Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L Backpack | Post Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike Gear Review

A post hike review of Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L Backpack. Also -a special thanks to @Appalachian.Threadz for the swag.
LighterPack:
lighterpack.com/r/hokky9
Arc Haul 62L post PCT 2021 Review:
• Post-Hike Gear Review ...
Refer family & friends to:
HappiestKnownTime.com

[@Johnjds]

So would you stick with the 50L and the tent strapped on top again, or go back to the 60L? Looks like the 50L worked great. I can see the advantage of being able to bust out the tent fast and easy in any weather. Instant access.

[@RNTULexplores]

The older grid stop Arc Haul was a 62L (correction on my part). Depending on trail....if i did pct again I'd prolly go 70L Arc Haul Ultra and slide tent Inside horizontal laying flat plus room for water carries. Any trail that might bring Hella precipitation I'd go 50L with triplex on top for quick access and keeping the inside of my pack free of damp dirt slug all that. CDT load-out looking like a 60L. However in a perfect world. 70L pct. 60L CDT.....50L AT. I can probably do a 40L on AT if I didn't leave in cold months Feb/March. For now I prefer triplex on outside as a generic rule. ✌️

[@Johnjds]

@@RNTULexploresnice, makes sense, cool breakdown

[@mtadams2009]

I own the Arc Blast, and it’s been fine. I have about 1,000 miles on it. I hiked the Long Trail the last two years and it’s held up well in the pouring rain and multiple falls I have taken. do wish I purchased the Arc Haul mainly because the stays are pre- formed. I hike with my dog and carry all her gear and food so I purchased a Waymark 60 before they went out of business and while the pack is fine I really don’t like how hot my back gets. The point being I don’t think I will ever own another pack that does not have an arc providing a gap and a much cooler back. I will more than likely sell the Waymark or give it to my kids. I will more than likely pick up an Arc Haul. I don’t really expect a super light pack to be super durable but my Zpacks Blast has held up just fine. I think how you treat it has a lot to do with its longevity. Nice review and thanks for sharing your experience. Take care

[@sirrenitywiththeboys7995]

Had the vertical stays fail on me too! Temp. solution was to snip off a piece of strapping from any of the extra strap lengths. About 1 inch. Fold it in half over the end of the stay and push it down into the slot that it pushed through. Finished up the second half of the FT! Happy trails! Great review!

[@RNTULexplores]

Great fix!! Thank you!! The FT on our radar eventually!! Congratulations on your hike. Still using the Arc Haul!! ✌️

[@edwardgwilcoxjr7232]

Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts on your gear usage on the 2023 AT thru hike. Happiest known time.✌️♥️

[@RNTULexplores]

Thx for hanging in there 🤣. You lnow got to keep the hkt thing goin...24/7. ✌️💚🇺🇸

[@billymitchell214]

Hey Guys 👋I knew you guys were something special but getting an owl to hoot on command is pretty magical. Nicely done Bird-Errr. 🤭It's great seeing you on screen again. Not as nice as in person but.....hey. I'm sure you're going to have an awesome time doing trail magic, and I'm sure the hikers will too. Safe Trails 💙

[@RNTULexplores]

Thx Stops!! One day at a time here...it's gonna be a hooooot. 🦉 🦉 🦉. What a year!! Fun to hang with you n the gang! ✌️💥

[@hikerJohn]

I glued my stay in the socket with the hole. That made it permanent but I'm OK with that as I don't plan on taking it apart again. I used urethane based construction adhesive. If I get a new pack I might just glue it in from the start so it never pokes a hole in the socket

[@RNTULexplores]

Great tip! The Arc is very important along with the load lifters. Most of the time it's not taking enough time to properly pack your pack...I'll take the minor inconvenience since it only usually happens near the end of my long thru-hikes. ✌️

[@TheOlsonOutfit]

I appreciate the thorough review. These are pricey backpacks and I wouldn't want that expense if it wasn't totally worth it.

[@RNTULexplores]

Thank you. Happiest Known Time ✌️

[@jefferybyard8429]

You all should check out the Allegheny Trail sometime, think you two would like it. And you could ask Lost Johnny about it, some of his old stomping grounds.

[@RNTULexplores]

Will do. Thx for the info!! ✌️

[@JASHJustASectionHiker]

Great seeing another video. I’ve been hiking The AT for decades but really appreciate a fresh perspective from new thru-hiker. So you ended up with an ArkLESS Haul backpack. You really did a great job of thinking about camera gear combined with a backpack. My pack is an Osprey 58. Your choice looks very solid. Hey, YOU SUCCESSFULLY hiked The AT.

[@RNTULexplores]

Thanks Jash. Osprey a fav pack for a ton of folks. Thanks and next long trail I'll probably test another Arc Haul lol 🤪 Happiest Known Time ✌️

[@joefryfry]

FYI some of the people I was following on trail this year are STILL on trail

[@RNTULexplores]

I wager they are doing just fiiiiiine!! Maybe some Happiest Known Trail magic coming up for SoBos....more to come...!!!✌️

[@joefryfry]

Final talley of the 24 people I followed, 9 made it to the end.@@RNTULexplores

[@420Durban]

Can you perceive any real difference in size between the 50 and 60L when carrying or looking at the packs? I'm on the fence deciding between the two right now. I can likely make the 50L work but thinking I may be better off with the 60L to make it a bit more versatile, so long as it's not going to look/feel huge by comparison. I use a hammock + tarp as a shelter so my setup is light but more bulky than someone carrying an ultralight tent due to the need for a 2nd quilt. Also, if you could only pick 1 accessory to add on to the pack, which one would you choose?

[@RNTULexplores]

If you are not sure. Go with 60L..it's not "huge" by all means compared to 50L. The V-strap is my go to accessory at the top of the pack.....however the side mesh pocket accessory is clutch for food access. I kept my FUPA filled with tech so that side pocket helped so much. Happiest Known Time on trail!! ✌️

[@TeaParty45]

Thanks for the great review! Does the 60 liter fit in the overhead fully packed (with all of your gear)? Can you put your trekking poles in the pack (allowed by airlines?)? Also wondering what you do with a small 3” knife that you want on trail as the airline probably won’t allow that? Mail it to yourself somewhere near the beginning of the trail? Also wondering if you have been to your dentist, haha?

[@RNTULexplores]

It fits. Mailed my poles n some gear home. But before Hike I drove so didn't matter. Dentist next month! Pay me now or pay me later lolololol! Happiest Known Time ✌️

[@chaosncheckt9356]

RNTUL and Unicorn - got the notification you had posted a new video. I carried the 50L as well and to be honest, at times I thought it was too large. I did like your technique of strapping the tent to the top - great for setting up camp in the rain without breaking into your pack. Passed on my Big Agnes Tiger Wall to my son for when he tackles the AT and I’m looking at something lighter and free standing. If you remember the guy from Australia we camped with before that massive mountain climb the next morning, he had a nice free standing from ZPACK I believe. Did you register your hike and get your certification from the AT yet? Stay safe. Odin sends.

[@RNTULexplores]

Hope all is well odin!! Yes Zpacks has a bunch of new tents to choose from. Might be on trail soon providing some trail magic. What a great year!! Happiest Known Time ✌️

[@Johnjds]

Nice, obviously did well for you 🙌

[@RNTULexplores]

I put it through a lot lol. Still has more miles to offer.....✌️

[@globetruck17]

Is that Ultra 100 or 200?

[@RNTULexplores]

100

[@korling99]

Repairabilty after warranty?

[@RNTULexplores]

Warranty puuuurty 👍 good. Should b good to go.

[@ferretzfan]

Cute dogger. Hi, Wookie!

[@RNTULexplores]

Wookie says hi back! 🐾 🐾 😁