I broke up with my backpack? Goodbye Hyperlite - Hello Zpacks!

In this video, I'm saying goodbye to my trusted companion, the Hyperlite Unbound 40L backpack 💔, as I make way for an exciting upgrade - the Zpacks Arc Haul 50L backpack!
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Join me as I share my experiences with both these backpacks and explain why I've made the switch. The Hyperlite Unbound 40L backpack has been my loyal adventure buddy for a long time. Its sleek design, durable construction, and ample space have served me well on numerous expeditions. However, the time has come to explore new horizons and try out the highly acclaimed Zpacks Arc Haul 50L backpack. With its innovative features, ultralight design, and remarkable carrying capacity, the Zpacks Arc Haul 50L backpack has captured my attention.
Throughout this video, I'll discuss the differences between the two models, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of each. From weight distribution and comfort, I'll delve into every aspect that compelled me to make this switch. Join me in testing out the Zpacks Arc Haul 50L backpack on various terrains and adventures, as I document its performance and compare it to my experiences with the Hyperlite Unbound 40L backpack. Will it exceed my expectations or fall short? Let's find out together!
Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe if you find this video helpful or entertaining. Share your own backpacking stories, recommendations, and preferences in the comments below. Thanks for watching and stay tuned for more epic gear reviews and outdoor adventures! 🎒🌄
#backpack #backpacker #backpacking #travelgear #outdooradventures #hikinggear #gearreview #backpackreview #switchingbackpacks #hiking #exploring #adventure #camping #backpackerslife #gearupgrade #outdoorgear #ultralightbackpacking #zpacks #hyperliteunbound #40Lbackpack #50Lbackpack

[@nathanlockhart3876]

“It’s cause I don’t have load lifters, isn’t it??” - yes, yes it is

[@ISuckatHiking]

That's it

[@christophrehse]

This was very refreshing. Con's "Where have you been, babe?"

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks

[@TheNoobHiker]

Freaking hilarious intro! You nailed it on the Arc Haul. It's the best investment I have made thus far. Videos are really well shot. Looking forward to more!

[@YourInOnIt]

He’s just over 200 miles in and a piece of the straps on the Arc Haul has already broken.

[@caroline_sawyer]

My heart breaks for Hyperlite, it didn't deserve a break up.

[@ISuckatHiking]

It's ok you didn't see anything anyway!

[@TheBeardofReason]

Awesome and honest review! Much appreciated. I have been looking at Z-Packs equipment for a while now, an I just might start out by replacing my pack.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching

[@gilstewart4069]

Honest review as he cashes his Z Pack check

[@mattie6927]

Excellent video as I am looking now into these types of packs. Thanks

[@ISuckatHiking]

Glad it was helpful!

[@YourInOnIt]

Hyperlite for the win. Way more durable than ZPacks.

[@KrizAkoni]

This made me smile today! I recently switched to the 60 and love it.

[@ISuckatHiking]

It's a really good choice!

[@chuckoffcampus9738]

Great video. Lots of information packed into a short segment.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks glad you enjoyed it!

[@grootsadventures24]

Love my Zpack Arc Haul! Great pack! Enjoy!

[@ISuckatHiking]

I love it too

[@patrickburke9382]

Great content!

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks! I'm stoked that you liked it!

[@mars_hikes967]

Hope that works for you, good luck. When my shoulders start to hurt, I just tighten the hip belt and I loosen the shoulder straps. Sometimes I do this several times, depending if I have to hike overtime.

[@ISuckatHiking]

The thing is with the Zpacks it doesn't sit on my shoulders at all!

[@zacmagers]

Nice work !

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks this was the favorite thing I have done! Sorry Hyperlyte...😒

[@locomotivebreth1910]

I'm still using my old 1985 Jansport D3 frame pack -- for day hiking, backpacking and ski mountaineering. In 1986 I stripped it down to just under 4 lbs and used that way ever since. The shoulder pads and hip belt have been replaced a couple of times but the frame holds true. I prefer the comfort and reduced end of day pain that the extra 2 lbs provides over a zpacks or hyperlite. And for day hiking -- I dont notice a difference between 14 lbs and 16 lbs. However, trail running is a different story.

[@ISuckatHiking]

That's awesome, but this Zpacks carries the weight so well. One day maybe you will upgrade.

[@SticksandStonesBJJ]

Great video!

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks!

[@glenloewen7507]

Actually I did find this video really helpful. I’m still seeking my new lightweight backpack, and I think I’ve ruled Hyperlite out. I don’t know if Zpacks truly has the optimal answer for the loads I’ll need when I hike the PCT, but endorsements like yours indicate it’s a candidate.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Glad it was helpful

[@Gingererer]

I've got the ZPacks Arc Blast with the hip belt pockets. My opinion of the pockets is that, while very convenient for carrying things you'd rather not have to open your pack for, they're not very good for accessing things you want to get without stopping. They're set too far back to get both hands on easily, and the waterproof zippers are too stiff to open one-handed. But it's a great pack.

[@ISuckatHiking]

That is why I went with no hip belt pockets and a fanny pack!

[@alex.fastov]

Any backpack with a frame will be more comfortable then backpack without that. Thank you for review

[@ISuckatHiking]

And it's lighter! Bonus

[@leelowder8824]

I also recently switch from my Seek Outside Unaweep to an Arc Haul Ultra. Trying it out for the first time this weekend on the Panthertown trail.

[@ISuckatHiking]

We just did that hike! You are going to love it. Check out my video where I took my videographer with me that's Panthertown!

[@ISuckatHiking]

You going to love the backpack too

[@leelowder8824]

Yea I watched your video not long after you posted it.

[@ISuckatHiking]

@@leelowder8824 you enjoy that amazing place

[@Take-2.]

Awesome Gear!!!!!!!!

[@ISuckatHiking]

It sure is!

[@KateGrarock]

Mate love this vid. Thanks.

[@KateGrarock]

But now hate you as I need to start saving 😂

[@ISuckatHiking]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@ISuckatHiking]

@@KateGrarock You may hate me until you go out with that sweet new pack!

[@KateGrarock]

haha totally@@ISuckatHiking

[@1dancier]

You can test the durability of the pack. Two women I followed last year had problems with the frame. Summit Sam had a new pack sent too her in the Whites and she was south bound, the other women not sure.

[@ISuckatHiking]

I am putting it through the ringer

[@ridgepath]

I’m with you Master Splinter. I have carried Zpacks back packs (Arc Blast, Arc Haul Robic nylon, and now Arc Haul Ultra 60L) for the last three years and over 1500 miles. Nothing fits me or carries the load like a Zpacks pack. It’s light and the Ultra’s just great material. Their customer service is outstanding! I think they have solved the problem of the frame breaking when they switched to the pre-bent carbon. That being said, I've never had the frame or the parts it depends on fail. I hope yours works for you. (Suds)

[@ISuckatHiking]

Framed vs framless is a huge difference! I haven't seen any signs of wear yet!

[@jamicrawford6729]

Used to use Zpacks then used the HMG and loved it for several years now and won't leave home without it. About 4000 miles so far on the 2400, and around 550 on the unbound 40, and can't think of a pack i want to replace them with. Won't ever go back to zpacks packs or tents. Packs are so subjective it's ridiculous. Enjoy your new pack, hope it works out for you.

[@ISuckatHiking]

You were who I was talking about! I told that hyperlite there was someone out there for them, it just isn't me. 🤣

[@jamicrawford6729]

@@ISuckatHiking 🤣🤣🤣

[@guitarhiker4449]

I had originally heard that because the unbound 40 hipbelt is removable and not sewn in like their junction packs are it causes a problem. When you fill the unbound with full pack weight the pack tends to sag somewhat below the hip belt causing discomfort and not carrying weight very well. Also the unbound comes with only one stay not two like in the junction. For these reasons i passed on the unbound even though i liked alot about it. Hope the zpacks works out for ya! Hike on!

[@ISuckatHiking]

It's working great!

[@bobrb9801]

For same reasons I didn't buy Unbound too. It wasn't comfortable on my back. After some investigation I had no Durston Kakwa 40 and I can't complain...

[@ISuckatHiking]

Don't get me wrong a lot of people will like the Hyperlite but having a frame load lifters and being lighter was the ticket!

[@SummitSeeker546]

Love the Arc Haul Ultra 100 60L but only for shorter trips where the weight is under 30lbs. For longer trips where weights get up to 40lbs or more I’m sticking with my original Osprey EXOS 58. It’s just way more comfortable in the shoulders carrying the heavier weight and even at 58L it holds more gear than the 60L Arc Haul in the main compartment. Also the Arc Haul isn’t 100% waterproof. It leaks! However the Ultra material doesn’t absorb water but still plan on putting your dry gear, quilt, clothes, etc., into a waterproof dry bag. Sadly the thru hiking ultralight mantra of shedding grams to be as light as possible just doesn’t work for all backpacking enthusiasts. We do trips in the 7-10 day range and desire a comfortable carrying pack and double wall, free standing tent to keep you warmer, more secure from weather, and free from the hassle of dealing with condensation allowing us to choose 5⭐️ campsites that take advantage of the beautiful scenery. Getting the right gear for the type of backpacking you do matters and has significant impact on the quality of the experience!

[@ISuckatHiking]

Valid points every gear choice works better for some than others

[@TractorBeam29]

I hiked the Appalachian Trail with a zpacks arc haul. The carbon rods broke twice so most of the trail I didn't have the arc. Still think it's a great pack but I now use a Hyperlite Windrider. I hiked the Colorado Trail with the Hyperlite and prefer it.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Sorry to hear that!

[@PacemakerandButtons]

AGREED

[@ISuckatHiking]

You are going to enjoy yours!

[@TheBeardofReason]

So.... After posting my comment below about ditching my current backpack for something lighter, I got to thinking. Thinking so much that I went out to the garage and dragged my gear out. I was wondering why I had so many backpacks and what it was that I liked about the one I tend to use on longer trips. Why do I have so many? What made me go out and find a new one? Those were the questions. I have several packs I have two Ospreys (45 and 60) which are 3ish pounds or less, a Gregory 65, an old Kelty external frame pack from the late 1970's that still hangs on the wall for decoration, a newer big box store 55 liter, and several smaller/medium sized packs for week-end trips of two to four nights. My favorite for 4+ days is the big box store 55 liter Ascend Rattlesnake. Yep! you read that correctly. A Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's brand pack. About 5 pounds! I asked myself, "Self, Why is it that you prefer this "behemoth" of a pack over the other much lighter packs"? I thought about why I sought out new packs from time to time. What was it that my current pack(s) didn't have? I think it comes down to this - Comfort. It's that simple. I would rather carry 1.5 to 2 pounds more with no pain or discomfort, than having to stop all the time to reposition and adjust my lighter weight packs. With that said, what do I need to focus on to reduce my weight? Everything that goes IN the pack, of course! I'm willing to accept the fact I have to carry a pound more or so in pack weight to really enjoy my hike. I can focus on the hike, the scenery, nature, and being immersed in the moment rather than fidgeting and constantly adjusting. The Rattlesnake has such a great suspension system that I can just keep gong like the energizer bunny. How much weight am I willing to bear in exchange for comfort? There is a balance there that is probably different for each one of us, but for me it is nice wide straps, a superb suspension system, a HUGE padded hip belt, and a gazillion adjustment points. In fact, I'm willing to bet that most of the weight difference compared to my other packs is in the comfort features. A nice, great-fitting hip-belt can make all the difference on big-step downhills. I'm not sure if everyone will get the analogy, but it is a lot like comparing a Lotus Elise to that of a Lincoln Continental. The Elise is faster and lighter, but the Continental is going to get there rested and relaxed and maybe even first. FYI - I'm an old guy. I figure if I can hike from Whitney Portal, summit Whitney, and hike over to Cottonwood Lakes then I should be able to do just about anything. I took the Rattlesnake on that trip in 2022 with zero issues and great comfort. Somewhere there is an equilibrium between weight and comfort. I hope you have found it. I can't wait to see your review after the first 4+ day hike. I'm still game for adding another pack to my collection. Love the channel! Keep 'em comin' Scott

[@ISuckatHiking]

I have taken it on a trip to Colorado already. I like you have Ospreys 55 and a 70 and REI flash 55 and then the hyperlite was my first light weight pack. Why I went to the Zpacks is because it has all the adjustments and features of a heavy pack. It carries the weight so well even better than my fully featured packs and is lightweight. Look for 3-4 day trips ounces don't really matter but for a 4-5 month trip I think they will. Thanks for being so invested!

[@durstongear]

Ha ha...great video :)

[@ISuckatHiking]

Haha, thanks for the love! I had a blast making this video, so I'm glad you enjoyed it!

[@dannyfox1449]

So many people are switching from zpack to hyperlite. I don't understand. I'm gonna buy my first (pro) backpack and it's really hard do choose. I'm thinking about pack from GG, zpack and hyperlite. Thanks ❤

[@ISuckatHiking]

Your welcome

[@Longtack55]

I believe in Z pack fabric.

[@ISuckatHiking]

The ultra fabric seems to be super durable!

[@Longtack55]

@@ISuckatHiking Dyneema fabric or previously Cuban Fibre I think.

[@ISuckatHiking]

This one is Ultra 100x it's like dyneema but more durable

[@hikingdancer]

How unfortunate. You may regret this decision. On my Thru hike the Zpacks backpacks carbon fiber “frame” broke on so many Zpacks packs, I stopped counting. I love my Zpacks tent but all other product from Zpacks is such poor quality it’s so unfortunate. I hope this will work for you but be prepared for the “frame” to snap and have a backup plan.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks for the information! I will make adjustments if needed, it's all a part of the journey. However the way the Zpacks carries is night and day from the Hyperlite. So maybe I can be careful with it.

[@ISuckatHiking]

Did you use a Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L or just see others break?

[@hikingdancer]

@@ISuckatHikingI Thru hiked with a Hyperlite Windrider. My tramily had Zpacks packs which broke, and I came across at least 10 others whose frames and belt straps broke. I love my Zpacks tent but Zpacks is pretty bad quality for anything other than tents unfortunately.

[@ISuckatHiking]

@@hikingdancer I will have my hyperlite as a backup, but I am also not rough on gear. These new ones are Ultra so I am hoping there's been some improvement on the quality.

[@karamcinally182]

Wow. You probably break a lot of hearts, don't you?

[@ISuckatHiking]

No ma'am my heart belongs to only you!

[@paltnakke]

I get leg cramps if I have a lot of weight on my hips..

[@ISuckatHiking]

Maybe the hyperlite may work better for you!

[@SebastianTalley]

Man that was awkward 😂😂😂

[@ISuckatHiking]

Awkward moments are like spice in life - they make it interesting! Glad you found it entertaining!

[@dannyfox1449]

are you kidding me??

[@ISuckatHiking]

😂😂😂

[@chamane06]

Bulshit, as if there was a huge difference. 😂It's only about sponsor thing and nothing more! (and that doesn't matter what you're going to try to tell me) ☺

[@ISuckatHiking]

Well I'm not sponsored by either company. These are just my opinions

[@ISuckatHiking]

Have currently been carried the z-packs for a thousand miles in 60 days and don't regret my decision

[@TheNoobHiker]

Freaking hilarious intro! You nailed it on the Arc Haul. It's the best investment I have made thus far. Videos are really well shot. Looking forward to more!

[@ISuckatHiking]

Thanks for watching many of them!