intrepidtraveler
Active Member
- Time of past OR future Camino
- Caminos Madrid, Frances and Finisterre (2015)
Camino Norte-2017; Camino Ingles from A Coruna - 2017
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What's the TMB?I posted some of this on another thread, but since it specifically answers the question, I’ll post here as well. I did not find the Zpack Arc Blast an annoyance at all. My goal was to have the lightest pack possible that was also a good fit. Had an Osprey for the first Camino leg in October, 2016. Then last summer, anticipating intense elevation gains and losses on the TMB and a having a bit of an injury, I sprung for the ultra lightweight Zpack Arc Blast (http://www.zpacks.com/backpacks/arc_blast.shtml) and LOVE IT! Only 21 ounces...and the arc in the back really helps ventilate on hot days. Fits great and the shoulder straps (weirdly) barely touch the shoulders so there is never that heavy feeling of weight. Side note: The TMB was challenging and had truly spectacular views. But I missed the energy and community feel of the Camino and will be back on the The Way in late September. Can’t wait!
zPacks Arc Blast . . . 1 Lbs 5 oz. . . $15.50 / ounce
ULA Circuit . . . . 2 Lbs 2 oz . . . $ 6.18 / ounce
Both are good packs and are highly rated by many thru-hikers on the PCT and Appalachian Trails. The zPacks is 13 ounces lighter than the ULA. The ULA is $ 9.32 / ounce less than the zPacks.
No, actually I don't. It's been mentioned in a thread before, and someone agreed with me that - despite its lightness - it was never comfortable. I'm not inexperienced in rucksacks, but however I configured the straps one shoulder or the other always hurt, and over 2000km on the VF that wasn't fun. Furthermore one of the carbon fibre stays that make up the frame broke through the fabric, thus shoving all the weight onto one shoulder, and the pack had to be sent back to the States for (free) repair. Their customer service is excellent, but no imo it's not worth it. Oh the other plus is that it's waterproof.Do any of you own the Z-Packs Arc Blast? If so, now that you've used it for awhile do you think that it's worth paying almost twice as much for it as any other backpack? I am intrigued by the lightweight aspect as well as it being waterproof. What input do you have for someone like me who is considering buying one? I realize that how it fits me will be a big deciding factor but am curious about how convenient (or not) you think it is for day-to-day living on the Camino.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to reply.
Tour de Mont BlancWhat's the TMB?
Thanks!Tour de Mont Blanc
I ADORE my ULA Circuit - just got it 10 days ago shaving 3 pounds from previous pack and its been great on five LD training hikes/walks. Very functional and someone said the material is "same as" their z pack. I always line my pack with a compactor bag and i've had no problem with water even in light rain. Haven't experienced any heavy rain as of yet.
Zpacks also makes backpacks with Robic fabric called Arc Haul, which are 24 ounces http://www.zpacks.com/backpacks/arc_haul.shtmlI used the ULA Circuit for part of my PCT thru-hike (4 months out of the 5 months on the trail). The zPacks Arc Blast uses a lightweight composite fabric, formerly labeled as Cuben Fiber. The ULA packs are made using a type of nylon fabric called Robic, which is heavier per yard than Cuben Fiber, but more robust overall.
In fact, ULA has offered their packs with Cuben Fiber as special order, but some of those customers have told ULA that the bag just doesn't last like they thought it would. As I said, their are positives and negatives to pack bag materials.
The compacter bag liner is a good trick to use, especially if you don't want to fiddle with a rain cover on the pack if you wear a rain jacket rather than a poncho.
Zpacks also makes backpacks with Robic fabric called Arc Haul, which are 24 ounces http://www.zpacks.com/backpacks/arc_haul.shtml
I own a zpacks arc blast. Highly recommend. The reason I bought one was I wanted to have light equipment. Whilst collecting my kit together everything was bought with that fact in mind, I walked the Camino Frances this year and found it a good choice. I did not book ahead, I walked until I needed to stop carrying everything with me. I hope this is helpful.Do any of you own the Z-Packs Arc Blast? If so, now that you've used it for awhile do you think that it's worth paying almost twice as much for it as any other backpack? I am intrigued by the lightweight aspect as well as it being waterproof. What input do you have for someone like me who is considering buying one? I realize that how it fits me will be a big deciding factor but am curious about how convenient (or not) you think it is for day-to-day living on the Camino.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to reply.
I own a zpacks arc blast. Highly recommend. The reason I bought one was I wanted to have light equipment. Whilst collecting my kit together everything was bought with that fact in mind, I walked the Camino Frances this year and found it a good choice. I did not book ahead, I walked until I needed to stop carrying everything with me. I hope this is helpful.
The Arc Zip or Arc Haul Zip are the Zpacks that I would be interested in. I really like the zip access.I used the Arc Zip ( a bit heavier than the Blast) on my CF
once adjusted it carried light without annoyance and transferred weight well with good back ventilation
Having a larger capacity never interfered and I was never " tempted to over fill"
in the environment of the Camino it suffered no wear or holes
I have used this pack for 3 years and currently for most of my longer day hikes - 13 miles + (and the Gorilla for shorter ones). I like how it handles loads and the organization provided by zip access
I enjoyed its almost water proof nature ( I did use a pack liner but nothing ever penetrated inside )
and I prefer not to have dangling things outside my pack
just MHO
The arc zipThe Arc Zip or Arc Haul Zip are the Zpacks that I would be interested in. I really like the zip access.
I did end up Buying Zpacks carry on bag with the handle. It protected the pack very well@Nanc , @Anne Measures , @Priscilla NC , @padre eric & @Havnen - did you have any problem taking your Z-packs backpack as carry on luggage?
About the pocket/webbing/attachment envy, I have two side pouches on the hip belt, one on each side for grab and go stuff, two large outside pockets (one holds an umbrella and my indespensible Therm-a-Rest sit pad and the other a large water bottle and trekking poles when not in use), a huge back mesh pocket, and an attachable mesh pocket thingy. Inside I keep it pretty simple: a bag with my sleeping bag, silk liner, and Therm-a-Rest pillow (luxury item!), a bag with clothes, a Chico reusable shopping bag that holds shower stuff/toiletries/flip flops/meds. I liked the Osprey’s pockets, etc. but didn’t really miss them with the Zpack Arc Blast. I managed to put TMB and Camino emblems on with super glue but you could also use embroidery floss to sew them to the mesh back pouch. There are several great packs out there! Hope those looking find the perfect fit! Buen Camino!Expensive...yes. Worth it? For us, yes! I will say I had a bit of pack envy seeing others with all their pockets and webbing and attachments, and sewn on emblems...but I got over it, and never had reason to curse my pack.
Tour du Mont Blanc. We walked from France to Italy to Switzerland and back to France. Spectacular scenery. Challenging. Sucked a lot of wind. Nice places to stay, good food, nice peeps, but it just isn’t the Camino.What's the TMB?
Not at all. I most worry that the airlines will take my trekking poles, having heard such stories, so I pack them at the bottom. Have heard the biggest risk is flying out of Spain, which I have not done. After the Camino in October we are making our way to London by train (to see Hamilton!) so won’t be tempting fate one more time with losing the poles!@Nanc , @Anne Measures , @Priscilla NC , @padre eric & @Havnen - did you have any problem taking your Z-packs backpack as carry on luggage?
I have an Arc Blast. It is not my favorite pack. I love the weight (lack thereof) but I have found Hyperlight Mountain Gear. Their pack (dyneema like Zpacks) is better made and even with the few extra ounces (weighs in at 32 oz or .907 kg) it is much more comfortable for my body. The pricing is the same for both packs. Occasionally I will use the Zpacks for a few day hike but I much prefer the Hyperlite. My husband will be hiking with the Gossamer Gear starting in a couple of weeks and me the Hyperlite.
Hi, Anne...
Out of curiosity, what was your total pack weight? Total pack weight being only the weight of everything carried inside of your pack plus the pack itself.
Mariposa.Hyperlight is a great cottage manufacturer of gear, and their packs are darned good.
Which Gossamer Gear pack is he using?
Mine, too.Mariposa.
1) Do any of you own the Z-Packs Arc Blast?
2) If so, now that you've used it for awhile do you think that it's worth paying almost twice as much for it as any other backpack?
It's not so much how the straps rest on my shoulders, it's how they cut across my chest. (which isn't large, but...)
Do any of you own the Z-Packs Arc Blast? If so, now that you've used it for awhile do you think that it's worth paying almost twice as much for it as any other backpack? I am intrigued by the lightweight aspect as well as it being waterproof. What input do you have for someone like me who is considering buying one? I realize that how it fits me will be a big deciding factor but am curious about how convenient (or not) you think it is for day-to-day living on the Camino.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to reply.
First the weight of what you carry. Some reviews of the ZPack claims them to be uncomfortable with carrying weights of above 12lbs and other with weight above 15lbs. Look at the design, a zpack carries the weight away from your back affecting the center of gravity....when most specialist will want you to place the heaviest elements closest to your back. So unless you an ultralight packer, it is NOT reccomended for the Camino. I personally reccomend something else like an Osprey. I did the Camino Frances this year and researched a year prior, and NOT ONE Person on the vlogs, blogs or in real life used a zpack.
There are several sites dedicated to how one should keep the weight distributed in the backpack to maintain a center of gravity closest to and keep it all balance. It is simple physics.
There are many reviews on youtube and other sites on the merits of Z-Packs. Some of the ultralight packers like the Z-Pack but many of them review that the pack is NOT comfortable with a load beyond 15 pounds. Again because of the center of gravity, if you are prone to bad or sore backs then I would NOT reccomend a Z-Pack unless you are going to carry a very, very light load. I would only reccomend an ultralight pack if you are fit and like to carry absurdedly small amounts of stuff. I believe that there is a trade off between humping insanely heavy and lunatic light.
Many professionals reccomend trying one in a STORE with weight and that is what I did for several hours over several visits to various stores before I found one that was most comfortable comparatively speaking - oh wait, I don't think you can do that with mail order.....Humph! I tried everything from light to ultralight to regular to heavy. There is a definite tradeoff in the light packs and thats comfort: thinner straps. So while there is a lot of hype about backpacks out there....the hype dissapates quickly when you can comparatively try on several packs.
I am going on my second Camino one year after I completed my first one and I will not be bringing an ultralight pack and thats my experience talking.
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