Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra Review

Utilizing a water-resistant Ultra 100X-laminated material for its main pack fabric, as well as a very inventive and supportive sprung-back frame system, the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra proves that ultralight does not have to be synonymous with uncomfortable. The frame design prioritizes ventilation while effectively transferring weight from your shoulders to the highly adjustable hip belt.

Likes

The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra sets out to solve one of the biggest complaints amongst backpackers: a sweaty back! The backside of this pack features a highly breathable mesh liner that promotes airflow, whisking sweat away rather than trapping it between your back and the pack.

If a framed pack is sacrosanct, then this one should be at the top of your list. The combination of a very stiff frame, load lifters, and a firmly attached hip belt effectively transfers much of the weight onto your hips, allowing you to carry the pack more comfortably.

With plenty of space between your back and the pack, the Arc Haul Ultra provides exceptional airflow.   Credit: Justin Simoni

The curved frame rests only partially on the center of your back, with most of the contact on your shoulders and hips, which makes for a comfortable carry.   Credit: Justin Simoni

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Adjustability is another huge strength for the Arc Haul Ultra. Dual cinch strap adjusters on each side of the hip belt really help you dial in the fit. Our male tester doesn't have the most pronounced hips, but even he was still able to adjust the pack to suit his body type.

The 50-liter Arc Haul Ultra achieves an incredible weight-to-volume ratio of 0.44 oz/L, in part by using very lightweight, durable, water-resistant Challenge Ultra 100X laminated pack material for the main body.

Additionally, it keeps features pretty sparse – if you want things like shoulder or belt pouches, you'll have to purchase them separately as accessories.

Dislikes

In the default configuration we tested, we relied heavily on the cavernous interior, but that meant taking the pack on and off more than we would have liked. You'll also have to take a bit of time to adjust this pack to fit properly; otherwise, you'll likely have a less-than-stellar experience on the trail.

The exterior center pocket is listed as 8 liters, but we were only able to fit 5 1-liter Smartwater bottles. The mesh isn't very stretchy, so we're not quite sure where this advertised number comes from.

The mesh center pocket isn't very stretchy, except for the top elastane cord.   Credit: Justin Simoni

Even if it's not as much as advertised, 5 liters of external storage in this one pocket is still quite a lot.   Credit: Justin Simoni

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A few other features do make it possible to carry more gear externally, including a long top strap you could use to carry a bear canister in a pinch. However, Zpack again sells a better-designed “V Top Strap” that's actually designed for this purpose.

For all its adaptability, these accessories really start to add up on top of an already expensive backpack. While the Arc Haul Ultra is well-designed, it's certainly not well-featured – many other backpacks come with these standard features and cost significantly less.

Should You Buy the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra?

The Arc Haul Ultra is one of the lightest, most comfortable framed backpacks on the market. Compared to other ultralight packs we tested, it's also remarkably adjustable. However, it's expensive, and given that all those useful accessories we discussed only add to the cost, it may be well outside your price range.

What Other Ultralight Backpacks Should You Consider?