Z-Packs Arc Air Pack?

[bert304]

I currently use an Osprey Kestrel 48 liter. My question is, Is the Z-Packs Arc Air pack worth the cost. I am a weekender and vacation hiker. The weight reduction is from one pack to the other is a big bonus. I just wanted some honest opinions about Z-Packs quality, cost and the fit.
Thank you

[George]

unfortunately no one can effectively answer that for "you"

I have accumulated over 20 packs, of which I use maybe 8, one is an arc haul - effectively fills a slot but nothing magical about it

[colorado_rob]

I'm a fan of the Arc series of packs, though I'm not "in love" with them. I do like my Arc Haul much better than a couple of previously owned Ospreys though (Exos, Atmos), the Arc Haul is lighter, more usable (love the large hip pockets and side pockets) and just as comfortable.

I do not like, however, the dyneema fabric on packs, I believe it shows wear/tear much sooner than the standard nylon, so from that standpoint, I would not recommend the Arc Air (for thru-hiking), which I believe only comes in the Dyneema (right?). however, if only used for weekends/vacations, the Dyneema is probably just fine, and it is lighter.

[Miner]

Please don't call DCF by the shortend Dyneema. Dyneema can refer to many different fabrics and not just the renamed cuben fiber. It confuses some of us who remember when some people used to call some of their other fabrics just Dyneema so I'm never sure what they are talking about unless the context is completely clear.

DCF hybrid packs are said to be good for maybe one thru-hike. For non-thruhikers that may last them many years. Just watch out for abrasion.

For me, I'm happy with my non-DCF ULA and MLD packs which are a bit more durable so have no interest in owning a DCF one, but many do like them for their water proofness; at least when they haven't had a lot of wear and tear yet.

My friend (a former PCT thru-hiker) owns the ZPacks Arc Blast and thinks its comfortable, but it is fragile in someways other than just the fabric. Last year, when we went on a multi-day hike together shortly after he got it, he had to replace the buckle on his hipbelt when it cracked; buckles are small UL ones. Though in his case, he has gained a lot of weight since the PCT so when he bends over there is a lot of mass pushing into the hipbelt. He doesn't use it that much anymore as he thinks he needs to loose more weight before it would be an appropriate design for him. He said he would use it for a thru-hike if his body size was smaller. I have seen other big guys using them, so maybe my friend is overly paranoid, but given his quick failure, his caution may be appropriate.

[colorado_rob]

Please don't call DCF by the shortend Dyneema. Dyneema can refer to many different fabrics and not just the renamed cuben fiber. It confuses some of us who remember when some people used to call some of their other fabrics just Dyneema so I'm never sure what they are talking about unless the context is completely clear..

I will probably stick with "dyneema" because DCF or Cuben might be not be at all understood, and "dyneema" in context with a pack is probably well understood, and "dyneema composite fabric" is too much typing! :-)

[cmoulder]

I'm just going with DCF these days, although as Miner notes the Zpacks material is a hybrid (DCF/polyester) laminate.

That said, I recently got the Arc Air, but in Robic. I like what I see so far but haven't taken it out for an actual hike yet, only a short walk in the local woods loaded with about 12lbs or so. I'm hoping to get out Wed-Thu for an overnighter... shoulder season type weather is forecast.

So far the material seems like a good choice and the construction is excellent. The curved stays seem pretty tough. I do not like the way the roll top connects with 2 buckles on the side — which also acts as side compression — so I buckle it in the center just like the old style, and I set up cords with linelocs for side compression, which I prefer as a separate function anyway. However, I really don't use side compression much at all.

ArcAir50_roll_top.jpg ArcAir50_side_compression.jpg ArcAir50_side_compression_02.jpg

[Kerosene]

I can attest that zPacks quality has been superb for me. I think I've probably bought a dozen items from them over the years.

If you're in a 48L pack already, then a 50L ArcBlast would be sweet. I was trying to come down from a 60L Granite Gear pack, but I couldn't figure out how to carry enough food in a bear canister to make the ArcBlast work for a planned JMT hike. I ended up selling the ArcBlast earlier this year to another Whiteblaze member and will be seriously considering the ArcHaul for several hikes I have planned in 2022 (after I recover from two knee replacements this year!).

[bert304]

Thank you for the replies. I am looking at the pack to lower my base weight. I also switched to a Hammock from a tent and I have the top quilt and the under quilt plus the hammock and tarp. Even thou it is light weight and way more comfortable, it does take up more space. So I figure I can fit all of it into a 50L.

[cmoulder]

Thank you for the replies. I am looking at the pack to lower my base weight. I also switched to a Hammock from a tent and I have the top quilt and the under quilt plus the hammock and tarp. Even thou it is light weight and way more comfortable, it does take up more space. So I figure I can fit all of it into a 50L.

I've been hammocking for a few years and have a pretty good feel for various quilts/tarps that are needed in different seasons.

I did a quick overnighter yesterday (got back this morning) and carried kit for 30°F ( it got down to 27°F) and it all fit with GOBS of room to spare, so it would've been fine for a multi-day in similar conditions. It'd probably be okay for 20°F-rated TQ and UQ, but not 0°F kit and something like a HG Palace tarp. Plus you'd likely be carrying serious puffies and other bulkier winter gear. But there are probably some UL Zen Masters who could do it... but I ain't one of 'em.

In the pics below, pack contains 30deg EE Enigma TQ, 20deg Revolt (65"), DH Darien 10'/Robic 1.7, HG 11' Hex DCF, Montbell Alpine light hooded puffy, Marmot Precip pants, Zpacks poncho, Helinox chair zero (OK, flog me for UL blasphemy) alky stove setup, food and the other normal stuff. I don't know the base weight, but trailhead TPW was 13.8lb on my digital luggage scale including food and 20oz water.

My philosophy is to carry a pack large enough to contain all my stuff if at all possible. I absolutely abhor strapping a bunch of stuff to the outside just so I can say I'm carrying a smaller volume pack, with stuff clanging, jangling, scraping and snagging on rocks and vegetation.

The pack carried extremely well for me, and I intentionally collected my evening water a little earlier so I could carry it at a heavier weight for a couple of miles. With the 1.5 liter Evernew bladder adding another 3.3lb or so it totaled about 17lbs and was still a dream.

Too early to say yet, however I noticed that my back was practically dry where I usually have a very damp or wet area in the lumbar region, even though I am always very attentive when it comes to controlling overheating. Trampoline is good, but my first impression is that these curved stays are even better.

Zpacks_Arc_Air_50_01.jpg Zpacks_Arc_Air_50_02.jpg

[bert304]

Cmoulder.
My hammock set up is the following: Dutchware Gear Cameleon Wide Hammock With a wide Tarp. I do have a EE Enigma 20 degree top quilt. I am going to order a 20 degree EE Revolt2 under quilt. Should I go with the 80" or drop to 65"?

[cmoulder]

Cmoulder.
My hammock set up is the following: Dutchware Gear Cameleon Wide Hammock With a wide Tarp. I do have a EE Enigma 20 degree top quilt. I am going to order a 20 degree EE Revolt2 under quilt. Should I go with the 80" or drop to 65"?

I think you'd be okay with both of those, but definitely spec both with 7d shell (in & out) and 950fp down for max compressibility.

[Fëanor]

I've been hammocking for a few years and have a pretty good feel for various quilts/tarps that are needed in different seasons.

I did a quick overnighter yesterday (got back this morning) and carried kit for 30°F ( it got down to 27°F) and it all fit with GOBS of room to spare, so it would've been fine for a multi-day in similar conditions. It'd probably be okay for 20°F-rated TQ and UQ, but not 0°F kit and something like a HG Palace tarp. Plus you'd likely be carrying serious puffies and other bulkier winter gear. But there are probably some UL Zen Masters who could do it... but I ain't one of 'em.

In the pics below, pack contains 30deg EE Enigma TQ, 20deg Revolt (65"), DH Darien 10'/Robic 1.7, HG 11' Hex DCF, Montbell Alpine light hooded puffy, Marmot Precip pants, Zpacks poncho, Helinox chair zero (OK, flog me for UL blasphemy) alky stove setup, food and the other normal stuff. I don't know the base weight, but trailhead TPW was 13.8lb on my digital luggage scale including food and 20oz water.

My philosophy is to carry a pack large enough to contain all my stuff if at all possible. I absolutely abhor strapping a bunch of stuff to the outside just so I can say I'm carrying a smaller volume pack, with stuff clanging, jangling, scraping and snagging on rocks and vegetation.

The pack carried extremely well for me, and I intentionally collected my evening water a little earlier so I could carry it at a heavier weight for a couple of miles. With the 1.5 liter Evernew bladder adding another 3.3lb or so it totaled about 17lbs and was still a dream.

Too early to say yet, however I noticed that my back was practically dry where I usually have a very damp or wet area in the lumbar region, even though I am always very attentive when it comes to controlling overheating. Trampoline is good, but my first impression is that these curved stays are even better.

Zpacks_Arc_Air_50_01.jpg Zpacks_Arc_Air_50_02.jpg

Judging by the pictures ,the shoulder straps seem thin unlike Osprey, Deuter ect.. Do you have any thoughts on that? and can you order them thicker? It seems to be the norm for these Ultralight backpacks..

[cmoulder]

Judging by the pictures ,the shoulder straps seem thin unlike Osprey, Deuter ect.. Do you have any thoughts on that? and can you order them thicker? It seems to be the norm for these Ultralight backpacks..

I'm finding them comfortable so far, now with about 75 trail miles on the pack, typical load around 15lb for winter overnight only with no big food/water carries. Hip belt is the same thickness and I'm also finding it comfortable, although I always note that I need the supplemental lumbar pad.

I don't think you can order them with thicker padding but I suppose you could ask. You can, however, add some supplemental shoulder strap pads.

[Fëanor]

I'm finding them comfortable so far, now with about 75 trail miles on the pack, typical load around 15lb for winter overnight only with no big food/water carries. Hip belt is the same thickness and I'm also finding it comfortable, although I always note that I need the supplemental lumbar pad.

I don't think you can order them with thicker padding but I suppose you could ask. You can, however, add some supplemental shoulder strap pads.

Yeah 15lbs is nothing, just the other day I went to REI looking for backpacks was particularly looking for the Flash 55, so we loaded them up with 30lbs an tried them on along with the Gregory Optic...
They felt good you could feel the weight on my hips and how well they hugged you. Was not overly impressed though.. So as were getting to leave, the girl who helped us stopped us and said wait would you like to try this HMG backpack? My eyes doubled in size as i saw this thing, dint know they carried them.

...OMG!!! I never felt 30lbs feel so light! The pack felt so comfortable I was blow away!!! ...so thats what the hype is all about!
All these fancy schmancy packs with their complicated air frames could touch the comfort of the HMG pack... So now im looking fr an Ultralight but really dont want to spend $400 either so the this Arc Air is on my list now.. so I appreciate this thread here.. we'll see what Ill be getting still doing research.. chicken tramper gear looks interesting wonder if anybody has any thoughts..

[JC13]

Good to hear on the back moisture! I am curious if the curved stays can potentially be retrofit into an Arc Blast. Then I could remove the mesh trampoline part and not have to spend $325 on a 5 litre smaller version of my pack. The robic is a nice option though, maybe when the DCF pack eventually dies I will swap.

[cmoulder]

Good to hear on the back moisture! I am curious if the curved stays can potentially be retrofit into an Arc Blast. Then I could remove the mesh trampoline part and not have to spend $325 on a 5 litre smaller version of my pack. The robic is a nice option though, maybe when the DCF pack eventually dies I will swap.

Hmm... not a bad idea but I'm kinda thinking they won't sell them separately... maybe source them elsewhere(?), but they don't seem to be common items. I didn't measure yet but they look a skosh too short for the Blast.

[justhike]

Good to hear on the back moisture! I am curious if the curved stays can potentially be retrofit into an Arc Blast. Then I could remove the mesh trampoline part and not have to spend $325 on a 5 litre smaller version of my pack.

A thru-hiking couple did just that - and they posted how they did it on their youtube channel (and at least one other couple followed suit, but they left the mesh on...)
see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stOtVquvUP8

or look up The Vintage Hikers on youtube.

[JC13]

A thru-hiking couple did just that - and they posted how they did it on their youtube channel (and at least one other couple followed suit, but they left the mesh on...)
see: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stOtVquvUP8

or look up The Vintage Hikers on youtube.

Appreciate that link! Now that they have released that orange robic I am really having to consider it. It would make a great pack now for hiking and hunting, no need for a orange pack cover anymore!

[Staystrong]

'My other question would be how do you keep track of the small items, like pocket knife, lighter, toothbrush, currently I keep that stuff in the brain of the pack I use. I guess I will have to see how it all fits in.'

Recently, I bought a special portable toothbrush case with sunitizing effect. so, now it takes more space.

[JC13]

'My other question would be how do you keep track of the small items, like pocket knife, lighter, toothbrush, currently I keep that stuff in the brain of the pack I use. I guess I will have to see how it all fits in.'

Recently, I bought a special portable toothbrush case with sunitizing effect. so, now it takes more space.

Personally, I don't carry a knife anymore, lighter is in my cook pot and an extra in my F.A.K. Toothbrush is in my F.A.K. as that is also where I store floss and such.
I use the hipbelt pouches on mine as I like having my keys, tissue and chapstick in one side and my headlamp and pepper spray in the other.