Zpacks Arc Blast

**TLDR**: The Zpacks Arc Blast is big, durable, customizable and comfortable. Good for heavy carries.

I have a Zpacks Arc Haul and can't get it to arc with the canister inside. I tried putting the food in a bag in my pack while hiking with the empty canister strapped on top. Thought I had it latched down in pretty tight but it slipped out and rolled 20 feet down a bramble covered incline.

I have a 4 month old Zpacks Arc Blast DCF pack with 100 miles on it that has significant wear on the lower back where the hip belt seam is rubbing the back material. I would say in another 100 miles it will wear through.

Sold the Arc Blast and went to the Nunatak Bears Ears 50. After carrying 6-7 days of food strapped to the top of the Blast on the BMT and having shoulder pain from flexing to try to pull the pack forward from that weight, I decided to take a risk on the Bears Ears.

I would strongly dissuade you from getting a Zpacks Arc back pack. They have a bad reputation and mine broke several times on the AT.

I just need to shout this out because my girlfriend is tired of me telling her how much I like this pack 5 times a day. For reference, I used a Hyperlite 3400 for 1000 miles, a Zpacks Arc Blast for ~800, and I have about 100 on my Cutaway so far.

The statement that a zpacks arc blast might handle 1-2 long distance hikes comes from a person whose long distance hike is a 150 day ordeal, which an average UL hobbyist might do in 5 years, by which time they have bought two additional backpacks anyway. Also you should note that the requirements for a long distance hiker are very different when it comes to the state of gear when going out of the door. A piece of gear that has done two rounds of AT or such might be fully functional for a third or even a fourth, but you cant rely on the fact, and have to replace the item. Buying "for life" items are in theory very satisfying and smart, but in practice the innovations and the needs of a hiker change.

DCF is stronger than it might seem. I have the Zpacks Arc Blast in black DCF. I think this type of fabric is used by other companies. It might not last forever but it certainly would last a thru-hike.

It has been the right size for almost everything else I've done. I have recently been using a Zpacks Arc Blast which is an awesome pack that can even fit a Bearikade Expedition, so it's great for a 10-day Sierra trip.

I carry a Bearikade Blazer or a BV500 in a Zpacks Arc Blast. They go in vertically and because of the frame design are close-to but not touching one's back. If empty, they also can be strapped to the outside top of the pack, but I find that unnecessary.