Durable, Comfortable, Versatile Hiking Backpack
As the dawn's first light paints the horizon, let your wandering spirit beckon you to the open trail. There's a familiar itch to explore, to conquer, to wander, and your trusty companion through all this – the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack.
This isn't just a pack, it's a workhorse, built to endure, from the rugged Sierras to the picturesque Shenandoah. The pack's heart – its “Ultra 200” fabric – is woven with Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, a material built to withstand Mother Nature's toughest tests. Rain, sleet, or snow, the backpack's waterproof backing ensures your gear stays dry. Plus, the roll-top closure works like a trusty dry bag, keeping out the unwanted and locking in what's valuable.
And durability doesn't come at the cost of comfort. This pack knows the value of a well-distributed load. Its innovative Curved Carbon Fiber frame, sturdy yet light, provides the backbone, allowing the pack's weight to be comfortably transferred to your hips. The arc in the frame adds an air gap, ensuring a gentle breeze always has your back, literally.
Each detail of this pack has been carefully considered. The adjustable padded shoulder straps, the interchangeable belt, and the various optional modular add-ons allow for a fit so personalized it's almost intimate. The belt, featuring a “V-Style” webbing, independently adjusts the top and bottom circumferences for a secure wrap around your hips. Additionally, the 3D mesh on the underside of the straps and belt not only provides extra cushion but also offers better grip.
The storage on this beast is nothing short of a revelation. Side pockets positioned low on the pack are large enough to accommodate 1 to 1.5-liter bottles or 2L soft bladders. The large stretchy mesh center pocket is an ideal home for quick access items, even providing a view to your gear. The pack’s storage is so well designed that standard bear canisters, including Bearikade Expedition and BearVault 500, fit snugly in the upper half, leaving enough room for additional gear.
Its 60L capacity is ample space for those 5-6 day wilderness trips. And, as the load diminishes, the roll top and side compression straps can compress the pack, making it equally viable for shorter trips. Also, the top strap and base straps allow you to lash on extra items to the pack’s top or base.
So, with your Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack filled and ready, let the sun guide your path. Wherever the road may lead, from majestic mountains to verdant valleys, know that this backpack is ready to weather it all with you.
Pros:
- Durability and Water Resistance: Made with “Ultra 200” fabric, this backpack is highly resistant to abrasion and tears, and also boasts excellent water resistance due to a laminated waterproof backing.
- Comfort and Weight Distribution: The custom Curved Carbon Fiber frame system efficiently transfers the backpack's weight to the user's hips, significantly reducing shoulder strain and improving comfort during long hikes.
- Air Flow Design: The backpack's unique design creates a gap between the backpack and the user's back, enhancing air circulation and reducing discomfort due to sweat.
- Customizable Fit: The Arc Haul Ultra offers adjustable shoulder straps and an interchangeable belt for a tailored fit, providing added comfort for extended wear.
- Versatile Storage and Accessibility: From the roll-top closure to side pockets positioned for easy access, and the stretchy mesh center pocket for quick access items, the pack offers flexible storage solutions.
- Load Capacity: With a load capacity of 40 lbs, it can easily carry enough gear and supplies for 5-6 days, ideal for extended treks into the wilderness.
- Bear Canister Compatibility: The backpack accommodates standard bear canisters, an essential feature for hikers in bear-populated regions.
Cons:
- Price: At $399, the Arc Haul Ultra may not fit everyone's budget. It's a high-end backpack, which might deter some cost-conscious consumers.
- Complex Adjustments: The numerous adjustable features, while beneficial for a perfect fit, might prove to be complex for users unfamiliar with such configurations.
- Limited Color Options: The backpack is only available in black with an optional gray accent. Lack of color options may deter users who prefer more vibrant or varied color choices.
- Airplane Compatibility: While the short and medium sizes can fit into an airplane overhead bin, the tall size frame may not, which might pose an inconvenience for some travelers.
- Care for Waterproofing: Although the backpack is highly water-resistant, it's still recommended to use dry bags for important items like sleeping bags, which may seem like an extra precaution some users might prefer not to take.
$399
