Zpacks� Arc Haul Backpack
Description:
The Arc Haul has all the same design features as the
Arc Blast, except that it
is made in heavier duty 4.8 oz/sqyd Gridstop fabric. This fabric is a bit
thicker and better against abrasion. It can handle a little more weight.
All Arc backpacks have our patented 'Flexed Arc' frame
which creates an air gap
against your back. The air space keeps your back cool and also
provides a buffer from any lumpy items in your pack. The curve of
the frame is adjustable for optimal air flow and fit. No extra
padding necessary.
Specifications:
Weight:
24.0 ounces (680 grams)
Body dimensions: 8" x 12.5" x 30" (20 cm x 31.8 cm x 76 cm)
Volume: 49L main body, 2.5L each side pocket, 8L center pocket,
62 Liters Total
Frame Height: Short 19" (48.3 cm), Medium 21.5" (54.6 cm), Tall 24" (61 cm)
Load Carrying Features:
- Please check out this
Video of the Arc Blast Backpack Features. The Arc Haul has the
same features as the Arc Blast except made with Gridstop
fabric.
- Our ultralight Flexed Arc frame keeps the pack stiff
so that most weight is carried on the hips instead of the
shoulders. The frame pieces and mesh back panel can be easily removed or replaced.
The frame is curved to allow air flow and keep your back cushioned
from the pack's contents. You can adjust the curve by tensioning
the mesh back panel. The recommended arch is about 2.5" (6 cm).
- The belt is attached directly to the bottom of the pack frame for the best load
transfer.
- The belt is removable and interchangeable. If you lose weight or need to
share the pack between people the belt can be swapped out.
Watch the belt removal
video.
- The shoulder straps and load lifter straps are attached directly to the frame. Load lifters straps come standard on this pack.
- The shoulder straps can move up or down to adjust the torso height to a perfect fit
using our patented torso adjustment mechanism. It works like a conveyor belt.
This is great for sharing the pack between people, for growing teenagers, or for
resale.
- The belt provides a full wrap around your back. No need for additional lumbar support.
- The belt is done with "V Style" webbing so that the top and bottom
circumference can be adjusted independently. This helps wrap your
hips much more securely, and prevents the belt from sliding down.
- Collectively these features provide the additional load transfer necessary for loads
up to around 40 lbs (18 kg).
Standard Backpack Features:
- Roll top closure (like our
dry bags) keeps water
out, and lets you roll down the top as your gear load shrinks. All seams and attachment
points are taped, making the pack highly water resistant.
We still suggest using dry bags for your important items like your
sleeping bag.
- Comfy 3/8" thick by 2.5" wide padded contoured shoulder straps and padded
belt.
Both the straps and the belt have a daisy chain for clipping on
items, and an adjustable position sternum strap is also
included. The belt and shoulder straps have 3D mesh on the underside. This gives them a little bit more cushion, and the belt
also has more texture for better grip.
- Side pockets are sized to fit 1 or 1.5 liter bottles. They are
positioned low on the pack and slanted forward for easy access
without removing the pack. The pockets have drainage holes at the
bottom, and elastic that keeps them tight at the top.
- Large stretchy mesh center pocket is great for quick access items. Mesh
also lets you dry wet clothing and gives you a clear view of your
gear.
- Side compression straps are made from non-stretchy cord
for squishing down the pack volume. They also allow you to stand tall
items like trekking poles in the side pockets.
- A top strap, and base straps allow you to lash on extra items
to the top or base of the pack. The straps come off if you don't
need them.
- A centrally located Hydration Port is included to string out a
drinking tube over either the left or right shoulder. It is just
above/between the shoulder straps and it has a triangular cover to
keep out water. A water bladder can either be
hung from an internal hang loop, or laid horizontally on top of
your gear.
- The pack size is enough space for 5-6 days of
food and ultralight gear. The pack can be compressed down with the roll top
and side compression straps for short trips, or use the top strap and base
straps to lash extra stuff to to the outside for long carries.
- All standard Bear Canisters, including the Bearikade
Expedition and the BearVault 500 will fit in the upper half of
this pack standing on end. There is enough extra girth to either
wrap a foam pad around the canister (if you use one), or stand a
medium stuff sack vertically beside the bear canister.
- The short and medium size frames will fit into an airplane overhead bin
with the top rolled down to the frame. The tall size frame may not fit unless you pop the
vertical frame bars out of the pack.
- All Zpacks gear has a two year limited warranty against defects in
materials or workmanship. Please see our
return / warranty policy.
Sizing:
Torso Height:
Please watch our
Backpack Adjustment Video and our
Backpack Torso and Belt Sizing Video.
A person's torso height doesn't necessarily correlate to their total height, a
taller person can have a shorter torso and vice versa.
To measure your torso height, you will need the help of friend and a string or
cloth tape measure. To begin, lower your neck towards your chest. This will
cause the C7 vertebra to protrude at the base of your neck. The C7 vertebra
marks the top of your torso. Next wrap your hands around your love handles and
then use your thumbs to feel for the top of your hipbones; also known as the
iliac crest. The bottom point of your torso height measurement will be along
your spine at the center point between your thumbs. Using the cloth tape
measure, follow the curve of your spine from the C7 vertebra to the center of
your spine at the top of your iliac crest. This measurement is your torso
height.
The torso height on this pack is adjustable up and down within a range for a
perfect fit. If your torso is under 17" (43 cm)
consider the Arc Scout which is built for shorter torso heights.
Belt Size:
To measure your belt size use a string or cloth tape measure pulled tight around
the spot on your body that you want the belt to ride. Usually this will be near
the top of your pelvic bone. The tape measure should be over top of your hiking
pants and shirt. Do not rely on your pant size.
A medium belt has a minimum circumference of about 30" (76 cm) including the
buckle. Each belt has about 15" (38 cm) of webbing for adjustment.
Choose a belt with a minimum adjustment a couple inches smaller than your
measurement so that you can still tighten it down if you lose a little weight on
trail.
The belt on this pack is removable and interchangeable. It can be swapped out.
Ordering:
Backpacks are made to order and are currently shipping in about
one week.
There may also be lightly used gear in our
Bargain Bin.
Arc Haul Backpack - $299
Add Options:
Every option below is modular and can be added later.
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Shoulder Pouches
These clip to your shoulder straps and are an excellent spot for your
camera, GPS, phone, sunglasses, or other items that you want to grab quickly. Mesh
on the front of the pouch gives you additional storage for small items like chap
stick, keys, etc. They can also be used for .5L water bottles to
counter balance a small pack.
These are detachable and can be used on non-Zpacks backpacks as well.
They are symmetrical and can be switched left or right. Choose from black
Dyneema Composite Fabric or black Gridstop fabric
to match your backpack.
Shoulder Pouch Details
Weight: .5 oz / 14 grams each
Price: $29 each / $50 pair
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Belt Pouches
These pouches clip securely to the daisy chain on your padded belt.
They have taped seams, a waterproof zipper, and are highly water
resistant. Each pouch has about 1 liter of volume and is perfect for
maps, snacks, hat and gloves, gadgets, you name it.
These are detachable and can be used on non-Zpacks backpacks as well.
They are symmetrical and can be switched left or right. Choose from black
DCF or black Gridstop fabric
to match your backpack.
Belt Pouch Details
Dimensions: About 6" wide, by 2" deep, by 5" tall.
Weight: .75 oz / 21 grams each Price: $29 each / $50 per pair
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Aquaclip Water Bottle Holder
The Aquaclip allows you to attach a 500ml bottle to your shoulder strap or belt. The bottle can be popped in and out easily on the go.
Aquaclip Details Here
Weight: .43 oz / 12 grams Price: $4.95
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Multi-Pack - Four in One Backpack Lid / Chest Pack / Belt Pack
This four-in-one backpack accessory can be attached to the top of
your pack as a lid, carried on your chest as a front pack, or worn
at your hips as a fanny pack, or carried over your shoulder as a
satchel. About 3.5 liters / 215 cubic
inches volume. This will also work on non-Zpacks backpacks as long as
there are loops to clip it to.
Multi-Pack Details
Weight: 2.9 ounces - 82 grams Price: $49
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Key Pouch
This pouch is attached to two stick-on-clips. Stick it inside your
backpack as a safe place to store your car keys and wallet. We suggest
positioning it towards the top of your pack, right behind the shoulder
straps where it is easy to get to. Please make sure your backpack fits well
before sticking this in. The
adhesive bonds well with the inside of our backpack materials.
It is large enough to fit your keys, wallet, passport, or even a large
phone like the iPhone 6 Plus as shown.
The pouch can easily be unclipped and doubles as a large wallet around
town.
The pouch itself weighs .6 ounces (17 grams) and the stick-on clips
add about another .1 ounce (3 grams)
Key Pouch Details Here
Pouch Dimensions: 7.5" wide x 5" tall (19 cm x 12.5 cm)
Weight: .6 oz / 17 grams Price:
$15
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Top Side Pockets
These pockets have a loop at each corner to connect them to
corresponding loops on the sides of your pack. Since these are not sewn to the pack
you can still stand tall items like trekking poles, an umbrella, or a
fishing pole behind the pockets. The pockets can be taken off or added
later.
The dimensions are roughly 6" wide x 3" deep x 8" tall.
They are a good fit for:
-A 1 Liter or smaller pot
-A water filter
-Hat and gloves
-Our rain jacket and pants
-An inflatable sleeping pad
Watch the 'Top Side Pockets' overview
video.
Weight: .5 oz / 14 grams each Price: $25 each / $45 per pair
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Ice Axe Loops
A pair of loops are attached at each corner of the pack for securing ice axes. The head of each axe secures through
a loop at the bottom, the handle is kept tight at the top with a shock cord band. The loops can all come off when
you aren't carrying axes.
Watch the 'Ice Axe Loops' overview
video.
Weight: .1 oz / 3 grams - Both sides of backpack. Price:
$10 / set
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Trekking Pole Holders
Adjustable shock cord loops with cord locks are attached to your shoulder
strap and to your belt to temporarily hold a trekking pole at either side.
These are convenient if you want to quickly stow your poles for climbing,
road walking, or other situations where you don't need your poles
temporarily. You can stow them and retrieve them without stopping to remove
your pack.
You can easily attach these to any older Zpacks backpacks, or other
brand packs. These are attached to both shoulder straps, but can be easily
popped off when not needed. Some people also move these up
higher on the shoulder strap for securing a water bottle or umbrella.
Watch the 'Trekking Pole Holders' overview
video.
Weight: .4 oz / 12 grams - Both sides of backpack. Price: $10
/ set
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Roll-Top Closure Straps
All Arc backpacks include a roll top opening by default. Normally the
opening is closed by rolling it shut, and clipping a buckle together at the
top of the pack.
Roll-top closure straps let you cinch the roll top down to the sides of the pack,
rather than simply clipping it together. You can compress the top of the backpack down
a little easier, but this is more of a cosmetic option / personal
preference. If you add these you still have the freedom to secure the top of
the pack the normal way by clipping the top to itself.
The straps are attached to existing loops on the backpack with toggles and
they are detachable.
Watch the 'Roll-Top Closure Strap'
overview video.
Weight: .5 oz / 14 grams Price:
$10 / set
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V Top Strap
By default there is a single webbing strap going over the top center of the backpack.
A single strap works great for lashing on a soft item like a tent or a dry bag to the top of the backpack.
If you need to carry a heavier item, or a hard sided item where the strap
can't dig in, you may want a V shaped top strap for more stability. This can be
used to carry a bear canister on top of your pack, so long as the canister
can squish into your gear as shown. Alternatively a canister can also be carried standing
vertically inside the pack.
Attachment points are in place for both the normal top strap, or the V top
strap and they are interchangeable. If you add this, the pack is still
shipped with the normal top strap too. Detach one or the other depending on
your trip's needs.
Watch the 'V Top Strap' overview
video.
Weight: .5 oz / 14 grams Price:
$10
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Lumbar Pad
The belt on Arc backpacks already has full-wrap padding behind your back,
but this option doubles it with a detachable lumbar pad. The pad slides on or off your existing belt and is held in place by two
bands on the back. It is also tied in place at the bottom center so that it
can't ride up or down. The Lumbar Pad is made with 3D mesh against your back
for more cushion and grip.
If your belt is just a little too large, this reduces the belt circumference
by about an inch.
The lumbar pad is about 11.5" wide by 4" tall with 3/8" closed cell foam and
3D mesh padding. (29 cm x 10 xm x 1 cm).
Most people probably won't need this option, and it can be added later if
you find you want it in the future. It will also fit all older Zpacks
backpacks.Watch the 'Lumbar Pad' overview
video.
Weight: 1.0 oz / 28 grams Price:
$15
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Shoulder Strap Pads
The shoulder straps on Arc backpacks already have 3D mesh on the underside,
and most people seem to find them comfortable without any modification.
If you think you need more padding, these pads clip on over your normal
straps and can be positioned right where you need them. These can be ordered
later if you find that you need them down the road. They will fit
most non-Zpacks backpacks as well.
Shoulder Strap Pad Details
Weight: .95 oz / 27 grams Price:
$20
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Roll Top Dry Bags
Up to 6 size medium or medium-plus size roll top bags will fit inside the body of the
pack, and up to 3 more can be strapped on to the top and bottom of the
pack for long carries. That's alot of capacity! Put your heaviest
items (food, water) on the inside of the pack close to your center of
gravity, and lightweight items (tent, clothes, pad) on the outside if you
run out of internal space. The Large Rectangle Food Bag is a good fit for this pack.
Roll Top Dry Bags
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Spare Belt
The belt on Arc backpacks is removable and interchangeable. This is a useful
feature if you lose or gain weight, or if the pack is transferred to a
different size person. If the belt wears out before the rest of the
pack you could replace it.
The belt is attached directly to a horizontal frame bar. To remove the belt,
pull out gently at the center until the frame bar bows enough to pop out of
its holster at the left or right. The belt slides off the bar.
To put the new belt on:
- The pack belt attachment has two pockets (left and right) and two
loops towards the middle (left and right).
- Slide the bar through the right loop on the pack. Then through the
back of the belt. Then through the left loop on the pack, and into the
left pocket on the pack.
- Make sure the bar is all the way into the left pocket.
- Pull out gently on the center of the belt to flex it until the right
side of the bar pops into the right pocket on the pack.
Replacing the belt can be a bit tricky and it is not something you would
want to do frequently. The spare belt includes a spare frame bar.
Weight: Size medium: 4.0 oz (113 g) DCF material | 4.3 oz (122 g)
Gridstop material Price: $45
DCF Fabric
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Gridstop Fabric
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Shock Cord Lashing
3/32" Shock cord is criss-crossed along the front of the backpack. It can be
used to compress the pack, or to strap on items. The shock cord can be
detached when not needed. It does get in the way of the center pocket a bit.
Watch the 'Shock Cord Lashing' overview
video.
Weight: .5 oz / 14 grams Price: $10
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Reviews and Customer Testimonials:
Please email us with feedback (good or bad) if you have any!
Jason at Outdoor Adventures has made a very informative video review that covers the features of the pack after
400 miles of use in this
2017 Zpacks Arc Haul Review Video.
"I just wanted to send a big thank you for the pack! The pack arrived ahead of schedule and looked great!
I got it out over the weekend and the Arc Haul handled like a dream, it was by far the most comfortable pack
I have tried. My total pack weight was only around 30lbs starting so I was not able to test the 40lb limit but
30lbs carried very comfortably. By the time my pack got into the mid to low twenty pound range it was almost like
I was carrying nothing!" -Matt F.
"I took the new Arc Haul on its maiden voyage over the long Memorial Day weekend for 50 miles through Yosemite,
including one 20 mile day. I have to say that it was a dream to carry - so comfortable, especially for such a light weight pack.
We had 2 days of significant rain and the Gridstop fabric proved to be quite waterproof.
Overall I couldn't be happier with this pack." -Bob S.
"Hi Joe, I just want to let you know that my wife brought my new belt out to me on the AT several days ago.
I had no problem swapping it out, and I am happy to say that the pack is back on my back as I head into NJ.
Thanks a million for your support and quick turn around." -Warren
"Overall the pack is terrific. Construction is impeccable. I was worried that the volume would be too large for summer hiking,
but the compression system works well and I left my quilt unstuffed.
It carries 30 pounds like a breeze, and it's great having working load lifters
so I can adjust the carry while hiking. I do think the hip belt is a little soft,
and it slides down under load, but that may be my total lack of hips.
The hip belt pockets are fantastic, much more usable than on my previous pack." -Ken B.
"Thanks for offering to swap out my belt for a larger size. I actually used the pack on a section of the AT this past weekend and the belt worked great as is. I have to say, I've never had a pack that transfers the weight to the hip belt like this one. Carried and felt good. Thanks." -Jeff B.
"I wanted to let you know that the Arc Haul is a great pack. I walked the Continental Divide Trail with it this past summer. The material held up without fail. No tears, leaks or surface abrasions. It looks like new.
The pack was comfortable with 5 to 6 liters of water, 5 days of food and the base gear.
In my opinion you have built a great pack!" -David B.
"All of the Zpacks gear worked out beautifully for us this weekend on our North Cascades trip. There is great thoughtfulness behind just about everything you design or select, but I was especially impressed by the Arc Haul.
The frame and hip belt transfer weight better and fit more comfortably than any pack I�ve ever owned, and the pack contour, compression options, and other features ensure that it moves naturally with the body.
I carry some of my son�s supplies as well as my own, so was pushing 20 pounds much of the way, and for large stretches of trail I simply forgot I was wearing a pack.
After a four-day trip that included a pretty strenuous ridge climb, I was amazed to find I hadn�t any neck or shoulder stiffness�a first, maybe, in my entire career of backpacking�and could actually turn my head to see the
cars behind me as we drove back from the trailhead. What a brilliant piece of gear!" -Michael J.
"The Haul not only has exceptional weight distribution due to the robust and brilliant Arc frame,
but the improved shoulder straps and hip belt grip and hug the body for a very comfortable ride.
I could run, jump, and scramble down hills without even thinking about the pack, let alone the normal
hiking on and off trail with the Haul on my back."
Read the full Review at Cesar and the Woods
"I recently completed the Jatbula Trek in the Northern Territory of Australia.
I've been on many hikes, and I was in the Marines for 13 years. I've had several different packs.
My Zpacks backpack was incredible!
I made the necessary adjustments to ensure a good fit, and it was brilliant.
My hips carried all of the weight.
I have had some neck and back issues in the past, and I went on this trek with quite a bit of anti-inflammatory pills.
I didn't need to take any! I can not say enough good things about the pack.
It felt good, it looks good, and it's functional. It was just perfect. Thank you." -Renee T.
"I wanted to let you know what a great experience I had ordering from your company.
I had a hard deadline that I needed the Arc Haul by (upcoming Arizona Trail trip),
and you were able to deliver it incredibly fast. The pack is absolutely beautiful,
and the craftsmanship is top notch. Thank you!" -Paul R.
"I've had several of your competitor's packs but both the ARC Blast and ARC Haul
(some times you have to haul water in the drylands) did the job better for UL backpacking.
Look forward to getting out and about in the backcountry again soon." -Anthony W.
"Just to let you guys know, I am LOVING the Arc Haul. Best Pack, ever.
Love it even more than the Arc Blast now, soooooo spacious.
Wish I�d had one of these years ago to make backpacking a doddle." -Annie W.
"I want to thank Zpacks for the fantastic gear which I have enjoyed using for this summer.
My base weight is currently at 18 pounds and I am loving my adventures more than ever.
Who knew how much more enjoyable backpacking can be with well-designed lightweight gear?!!
I completed a 90 mile trek along the Wind River High Route in Wyoming and also finished another week long trek through the Sawtooths of Idaho.
For both trips the gear held up great and was so comfortable/functional.
In all my years of backpacking I have purchased a lot of gear. (just ask my wife!)
However, I have never owned a backpack that was so comfortable as the
Zpacks Arc Haul.
It is insanely comfortable on my body for the entire day.
I absolutely love it and rave to everyone I meet about how well it transitions from hauling my full gear setup to being compressed down to serve as my day hike back.
It will be the only pack I carry for all overnight and day trips moving forward." -Rob A.
"I recently returned from a 7 day hike in the Wind River mountains in Wyoming.
I carried an old Bearvault canister.
When I tried it vertically in the top of the pack it rubbed my back and was uncomfortable as hell.
So I carried it horizontally at the top of the pack using my Multi-Pack to hold it in place as seen
Here.
It carried really well that way for the week. Overall the pack carried really nice.
I had about 32 lbs. to start and the pack was great the whole trip.
I also slept toasty warm in one of your 20 degree bags.
The gaitors and rain kilt also did a great job. Love the gear and keep up the good work." -Gene N.
"I love my
Arc Haul backpack.
Its roomy, well built, and rides beautifully. What more can I ask for..." -Steve F.
"I bought an Arc Haul a few years ago, then a second.
Then my old
buddies that I get together with every year in the Wind River Range saw my pack.
They all bought one. Keep up the good work." -Art Ranz
"I have been working on finishing the AZT and my Arc Haul is without a doubt the most comfortable pack I have ever owned.
Whenever I run into someone on the trail your pack is always a topic of conversation.
I usually start with "I don't work for Zpacks" since I go on and on about what a great pack it is!" -Paul R.
"Just finished my first weekend backpacking trip with my new Arc Haul backpack.
I can't possibly say how happy I am with this backpack.
I must admit I was a little hesitant to buy this pack, it was so ridiculously lightweight I was afraid that it would feel cheap and flimsy and also was worried about the comfort of the fit compared to bigger more padded options.
However, with the Torso height properly adjusted and the right amount of tension on the arc frame providing proper air flow this is the most comfortable and versatile pack I've ever owned.
More space than I know what to do with and a ton of features that I absolutely adore. This pack will undoubtedly be my constant companion on many hiking Adventures to come. Best money I ever spent.
Thank you for a wonderful product." -Hans K.
Our Flexed Arc Frame is is covered by US Patent No. 9,060,590
Our torso height adjustment mechanism is is covered by US Patent No. 9,848,687