Not only is this the best review of the Zpacks Arc Blast on UA-cam, it is the best backpacking gear review I have seen on UA-cam, and I have seen thousands! Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Dang!!! I should hire you for Not By Sight public relations! super glad the review was helpful for you. Thank you for commenting and watching! Hike On!!!
Hey thank you for the fantastic compliment! My wife is all over me to get more reviews done. Comments like yours definitely make me want to do more. Thank you so much! Happy trails!😀
I inherited some money from my dad a few years ago and spent it on a Zpacks quilt and the Arc Blast. Thanks, dad! I have used them ever since and have been so pleased with them I have no desire to try something else. Before then I was always searching out new gear looking for improvements.
Thanks so much for such a great video and thorough review. I have had my eye on this pack for a while. Thanks for explaining the pack layout. I backpack mostly in the White Mountains of NH and use a 38 L Granite Gear that works nicely but I am looking to drop some more weight. I have the Duplex, bear bag, hiking poles and other assorted gear from Zpack and their gear has been well worth the money. I am well into my 60s so light is more important than cost. Hiking light is wonderful. Again, thanks and you have convinced me to place my order. I have watched a few of your videos and you do a great job, you have a gift at explaining things. Take care.
Hello Scott! Boy, you are sure welcome and thank you for such kind words! I am glad the video helped! You will LOVE the pack as much as I loved the Whites! Happy trails!
What a wonderful review of this pack! And I've watched dozens, Well done. This is such an amazing pack to own. Don't let the high price turn you down. Once you paid it, you will forget all about it, when your pack is super comfy and light feeling on your back. I ended with the Arc Zip,
Nick Rodriguez hey Nick! I agree about the price, I don't think I said it in the video but I do believe it is well worth the price. Especially if you're going to be using it for nearly six months. Glad you enjoyed the review! See you on the trail!
First, it was nice to see you again. Second, I thought you did a terrific job with your pack review. I've been curious about this exact tent for quite some time, and you answered some questions that I had. I thought your idea of toting the tent on the outside base of your backpack was excellent. Nice job, brother.
Thanks. One of the best reviews of Arc Blast out there. Great style and you hit all the points without ever repeating. I have it’s bigger brother Arc Haul and these packs are some of the best in UL gear. Uber expensive though.
Disciple - Thanks so much for this informative review. Chica and I are considering our next adventure (probably ColoradoTrail) after this first season of running the hostel. I was not happy with the backpack I used on the AT thru, so I am on the hunt. I have a long torso and many gear makers are not an option. So, even though they somewhat serve two points on the ultralight spectrum, I have whittled it down to ZPacks (Blast or Haul) and ULA Circuit. I will continue my research but this review has helped. Best wishes in your own new adventure. ~ Sunsets
Hey brother! Great to hear from you! Glad the vid helped. The adjustable torso is a big deal on a thru. I lost 40lbs and needed a shorter torso pack. Good luck in all you do and blessings to you both! Please keep Halo and I informed on how yall are doing.😀
Good to hear from you again. Great review. I have the Arc Blast Zip and I kinda wish I had gotten the mesh outside. I thin I can jury rig one if I choose. I've just done some sections and I am still learning. Thanks for sharing.
Hey, +Lock McKinnon, thanks for the kind words. I'm sure you can rig something if you really want to, but a lot of people like the zip, too. They each have their place. Happy hiking!
Loving it!!! Shaved 4 lbs off my first pack getting me to 17lb. base. Only put 100 miles in with it and seems like it will last if cared for. Not finding the lack of pockets compared to my 1st too inconvenient. If I did have 1 critique, it would be the angle of the water bottle pockets which I found more difficult than you to access. Easily remedied with their shoulder strap bottle holder attachment. Apologies, but I haven't had a chance to follow your channel as closely as I'd have liked (will def catchup tho). How's the trail? Are you heading through the Sierras? Best of luck,wherever your trail takes you.
Nice review of the Arc Blast. I have the Zpacks Nero for summer / light weight section hiking. Also have a couple Granite Gear 60 liter packs for longer and or cool weather section hiking. Ive been wanting the Arc Blast but the wife would take a rolling pin to my head if I bring another pack into this house. Good to see you back posting videos relating to your gear and experience on the AT. Thanks 👍
I love the Nero, but it definitely makes you look at your gear to leave stuff at home and pair it down small and light weight. My out the door hiking weight for 3 day 2 nite’r was around 17lbs. It carries good at that weight. Have had it loaded near the 20lb max weight and for me, it feel like the pack starts to loose its ability to support that kind of weight. I will mainly use it for warm weather hiking where I’m not carrying extra cool weather layers. I also use a duplex tent, an EE enigma 40 degree quilt that weighs only 13 oz. and the Thermarest neo air. I’ll go stoveless during warm weather also. I use the zpack shoulder pocket to carry a small water bottle to mix electrolytes and coffee, tea, etc. Also a single 1.5 liter smart water bottle with a sawyer sneeze filter attached. I also carry a 2 liter sawyer bag for longer dry sections or really hot weather. I use the zpacks chest pack and 2 of their padded hip belt pockets to help distribute weight as well. “Plug it in Hikes” has a few good reviews of the Nero. I may do a review of my pack and gear this spring as well. Hope this helps!
Great review... I too am considering an Arc series Zpacks and have potentially the same sizing challenge you did. I'm 5'11 and have a torso measurement (from C7 at neck to top of iliac crest/hip bones) of right around 20". Zpacks website indicates the torso ranges as being small (17-20"), medium (20-23"). This puts me exactly in between both sizes. Based on your experience with the pack, and your 19" torso length--if I heard you correctly--do you think a small would be the way for me to go as well? How much extra adjustment do you think you have available if you wanted to adjust the torso length longer than you needed it? Thanks again for a thorough review!
Hey Steve! So great question. From my experience you should go with these smaller pack. A pack that is too long is a much bigger problem than a pack that is too small. Also on a long distance hike as you lose weight you need a shorter pack. I believe their website recommends going with the shorter torso as well. Glad you benefited from the video and good luck. Let me know how you like your pack when you get it. Happy trails!
@@NotBySight Thanks for the reply! Smaller probably seems a good place to start. Do you tend to wear the waistbelt centered over your hipbones (iliac crest) or higher or lower? Traditionally, for the past 30 years or so, I've worn my waistbelt a bit below my hipbones, but have noticed as I get older that while that is comfortable while hiking, my hips and upper legs tend to be uncomfortable while trying to sleep at night (kind of a delayed reaction thing). I'm wondering if getting the hipbelt up a bit more might help. Getting older kind of stinks, but at least I'm hoping the ZPacks will prolong my backpacking career! Thanks again for your input.
Good afternoon Disciple from Erwin,TN. Great review. One suggestion, instead of storing your trekking poles on the side with compression straps, bring your fishing rod and store it there. LOL. Always good to hear from you. Have a great evening.
Hey, Doug from Henry, IL!! Brilliant idea! If it weren't for the darn trail continuing all the way into Maine I would have had a lot more time for fishing!
Great review! You sir are an excellent commentator. Loved following along on your thru-hike. Blessings to you and your family in 2018! Lamplighter 2019 out! 😉
Hey, Stan my brother! Super cool hearing from you. Brings back lots of awesome memories! And yes, those memories have evolved from pain and agony to joy and fondness. Ready to blow up some blazes!
Hey ladies! We are having a blast watching your videos and we are definitely rooting for you! I'll trade you my Arc Blast for your Versalite Sleeping bag! LOL
Hi John! I'm very glad this review helped you! one of the joys of backpacking is figuring out what you really need and what you do not need. All in all a lighter pack is just more fun to carry. Thank you very much for watching! Hike On!!!!
Great video. Thanks for breaking this down. I'm 44 and have some lower back issues. I'm using a Gregory Baltoro 65L pack, which has great lower back support. However, I'm looking to slim down my load. I'm curious if, when the pack is full and on, if you feel it provides decent lower back support? Thanks in advance.
Bobby Beck Hello, Bobby! There are probably not many packs that will support your back as well as your current pack. That said, I also have some back issues and find the lighter load and support given by the Ark Blast are extremely comfortable for me. Double check, I'm pretty sure, Zpacks offers additional lumbar pads. Hope that helps and happy hiking!
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I did order it and got it with the extra lumbar support. I'll get it in a couple weeks and will write you back to let you know. Thanks again for your very thorough review. SUPER helpful.
I guess its been a couple of years since this review. Great review by the way. Have you continued to use the Arcblast and do you still recommend it? Thanks!
Yes and yes! It is a FANTASTIC pack for the right load and circumstances. Hope the video helped! Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy trsils!
Vince Voyna hey great question! So the tent is a Six Moons design Gatewood cape. It's a poncho tarp. The sleeping bag is a western Mountaineering alpenlite. Sleeping pad is a NeoAir x-lite. I was just testing some equipment that night.
tak2w Hey, Todd. That is a Six Moons Design Gatewood Cape. It's a poncho tarp. Not replacing the Duplex. NO WAY. I love that thing. Just experimenting with a more minimal structure. I'll review it soon 😁
Thank you for the great review! It looks like you have your gear setup pretty dialed in. I'm looking into this pack as an ultralight option for thru hiking. With your current setup, how many days of food are you able to carry comfortably before needing to resupply? I know this will vary slightly based on peoples gear and volume/weight of it, but just trying to get a general feeling if I should go with the 55L Arc Blast or if the slightly larger Arc Haul (62L) might suit me better. I need something I can carry 6-7 days worth of food. Any input or thoughts are greatly appreciated - Thanks!
Hey! So it really depends on your base weight for the weather your hiking in. I'm pretty minimal so I can comfortably carry 5 or6 days in " regular" temps. Cold weather gear limits your food of course. If your base weight is commonly over 10lbs and you expect long carries go w the haul. It only slightly hevier. Hope that helps! Hike on!
This a great review, thanks for posting! What did you think of the shoulder strap spacing? I've had packs with the straps too close together and it kind of pinched my shoulder and neck muscles while under load. How was the spacing on the Arc Blast?
Hey glad the review helped! I find the pack nearly perfect for me. But I use the sternum strap occasion only to bring the shoulder straps closer together or loosen it more to allow them to go wider depending on my mood for the day. But I usually have a pretty light load and it's not uncomfortable either way. Thanks again for watching and glad it helped some!
It has to be arched before packing. I store it un arched. Arching slightly reduces the volume of the pack, so the lighter the load the more you can arch it. Hope that helps! Happy trails!😀
Great review! It is a lot of money, but if I'm doing something like the PCT, it's worth it I feel - an investment. Think of that weight saving with every step as well as being easier on your body. Thanks for sharing!
Hey! I was thinking about you today. I watched your latest video last night. Are the butterflies thumping away? LOL OH, by the way... love your jeep. Will you leave it to us in your will when you freeze solid up in the Smokeys? Just askin'
Not By Sight, funny you ask, seems that the butterflies have left. I am just really to hit the trail now. As far as me freezing, I have 5 grown children and a wife that will be fighting over my Jeep; but we will add you to the mix.
Did you see any External Frame Backpacks on the trail...I really like the Kelty Trekker 3950...this was the first style of backpack that Kelty made. ...the secret to External Frame Backpacks... Is to get the right torso size and light gear...if my base weight is 12 lbs but my trail weight is 22 lbs...I will be Lighter weight than most ultralight Backpackers...I do carry a study Bible. . .
Hey great to hear from you! I'm trying to remember oh, I don't think I saw any besides some boy scouts. But there could have been a couple. Hey bottom line is use what works! Thanks for watching and hike on!
just finished the PCT. The people I ran into that had Zpacks packs did not like them. Lots of issues and the customer service apparently is horrendous.
I would not wonder, if that would be true because the Zpacks arced frame system offers adjustability like no other DCF pack out there. People that usually do not baby their gear are better off with simpler designs vs. less comfort .
I have heard the complete opposite. I am going with Zpacks all the way. I am sure you need to be more careful with it but the weight savings is great. I am also going with their tent.
Since my first comment I have since purchase a lot of gear from them and they have been wonderful to deal with. I love all the gear I have purchased from them. I hike mostly in the White Mountains of NH so I run into many thru hikers and I have never met anyone who did not love their Zpack gear. If was a AT hiker that first told me about Zpack and how light and great their gear was. Nothing last forever.
Lol. I like their look. In fact I got several compliments along the way. But to each their own! Lol. You are correct, they are light for sure. Happy trails!
![Chris Langan - The Interview THEY Didn't Want You To See - CTMU [Full Version; Timestamps]](/img/n.gif)
This is the single best review of this pack on UA-cam!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks, man. Glad you liked it!
Not only is this the best review of the Zpacks Arc Blast on UA-cam, it is the best backpacking gear review I have seen on UA-cam, and I have seen thousands! Thanks, and keep up the good work!
Dang!!! I should hire you for Not By Sight public relations! super glad the review was helpful for you. Thank you for commenting and watching! Hike On!!!
I love how happy he is. That is someone who found a backpack that suited their needs perfectly.
Lol! Hey thanks! 😀 I do love my pack and life for that matter. Thanks for commenting!!😀❤😀
Fantastic review. Best review of this backpack I've seen so far. Keep up the great work!
Hey thank you for the fantastic compliment! My wife is all over me to get more reviews done. Comments like yours definitely make me want to do more. Thank you so much! Happy trails!😀
Brilliant. Subscribed. And you also helped me pull the trigger on the Arc Blast. Thank you!
Hey, thank you! And you are sure welcome! Let me know how you like your arc blast when it comes in and if you have any questions. Happy trails!!
I inherited some money from my dad a few years ago and spent it on a Zpacks quilt and the Arc Blast. Thanks, dad! I have used them ever since and have been so pleased with them I have no desire to try something else. Before then I was always searching out new gear looking for improvements.
Boy, sorry to hear about your Dad, but what a GREAT gift! Now you can enjoy quality gear and think of him on your adventures. Thanks for watching!
Thanks so much for such a great video and thorough review. I have had my eye on this pack for a while. Thanks for explaining the pack layout. I backpack mostly in the White Mountains of NH and use a 38 L Granite Gear that works nicely but I am looking to drop some more weight. I have the Duplex, bear bag, hiking poles and other assorted gear from Zpack and their gear has been well worth the money. I am well into my 60s so light is more important than cost. Hiking light is wonderful. Again, thanks and you have convinced me to place my order. I have watched a few of your videos and you do a great job, you have a gift at explaining things. Take care.
Hello Scott! Boy, you are sure welcome and thank you for such kind words! I am glad the video helped! You will LOVE the pack as much as I loved the Whites! Happy trails!
I use same pack and tent. Never thought of putting tent to the outside. I'll have to give that a try.
Yeah, it's great because it keeps everything dry on the inside of your pack. Bre careful not to drag and snag it rough! Happt trails!!😀
What a wonderful review of this pack! And I've watched dozens, Well done. This is such an amazing pack to own. Don't let the high price turn you down. Once you paid it, you will forget all about it, when your pack is super comfy and light feeling on your back. I ended with the Arc Zip,
Nick Rodriguez hey Nick! I agree about the price, I don't think I said it in the video but I do believe it is well worth the price. Especially if you're going to be using it for nearly six months. Glad you enjoyed the review! See you on the trail!
Excellent review! Thank you!
Hey Thanks! And your welcome! Happy Trails!
First, it was nice to see you again. Second, I thought you did a terrific job with your pack review. I've been curious about this exact tent for quite some time, and you answered some questions that I had. I thought your idea of toting the tent on the outside base of your backpack was excellent. Nice job, brother.
Thanks, WG, and glad it helps you! Take care and thank you for the encouragement. Have a great year and happy trails!
Thanks. One of the best reviews of Arc Blast out there. Great style and you hit all the points without ever repeating. I have it’s bigger brother Arc Haul and these packs are some of the best in UL gear. Uber expensive though.
Hey Dima, thank you for the comment and the kind words. Glad the review is helpful. Uber is right. UGH!
Disciple - Thanks so much for this informative review. Chica and I are considering our next adventure (probably ColoradoTrail) after this first season of running the hostel. I was not happy with the backpack I used on the AT thru, so I am on the hunt. I have a long torso and many gear makers are not an option. So, even though they somewhat serve two points on the ultralight spectrum, I have whittled it down to ZPacks (Blast or Haul) and ULA Circuit. I will continue my research but this review has helped.
Best wishes in your own new adventure.
~ Sunsets
Hey brother! Great to hear from you! Glad the vid helped. The adjustable torso is a big deal on a thru. I lost 40lbs and needed a shorter torso pack. Good luck in all you do and blessings to you both! Please keep Halo and I informed on how yall are doing.😀
Great review, thanks for the information! 🙏😁
Hey thanks! Glad it heloed!
Thank you, brother! I have been waiting for you to do this review. Very informative and much appreciated!
Tim Horne hey Tim! Great to hear that you were wanting it and that it was helpful.
Good to hear from you again. Great review. I have the Arc Blast Zip and I kinda wish I had gotten the mesh outside. I thin I can jury rig one if I choose. I've just done some sections and I am still learning. Thanks for sharing.
Hey, +Lock McKinnon, thanks for the kind words. I'm sure you can rig something if you really want to, but a lot of people like the zip, too. They each have their place. Happy hiking!
Awesome review!!! I just bought this and can't wait to use it. Thank you for the thru hike perspective and good luck on the PCT!!!
So glad the video was helpful. How is the pack working out for you so far?
Loving it!!! Shaved 4 lbs off my first pack getting me to 17lb. base. Only put 100 miles in with it and seems like it will last if cared for. Not finding the lack of pockets compared to my 1st too inconvenient. If I did have 1 critique, it would be the angle of the water bottle pockets which I found more difficult than you to access. Easily remedied with their shoulder strap bottle holder attachment.
Apologies, but I haven't had a chance to follow your channel as closely as I'd have liked (will def catchup tho). How's the trail? Are you heading through the Sierras? Best of luck,wherever your trail takes you.
Nice review of the Arc Blast. I have the Zpacks Nero for summer / light weight section hiking. Also have a couple Granite Gear 60 liter packs for longer and or cool weather section hiking. Ive been wanting the Arc Blast but the wife would take a rolling pin to my head if I bring another pack into this house. Good to see you back posting videos relating to your gear and experience on the AT. Thanks 👍
Hey, Stickbow! Great to hear from you again. I'm wanting a Nero as my next pack. How much weight are you comfortable carrying in it? Overall thoughts?
I love the Nero, but it definitely makes you look at your gear to leave stuff at home and pair it down small and light weight. My out the door hiking weight for 3 day 2 nite’r was around 17lbs. It carries good at that weight. Have had it loaded near the 20lb max weight and for me, it feel like the pack starts to loose its ability to support that kind of weight. I will mainly use it for warm weather hiking where I’m not carrying extra cool weather layers. I also use a duplex tent, an EE enigma 40 degree quilt that weighs only 13 oz. and the Thermarest neo air. I’ll go stoveless during warm weather also. I use the zpack shoulder pocket to carry a small water bottle to mix electrolytes and coffee, tea, etc. Also a single 1.5 liter smart water bottle with a sawyer sneeze filter attached. I also carry a 2 liter sawyer bag for longer dry sections or really hot weather. I use the zpacks chest pack and 2 of their padded hip belt pockets to help distribute weight as well. “Plug it in Hikes” has a few good reviews of the Nero. I may do a review of my pack and gear this spring as well. Hope this helps!
Yeah it does, thanks a bunch!
GREAT REVIEW
I doubt Zeepacks can be beat .
Thank You ...
AND GOD BLESS You too Mate ...
Well thank you kind sir!!! I am very glad it was helpful for you! God bless and Hike On! 😀
Great review... I too am considering an Arc series Zpacks and have potentially the same sizing challenge you did. I'm 5'11 and have a torso measurement (from C7 at neck to top of iliac crest/hip bones) of right around 20". Zpacks website indicates the torso ranges as being small (17-20"), medium (20-23"). This puts me exactly in between both sizes. Based on your experience with the pack, and your 19" torso length--if I heard you correctly--do you think a small would be the way for me to go as well? How much extra adjustment do you think you have available if you wanted to adjust the torso length longer than you needed it? Thanks again for a thorough review!
Hey Steve! So great question. From my experience you should go with these smaller pack. A pack that is too long is a much bigger problem than a pack that is too small. Also on a long distance hike as you lose weight you need a shorter pack. I believe their website recommends going with the shorter torso as well. Glad you benefited from the video and good luck. Let me know how you like your pack when you get it. Happy trails!
@@NotBySight Thanks for the reply! Smaller probably seems a good place to start. Do you tend to wear the waistbelt centered over your hipbones (iliac crest) or higher or lower? Traditionally, for the past 30 years or so, I've worn my waistbelt a bit below my hipbones, but have noticed as I get older that while that is comfortable while hiking, my hips and upper legs tend to be uncomfortable while trying to sleep at night (kind of a delayed reaction thing). I'm wondering if getting the hipbelt up a bit more might help. Getting older kind of stinks, but at least I'm hoping the ZPacks will prolong my backpacking career! Thanks again for your input.
Great review.. Will check it out..
Hey thanks! I think you will like it. Let me know what ya think.😀
Good afternoon Disciple from Erwin,TN. Great review. One suggestion, instead of storing your trekking poles on the side with compression straps, bring your fishing rod and store it there. LOL. Always good to hear from you. Have a great evening.
Hey, Doug from Henry, IL!! Brilliant idea! If it weren't for the darn trail continuing all the way into Maine I would have had a lot more time for fishing!
Not By Sight .. A man would have to have a separate compartment for all the fishing licenses for the entire length of the AT.
I hiked with a guy that bought a license for each state along the way. He was hiking with his wife and went to the same college as Cur Dog.
Thank you sir! Appreciate your advice. God bless you and yours.
You're welcome! God bless ya'all!!
Great review! You sir are an excellent commentator. Loved following along on your thru-hike. Blessings to you and your family in 2018! Lamplighter 2019 out! 😉
Lot of things I can't do, but talkin' ain't one of 'em! LOL Thanks for the awesome words. You have a blessed year as well!
Great pack and after watching your video it just confirms that positive things about the pack. Happy Trails.
Great review Disciple. You must be itching to get back out on the trail to use it again!!!
Hey, Stan my brother! Super cool hearing from you. Brings back lots of awesome memories! And yes, those memories have evolved from pain and agony to joy and fondness. Ready to blow up some blazes!
Very helpful review! Thanks!
Hey I'm glad it helped and you're welcome!!! 😀
great review thank you for your time
Hey Thank! Hike On!!!
Thanks for the information, you're a great salesman. I want one!!! Great video, demo and critique.
Hey ladies! We are having a blast watching your videos and we are definitely rooting for you! I'll trade you my Arc Blast for your Versalite Sleeping bag! LOL
Great presentation. You Sir, are a pro.
Hey thanks man!
Hi, This was a very nice and informative review. I would now consider this pack. I just have to fine tune the things that I would carry. John
Hi John! I'm very glad this review helped you! one of the joys of backpacking is figuring out what you really need and what you do not need. All in all a lighter pack is just more fun to carry. Thank you very much for watching! Hike On!!!!
Great video. Thanks for breaking this down. I'm 44 and have some lower back issues. I'm using a Gregory Baltoro 65L pack, which has great lower back support. However, I'm looking to slim down my load. I'm curious if, when the pack is full and on, if you feel it provides decent lower back support? Thanks in advance.
Bobby Beck Hello, Bobby! There are probably not many packs that will support your back as well as your current pack. That said, I also have some back issues and find the lighter load and support given by the Ark Blast are extremely comfortable for me. Double check, I'm pretty sure, Zpacks offers additional lumbar pads. Hope that helps and happy hiking!
Thanks for the reply. Yes, I did order it and got it with the extra lumbar support. I'll get it in a couple weeks and will write you back to let you know. Thanks again for your very thorough review. SUPER helpful.
I guess its been a couple of years since this review. Great review by the way. Have you continued to use the Arcblast and do you still recommend it? Thanks!
Yes and yes! It is a FANTASTIC pack for the right load and circumstances. Hope the video helped! Let me know if you have any other questions. Happy trsils!
After seeing this awesome review I subscribed! 👍
Hey thank you! Glad your part of our team and really glad the review helped!
Thank you brother for this video
Hey your welcome!!!
Hi from Holland, first! Just ordered the Arc Haul Zip in black ribstop yesterday
Hey! Great to hear from you all the way over there! Awesome choice on the Haul, I'm sure you'll love it! Happy trails!
Great review. Thanks. What is your tent and sleeping back in the background?
Vince Voyna hey great question! So the tent is a Six Moons design Gatewood cape. It's a poncho tarp. The sleeping bag is a western Mountaineering alpenlite. Sleeping pad is a NeoAir x-lite. I was just testing some equipment that night.
Great review! What is that tent in the background...replacing your Duplex???
tak2w Hey, Todd. That is a Six Moons Design Gatewood Cape. It's a poncho tarp. Not replacing the Duplex. NO WAY. I love that thing. Just experimenting with a more minimal structure. I'll review it soon 😁
Thank you for the great review! It looks like you have your gear setup pretty dialed in. I'm looking into this pack as an ultralight option for thru hiking. With your current setup, how many days of food are you able to carry comfortably before needing to resupply? I know this will vary slightly based on peoples gear and volume/weight of it, but just trying to get a general feeling if I should go with the 55L Arc Blast or if the slightly larger Arc Haul (62L) might suit me better. I need something I can carry 6-7 days worth of food. Any input or thoughts are greatly appreciated - Thanks!
Hey! So it really depends on your base weight for the weather your hiking in. I'm pretty minimal so I can comfortably carry 5 or6 days in " regular" temps. Cold weather gear limits your food of course. If your base weight is commonly over 10lbs and you expect long carries go w the haul. It only slightly hevier. Hope that helps! Hike on!
Do you this would fit the bear vault 450 bear canister?
Yes? Check zpacks website, I'm pretty sure they say it will. Happy trails!
Thanks great review!
Steve Pekarskiy Thank you, sir!
This a great review, thanks for posting!
What did you think of the shoulder strap spacing? I've had packs with the straps too close together and it kind of pinched my shoulder and neck muscles while under load. How was the spacing on the Arc Blast?
Hey glad the review helped! I find the pack nearly perfect for me. But I use the sternum strap occasion only to bring the shoulder straps closer together or loosen it more to allow them to go wider depending on my mood for the day. But I usually have a pretty light load and it's not uncomfortable either way. Thanks again for watching and glad it helped some!
Do you pack it before you arch it each time?
Or keep it arched?
It has to be arched before packing. I store it un arched. Arching slightly reduces the volume of the pack, so the lighter the load the more you can arch it. Hope that helps! Happy trails!😀
Great review! It is a lot of money, but if I'm doing something like the PCT, it's worth it I feel - an investment. Think of that weight saving with every step as well as being easier on your body. Thanks for sharing!
Nicely done sir.
Hey! I was thinking about you today. I watched your latest video last night. Are the butterflies thumping away? LOL OH, by the way... love your jeep. Will you leave it to us in your will when you freeze solid up in the Smokeys? Just askin'
Not By Sight, funny you ask, seems that the butterflies have left. I am just really to hit the trail now. As far as me freezing, I have 5 grown children and a wife that will be fighting over my Jeep; but we will add you to the mix.
LOL! Really, I hope you don't freeze..... I guess, but they can have all your other stuff. I'll take the Jeep so there's no infighting.
Did you see any External Frame Backpacks on the trail...I really like the Kelty Trekker 3950...this was the first style of backpack that Kelty made.
...the secret to External Frame Backpacks... Is to get the right torso size and light gear...if my base weight is 12 lbs but my trail weight is 22 lbs...I will be Lighter weight than most ultralight Backpackers...I do carry a study Bible. . .
Hey great to hear from you! I'm trying to remember oh, I don't think I saw any besides some boy scouts. But there could have been a couple. Hey bottom line is use what works! Thanks for watching and hike on!
ua-cam.com/video/XqbZs790u_k/v-deo.html
@@NotBySight ua-cam.com/video/XqbZs790u_k/v-deo.html
Well done...You Sold Me
Hey glad it helped! Let me know what you think of your new pack when you get it in .
Very informative
MFD Mike Thank ya! Glad it helps 😀
Great review just subbed
Common Sense Camper thanks and thanks! 😀
om gosh..... great review. I sub'd just off this review. your a keeper = )
Lol! Hey, thanks! Hope you enjoy some of my other reviews. Happy trails!😀
I would probably tape the hydration ports closed on the inside of the pack, instead of the outside...
Great idea. Thank you!
No problem.
just finished the PCT. The people I ran into that had Zpacks packs did not like them. Lots of issues and the customer service apparently is horrendous.
I would not wonder, if that would be true because the Zpacks arced frame system offers adjustability like no other DCF pack out there. People that usually do not baby their gear are better off with simpler designs vs. less comfort .
I have heard the complete opposite. I am going with Zpacks all the way. I am sure you need to be more careful with it but the weight savings is great. I am also going with their tent.
For what it's worth I emailed them about an order today and they responded in less than 20 minutes. Not horrendous!
Since my first comment I have since purchase a lot of gear from them and they have been wonderful to deal with. I love all the gear I have purchased from them. I hike mostly in the White Mountains of NH so I run into many thru hikers and I have never met anyone who did not love their Zpack gear. If was a AT hiker that first told me about Zpack and how light and great their gear was. Nothing last forever.
Could you fit a bear can in this? Thanks for the review.
Oh you sure can. No pun intended! Lol. And glad it helped!
Thoose pack are ultra light but they are also ultra ugly...
Lol. I like their look. In fact I got several compliments along the way. But to each their own! Lol. You are correct, they are light for sure. Happy trails!
Backpacks are more a utility thing than a beauty thing. 🤦♂️