Gear Review – Zpacks Arc Blast Backpack
Zpacks Arc Blast Backpack
17
SEPTEMBER, 2022
I purchased my first Zpacks Arc Blast backpack before the 2015 hiking season. My goal for that season was to significantly reduce my gear kit weight and upgrade to a pack with a frame system to transfer the pack weight from my shoulders to hips effectively. That original Arc Blast performed well for me on many trips but met its demise before the 2019 Yellowstone hike. In that design, the shoulder straps were sewn in at the bottom. On my last training hike for the Yellowstone trip, the nylon shoulder strap adjustment tore through the webbing retainer. For the rest of that season through the 2020 Adirondack hike, I used an REI Flash 55 pack. But that trip again convinced me to focus on reducing weight, so I bought the re-designed Arc Blast.
Zpacks Arc Blast – Overview and Specifications
The Arc Blast has a capacity of 55 liters. My original Arc Blast had a 52-liter capacity. The slight amount of additional capacity is both appreciated and noticeable. According to the Zpacks website, the pack weighs 19.9 ounces (565 grams). Usually, I weigh the gear to confirm that. But I have extra stuff on my pack that would distort the comparison. Trust me, it’s light! The lower picture shows the Peak Design Capture clip I use to secure my camera. The Arc Blast currently costs $375. Zpacks uses a patented ‘Arc Frame’ system to transfer weight to the hip belt. The pack has adjustable shoulder straps, an interchangeable belt, a water bladder access hole, and a variety of optional modular add-ons
“Great pack and exceptional quality. This pack is a must have for anyone serious about backpacking and moving around light. Quality design and craftsmanship. Thank you Zpacks. Fine job.“ – Vincent C.
Optional Add-Ons
There are several modular optional add-ons that you can purchase for the Zpacks Arc Blast backpack. You can view the entire list here. I currently use the belt pouch (two of them) and shoulder pouch. My belt pouch is reused from my original Arc Blast, and it’s an earlier design. The current belt pouch appears larger. I also have used the multi-pack (previously called a 4-in-1 pack). It is relatively large, very flexible, and can be mounted to the pack in various ways. Other add-ons include a camera pack, water bottle clip, front utility pack, water bottle sleeve, and stick-on zippered key pouch. The Arc Blast also accommodates an in-pack water bladder through a bi-directional access hole in the center back of the pack.
Deficiencies in original Arc Blast pack fixed in new design
I loved my original Arc Blast pack, but it wasn’t perfect. The shoulder straps and hip belt were too narrow. The hip belt-tightening system used a single strap that loosened and allowed the pack to slip down my hip. I constantly lifted the pack up and tightened straps that had loosened. All these issues were fixed in the new design. The hip belt and shoulder belts are considerably wider and ‘beefier.’ The should strap attached at the top with two adjustable straps and an adjustable load lifter. Those are all improvements from the original design. The hip belt is now secured with two independently adjustable straps. With the new Arc Blast, I never have to tighten straps or make adjustments.
Nearly waterproof with roll top
The Zpacks Arc Blast is essentially a waterproof dry bag. The cuben fiber material (ok, technically, it’s 3.1 oz/sqyd Dyneema® Composite Fabric Hybrid) is completely waterproof, and all the seams and attachment points are taped. But it isn’t 100% waterproof, especially with the relatively large hole for bladder hose access. I’m very concerned with keeping my gear dry, so I use a Zpacks cuben pack liner and the Zpacks cuben pack cover if the rain gets heavy. The top of the pack is sealed with a roll-top with clips, much like a typical dry bag. My Arc Blasts have been rained on in the field many times, sometimes heavily and for long periods, and my gear inside the pack has never gotten wet.
Conclusion – Zpacks Arc Blast
The current Zpack Arc Blast is a nearly perfect backpack for me. It is lightweight, comfortable, and never needs adjustment. The pack comes in three different sizes based on torso height. There are also five hip belt sizes based on waist size. The two integrated hip pockets accommodate up to 1.5-liter water bottles or, in my case, a small tripod. The large, stretchy mesh pouch on the back is handy. It can handle a ton of gear that I want to keep readily accessible outside of my pack. The top and bottom straps allow you to attach items on top or at the bottom of the pack (i.e., bear canister). Based on my field experience, I recommend keeping the pack load under 30 pounds. It can certainly handle more, and I have routinely carried much more weight in it. But comfort degrades considerably with loads over 30 pounds.
If you’re looking for a lightweight, functional, versatile, and comfortable backpack I highly recommend you take a look at the Zpacks Arc Blast.
