Zpacks Arc Haul Post Appalachian Trail Review | 4K UHD

Today were going to take a look at the Zpacks Arc Haul. I used this backpack for the my entire Appalachian Trail thru hike, and even a bit before. This ultralight, full framed, and highly featured backpack was an excellent backpack for me. Despite a durability issue I faced that would have soon left the backpack unusable, I would still choose to take this bag on another thru hike. Check out the video to see why!
Zpacks Arc Haul - zpacks.com/pro...
Common gear seen on channel
Backpack White 40L bit.ly/3TZe9hH or bit.ly/3KqlDXB
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Shelter 3 durstongear.co...
Shelter 4 (mostly retired) • Zpacks Solplex Tent | ...
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Sleeping Pad Winter (Max version) bit.ly/3ZFIBON or amzn.to/3U2FejW
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Sleeping Pad Agressive www.gossamerge...
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Water Filter bit.ly/3K0iVH7 or amzn.to/3U16L5g
Cook Pot Titanium bit.ly/40BoTFt or amzn.to/3nDCNYW
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Stove bit.ly/3nyE2bL or amzn.to/3MdVn47
Pack Cover dutchwaregear....
Pack Liner www.gossamerge...
Stakes bit.ly/3MsqCsz or amzn.to/3zoUlKT
Clothing (typical 3 season carry)
Rain Skirt bit.ly/3zn9PPN
Wind Pants bit.ly/42WURNZ
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Please note that I am not recommending any of the gear seen in any of my videos. The gear I use is what I have found works best for me at the time period I am using it. I have come to these gear choices through vast levels of trial, error, and experimenting with gear out on trail.
Gear, clothing, footwear, etc. are not one style works for all. Do as much research as you can, try out things in person if able, and make the best informed purchase decision for YOU. Do not buy gear just because it worked for, was showcased by, or recommended by someone on KZbin
This video was recorded with:
Pansonic g85 bhpho.to/3jRepg8 or amzn.to/2xVsR2b
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K&F Concept ND Filters amzn.to/3ZF1nGa
Manfrotto BeFree Live bhpho.to/3hHpLl1 or amzn.to/2AufoPr

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

July 2020 update - I have been reading online a large amount of complaints about Zpacks as of late (probably the last year extensively). When I was using a bunch of their gear around 2016-2017 they were very quick to reply to issues or questions. That no longer seems to be the case and customer service seems to have fallen to the wayside in the name of business growth. There have also been other issues regarding quality control, claims of them not living up to lead times given at purchase date, claims of bad work place conditions, and other things I don't care to get into as I try to not to get involved in the Internet drama but it maybe worth looking into if you are planning to purchase a piece of gear from them at this time. I understand that at the time of posting this Florida is being rocked by the cov situation down there and I am sure that is taking its toll on their production as well but these types of complaints have been going on for a decent amount of time now before all this happened. Either way I am not telling you not to buy from them or to continue to buy from them. Maybe these stories or issues are exaggerated. Maybe they are not. I would however suggest you do your own research into other peoples issues regarding customer service and quality control and understand that there is a high probability you may not receive the same service that I was provided at the time of these repairs in Oct 2017 I have since moved on from 90% of my Zpacks gear for offerings from other companies

[@goutvols103]

Great review. Is the Zpack waterproof? You were indicating "highly water resistant". Thanks in advance.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Zpacks is a great company and this was a great review Chris. I didn't use this ruck on my thru hike, but I own one now and freaking love it. Thanks bro.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks man! It's a sold pack for sure. I think it will treat you well out on the trail. Congrats on completing the AT journey as well. Hopefully some more great hikes in the future!

[@vincevarriale3294]

Early_Riser_71 ii

[@johannesbrahms9528]

Which pack did you use instead?

[@danconlin3456]

Like your pacing, upbeat tone and matter-of-fact narration!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks dan! I appreciate it!

[@tomdickson4460]

Now that is a company I will enjoy doing business with. I’m 62 now and planning to hike the AT in 5 years. Thank you for your review. Hike on

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Can't hate a company who stands behind their product! Best of luck to you Tom. I hope you get out there. It was a life changing experience. Thanks for watching!

[@sandyadventuregirlgotavan5219]

Great review. I order this pack this morning...super excited! Thanks for the video!

[@TM_FL]

Great review! LOVE my Zpacks Arc Haul. Mine is Cheeto orange. 😄 I totally agree about their customer service. Put a hole in my Duplex. They fixed it immediately for no charge and shipped it back. I have been to their shop 4 times now. Joe, Matt and the rest of the staff are super cool.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I should've got mine in Cheeto orange haha cover up the cheeto finger marks 😂. That's pretty cool of them. I would love to check out the shop down there but I'm rarely, well, never, in Florida. Someday maybe

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

Chris, I bought the Arc Haul and have over 100 miles on mine. I love the features of the pack and the custom fit. It is very comfortable to carry and is easy to adjust. The only problem I have with the bag is the side pockets when I attempt to get a water bottle in or out. I finally said enough and just put my bottles in the strap pockets. Great review!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Interesting, I've never had an issue with getting things out of the side pockets. I usually kept my camera on a little tripod and my water bottles in there and could easily get both. But I suppose everyone's case and anatomy are different. Glad you were able to work it out though with the strap pokcets!

[@mikefranks8469]

It takes sometimes to work the elastic. I had issues at first, but now no problem with getting things out and back in the pockets...

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

ChrisGoesOutdoors could just be, I am an old guy without much flexibility!

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

mike franks, hopefully that is it. I have seen other designs where they have a slit in the front of the pocket. You then can reach back and slide the bottle out bottom end first and then reinsert it top end first.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

The osprey exos has that style side pocket. Was one of my favorite parts of the backpack. I ended up not using that as it always seemed to slide down by hips. It's a great feature tho!

[@KeeFrHikes]

I only hear great things about Zpacks’ customer service. Thanks for the review. I’ve been considering an Arc Haul, possibly Zip. This video makes me feel like it’s still the pack for me.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Besides the issue with the attachment points, the other stuff I mentioned as cons in my video weren't a big deal to me. I feel like the small bruises so to speak are going to happen on any long distance hike. The haul was arguably one of my favorite 3 pieces of gear on the trail. I liked the idea of the zip. Being able to just open it up and grab what you need from anywhere in the bag. But my concern was if I was using a compactor bag than I wouldn't be able to reach in through the zip and grab stuff. Of course could maybe use a pack cover if very concerned about water getting in. Just something to think about. Thanks for watching. Best of luck on pick decision!

[@zonbimilk]

Their customer service is the best I’ve ever experienced. I was in between packs and told them what kind of gear I had and my level of experience etc and they wrote me an in depth email with everything. They are awesome!!!

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Excellent work man...you're setting an amazing standard with these vids. I've even got an SLR myself and am planning to up my game. Good stuff.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks tuba. This one took a while. Filmed all the beginning stuff then just sat there until it was repaired. Filmed all the post repair stuff and the voiceover stuff is a little time consuming. I love how the tent and backpack reviews have turned out tho. Trying to make informative without being to much rambling. Good to know people are enjoying too!

[@zr9115]

Excellent review! Loved the little details you could only know after usage.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks! Appreciate ya watching!

[@Madbulli]

This was a great review...plain and simple. Really informative. Thanks

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Tim. Appreciate you tuning in!

[@kellirustin7944]

Excellent review! Detailed and useful. Of course, I’m already sold on the zpacks.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Kelli! Its good stuff!

[@therealbennybraden]

Great informational video. Very well done. I have the Arc Haul as well and absolutely love it. And you're right, Zpacks customer service is top notch.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks man. The haul is a great pack. Was finally able to get mine out again after the repairs. Feel like home!

[@jeanward1252]

Great review . Sounds like Zpacks knocked it out of the park with their repairs of you pack ( good to hear).

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

They did indeed. I haven't really used this pack since returning from the AT. I purchased and have been using the Zpacks Nero but with winter hiking coming up again I will be putting the repair job through a thorough test soon!

[@SummitSeeker546]

Great review! Curious your thoughts on the Arc Haul Ultra 60L. I think the Ultra 100/200 material, new curved carbon fiber stays and Lycra back panel make the pack a winner. Great to hear about their outstanding customer service. At the prices they ask I would expect the best level of customer service!

[@JMS407]

Love the reviews, you give great pros & cons.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Joshua. Try to keep it as real and informative as I can!

[@alanbloodworth2653]

Thank you. It's good to hear that Zpack is serious about service after the sale. I get the sense that it's a great pack that still needs a small amount of perfecting. Would you agree? Also, I wish that ULA would create an Ohm that competes in terms of weight.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I really really like the pack and how it carried but ya the durability issues are definitely something that is no good. Supposedly the newer webbing material they use is better but only time would tell. I have recently been trying out some new packs including the Granite Gear Crown VC 60 and the Hyperlite Mountain Gear 3400 Southwest currently. If for whatever reason neither of these work out for me the ULA OHM 2.0 is next on my list. The OHM ticks a lot of boxes for me!

[@alanbloodworth2653]

@@ChrisGoesOutdoors Currently under a Circuit and liking it very much, but I'm thinking something lighter might be nice. I'm certainly interested in the Zpack line, but the Ohm is also tugging at me. I do more cool weather hiking and the larger volume is appealing. Thank you for responding.

[@trakyboy5128]

Hello Chris, So I've seen vidz that show 2 sides of the Arc/Zpack's. Ranging from" not even the time of day " to your case of completely ' overhauling ' the bag with out being begged. Do you think it's bcuz of who you are that got you such awesome service ???. I'm trying to pick my 1st UL bag and a lot goes into such a choice. Thanks in advance for your input 🙂

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

In all honesty I am not sure. From my experience, my pack was within the 1 year warranty period and the main failure points were webbing that I believe they told me that they were having known issues with. The replaced all that webbing on the pack. The fix of the side pouch / and netting was icing on the cake, and maybe it was because of who I was. I have heard the not given the time of day people as well. There was someone on the PCT? last year whose name is escaping me who essentially bought a haul or blast for the PCT, had no time to test it, took it out on trail and it was essentially screwed. He made a really detailed video about it and apparently he never even so much as heard back from Zpacks. I remember I commented on the video because I would expect people to receive the same treatment as I did. In all honesty I dont know. Your results with issues could go either way. And that kind of sucks. For what its worth I ended up selling this pack a little earlier this year. I have been using the Zpacks NERO which I love. Have had 0 issues with it. For larger packs I was messing with a Granite Gear Crown VC 60 which was really nice and budget friendly but I am also messing with the HMG 3400 Southwest and enjoying that. I've heard decent things about both Granite Gear and HMG Customer Service but at this point who knows. Hope that helps clarify a bit!

[@bookworm6895]

Maybe not the least expensive bag out there but it certainly seems that their customer service knocked it out of the park and make the cost worth it. Looks like I’ve got an item to add to my Christmas list, Thanks for the great review!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

They definitely took care of me for sure. I have heard differentiating reports from others though. Specifically I recall someone who had an issue with a pack on the PCT last year? and they didnt seem to give him the time of day. I seem to read differentiating reports on forums as well as far as what customer service people received from zpacks. But I also read probably just as many good dealings. Its a tough call, and I genuinely hope they will extend the same service they did to me for others. Again, I dont know the exact circumstances of what I see or read, I can only give my own experience. I believe they just started extending their warranty to two years from date of purchase now so that may be another added benefit. Either way if you snag the backpack I hope it works out well for you!

[@ptroy72blue]

Is the Arc Haul highly customizable ?

[@gypsywind43]

I wanted one of these packs back in 2013 on my hike but couldn't afford it..I am hiking again this year 3/26/2022 and ran across an arc haul zip used/like new for 150..I couldn't pass it up and hope the nightmares that have arisen in the last few years are not in this pack.

[@hikingwithyowie]

I have been doing a lot of research on backpacks and have been impressed by the arc hauls review...how long did the repairs take? Time without pack? Love ur videos....planning a hike up Mt Carrigain this spring and was planning on purchasing this bag prior ...thanks again 😀

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Repairs took about a week. Maybe a week and a half before I had my bag back. I'd like to hit carrigain again. When we went in the winter we didn't really see much as a little snow storm sat on top of us haha. Thanks for watching!

[@commonsgiant]

Great job. Happy New Year!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Appreciate it! Same to you! May your 2018 hikes be plentiful and viewtiful.

[@dominicnikon6276]

Z packs is definitely the best backpack company in my experience the Arc Haul is a great pack

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

They make some good stuff. I really like the Haul for sure. Will be messing around with their Nero this season!

[@jonNH123]

Wonderful review: thanks so much!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+jonNH123 thanks jon!

[@MetroOnTheMove]

Great video! Thank you for the information on the pack

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks! Hope it helped with your decision either way!

[@AlanMETALMAN]

Looked like a real canny backpack. Great review, very well explained. Cheers Alan

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Alan! It's a pretty cool backpack!

[@chrisshort9870]

great review.. hoping you can help those of us with sizing issues. What size torso (inches) did you measure? You mention you bought medium size pack. I’m inbetween sizes... 19inch torso - per zpacks instructions to measure along spine. I’m 5’10. Wondering your torso size and maybe height. Looks like that pack fits you perfectly

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I'm 6ft tall and 21" torso length. I bought mine in medium and I usually set the torso adjustment to about an inch and a half above the shortest possible setting. You may want to reach out to zpacks and far as what they think would be the best bet for you where you are right on the cusp between sizes. I thought somewhere o the page in mentioned what to do if between sizes but I can't seem to find it.

[@Dewthedru]

great review. i'm likely going to grab one for my JMT hike this summer. my only concern is how well it will hold a bearikade weekender.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I think you'd be alright with the bear can. Can probably fit in the pack alone. But zpacks also offers instead of the single top strap like I had to change it to a v style strap so that way you could more securely hold the can outside the pack on top of the bag if you preferred to do it that way. Jealous of the JMT hike. It looks incredible. Hopefully will be able to make my way out there someday!

[@Dewthedru]

Thanks! One of the few benefits of being old(ish) is lots of vacation days so I'm able to take 3-4 weeks off at a time now. I can't wait! Now I just have to navigate the permit process.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

That's great! I've heard the permit process is a little daunting but supposedly if you are open as far as dates go and starting location it can be a little easier. I looked into it briefly hoping to maybe do it this summer but I think I'm just going to give the long trail a shot this summer. Assuming timing works out for myself. It's easier to get to. And no real permits to go through.

[@ptechapple]

Thanks for an honest review 👍

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

No problem Chris! Thanks for the 👍!

[@MrPhins]

That product modeling with the hand is spot-on. I'm wondering if The Price Is Right has called yet? Another well done video. Still obsessing and going back & forth on what pack for a thru-hike. Constantly debating between the Arc Haul, Ohm 2.0, Mariposa and even Superior Wilderness Designs Long Haul 50L. So tough without being able to physically strap it on.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

They told me I'd never be model. Look at me now. Look. At. Me. Now. Lolol. Tough choice for sure. I have seen the ohm sold in some mom and pop type outfitters. So you maybe able to find one depending on location. I was considering a swd bag for a small bag but ended up grabbing a zpacks Nero instead. Most of the places will let you get it to try it on of course and send back if it doesn't work which is kind of time consuming. The plus about the haul is that it's fairly adjustable so you maybe able to fine tune it to you a little better. Either way best of luck with the search!

[@Oldsparkey]

I have a Nero and really like it. For me it's ideal as a ultralight weight pack since I tend to stay in the 8 pound area for a base weight. It's ideal here in Florida since there isn't a real need for a lot of heavy winter gear. Most of the time it's tropical camping with the emphasis on staying cool.

[@vincevoyna4504]

Great review. Thanks.

[@Mmmyess]

If you were in the market for a new pack, would you consider the Zpacks Arc ZIP? I ask because I like the idea of being able to access whatever is at the bottom of the main pocket without having to unpack the entire pack. Just wondering if anyone else thinks that's worthwhile. Cheers!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

The arc zio was very tempting but even with the waterproof zippers I was considered overtime how waterproof it would remain. I have been going the route of compactor nag to keep the contents safe in case water gets in but I suppose if u use the zip you could just use a pack cover. I agree would be nice to unzip and just get to whatever you need easily!

[@scottfarrar3441]

Nice review! I currently hike with the Osprey Atmos 65...and love it...other than the Weight and tiny hip belt pockets. My Atmos weighs almost 3lbs more than the Arc Haul. My hiking buddy has the Arc Blast...but I'm interested in the more space that the Arc Haul provides. How well did it hold up during the numerous days of rain out on the AT?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

They Atmos is a solid bag even though heavier. I saw them a lot out on the trail. I had no issues personally with my Arc Haul and water. With that said I did use a pack cover 99% of the time in the rain also and had my bag lined with a compactor bag. But I never saw actual water inside the bag at any point. Most people tend to use just the compactor bag inside as a just in case for those need to keep dry items and it seems to work great!

[@MrAcousticwave]

Great video! Been considering this bag but because of camera gear I would also be pushing the weight limit. How close or above the recommended weight limit were you and how did it carry. I've got the Atmos 65 now. Cheers!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I was close to the 40lb pretty often especially after Marion VA. I started carrying a week of food often so I didn't have to make trips into towns. It was a rarity that I was ever over it tho. Only twice I can think of. Both were when I got a little overzealous on Walmart resupplies haha. I felt it carried fine honestly. Even at the higher limits. When I pushed the real high limits I would usually take the arc out tho until I ate a couple days of food. Atmos 65 is a solid bag. Saw it a lot on the trail. Hope that helped clarify some things!

[@MrAcousticwave]

ChrisGoesOutdoors thanks for the additional Information. I’ll likely stick to my Atmos... mostly because I’ll already own it and don’t have to spend any more money to bring it out on the trail.

[@CraYzJake1]

How water resistant was the pack? Did you need an internal waterproof bag to keep gear dry?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I would say it was essentially waterproof. I kept a pack liner inside and also used a pack cover in torrential rain though. I had too much in the way of electronics in my bag to take chances so I really liked having a ton of protection just in case.

[@szmondecki]

Thanks for your Video. In regards to Zpack sizing, what is your torso height and which size did you choose? Thinking about buying new Arc Zip 57L and I am not sure if I should aim into S or M. Any feedback will be highly appreciated. :)

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I’m 21 inch torso and went with the medium. Being able to adjust it on the pack makes a huge difference

[@Virus2.0-c5z]

How much the repairs cost you?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Repairs were no charge aside from the $10 or so it cost to ship it back to zpacks.

[@Virus2.0-c5z]

ChrisGoesOutdoors wow thats amazing, I got the zpack arc blast for the 2018 AT hike, thanks!!

[@astrog8tr]

Packs was generous, giving Chris a Cheato carry system. :D

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Like they designed it just for me lol

[@chosenmusicartist]

Do you think that pack is better then the hyperlite southwest 3400

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Having used both pretty extensively now I would take the HMG 3400. Still use both the HMG 3400 and 2400 today and have been using them since probably late 2018

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

Will you do a video about the Kelty Trekker 3950... please

[@samsmith8870]

Excellent review :) So was all that repair work done free of charge?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Sam Smith yup. All done free of charge

[@clownpaws]

Would you prefer the mesh back pocket over an enclosed pocket? Debating on which Arc Haul to go with. Thanks!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Absolutely. The mesh is great for easy access to items. You can see everything in there. Stretchy if you gotta cram extra stuff in and it allows you to dry wet items a little bit better

[@yesterdaysfire]

How tall are you? Did you get a medium or large torso? How long is your torso?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

6ft, 21" torso, got the medium

[@yesterdaysfire]

ChrisGoesOutdoors does it ride up on your hips fairly high? I like to have mine ride a bit lower on my hips for example.

[@yesterdaysfire]

ChrisGoesOutdoors looking at your posture and bag adjustments from the video it looks like you have the bag riding somewhat higher on your waist. Would you say that you could make adjustments to the torso straps or load lifters in such a way that you could have the bag so that it rides lower on your hips?

[@yesterdaysfire]

ChrisGoesOutdoors you said in the video that you adjusted the shoulder straps (pardon my terminology error in the previous comment when I said “torso straps”, what I really meant to say was shoulder straps) just above the lowest setting that they would go to. Would you say that this strap adjustment system (shoulder strap) is responsible for dictating how high or low the bag has potential of resting on your back/hips?

[@tonystewart7287]

Good review, cheers. What brand was that green polar top?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Melanzana microgrid fleece hoody. Company out of Colorado makes them. Unfortunately no longer able to buy online until at least this spring. Thanks for watching Tony!

[@yemrot1]

Chris, what torso and belt size did you start with? Did you swap out the belt ?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I was medium for both. By the end of the trail I was cutting it pretty close to needing to go down a size for the belt.

[@lisaphikes]

Nice video! Just about a Zpacks commercial!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Lisa!

[@titaniumquarrion9838]

I have no idea why the blast is (I believe based on gear videos on YT) more popular than the Haul. Actually I do - It's 25 grams lighter. So what though? The Haul is $26 cheaper, rated to 40Lbs (5 more than the Blast) and the material far more durable than the Blast's. It is (in my humble opinion) a superior pack than the Blast and if anyone thinks 25 grams is worth a more expensive and less durable pack they have fallen victim to the "weigh is everything" clique.... The hole in that pack looks like it was caused by a trekking pole....

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Agreed. I would take the haul over the blast again for sure. The durability is worth it alone. The lower price is just a bonus! The hole in the pocket probably was from a trekking pole. I broke one in the 100 mile wilderness and it was in that pocket. We jammed 6 bags into the trunk of a chevy impala on the ride home from katahdin. I can't remember if I took the pole out or not but it more than likely was the culprit. Im about 99% positive it didn't happen on trail. Glad they fixed it up!

[@titaniumquarrion9838]

Yeah awesome service for sure. I still love it that when you call or email Zpacks you get them personally answering rather than a worker bee who doesn't actually care like in the big companies. I love my Haul and initially the deciding factor on Zpacks vs other leading UL brands for me was that external frame and the ability to get some air between my back and the pack.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Ya it's great to be able to talk to the same people Joe actually responded at the first email I sent. Pretty legit!

[@LeifWarner]

Is the Blast more waterproof?

[@thehailmaryproject8949]

What a great company. Now....where are we going next?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Considering the Long Trail in VT this summer. Hopefully another long(er) distance hike in the future tho! The west is calling my name...

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I've heard similar about out West. Views for days but very different trail. I would love to check it out. In all honesty if I had the bank roll to hit the PCT this year I would. But alas I do not haha. Can't wait to get out there. I thought about going out for a week or two but would rather go for the long haul so to speak

[@rumblechick73]

Love the pack, but the price tag is a huge ouch!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

It's definitely a hurt. As they say in the ultralight community "buy once, cry once" 😂

[@probono9341]

It’s expensive. However, There is no free lunch, you get what you pay for.

[@lrose711]

Great video Chris! Thankyou for the comprehensive review...very helpful. Will a bear canister fit into this pack? I appreciate your help! Thanks!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Should be able to fit a bear can inside. According to zpacks site "All standard Bear Canisters, including the Bearikade Expedition and the BearVault 500 will fit in the upper half of this pack standing on end. There is enough extra girth to either wrap a foam pad around the canister (if you use one), or stand a medium stuff sack vertically beside the bear canister." Also have the option of strapping it to the outside of the backpack as well! Thanks for watching!

[@lrose711]

Great! I really appreciate the answer Chris...happy Trails!

[@daveinstlouis7296]

Great Review Man, I ordered my Arc Haul for my JMT Hike this Sept./Oct. Waiting for it to Ship... Might have to order 1 Chest Pocket, That's about the Only Add On I did not Get. I want a Camera Cradle on 1 of the Chest Straps... Thanks Again

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Nice hope it works out for you! I'll be putting the peak designs capture clip to the test this season. Check it out. From my limited usage it's pretty amazing.

[@daveinstlouis7296]

That looks like a sweet setup.

[@richardzellers]

Zpacks materials wear out quickly causing rips, tears or holes.

[@rexclifton8177]

Here is my take on this, if you're gonna charge $400 for a fucking pack, it better be made of cuben fiber instead of some cheap shit nylon. I picked up a Hyperlite Southwest 3400 during their Black Friday sale and it cost me $288. Fantastic pack!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I hear what you're saying but its my understanding the arc haul fabric is 210d dyneema x grid fabric. Which is essentially a hybrid of both dyneema and nylon. I chose the Haul specifically for the added durability over traditional DCF packs. Most of the cuben packs I have seen after a thru have some serious holes worn through them. In Zpacks Arc Blast specific cases, there area where the belt rubs against the back of the bag seems to end up in really rough condition after a thru hike. Also, for what its worth, this backpack stock is $299 (not on sale) and with the added hipbelt pockets would be $345. The way I personally had mine specd did in fact come in just shy of $400 though. Hyperlite makes some great stuff. I saw the Southwest on the trail regularly and for the most part the users seemed to love them. The Cuben they use is THICK too which should help with durability. The company is actually within easy driving distance for me. I have been considering dropping them an email to see if I could drop in and see things in person. I saw a couple places that sold their stuff but never actually tried any of it out. That seems like a solid price for a Hyperlite! Hope it works out for you. With the amount of them I saw on the AT I like to think you will be pleased overall. Thanks for watching!

[@the_guardians_of_the_universe]

I saw that you have to hold your breath so your stomach don't go frontal.... hehehe peace buddy

[@yakitoriPB]

It’s funny that if you watch reviews of Zpacks backpacks almost everyone developed hole of some sort in their mesh back pouch, yet they all say “it was probably user error”. No...it’s not user error. It’s the reality of delicate ultralight materials. It’s not a big deal. It’s bound to happen with any pack that has a breathable mesh back pouch. There is a trade off between breathability and snag potential. Bigger holes allow faster drying but also are easier to snag on branches etc. Zpacks as a company meh. I really like their products but they are definitely not a cottage company anymore. I asked about having an arc blast made without the tunnel for a water bladder hose, and they always have the same response, sorry we do not do custom designs, we our system is automated from the order down the the seamster, and our production models are lol that we sell. Really?! Everything is automated yet you have a 4-6 week lead time and a seamster making it. How friggen hard is is to leave the damn flap off then? It’s not a “custom design”. Majority of hikers don’t use bladders anyway. We’ll use smart water bottles. You’re making a water proof bag with a gaping hole in it and then stuffing a bladder of liquid it? Pretty retarded to even have it there in the first place.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I feel ya and for the most part agree but I would probably call it maybe a 50/50 at fault. Half material half me haha. I legit overloaded the front of this thing on the regular. There were a couple videos while I was in Virginia I believe where people kept asking me what the hell I had in the mesh pouch. I think I carried half my loadout in there. I don't even think the apparently stronger material they use now would have held up much better with what I packed in there but as you said it is the inherent downside of ultralight materials. Ya its unfortunate they wont cater to custom at all anymore. Especially with something so basic like removing the hydration port. I have been reading more and more about people having issues with them and its quite unfortunate since they were so helpful in fixing this backpack up for me. I actually just returned a shelter I was hoping to use on a possible PCT thru hike attempt. Had a fairly significant dye stain directly in front of the shelter. I understand it happens but don't think it should have been sent to me as a "brand new" shelter. Such is life though!

[@subMOA6.5]

4-6 week lead time? I ordered one last month. I placed the order on a Friday, the bag arrived by Thursday the following week. I agree with the bladder option being pretty stupid, but I dont blame them for not customizing their product like that. It could turn into a production nightmare.

[@yakitoriPB]

patricio de matos not really. They used to make them like that if you requested. . It’s not a custom bag, it’s the same bag without a slit for a bladder. Yes the 4-6 week lead time is from their site. Not every piece of gear is a stock item. You just happened to buy a commonly ordered item that they have regularly made. Kinda like a Big Mac at McDonald’s. A fish sandwich will take time to make

[@MoeBergOSS]

Great review! Thanks