Goonky
05-04-2014, 12:51
Hey all,
So this year I decided to replace my big four (tent, sleeping bag, pad and backpack). So far so good on everything except the pack.
I've been hiking with an Osprey 65 - I know it's bigger but when it's on and adjusted right, it feels like I'm carrying nothing. But since it's a heavier pack, I decided to try an Arc Blast 60 from Zpacks. It came yesterday and I just loaded with up with my gear - 25 pounds - and went for a 4 mile walk in the woods. Within 15 minutes, my shoulders hurt.
I had this problem initialy with the Osprey until I got the adjustments right, pulling the load lifter straps so the top of the pack was closer to me made a night and day difference on the Osprey. Also I made sure the hip belt was pretty tight. I ordered load lifters for the arc blast too. I've got them pulled in as far as I can. I put the tent at the bottom of the pack and then heavier items in the middle (food for one) and then lighter stuff I might need during the day toward the top.
I adjusted the frame as directed and I've tried different things. It's clearly a great pack - very well made and so light weight. I want to like it and use it but the shoulder pain is a deal breaker. Because of it, this pack "feels" heavier than the Osprey, if that makes any sense.
If anyone has the arc blast and has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it.
So this year I decided to replace my big four (tent, sleeping bag, pad and backpack). So far so good on everything except the pack.
I've been hiking with an Osprey 65 - I know it's bigger but when it's on and adjusted right, it feels like I'm carrying nothing. But since it's a heavier pack, I decided to try an Arc Blast 60 from Zpacks. It came yesterday and I just loaded with up with my gear - 25 pounds - and went for a 4 mile walk in the woods. Within 15 minutes, my shoulders hurt.
I had this problem initialy with the Osprey until I got the adjustments right, pulling the load lifter straps so the top of the pack was closer to me made a night and day difference on the Osprey. Also I made sure the hip belt was pretty tight. I ordered load lifters for the arc blast too. I've got them pulled in as far as I can. I put the tent at the bottom of the pack and then heavier items in the middle (food for one) and then lighter stuff I might need during the day toward the top.
I adjusted the frame as directed and I've tried different things. It's clearly a great pack - very well made and so light weight. I want to like it and use it but the shoulder pain is a deal breaker. Because of it, this pack "feels" heavier than the Osprey, if that makes any sense.
If anyone has the arc blast and has any suggestions, I'd appreciate it.