Zpacks Arc Blast

My Price: 449.00

Manufacturer: Zpacks

Made In: Florida, USA

Availability: Online (www.zpacks.com)

Weight: 24oz with CTUG Phone Holder and Justin’s Ultralight Water Bottle Holder and no hip belt pouches

Season use: All

Review: I came to the Zpacks ArcBlast from a fantastic Osprey Atmos AG65. The pack carried wonderfully and had a ton of pockets. The downside to the Osprey was it was heavy and had a ton of pockets which led to me constantly opening multiple pockets to find what I needed.

The Zpacks ArcBlast solved both the weight and organization issues. The large single opening worked well to hold all of my larger items and I found using zippered pouches and stuff sacks allowed me to stay organized and easily find things. The side pockets could easily hold two 1L smart water bottles (or a full bottle of whiskey) and the stretch front pocket allowed easy access to rain gear, my poop kit, first aid and anything else I needed quick access to. The arc in the frame allowed for the most air flow of any pack I had or have tried to this point. The hip belt is comfortable but the hip belt pouches (sold separately) are not easy to use one handed and I often find I leave them at home and carry a fanny pack for easier access as well as the ability to keep items on me when at camp. The front loops and top strap allow for easy securement of a sit or sleeping pad or a camp chair for those “glampers” out there. Although the ArcBlast is no longer available, its DNA seems to live on in the ArcHaul Ultra which seems to have all of the same benefits of my Dyneema ArcBlast with an even more durable fabric. Because of that it may very well be the perfect bag for you.

My Rating: Buy the new ArcHaul Ultra!

Rating scale:

-Bypass: This isn’t worth the money.

-Borrow: Handy but may or may not be worth your money.

-Buy: Get one. You’ll love it!

May the miles you hike be filled with wonder and the glasses you raise be filled with whiskey.

Cheers!