreader for everything. The proofreader has to be just sufficiently familiar with the subject matter that the terminology is understandable, yet not so familiar that the missing fact problem is overlooked.
–B.G.–
Aug 18, 2012 at 12:16 am #1903677

. .
BPL Member

@biointegra
Locale: Puget Sound
Says a lot: "Manufacturer Specified: 2.8 oz (80 g) BPL Measured: 2.8 oz (80 g)"
Aug 18, 2012 at 12:31 am #1903680

Mary D
BPL Member

@hikinggranny
Locale: Gateway to Columbia River Gorge
I bought one of these for my grandson to use for his backcountry fishing tackle. It is perfect for that! My fishing gear is Tenkara, so I don't need that big a container (no reel!); I bought one of Joe's hip belt pockets (same fabric) for me and added a strap to put around my waist (since I fish only in the evenings when camped). Actually, I stole the strap from my grandson's Multi-Pack.
I do agree that all the specs should be included in the review, comparing the manufacturer's specs with actual measurements by the reviewer. However, I've found all Joe's specs to be extremely accurate! So is his customer service!
Just curious, Frederic, as to the amount of postage required to ship this item to la belle Vallee de la Loire!
Aug 19, 2012 at 1:01 pm #1903946

Warren Wilkinson
BPL Member

@icensnow
Locale: New England, USA
Thanks for the review Chris. I wasn't aware of this pack, and it looks like what I've been searching for.
Aug 20, 2012 at 5:41 am #1904104

John Coyle
Member

@bigsac
Locale: NorCal
I have a Granite Gear Crown V.C. 60 pack which doesn't have waist belt pockets which is OK with me because I don't like waist belt pockets. However, I've been searching for a way to carry my camera, binoculars, maps, snacks, etc. and still have easy accessibility. This chest pocket might do the trick.
I emailed Joe at zpacks asking him how this pocket would fit on my pack. A day later he emailed me back with a photo of my pack with the attachment points circled and advice on how to attach it. Now that's service, and Joe if you read this, thanks for the feedback.
I believe I will order one of these.
Aug 20, 2012 at 6:52 am #1904115

Laurie Gibson
BPL Member

@lagibson
Locale: Northeast
Wore this recently on a 7 night trip as a front pack attached at two upper and two lower points. It felt very secure–no flopping away from the body. (Yep, need to trim that sternum strap.)
Next time I will try it with the waist belt, not attached to the pack.
Aug 21, 2012 at 9:39 am #1904524

David Chenault
BPL Member

@davec
Locale: Queen City, MT
Interesting enough that I just ordered one. We'll see how it goes.
Aug 21, 2012 at 6:02 pm #1904709

Robert H
Member

@roberth
Yeah I saw this ages ago and originally disregarded it but now I can see some benefits.
Does anyone have any photos of this in black?
Aug 22, 2012 at 6:53 am #1904878

Chris W
BPL Member

@simplespirit
Locale: .
"Yes I know I can look it up for myself. Basic information like that should be included in the review. Just saying."
I don't really see a point in providing dimensions (I did provide volume) with non-rigid items. It could be 3"x8"x9" (which even Joe says is a rough number) or 2"x8"x10" or 1"x9"x10", etc. depending on what you put in it.
I apologize for the delayed response. I was on my honeymoon (a year plus late) when this was published last week.
Aug 22, 2012 at 7:50 am #1904888

Roger B
BPL Member

@rogerb
Locale: Denmark
Used this pack attached to my HMG Porter for 11 days in Lapland. In it was my EP2 and lenses as well as a GPS and some snacks. It was ideally suited to the task. I expect I will use it as my camera pouch for a long time to come.
Aug 23, 2012 at 4:45 pm #1905444

David Chenault
BPL Member

@davec
Locale: Queen City, MT
Ordered it Tuesday morning. Got it this afternoon. Florida to NW Montana in three days is some prompt service.
Sewing and design all look very good. I like it in black.
Aug 23, 2012 at 4:49 pm #1905448

Robert H
Member

@roberth
>I like it in black.
Photo please! :)
Mar 20, 2013 at 10:28 am #1967840

michael levi
Member

@m-l
Locale: W-Never Eat Soggy (W)affles
I think this is just what im looking for, my new pack is going to be teeny for SUL fast trips. But when im out for more than 1-2 days this would be nice to strap onto the outside of my back. Looks like there lots of arrangments.
Mar 20, 2013 at 11:49 am #1967879

David Chenault
BPL Member

@davec
Locale: Queen City, MT
A belated followup:
The Multipack is a good design. I only used it as a front pack for a larger pack, and it worked well. The supplied straps and cordlocks are a pretty flexible system, though if your shoulder straps are totally bereft of daisy chains or the like you might need to do some sewing. Tension can be adjusted easily via the side straps: tight for a more secure fit, loose for better air circulation. If anything, I found the size a bit much. My ideal load flopped around a bit, and the pack is big enough that it got in the way during more technical scrambling. Not a big deal, and it is big enough to hold a larger camera kit. The zipper requires two hands or quite a bit of fiddling to open and shut, which I found off putting.
A hole did appear near one of the upper corners after a month of use. The seam allowance was a bit small and eventually the threads pulled out. This was quickly and cheerfully replaced by Zpacks. I sold the replacement as I decided it didn't fit my needs.
I've been using a wearable (and much heavier, the HPG Runner's Kit bag) chest pack this winter, which has a wrap around zipper and several pockets. I like the organization, though making the Multipack like this would add weight and expense. I do think a different zipper orientation would make the Multipack easier to open and provide more flexibility for accessing contents from either the top or side. I'd also like to see Zpacks offer a wearable harness as an option, though it is pretty easy to make one yourself.
Overall, the Multipack is a solid iteration of a very good concept.
Author
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