Great video! I ordered this backpack earlier this week, so I’m waiting to receive it. Really looking forward to playing with all the options on it. Happy trails!
i made the investment in the Arc Haul Ultra 60L, received it last month, newer version of the Arc Haul you got, different frame and stronger and more durable ultra 200 fabric that a lot of manufactures are moving to so will be interesting to see how it holds up, so far impressed with the pack and really like the Arc to keep pack off the back.
Nice choice with the Arc Haul Ultra. Timing is everything it seems as these were released just after I purchased my Arc Haul and probably would have been the one I ended up going for. However, still very happy with the gridstop version and from all accounts, they stand up really well over time so I'm expecting good things from it!
@@RichPianasOilPump it has been serving me really well. I've taken it through some pretty rough terrain and it has stood up to some good tests so far. It's the reason I chose the Gridstop version over other fabric types available for this pack at the time. You may want to look at the current Ultra version though as durability on that fabric is supposed to be very good.
Thanks Cal. Great to hear your experience with it and that certainly is in line with others’ experiences I’d read about and seen with the Arc Haul. It sounds like a real workhorse as far as ultralight packs go. Thanks for sharing your experience with it.
I really liked this pack when I first got it (robic was the material I chose). Good weight, felt good with 25/30lbs (~12.5 kilos) seemed like a good fit for me. However, in less than 300 miles on the Arizona Trail it was starting to fail in various areas. The mesh on the back was tearing (different mesh and more fragile), broken clips, a broken mainstay, the strap systems on the side and top failed, the Robic material was cracking and was not waterproof, and finally with heavy loads? It just sucked... Anything above 25lbs (~11.5 kilos) was far too much weight to comfortably carry. I don't want to be a contrarian but for me and my environment that I backpack in? This is not a good pack. Their also quite expensive for for what they are. I have the Nero from zpacks too, I actually LOVE that pack. Feels good carries the recommended max load very well but unfortunately it's also suffering from the same problems as my arc haul... Poor construction and falling apart too quickly. Thanks for the video/thoughts/review.
Thanks for the honest feedback about your experience with it. I'll be interested to see how mine stands up over time but I definitely don't expect it to last as long as the other pack I have which is a fully-fledged expedition pack and will stand up to a real beating. The only downside being of course its weight. So far the Arc Haul is a dream to hike with and hope I'll get some decent mileage out of it.
I'll be honest, I didn't think Zpacks made packs with a frame... I might just have to look into them now. that's a very big pack for a very light weight - I'll be interested to see how you find it fully loaded for a week-long hike. Nice big hip belt too, which is a non-negotiable for me. After my last miserable hike in hot weather and a too-heavy backpack I'm going to have to head down the ultralight route too... the ol' bones aren't what they used to be apparently, lol. The pack will be the last thing I buy once I work out how much space I'll need, so I'll keep this one in mind. Thanks Chris!
Hey Amy, even on just an overnight hike, it was a noticeably lighter load than what it would have been with my other backpack. I can see already how much of a difference it's going to make but it will certainly be getting properly put to the test very soon!
It's definitely one of my favourite bits of gear that I own at the moment. Just went out for another overnighter with it last weekend and everything about it just works so well for me! Even small things like being able to grab and replace water bottles from the side pockets without having to take the pack off is just so good.
@@FreedomOnFoot Yes! It checks all the boxes. It’s ultralight, made of durable material, will carry 40 lbs, is highly modular, has so many bells and whistles and is built to keep the back cool. My only complaint is that they use black rope that is at times hard to see. I used 1.8mm orange reflective rope and replaced the black rope myself though for $8.
Your backpacking reviews are without a doubt some of the best out there. Thanks for another great one. Very interesting tip about the torso sizing. I was thinking of getting one of these packs for my daughter a while ago and her torso length was right on the lower end of the small. I decided not to risk it and based on your research and your own experience, I might have saved myself quite a bit of money. I was interested that you chose the Arc Haul over the Hyperlite which I’ve noticed you can now buy in Australia? Would be very interested to hear how the Arc Haul goes with a load up around 18 kg. Thanks again
Thanks so much Annie, that is a huge compliment! Regarding torso length, I think Zpacks should review how they do their sizing for that as those people that I’ve seen do reviews have all said they’ve gone for the next size down. One was a guy who is 190cm (taller than me) and ordered a Tall (Long, as I called it!) who had to send it back because it was too long for him. I did give the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Packs a serious look, knowing that I could also try them on locally here in Melbourne but there were a couple of key things they didn’t have which I really wanted: 1. Load lifters on the shoulder straps - I really like having those to pull weight up off the shoulders, and, 2. Few or any add-on accessories that you can add to the packs - the Zpacks designs are really customisable with all of their optional add-ons which I saw really working for what I wanted. Thanks for continuing to follow my channel!
Good review! Any specific reason you didn’t give the Wilderness Threadworks packs a further look? Being Australian, I am a firm believer in trying to support the Australian cottage industry as much as possible 👍
Thanks Aaron. I’m also an advocate of supporting local Australian outdoor companies and have bought gear through others including Tier Gear and Ultralight Hiker. The Wilderness Threadworks packs did get a serious look in and I was really hoping to go for one of those to be honest but they just didn’t tick all the boxes for me for what I was after personally. I still think they’re great packs though. Thanks for watching.
I haven't had that problem at all with this pack. I do use trekking poles which means I'm swinging my arms a bit differently but the hip belt pockets, even though they are large, seem to tuck in really nicely and don't stick out.
Hey there - after some use, how do you feel about the max load out? I would love to use this pack, but with seven day carries and US Western long water carries will likely be pushing the bag to 35lbs (15.8kg). I know zPacks states this can handle to 40lb (18kg). What are your findings with use?
Hey Kara. I haven't pushed the limits of the recommended max load with the Arc Haul yet but have had it loaded up to around 35lbs on a few hikes and have had no issues with it. Still really comfortable on the hips and shoulders and it has been holding up really well under that sort of weight. Hope that helps in your decision about the Arc Haul. Happy hiking!
Great video! I ordered this backpack earlier this week, so I’m waiting to receive it. Really looking forward to playing with all the options on it. Happy trails!
Thanks for leaving a comment! Interested to hear how you've found your Arc Haul pack to perform so far.
i made the investment in the Arc Haul Ultra 60L, received it last month, newer version of the Arc Haul you got, different frame and stronger and more durable ultra 200 fabric that a lot of manufactures are moving to so will be interesting to see how it holds up, so far impressed with the pack and really like the Arc to keep pack off the back.
Nice choice with the Arc Haul Ultra. Timing is everything it seems as these were released just after I purchased my Arc Haul and probably would have been the one I ended up going for. However, still very happy with the gridstop version and from all accounts, they stand up really well over time so I'm expecting good things from it!
@@FreedomOnFootthinking about buying one of these older material ones. How is yours holding up?
@@RichPianasOilPump it has been serving me really well. I've taken it through some pretty rough terrain and it has stood up to some good tests so far. It's the reason I chose the Gridstop version over other fabric types available for this pack at the time. You may want to look at the current Ultra version though as durability on that fabric is supposed to be very good.
Good review. Ive had my Arc Haul for 13 months now. Been out in all sorts of weather and its performed brilliant. No issues at all.
Thanks Cal. Great to hear your experience with it and that certainly is in line with others’ experiences I’d read about and seen with the Arc Haul. It sounds like a real workhorse as far as ultralight packs go. Thanks for sharing your experience with it.
Nice video 👌and very nice backpack......I have already ordered the Arc Haul 40 liter model....
Thanks and hope you're having some great adventures with your Arc Haul.
I really liked this pack when I first got it (robic was the material I chose). Good weight, felt good with 25/30lbs (~12.5 kilos) seemed like a good fit for me. However, in less than 300 miles on the Arizona Trail it was starting to fail in various areas. The mesh on the back was tearing (different mesh and more fragile), broken clips, a broken mainstay, the strap systems on the side and top failed, the Robic material was cracking and was not waterproof, and finally with heavy loads? It just sucked... Anything above 25lbs (~11.5 kilos) was far too much weight to comfortably carry.
I don't want to be a contrarian but for me and my environment that I backpack in? This is not a good pack. Their also quite expensive for for what they are. I have the Nero from zpacks too, I actually LOVE that pack. Feels good carries the recommended max load very well but unfortunately it's also suffering from the same problems as my arc haul... Poor construction and falling apart too quickly.
Thanks for the video/thoughts/review.
Thanks for the honest feedback about your experience with it. I'll be interested to see how mine stands up over time but I definitely don't expect it to last as long as the other pack I have which is a fully-fledged expedition pack and will stand up to a real beating. The only downside being of course its weight.
So far the Arc Haul is a dream to hike with and hope I'll get some decent mileage out of it.
Nice, thorough review
Thanks! Appreciate the positive feedback.
I'll be honest, I didn't think Zpacks made packs with a frame... I might just have to look into them now. that's a very big pack for a very light weight - I'll be interested to see how you find it fully loaded for a week-long hike. Nice big hip belt too, which is a non-negotiable for me. After my last miserable hike in hot weather and a too-heavy backpack I'm going to have to head down the ultralight route too... the ol' bones aren't what they used to be apparently, lol. The pack will be the last thing I buy once I work out how much space I'll need, so I'll keep this one in mind. Thanks Chris!
Hey Amy, even on just an overnight hike, it was a noticeably lighter load than what it would have been with my other backpack. I can see already how much of a difference it's going to make but it will certainly be getting properly put to the test very soon!
I totally agree with your review. This pack has it all. No other pack can do what it does.
It's definitely one of my favourite bits of gear that I own at the moment. Just went out for another overnighter with it last weekend and everything about it just works so well for me! Even small things like being able to grab and replace water bottles from the side pockets without having to take the pack off is just so good.
@@FreedomOnFoot Yes! It checks all the boxes. It’s ultralight, made of durable material, will carry 40 lbs, is highly modular, has so many bells and whistles and is built to keep the back cool.
My only complaint is that they use black rope that is at times hard to see. I used 1.8mm orange reflective rope and replaced the black rope myself though for $8.
@@MoeBergOSS the reflective rope sounds like a good mod for it.
Your backpacking reviews are without a doubt some of the best out there. Thanks for another great one. Very interesting tip about the torso sizing. I was thinking of getting one of these packs for my daughter a while ago and her torso length was right on the lower end of the small. I decided not to risk it and based on your research and your own experience, I might have saved myself quite a bit of money. I was interested that you chose the Arc Haul over the Hyperlite which I’ve noticed you can now buy in Australia? Would be very interested to hear how the Arc Haul goes with a load up around 18 kg. Thanks again
Thanks so much Annie, that is a huge compliment! Regarding torso length, I think Zpacks should review how they do their sizing for that as those people that I’ve seen do reviews have all said they’ve gone for the next size down. One was a guy who is 190cm (taller than me) and ordered a Tall (Long, as I called it!) who had to send it back because it was too long for him.
I did give the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Packs a serious look, knowing that I could also try them on locally here in Melbourne but there were a couple of key things they didn’t have which I really wanted: 1. Load lifters on the shoulder straps - I really like having those to pull weight up off the shoulders, and, 2. Few or any add-on accessories that you can add to the packs - the Zpacks designs are really customisable with all of their optional add-ons which I saw really working for what I wanted. Thanks for continuing to follow my channel!
Good review! Any specific reason you didn’t give the Wilderness Threadworks packs a further look? Being Australian, I am a firm believer in trying to support the Australian cottage industry as much as possible 👍
Thanks Aaron. I’m also an advocate of supporting local Australian outdoor companies and have bought gear through others including Tier Gear and Ultralight Hiker. The Wilderness Threadworks packs did get a serious look in and I was really hoping to go for one of those to be honest but they just didn’t tick all the boxes for me for what I was after personally. I still think they’re great packs though. Thanks for watching.
Thank you for not making an annoying review video.
No worries! Thanks for watching.
When you fill up the hip belt pockets, do your arms bump against them when walking? It’s a problem I’ve had with belt pockets before. Any thoughts?
I haven't had that problem at all with this pack. I do use trekking poles which means I'm swinging my arms a bit differently but the hip belt pockets, even though they are large, seem to tuck in really nicely and don't stick out.
First impression is expensive but I’ll watch the review
Yes, Zpacks gear is certainly up there in terms of cost. Had to save for this one for a good while before pulling the trigger.
Hey there - after some use, how do you feel about the max load out? I would love to use this pack, but with seven day carries and US Western long water carries will likely be pushing the bag to 35lbs (15.8kg). I know zPacks states this can handle to 40lb (18kg). What are your findings with use?
Hey Kara. I haven't pushed the limits of the recommended max load with the Arc Haul yet but have had it loaded up to around 35lbs on a few hikes and have had no issues with it. Still really comfortable on the hips and shoulders and it has been holding up really well under that sort of weight. Hope that helps in your decision about the Arc Haul. Happy hiking!