The LARGEST BACKPACK Under 2lbs in the WORLD!!! Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra

Get your JK SWAG here: john-kelley.myspreadshop.com
DYNEEMA IS DEAD VIDEO: • Is DYNEEMA DEAD? Ultra...
GEAR IN THIS VIDEO:
zpacks.com/products/arc-haul-...
A big thank you to Zpacks for giving me permission to use some of their promotional content in this video.
To learn more about ultra 200 fabric, check out Ripstop By The Roll: ripstopbytheroll.com/?rfsn=64...
MY BIG 3 (Shelter system, sleep system, and backpack):
BACKPACK: waymarkgearco.com/lite?ref=10
TENT: bit.ly/331TdL3
HAMMOCK: bit.ly/3mnrtgF
TARP:
TOP QUILTS:
WARM WEATHER: bit.ly/33pb9A7
COLD WEATHER: ugqoutdoor.com/top-quilts/ban...
UNDERQUILTS:
WARM WEATHER: ugqoutdoor.com/under-quilts/z...
COLD WEATHER: ugqoutdoor.com/under-quilts/z...
SLEEPING PADS: bit.ly/31OYxS2
PILLOW: bit.ly/2NmE1Do
_____________________________________________________
My Camera Gear:
Sony A7C: amzn.to/3ImfEAm
Sony G 20mm f1.8 lens: amzn.to/3EoV93h
Godox SL-60W LED Video Light: amzn.to/3ouTb9o
Godox 47" Octagon Softbox with Bowens Mounting: amzn.to/3m63kYq
Deity V-Mic D3 Pro: amzn.to/2L8Z7p1
Geekoto 77" Tripod: amzn.to/2WtImG9
Jobi Gorilla Pod 5K: amzn.to/2Pnw6J8
iPhone 13 Pro: amzn.to/3psb1vB
________________________________________________________
If you'd like to help out this channel, shop with the links below:
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UGQ Outdoor: ugqoutdoor.com?ref=2540
Hilltop Packs: partners.hilltoppacks.com/1433...
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What's with all the links? These affiliate links are the best way for me to invest money back into this channel to purchase equipment, gear and pay for trips. By clicking on these links to do the shopping you would do regardless, I get a minimal kickback from the sale. This is the best way to support this channel without it costing you anything more than what you would already be spending. Thanks so much!
beginner backpacker, hammock backpacker, hammock backpacking, beginner gear, hammock gear
#ZPACKS #backpacking #2022Gear

[@saraliva4]

Ive only met a handful of people who liked their zpacks backpack. I personally had the arc zip, but I thought it was way overpriced compared to how badly its designed… It also was very uncomfortable to wear, and came without any real padding or any sidepockets. After two weeks of use the backframe broke, and I ended up buying the 1 lbs heavier ULA circuit, which carries weight way more comfortably in my opinion, and I have no complaints about. Before storming out to buy a zpacks try different packs on.

[@TheBser97]

I’ve had this pack for about 4 months now. I absolutely love it. Carried 35 lbs fairly comfortably (typically under 20, but that was a heavy water day!). Love the material! Only thing I disliked was having an issue with my torso height adjustments sliding on me after getting them set. Little piece of duct tape fixed that, and it’s been the perfect pack for me!

[@john_kelley]

That's good to hear. I hadn't heard about that slipping. I'll keep an eye on it.

[@GoAheadandHike]

Thanks for always putting out great content. Your channel and the podcast really has helped me tremendously!

[@michaelh1836]

Hi John, Great review! I’m nearly the same opinion like you. The only difference I think, is the fact I had no issues with the filigrane straps. I like the concept as light as possible, as strong as necessary. I bought mine a few months ago for an eleven day trip in the Swedish mountains this August. Because we had to carry the food for the whole trip with us plus fishing equipment and a not really ultra-light tent the pack was clearly overloaded with around 26 kg (approximately 57.3 lbs) !!!! from the beginning. I returned with still 20.8 Kg (45.8 lbs) on my back. To state it clearly: Carrying this load isn’t really cheerful! But the arc haul ultra 200 60L performed brilliantly! The load rested mainly on my hips, I only had low pressure on the shoulder straps. Exactly the way it should. To get it on my back and not to overstrain the straps I always used a hill or a rock. There I positioned the pack, got in front and put on the shoulder straps, bent forward to get the main wight on to my back and, in this position, closed the hip belt. A really great feature is the hip belt with the TWO straps. So it is possible to apply two different circumferences. This is the first hip belt that rests reliable on my hipbones! Even with the high load! Up to now ALL hip belts with only singe straps slightly slips lower and lower even with the highest tension. My pack was equipped with the optionally available two pockets on the hip belt, the two pockets on the shoulder straps and the two upper net pockets at each side. The pockets kept all the things I like to have quickly by hand. The big stretchable back pocket is incredible. Always able to take one more item You quickly want to store. Get one and enjoy! A really outstanding product. Best regards Michael

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Well done JK. That is a great pack. I had the Arc Blast for a long time and loved it. Really liking that Ultra fabric. Great review. Crow✌️

[@john_kelley]

Thanks, Crow! I actually watched your Arc blast video after I posted mine. We need to hike together again soon.

[@JeremiahStringer]

Looks like a good investment. That mesh pocket looks like you could fit a lot. Good video!!

[@alexwbanks70]

I've had the regular 60L Arc haul for many years now and its still going great. Its basically for my longer trips like the CT or winter trips. Its been absolutely great for everything. I did get a Lite AF frameless for summer and shorter trips.

[@john_kelley]

Nice!

[@TheNoobHiker]

The thumbnail is the same face I make every time I put this pack on. This is not one of the best, it is the best. I sweat a lot, probably more than a normal human, and my back is as cool as the other side of the pillow when hiking. Went from a 6lb Teton 5500 Grand to the Arc Haul. I can't say enough about the features in this pack. After a few uses I realized I needed a hip belt pocket for my keys, wallet, and phone. Ordered from Zpacks and it took less than a minute to attach. this review is spot on.

[@denakelley4363]

Nice review, John!

[@john_kelley]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@CrazyCranker]

I've got my eye on the ULA 2024 ULTRA CIRCUIT. I think it's a bit more durable using-Ultra 400/200 and slightly cheaper at $379.99. :)

[@Alex-yx8wb]

Great review and looks like a nice pack! I'm hoping to snag Durston's new 40L.

[@john_kelley]

Nice! I've been wanting to take a look at that one.

[@alexjohnson668]

I just bought the waymark Thru framed pack and love it.

[@john_kelley]

Good choice! I have one sitting behind me right now. Great pack!

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

So funny that everytime a new item comes out the bigger channels always find that the best Gear ever 😅 alltough the item before was also, as well as the item before that one.😋

[@jamicrawford6729]

I guess it's which sponsor gives the best deal. Unless all these guys are simply made of money, there's no way they're spending $3k a year to review backpacks or tents or clothing or other gear LOL. 49 videos popped up the other day, "beginner backpacking mistakes". After 45 years and 20K miles, I must still be a beginner, because I always make a mistake doing something according to the pros lol. It's crazy ;)

[@john_kelley]

I don’t remember saying it was the best backpack out there. I did say it was one of the best.

[@jamicrawford6729]

@@john_kelley just giving some slack. I enjoy your videos! You’re cool to watch

[@theoutdoordogandhikinggirl]

@@jamicrawford6729 agree on that!

[@john_kelley]

@@jamicrawford6729 thanks!

[@ericschwartz9982]

That's my backpack. I just finished a week in the high Sierra. Total weight to start was 28 pounds and included a BV500. I love the pack. It is light, easy to adjust to fit and I don't notice it is there.

[@HikerBobOfficial]

Nice video john, i like your style 👌

[@john_kelley]

Thanks!

[@FangDocFilms]

and the company were great to deal with, delivery to australia super quick

[@TH-sp5xw]

There are other sub 2lb 60L packs out there. OV Shadowlight 60L for one and the lightest (to my knowledge) is the MLD Exodus (58L but close enuff). Only issue there is it is frameless and doesn't have a high load capacity, but if you are UL, then that one might also be a good choice.

[@IreneBarba-yx1us]

I have read reviews on the Zpacks Arc Haul 60L with a comfortable carrying weight between 30 to 40lbs. What is the comfortable carrying weight for the 70L ?

[@jeffpeters5347]

Fantastic video John! Thanks so much. Questions: 1) How much did you load it up to? - 2)Do you REALLY think it can comfortably carry 40lbs? - 3) Can you comment more on the hilpbelt? I’m just above their “XL” belt range, but I typically like to cinch down my Osprey’s hip belt down pretty far. Thanks for the videos! Keep them coming!

[@john_kelley]

With it being summer, my loads are WAY lighter, but I decided to bring some heavier camera gear with me this last time I took it out, and the pack, with food and water weighed about 23lbs. It felt way lighter than that. I’m not sure about the 40lbs, but I’m thinking about pushing that to find out. The hip belt is really comfortable. I didn’t feel any pinch point in it. It rides really well.

[@atlmtnbiker]

if i'm reading you right you removed the single strap and rerouted it through the two buckles along the spine so that you essentially have the v strap, is that correct? i just did the same - can't believe i never thought of that before, so thanks! - but it think it's going to be way short to run it that way with the pack full. did i miss something? have you used a different strap material or found more of the same webbing elsewhere to add length? thanks.

[@jimhatchett9605]

My Kelty Red Cloud weighs 5 pounds empty, I got the Arch Hauler at barely over one pound. I cut out canned food, Beenie Wennies, beef stew, etc. and replaced with dehydrated meals, and shaved an unbelievable 6 pounds off my back ! Best investment I've ever made. Pay the extra now, the amazing comfort will pay off.

[@GatorReeves]

After using this for a while, what's your impression? I'm deciding between the ULA Circuit and this pack. While I love the lower weight of this pack, the (relative) waterproofness, and (especially) the ventilation, I'm concerned about the durability (the ultra 100 material, and the carbon stays).

[@mjvsthegreatoutdoors]

Aside from the weight difference how would you compare this to the Shadowlight pack by Outdoor Vitals?

[@john_kelley]

I like the way the arc haul carries a little better. I'm still a little torn on the zippered back on the Shadowlight, especially since it's not a waterproof zipper. Being able to remove the side pockets is nice on the arc haul, too. I use a fanny pack almost exclusively now. Both are great packs, though.

[@InOurElement]

Love the shirt, I have the same one! 😂. Looks like a great pack but we are in love with our chicken trampers. 😉

[@john_kelley]

LOL.... That shirt was a gift from a friend this past week. Nothing wrong with those Chicken Tramper Packs. I'm still a big fan. I hope you're doing well.

[@jamesking4225]

Picked one up at the AT kickoff this year love it

[@john_kelley]

Awesome! I've thought about them in the past, but I've never liked dyneema. It crinkles too much for me. The ultra fabric is sweet though.

[@jamesking4225]

@@john_kelley I was actually gonna pick up the dyneema version but Jamie and Matt were like check this material out . I was sold for sure as soon as I felt it. Now if I could just get them to make a 30 liter version of an Arc blast I would be set.

[@Oldsparkey]

You may not want this on your pack but they are nice on my Arc Blast. The top pockets. One of the handiest add on items you can get your hands on.

[@john_kelley]

Interesting. I'll have to check them out.

[@womensrights]

How much weight do you think the lashing straps on the bottom can handle reliably.

[@womensrights]

Huh?

[@jesusoffthewalls]

How do you strap your fanny pack to the hip belt? I need to and am confused

[@MoeBergOSS]

I have this pack. Your review was excellent!

[@mackjenkins7721]

JK buddy how are you doing? Man it is awesome to hear from you I was wondering where have you had been. I was starting to worry that something had happened to you I hope everything is going well for you. That was a nice review you did of the backpack man. I can see that is a very very nice bag to have. & I think the price is good for something that made very tough & can fit a lot of gear in there too & be able to take change the straps due to you losing weight I think that is awesome. I am doing well now I just welcome a new family member. My grandson Noah was born Saturday morning at 9:53 a.m. . He is a big boy at 10Ibs and 15oz. Everything on this boy is big. He got a big head , big hand , big wide feet which i knew he would have because Noah dad has very wide feet which my son got from me. I'm trying to figure out where Noah got the big hands from. I knew were he got the very wide feet from. The doctor told us that Noah is going to have very very extremely wide feet when he gets to be an adult. I'm now worried about Noah's toes going to be equally straight across like mine is because my mom said that Noah's feet looks the same way as my feet did when I was a baby. My 1st son Brian is the father of my granddaughter and Noah & he said to me dad Noah is only a half family member until he gets a pair of flip flops to wear. My son Brian said according to the Jenkins family records the Jenkins family only wears flip flops & Noah needs a pair of flip flops to be 100% Jenkins family member. So grandpa needs to find Noah some flip flops to wear. My daughter-in-law and Noah finally left the hospital yesterday and went home. I wish I was there to welcome my grandson home for the first time but I had to go to Dallas Texas to deliver a load yesterday. I miss my grandson so much already that I wish I was home to be with him. I won't be back home until 4th of July weekend. I guess when I get back home I got to go out and buy Noah some baby flip flops to wear so he will be 100% Jenkins family member. I just need to figure out what size I need to get him since his feet is already very extremely wide. I thought I share my exciting news with you. The Lord has blessed me with a cute chubby grandson and it feels great to have him in the family. I hope you and your family are doing well too. You take it easy buddy and it was good to hear from you.

[@john_kelley]

That's incredible, Mack! Congratulations!!!! I'm so glad to hear there's a new flip flop wearer in the Jenkins family. I sounds like you're going to have an incredible 4th of July this year. I couldn't be happier for you, my friend. Thanks for the update, and be safe out there, so you can get back to Noah.

[@mackjenkins7721]

@@john_kelley thank you John I really really appreciate that man. I am so excited to have a new flip flop family member in the family. Yes it is definitely going to be an incredible 4th of July holiday this year. I am going to buy his flip flop soon as I get back home from off the road. Thank you so much buddy this really means a lot to me cuz I always wanted a grandson and I finally blessed with a grandson. I will definitely be safe so I can get back home to my grandson to hold him.

[@RobertHarlamert]

Well done! I now know all things backpacks

[@john_kelley]

😂

[@RobertHarlamert]

@@john_kelley lol I did learn quite a bit. Crazy how much backpacks have changed since I bought a day pack in collage.

[@john_kelley]

@@RobertHarlamert I’m glad to help!!!

[@KrizAkoni]

Seriously considering getting this pack in 70L. Do you know how well the HMG pods fit in it?

[@john_kelley]

I honestly have no idea. My buddy has the southwest 2400, I think. I'll have to see if he has any of the pods and find out.

[@KrizAkoni]

@@john_kelley Just picked up a 60…the team at zpacks convinced me I really didn’t want a 70… 😎

[@shoresy6183]

You need to use spell check just like me. It's "DIMENSIONS", not "DEMENTIONS". LOL! Love your videos. Keep up the good work.

[@john_kelley]

I saw it a couple days later, and it was just too late. 🤦🏻 It’s so frustrating to misspell words. 😂

[@jonathanswayer2884]

Nice pack. Thanks for the great content. Check out the Shadowlight 60 from Outdoor Vitals. It's another sub 2 pound pack with a lot of great features. I've been using it for the last 9 months and love it.

[@john_kelley]

I have the shadowlight 45. It’s a really good pack.

[@michaeltsui3435]

That zipper though.

[@jonathanswayer2884]

@@michaeltsui3435 I wasn't sure I'd like the full length zipper, but it's actually pretty nice for pack access.

[@josephstark4944]

Looking for my first bags for myself and my gf. Planning on 2-5 day trips in Colorado (home)/Wyoming/Idaho. I’ve got a Big Agnes 3 person tent, kelty cosmic 20° sleeping bags, Klymit insulated static V sleeping pad, BRS stove and a 700ml ti pot. Sawyer filter, smart water bottles etc. Any budget recommendations? Like sub $300? I’m looking at the six moons design minimalist, REI flash and Granite Gear crown or blaze (blaze on sale for $215). We have the budget and inclination to go with an ultralight bag but figure it’s smart to start small. This zpacks bag looks perfect to me. My secondary goal is bagging as many 14ers as I can find time for.

[@john_kelley]

The arc haul is huge. It may be too big for what you need with that gear. The Waymark EVLV or the ULA CDT are both great, smaller, frameless packs. Zpacks also has some smaller packs. The Outdoor Vitals Shadowlight is great too.

[@j817madi]

Check out the Durston Kakwa

[@adamthompson8140]

You need to replace your BRS stove ASAP. They can blow up fuel canisters and their fuel consumption rates are really high. That is NOT something anyone should play around with on trail. There are too many other reliable, lightweight stoves on the market to be risking this.

[@josephstark4944]

@@adamthompson8140 Replaced it with a Soto Windmaster. Way better and feels much safer to use 🤘

[@adamthompson8140]

@@josephstark4944 There ya go! I’m shocked at the number of KZbinrs who still promote the BRS. The thing should be 100% obsolete at this point.

[@leelowder8824]

I just ordered the 70 liter. Excited to try it out. Got the biggest one because I also have to carry most of my 8 year old son's gear. Lol

[@wildwolf8983]

Did you get your 70 L zpack backpack? , I am thinking on getting the same size? Any pros and cons that you can share?

[@leelowder8824]

@wildwolf8983 I did get it. I haven't had the chance to use it yet but I've packed it and it's great.

[@leelowder8824]

I can't really say as far as cons go until I get it out on trail but just packing it and wearing it around the house, I don't see any issues at all.

[@wildwolf8983]

@@leelowder8824 let me know pros and cons after 500 miles of use. It might look good in the living room right now , let’s see how do you feel after some mileage.

[@charlierowan1530]

Can it hold a Bearikade Weekender inside?

[@john_kelley]

I honestly don’t know, only because where I live and do most of my hiking, we don’t really need bear canisters.

[@SouthernHike]

I personally have watched you trip on trail LOL

[@john_kelley]

HAHAHA!!!! Yes you have!

[@markheming3507]

I have an older version of the arc and God only knows how many others and I am 100% an arc guy……. The rest of my packs are sitting in Rubbermaid containers probably forever. I do wish they made a small version of the arc for those of us that are going UL I run about a 7 to 8 pound bass week depending on temperature for weekend trips and find it to be way bigger than I need it to be

[@john_kelley]

I'm really liking it so far. A smaller version would be incredible.

[@lightwalker4558]

Nice review but I doubt I could comfortably carry 30 lbs of gear, food and water in this. I won't switch from my ULA pack. It's not waterproof, but more affordable with good support. I hiked the 100 MW with it, starting at 32 lbs total weight and had no complaints.

[@morevananything7183]

Yeah--and they have the X-pac fabric available for the ULA bags now. So it's pretty bombproof!

[@john_kelley]

One of the other commenters said they carried 35lbs fairly comfortably in it. I will say, though. My ULA Ohm 2.0 is a beast. I used it for all 323 miles (at the time) of the Sheltowee Trace.

[@Josephhikes]

I’m sticking with my Circuit, it has the top Y strap and the two bottom straps now. I strap my Nemo switchback down there and now my Circuit stands by itself 😁 My perfect pack 👍

[@HikerBobOfficial]

​@More Van Anything hey 👋 i trekked 20 miles in scottish winter with this pack with 18kg / 40lbs 👍👍👍- you can see the 3 part series on my channel ... this pack is the best in the world (in my opinion!)

[@CharlesBlank]

they just updated the arc haul to have mesh back pocket instead of the lycra. in my opinion the lycra looked way better. they say that the mesh pocket will hold up better over time. and they say it stretches and holds the same amount. which if its really more durable that is defiantly good but I'm just sad because the lycra looked so much better.

[@john_kelley]

Personally, I'm a lycra fan, but I know a lot of people that prefer the netting.

[@chuckhines459]

I'm 5'9" not sure if I should go with the medium or large?🤷‍♂️

[@john_kelley]

Your height isn’t what matters. It’s your torso length.

[@chuckhines459]

@@john_kelley ok thanks

[@tacothegoldfish]

Trying to decide between 70 an 60 might go 70 just because its more for the same price going to isle royale next week for 6 nights

[@wildwolf8983]

Did you end up getting the 70 L zpack backpack? I am still thinking which one to get 60 or 70 L. Any pros and cons that you can share?

[@jeffrubin8570]

I believe that the closer the pack is to your back, the lighter and more stable the load will feel. ULA and Waymark, to name two manufacturers, subscribe to this theory. Sure, your back gets sweaty, but you’re going to get sweaty regardless. I carry a frameless Waymark Thru 40 and love it.

[@john_kelley]

I've got two Waymark packs and I've owned two ULA packs. Both are great!

[@jeffrubin8570]

@@john_kelley Love your videos, John! Keep ‘em coming, please.

[@Doc_Watson]

I've got a couple packs with a trampoline type suspension and I've got packs that are flat against your back. Did a day hike last weekend with a non-suspended pack and my back is covered in sweat pimples/heat rash and my back has been itchy all week. A non-suspended pack might ride better, but the overall comfort goes to the suspended packs for me. I would love to find a more budget friendly pack similar to the Zpacks arc backpacks.

[@christianb8228]

@@Doc_Watson 400 dollars is budget friendly? 🤔

[@Doc_Watson]

@@christianb8228 It's not. (not for me anyways) I would like to find something with a similar suspension that was *more budget friendly*.

[@amirasassmann1795]

Does ist fit for women or only for men?

[@markcummings6856]

They make a specific womens version. Saw an Instagram update about it Today.

[@wildwolf8983]

Did zpack change the material on 2023 zpack backpack designs? Material : ultra 100

[@Andy-Mesa]

Um, no? It's not even the largest sub-2lb backpack *from Zpacks* . They make a 70L version. There's *plenty* of other packs in the same size/weight range from Durston Gear, KS Utralight, SWD, and others. I'd say probably the largest sub-2lb pack is the SWD Big Wild 95L (which is made of Ultra 400) and blows this away.

[@Doc_Watson]

LOL, the thin straps are ribbed for your pleasure. LOL.

[@john_kelley]

🤦🏻‍♂️

[@thebackpackingninja5644]

Nice review John. Thanks! For those looking for a pack with essentially the same features in a 50L size check out my review of the Arc Air here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3vZc4hol7yijrM. So glad you enjoying the haul. I have really enjoyed my air as well.

[@lennynichols6809]

Dimensions

[@john_kelley]

🤦🏻‍♂️ When you edit and edit and edit......and you still mispell a word

[@southernohiohiking]

Underfill, overfill? Straight to jell.

[@mygoldfishdrown5178]

The most innovative thing about this pack is the ability to charge another $100 for it. Oh, the days of joy, when joe would custom make your pack for under $200.

[@maximusjoseppi5904]

Honestly, at this point, just load up a trash bag with your gear and swing it over your shoulder 🤣

[@dougwarren612]

This pack is a piece of junk. Life lesson. When you are asked to buy a car without test driving there is a reason. Zpack does just that with their packs. We spent $1,000 for two packs that would not carry any weight. To add to the problem every time we called Zpack they came back with a different lie of the weight it will carry. The response was always in ratio to what weight we said we were carrying. When we said we had 25 lbs we were told it would carry 30. When we said 30 in a different call they said 35. This pack would be nothing more than a very expensive day pack. We hiked the whole AT and saw one other Zpack. When we saw that young land again, she had traded hers in for another pack. PLEASE DO NOT BE SUCKED IN BY THE FAKE VIDEOS THAT ZPACK PUTS ON KZbin. These not unbiased reviews. If you see a video that just praises this bag and sounds like an infomercial, I will guarantee that is exactly what it this.

[@enriquediaz7547]

Dang! Means my cubenFiber/dyneema is now out of date :) :( ?

[@suttoncolpaert8748]

😅 p̶r̶o̶m̶o̶s̶m̶