After a two month wait, I finally received my new Zpacks Arc Haul backpack. After two 10 mile hikes, I sent it back.
I really hate sending things back to Zpacks. Looking at my return history, I'm guessing they would beg to differ. Anyway, if it doesn't work, I'm not keeping it.
Here are my issues with the Arc Haul: Too narrow (or I'm too fat). It's made for a thin thru hiker. The back mesh panel didn't fit my wide back very well, and the bottom of the shoulder straps rubbed my love Handles (of which I have very little). Compared to a simpler frame pack (i.e. ULA circuit), there appears to be more that could go wrong. This is not to say that anything would go wrong, but less straps/buckles/stays/taught cords seems like a safer option. Zpacks makes exceptional equipment, so this Is probably more my issue than anything.
The good: The ventilation from the mesh was nice. The weight was around 29 oz. The hipbelt was very secure, BUT the bottom back edge of it seemed to dig in a bit on the top of my rear. I think sometype of little flare at the bottom would make it fit better. The top of the shoulder straps were the best fitting straps I've ever used. Very comfortable and adjustable. The ULA S straps are a close second.
My main purpose for trying the Arc Haul was to find a comfortable pack that weighs around 28 oz. It seems that many ultralight backpack manufacturers make good 28 oz packs that can carry up to 30 lbs,.
I've tried 4 ultralight, 28 oz (approx) backpacks. Arc Blast (actually around 19 oz), Arc Haul (29 oz), Gossamer Mariposa (29 oz), ULA Circuit (41oz), ULA OHM 2.0 (28 oz).
Keeping your base weight under 10 lbs will make just about any pack comfortable. So, I usually put 25 lbs in the pack for testing. I've also hiked at least 20 miles in each h of the above packs.
Shortcomings of each pack-
Arc Blast and Arc Haul- see above. (Arc Blast had other design issues, but they were addressed and changed with the Arc Haul).
Gossamer Mariposa- tops of shoulder straps too close together (I've got broad shoulders). Otherwise, excellent pack.
ULA Circuit-too heavy. Otherwise excellent pack.
ULA OHM 2.0- Easily overloaded. Good to about 28 lbs. My latest purchase, and will be testing soon...
