Thread: Zpacks 55ltr arc

Anyone using or know of anyone who has one ? Thinking about it for a light weight day overnight pack https://zpacks.com/products/arc-blast-backpack. Trampers seem to like them but not sure how they might handle the way hunters use packs . Any thoughts comments or recommendations of a pack that fits this size group that i might want to look at before i drop the cash . Thanks Wayno

This is a cheaper option for a light weight and Ive had a fantastic run with mine. Have carried some big loads and its had a hard life. 30oz

https://www.gossamergear.com/product...32461736181814

Carried this load for a couple of hours.

I like Aarn packs for tramping and for overnight trips where I'm hunting from a camp. However its not so great if you want to shoot with the pack on as the front packs inhibit this, it can be done though. I just love having things to hand without needing to take the pack off such as snacks, gloves, hat etc. I also find it great for SAR searches and they are pretty light, not as light as those above but made in NZ which is important to me.

Originally Posted by Tahr

This is a cheaper option for a light weight and Ive had a fantastic run with mine. Have carried some big loads and its had a hard life. 30oz

https://www.gossamergear.com/product...32461736181814

Carried this load for a couple of hours.

Attachment 157249

How does it compare to the Exped lightning

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Originally Posted by 25 /08 IMP

How does it compare to the Exped lightning

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Similar but the Gossamer is easier to get in and out of and has a bigger top pocket and front mesh for a coat and stuff. I think the Exped is bit more robust. Pretty similar really and I like them both - but I have used the Gossamer to death so that says something.

Boned out Fallow in here.

The Arc haul has a slightly tougher fabric than the blast, I’ve looked at them but a lot of those ultralight packs trade durability for lightness. I’ve seen a few folk here using the hyperlite packs.

I bought an Exped Thunder similar to lightning but not roll top.
Years ago hunters and trampers used the same gear as that was all that was around.
The tramping hiking gear is pretty good and some trampers do some tough treks.

Hi @wayno,

I have a ZPacks Arc Haul that I've put through around 10,000 hiking km. It has lasted quite well, the toughest country it's seen was when I hiked and hunted my way from Lottin Point (East Cape) to Wellington through all the conservation land. It's carried typically between a 6kg and 10kg base weight (meaning excluding food and water). I'd say it's carried up to 20kg at times when hiking and carrying out backsteaks. In general I wouldn't suggest a ZPacks backpack for hunting as they're really aimed at through hikers who are putting miles on trails rather than backcountry bush whacking. They're on the minimal end of the ultralight weight scale, they carry light to moderate loads quite well but the carbon fiber frame won't last if regularly exceeding 18-20kg. As Tahr has suggested, Gossamer Gear has a good reputation and would likely handle more.

As for the fabric, dyneema composite fabric (DCF) formally cuben fiber, is incredible stuff, and super lightweight. But it does suffer from abrasion resistance, which is why there's a nylon exterior. That's where the Gridstop fabric is often a better choice. Both can however be fixed easily with DCF repair tape (on the interior side), should you have a rock puncture or something. Both being waterproof initially, constant use, abrasion, rolling the top closures etc will mean they are inevitably water resistant but definitely still require a dry bag for your belongings inside. I typically had my sleeping bag in a third dry bag while hiking NZ, so I could survive a number of river crossing swims without worry.

I don't own an Exped Lightening or the newer Thunder models but have seriously considered one as a lightweight hunting pack. I hope this helps somewhat.

Regards,
Joel

I have an Exped Thunder 70. I've not used it a lot yet but I do like it. It's way lighter than my Cactus pack but that's not really a fair contest. The harness is comfortable and has carried well with an overnight type load at around 15kg. I'm not sure how it will run with more weight but I think it should handle a boned out animal fine. The lid is a bit of a pain with small loads as it doesn't work well if the pack space is not filled and there is something for the lid to go around. The frame also has an annoying squeek. It's bearable but can get annoying. I've not tried the smaller Exped pack or the other ultra light brands.

Thanks for the info guys , Thar were did you get your pack from please ?

Originally Posted by wayno

Thanks for the info guys , Thar were did you get your pack from please ?

Direct from the US through the link I posted above. They were good to deal with. No hassles.

Here's the link again. They do some nice light tents too.
https://www.gossamergear.com/product...32461736181814

Hi @Tahr,

I see they're rated for a 30lb / 13.5kg carry limit, but I expect you've had yours considerably more than that packing out meat?

Joel

Originally Posted by joelhenton

Hi @Tahr,

I see they're rated for a 30lb / 13.5kg carry limit, but I expect you've had yours considerably more than that packing out meat?

Joel

Yeah. Takes a lot more than that. Ive had some very big loads in mine. Like most packs its mouth can be a bit of a juggle to get a full boned out red in a pillow case through it. But there is plenty of room in the pack. What I do now if its a lot of meat is put the pillow case (I use proper Hunters Element meat bags now) into the pack first and then put the meat in.
Light gear takes some compromises. Worth it though.

I've found that day / overnight sized packs are too big to hunt in quietly and too small to carry much. No way would I buy a new expensive pack and then put meat in it. Last week I bought a Macpac Endeavour for six bucks off TM. From this pack I used the harness attached it to a tube frame make a meat packing frame like the Graf boys use. For under ten bucks I have a washable frame that will carry a whole deer and that I can tie my hill bag to

My packs get hosed out after nearly every use. Sometimes they get left in a creek with a rock in them to wash out. The Exped and Gossamer don't mind at all.