Zpacks Arc Haul vs Osprey Exos 58

[@dzedogranatovich7085]

Most comprehensive and pertinent review of any two backpacks that I have seen to date. Extremely helpful and insightful. I got my eye on you, now, buddy. Great stuff.

[@hikerJohn]

Love your review, I bought this pack today and because of your review (this is the best one by far) I also got a few of the accessories. I was thinking about this pack for 6 months before taking the dive.

[@rolfdenver]

Really good review! Thank you. I’m 61 and have enjoyed my Osprey Atmos 65 at Philmont and on other hikes - I’ve even used it with a smaller Osprey pack clipped on the outside for day hikes. (I once hiked about 2500 miles with a 60 pound frame pack.) But my feet and back are starting to feel the weight as I get older so I’m tempted by the Zpacks (which also has a water bottle shoulder strap holder).

[@semco72057]

I have the Sandpiper of California backpack and got it at the area Army National Guard base exchange since I heard that they made packs for the military. I had several choices to choose from and got one of their best packs and love it. The load isn't riding low and the straps are designed where you can adjust your load easily. It can take a bladder inside the pack, but I didn't want to get one of them. I try to keep the total weight at or below 30 lbs., since I don't want to have my body weighted down. I wear a utility belt with one canteen, and fixed blade knife on it. Everything else is kept in the pack including my extra canteen.

[@skippylippy547]

Thank you so much for such a detailed and comprehensive comparison. I really appreciate the effort you put in your videos. Your experience speaks volumes too. Simply wonderful! ^5

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

thanks for such kind words.

[@Дмитро-х2г]

Great video. I love Ospreys, but since I found ZPacks there was no turning back. Light weight, waterproof, customizable to no end and so comfortable on the back. Have ArcHaul myself in green. I carry my ZPacks duplex tent in the outer mesh. It’s not afraid of the water and it’s the first thing I set while at camp and the last thing I pack before leaving. Works great.

[@boomnerd]

Great review. You are the first one who mentions negative things about Zpacks net flimsiness and water bottle accessibility. I currently have an Atmos AG and have been wanting to buy an Arc Haul for a long time once I get enough money to burn (hitting a Jackpot). Your review could be a good reason to force me to be satisfied with the Atmos and forget about the Arc Haul. Thanks.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

If you're OK with the weight, the Atmos is a great pack, very durable, great ability to carry extra weight when needed.

[@MPHshoots]

I would recommend a ULA pack.

[@techguy9023]

I got an Atmos 65 because I am carrying stuff for my kids. It would have probably been better to get the lighter Exos but it seemed the best, more versatile pack at the time. Some of our gear is older and heavier. I started out with a North Face Stormbreak 3 tent. Very sturdy, relatively cheap ($165 on sale). Now I have a Luxe Minipeak and just use the pyramid fly for weight savings. The Minipeak without the inner is about 2 lbs for $75. I have a sheet of plastic for the ground.I use a compactor bag liner too. Just trying to cut some weight for a reasonable cost.

[@Oldsparkey]

If you like a pack with everything included then Zpacks might not be for you since it's basically just a pack. If you want hip belt pouches , shoulder strap pockets , or anything extra there is a extra cost for it. Some folks would say this a disadvantage because of the extra cost. I think of Zpacks as being an advantage since you can add ( Customize ) what you want. I got the 38 liter Nero at 10,5 ounces since I like to go ultralight For starters It is waterproof and no need for a pack liner or rain cover.. Receiving the backpack and trying it I added two hip belt pouches and shoulder strap pockets. Later a Key pouch and a Multi-Pack 4 in 1 which is also waterproof. To protect a implanted defibrillator/pacer from the shoulder straps the Shoulder strap pads. Now I have a backpack the way I want it.

[@mikes4352]

Just found your channel. Very nice comparison. I've used Ospreys and Gregorys and am just starting to look at lighter packs. Just an FYI. The ospreys come in different size waist belts along with different pack lengths. I have a larger waist then the avg hiker LOL, and was able to get the larger osprey belt and it fits great. Thanks for the honest reviews.

[@JohnMury]

While many Osprey packs have belt options, the belts on the Exos are specific to the height of the pack, are not swappable, and have limited adjustment. Tall, skinny people or short people with girth have a notoriously hard time betting an Exos to fit. On the current models, S: 24 - 45 inches , M: 27 - 48 inches, L: 29 - 55 inches (which is more adjustability than was present on older models like mine).

[@BackcountryTreks]

Great comparison! However the arc haul is definitely not water proof. Mine wets out in any steady rain or downpour. Pack liner is a must at least for me. Happy trails 🤙

[@jhiker7373]

I know I’m late to the game, but thanks for making the comment about the pressure in the small of the back. I thought I was the only one. I had to return a ULA pack for that exact reason, it was pressing into an old slipped disc. I get to try on the Arc Haul tomorrow and I cant wait to see how it sits. I’m having so much trouble finding a pack that works. Thank you for such a great review!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

I added the lumbar pad, which gives you a little more separation between the backpack and your back. zpacks.com/products/lumbar-pad

[@jhiker7373]

@@onthetrailwithbart523 it’s already in my cart :) along with the shoulder pads. waiting to try someone’s on tomorrow before I purchase.... although with waiting another 24 hours a lot more is being added to my cart....

[@MartyHuie]

Thank you for this video the one big take away is your belt size for me. My waist is 33 inch. Z-Pak recommended I get the small belt just looking for thoughts I was debating on the additional add-ons I like where you put the mesh pockets on the Side upper of the pack and I will get one belt pocket as well I can always take it off. Very good overall conversation review it does help thank you

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Belts are only problematic if the two ends get too close (under you belly button) which is unlikely to happen with a 33" waist and a medium belt. Oppositely, for me, when the belt ends just barley cover your hip bone, they're more uncomfortable. I have a 34" waist and a medium belt.

[@tylerkozak456]

every other osprey review is some shill saying "wow look it has side pockets" I appreciate the integrity in your review, very valuable info

[@DUMBLIESCOM]

I was just looking at the Exos so this was very helpful.

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

I carry a Kelty Trekker and a Kelty Tioga both of these backpacks are the best on the market...there is not a better Backpack .... both of these designs with modern upgrades have been made since the 1950's...and have a lifetime warranty...how long has the Arc Blast been made and how long is Zpacks pack warrantied for? There is nothing like a Classic External Frame Backpack with the torso size dialed in... I watch as many videos of yours that I can find...I am a great fan of your information... We just have different tastes in Backpacks...But I still love watching and learnings from you... As a Classic Backpacker...I can still carry a 10lb or less base weight, but I like to always carry a 4 season Ultralight gear kit.... blessings. There is only great things to say about a Classic Backpack... With a lifetime warranty...

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

Look mate : This is one of the greatest videos ever ! And you are obviously a terrific human being ! You have helped me immensely with the extended and articulate information in this video . A VERY BIG THANK YOU ! ! ! JAH BLESS Souls ...

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

wow, I'm glad you like it!

[@andrewlinesjah4538]

WATCH THE VID in the link below : kzbin.info/www/bejne/bpe4kpaGjdKal6M

[@rainbowhiker]

Excellent reviews. The E.58 was my favorite for years, first generation, but have since moved to smaller sizes. Carrying for two, however, you do need that room. Thanks for the view of these two. Didn't know they came in orange. I like that.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

The brighter the color the better I like it (so I'm not mistaken for a deer). I wish they came in florescent green!

[@robv321]

I have the Osprey Exos 58 and love it! So 1 thing to mention is that the 58 can fit a bear canister in sideways - which gives you a bunch more room when packing it. I have the model that still have the side pockets in the belt. My favorite pack by far! Awesome review!

[@ChrisSzulwach]

He did mention that LOL.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I have the exos 58 and love the way it feels! It’s my first long distance hiking pack, so I dont know what to compare it to. I’m pretty interested in those z pack arc style packs, tho. I really love having that trampoline style frame.

[@sheltermonkey6065]

This is a really excellent comparison video. I wish more people would make comparison videos like this. There's way too many shill channels out there.

[@GrandeurNature]

If I am not mistaking, the Arc Haul is made as same as the Exos of Ripstop nylon. So it isn't more waterproof than the Exos. The Arc Blast is (dyneema blend). Or was this one Arc Haul specially ordered in dyneema fabric, and I didn't heard it in your video?

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

No, both the Haul and the Blast use a base of Dyneema. The Haul has another ripstop layer laminated to the Dyneema to make it more tear resistant. Both the Haul and the Blast are waterproof. The Exos is just nylon.

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

Best Backpack on the market by far is the Kelty Trekker 3950....this design goes all the way to the 1950s with modern improvements now...you can carry a Ultralight base weight or a traditional weight...the Kelty Trekker I highly recommend this backpack.

[@OneEyeHikes]

Good comparison! I own both and agree completely with your assessment. The only thing I may add is that the Osprey Exos “may” be a bit more durable but I also echo the pocket issue. I can’t believe they can’t get this right!?

[@lt2246]

Check out the shoulder strap water bottle holder by Justin on Etsy. It comes in two size -one for a liter size bottle and one size for a 750 ml bottle.

[@frankbooth723]

Thanks for taking the time to do this comparison. I've been a Zpack fan since the beginning, 6 or 7 years ago, and still used my custom Arc blast quite often. Just a thought re pack covers. I've never found them to be as useful as a trash compactor bag inside the pack. Yes all the pockets are protected by a cover but I've always found that my main concern is my sleeping gear. As you mentioned, after a cold, wet 10 or 12 hour hike it's nice to know that you'll sleep warm and dry that night! Again, thanks. Nice video. Also really enjoy the van conversion vids. Getting ready to start one myself and I find your insights very useful.

[@hikerJohn]

The side pockets are actually perfect for two 1-liter bottles plus there's room for am umbrella slid down in-between them. A little tight for the two bottles plus my trekking poles though (for when I' in a car, bus or train).

[@northtexashiker]

Good review! I ve had the arc haul about a month and love it.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Awesome pack. Thanks for watchin'

[@JM-pq6rp]

I've been searching for videos comparing zpacks and ospreys and there aren't too many out there, thank you for this! I'm deciding between the Atmos 65 and Arc haul and really needed to know the pros and cons about both before making a big purchase. The Arc haul is definitely winning.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

For the person who just occasionally hikes, the Atmos is fine. If people are gonna start doing multiple days in a row, the ArcHaul is over 2 pounds lighter than the Atmos and will be noticeable at the end of the day. When you get the ArcHaul in the mail, you think, "There can't possibly be a backpack in this box!"

[@etrekker]

Great review. I have a newer version of the Exos 58 and thinking of getting the Arc Haul Zip. You mentioned you had the short, but a larger allowed you to have the pack ride higher. May I ask what your torso length is? (Trying to get an idea if the medium would work for my short-ish torso.)

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

as I recall, my torso is 18 inches. I tried the small, and it was too small. The medium works best for me.

[@etrekker]

@@onthetrailwithbart523 Thanks. That helps. My torso is 19" so I'm thinking the medium will work better for me too.

[@nathanrieck2112]

I really like the back on my Gregory Zulu 65, kind of similar to the osprey packs but not so large of a gap. I recently picked up a granite gear v2 60 liter pack. It has the more standard back, I haven’t put hardly any miles on it to see how I like it. I do like the overall design and weight of it though so that’s great.

[@LysanderLH]

Is that an autopsy bench? Have there been any reports of missing hikers? Does he have his own brand of ‘beef’ jerky which actually tastes a bit like chicken? Where does he get all this stuff from?

[@luboyanev]

Hey, thanks for the review! I am planning on hiking in the Sierras and was curious how did you fit the bear canister (BV500) in your Zpacks, was it still comfortable? Thank you!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

yeah, it fit vertically. And yes you have to get good at cramming everything else in.

[@luboyanev]

@@onthetrailwithbart523 Nice, thanks for the quick reply!

[@trishgleason472]

Did you have a hard time getting the trampoline back to work with the bear can in? When my arc is packed for a week with a can it it just didn’t seem to arch right.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

yea, there's no easy answer. Either go with the BV 450 in a ZPacks, or go with the Exos, which would tolerate a big bear can MUCH better.

[@martinmoreno473]

So now that you had time with both packs is Zpacks worth the money ..plz let me know

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

oh ABSOLUTELY! I've still tried different packs, none of them fit me as well and are as ADJUSTABLE as the ArcHaul.

[@martinmoreno473]

Thanks for the fast reply got a new subscriber

[@edithp.7213]

Well Bart, I’ve never gone hiking but I do appreciate a beautiful space and I love your garage! I was onboard for the van buildout (which was GREAT) but I won’t be following anything related to hiking. Sorry! 😢 The heat, the bug bites, the sunburn, the dirt, the potential encounters with bad people, snakes or bears? Im too chicken 🙂. 👋

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Edith, yea it can be dirty. I'll do a few van videos as I continue to tinker with things. Vans are NEVER "done".

[@theskroobs538]

Exos main pack isn't 58 liters, Exos 48 main pack is only 40 liters. I would assume main pack is closer to 50 liters. Outdoorgearlab of Exos 48 measured main pack as 40 liters.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

They must be including the brain.

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

Great review, I just purchased the Osprey Atmos 65 and it comes in at over 4 lbs. Two pounds heavier than the arc haul. I may be taking it back.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

My wife has the Aura (the female version of the Atmos). It's well made of course. It's good if you want to carry loads heavier than 35 pounds. My pack usually weighs about 22 pounds with 2 liters of water and 4 days of food, so something like the Atmos would be way overkill for me. BTW, I'm still using that very same pack. It's seems way more durable than what people say.

[@aurtisanminer2827]

The exos is osprey’s lighter line of packs.

[@ericb.4358]

Iown a 2014 EXOS 58 (black W/green) and really like it. The "pole carrier" is useless to me so I cut it off. But I added side pockets for gear I need in a hurry like 1st tis and water treatment stuff.

[@HikeOregon]

What a great and detailed comparison video!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

there's Franziska. When are you going to do your Oregon PCT? Which direction?

[@HikeOregon]

Starting July 3 at the Oregon/Cali border and will be heading Nobo.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

I'm starting on June 1st at the Oregon/Cali border heading Nobo to Canada. Have fun on your hike!

[@HikeOregon]

There is still a ton of snow here in Oregon! Crater Lake still has about 8-9 feet! Bring some microspikes or something and definitely bring your compass and GPS as you will not be seeing a trail in many sections.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

thanks for the heads up!

[@endesp]

Hi, why not the Haul ZIP version? Easier to pack. Could miss the mesh for wet gear, but those could be placed into top mesh pockets on either side. Food into front pocket. The only downside I could think of is you have an inisable pack in case the zip fails...

[@endesp]

Unusable

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

yeah, it'd be one more part to fail. I use the super stretchable mesh too much for it to work for me.

[@asankam]

Great video and thank you. What make you choose the Orange over anyother color they have for the Arc Haul. Also any chance you give us a feedback on the pack as its been a while since you uploaded this video. Thanks!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

orange makes hunters less likely you shoot me! I'll do a pack video soon.

[@asankam]

Great thanks! Look forward to that

[@peterellis5724]

I woke up this morning wanting to find a comparison video for these two packs, as I have the Exos and was thinking of getting the ArcHaul. It worked out perfectly! Thank you! Also, I love how perfectly framed your dog was when it sat down behind you.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

the ArcHaul's a great pack!

[@TainoXtreme]

Very good video and presentation. These dynama backpacks are very light in weight and versatile and you can custom order them but are not very abration resistant. And for the price I would expect something more robust. I’d rather spending the money on a osprey levity 45 backpack that is made out of a material that is much more resistant than dynema. I like you very video I liked your presentation so much I subscribed to your channel. Thank you so much for sharing this video. God bless you.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

I've got at least 2500 miles on that orange ArcHaul at this point. So far only one of the trampoline straps broke. Zpacks immediately replaced it. Went through several rainstorms...no water leakage. It's got at least another 2000 miles left in it. Very satisfied.

[@BeckTreksAustralia]

Interesting that you say that the Zpacks Arc Haul does not leak or is very close to waterproof.. I hiked in rain for 3-4 hours, I had puddles in the bottom of my pack! I thought it would be waterproof seeing that the seams were taped, but the material must just suck up water like any other, it might just be a bit slower maybe.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

If you're getting leaks then it usually happens at the attachment points or points of high stress where the tape gets distressed.

[@alexwbanks70]

Great video! But that Zpacks isn't Dyneema is it? Thought it was the rip stop. The Arc Blast is the Dyneema. I just ordered that Arxc Haul pack in the same color.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

All Zpacks packs use Dyneema (cuben). Dyneema varies with how much non-Dyneema fabric is bonded to it for strength. The ArcHaul has a more durable fabric bonded to the Dyneema base layer to make it more tear resistant.

[@alexwbanks70]

@@onthetrailwithbart523Great to know. Thanks

[@brianrobbins762]

This is the silliest thing. One backpack is more than twice as expensive as the other. What is the point?

[@FigyElek-nb2xw]

Hi ! Thank you for the video , could you say something about the durability ? I would really like to hear your opinion regarding that, many thanks !

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Despite what others say about Zpacks, I think they're very durable. The Exos is equally durable.

[@FigyElek-nb2xw]

On the Trail with Bart Many thanks, that is my only concern about Zpacks and can t figure it out from the videos I ve seen here on youtube.Do you think I can expect the same life time with normal use ? However I don t baby my gear .

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

All gear will tear if pushed too hard. Cuben/Dyneema is VERY tough though. The ArcHaul is much tougher than the ArcBlast though. That being said, a Zpacks pack will not last as long as an Gregory Baltoro. But the Baltoro is like 4 pounds heavier. If you want durability, I'd go with the Baltoro. If you want really light with reasonable durability, I'd go with the Zpacks.

[@mikefranks8469]

I bushwhacked for two miles up a steep hill with thorns and not a single scratch on the pack... it was abused and help up awesome...the ArcHaul will hold up for a very long time... my arcblast is four years old and still going strong. My ArcHaul is two years old

[@FigyElek-nb2xw]

mike franks That sounds really good ! Thank you !

[@sharingtheadventure]

Excellent. Thanks!

[@wisefrog83]

Really useful info. Thanks!

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

glad it helped!

[@TheTrailDancer]

New job opportunity: Backpack Pocket Designer - High Demand! :) Nice Vid!!! I like Gossamer Gear.. Have you tried?

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

The Mariposa is a good pack, but I will never like backpacks that sit right against my back. Even if I can get 1/2 inch of air space between my back and the pack.

[@TheTrailDancer]

On the Trail with Bart ya me too. I hate feeling the contents for the pack digging into my back. It all depends on my hike for which pack I use..

[@gainesy_walks]

Great review

[@CascadeBackcountry]

Damn load levelers! ;)

[@wolfeadventures]

Is the Arc Haul still holding up?

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

Well the last one I had was stolen but yeah it had over 2000 PCT miles on it and was in really good shape. I replaced it with the exact same pack

[@wolfeadventures]

@@onthetrailwithbart523 thank you.

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

So what are you carrying for 2021?

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6aoep6oiNupiaM

[@Liberace01]

Say it again, what did you pay for the ZPacks with all the enhancements, and what did the Osprey cost you....be honest....

[@fireyourrocketts]

I also got same packs.. Zpacks is $300+ with all the extras but worth it every single penny; Osprey is a good pack but it does not come close, great for a day hike but then again so is the Zpacks for any situation.

[@thisspotrules3631]

Great review! What's your favorite part of the PCT?

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

I like it all. I like the desert, I like the Sierras, I like the Cascades. Thanks for watching !

[@friarrodneyburnap4336]

technically these are both external frame backpacks, external frame backpacks are the best on the market. People are so biased against them these days that they won't even try them...

[@seribas]

And you pretty much can't.. There's less than 10 on the market. Internal frames dominate the market now

[@MichiganMatt]

Umbrella brand and set up??

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

www.euroschirm.com/schirm/Swing_handsfree/index.cgi?session=pqzCaosITKWVN&sprache_land=usa

[@MichiganMatt]

@@onthetrailwithbart523 thank you!!

[@garyflick9172]

All in about $560

[@Whitey73192]

Thanks for the review I’ll definitely be buying the Exos! I just can’t see spending the extra money on the zpacks and I’m not really a fan of the add on stuff. Seems to me like they are just trying to make more money with the add on stuff

[@nicoleandjoshbaldwin4228]

msr expert it’s more that people don’t want that stuff so they would just get rid of it. A lot of UL people don’t like hip belts and that’s the first thing they get rid of to drop weight. I personally have a zpacks arch haul and it’s super uncomfortable and the trampoline pad digs in my back with around 22lbs in it with a 9lb base weight

[@kencouch6609]

Got have a dog in view when talking about hiking

[@asiacques]

Thank you.

[@Arthur-Silva]

I’m switching from my ZPacks Arc Zip to an Osprey after hiking for a whole day with one fully loaded. My Zpacks gave me a herniated disc

[@RickinICT]

What did the Zpacks weigh for that day if you don't' mind me asking?

[@wanderingaloudwithmark3057]

What caused the problem with your back?

[@jasonjudd4]

Thanks.

[@akashmehta1637]

Zpacks looks good . But the idea of keeping the stuff inside the mesh large pockets . It’s looks so weared and why would someone want to show what they are carrying in their pack .

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

You put things that you'll likely use during the day, or wet things. Rain gear, beanie, gloves, lunch, snacks.

[@rubysepulveda3482]

You seem to forget the major difference in warranty...

[@Pedro28725]

This is a pretty unfair comparison as the zpacks is about three times the price of the exos (found commonly on sale)

[@stoshwojcik1098]

Just roast the pocket guy

[@trakyboy5128]

Sir may I remind you that packs n such r like women, each to his own taste. A pack 'big' enough to carry a hydration bag may not be 'to big' for everyone else. I realize what the current trends for h2o are.and!! I know you meant well. I have been packing since early/mid 70s and fell in love with "bladders" from the git go. A lot of pro's aren't being covered. Well,,enuf blah blah blah. Enjoy your videos!! Keep on truckin in the free world !!

[@tictachikes6156]

Why is the “guy” who made the pockets male?

[@richardzellers]

Beware of Zpacks, the materials wear out quickly. Not worth the money for the amount of uses.

[@onthetrailwithbart523]

That's not true. I presently have about 3000 miles on that orange pack. I even use it for my daily training hikes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIubhZulr7N7ha8