I own a few packs and two are Osprey and I also own an Arc Blast. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I only changed to the Blast because I don't like to carry anything that I don't need. Its the same reason I own the Zpacks Duplex, weight reduction. My pack, tent and sleep system weigh less than five pounds. It is really hard to justify the additional expense to drop a couple of pounds. I love to backpack and go often so it's my thing. My pack before the Blast was a Granite Gear 38 L and it was great for about 135.00 US Light and not very expensive. Take care.
Thank you, thank you, Paul. We took delivery today of a Zpacks' tent, sleeping bags, rucksacks and a few extra bits. Can't wait to put it all to use. Thank you so much for all your help. Keep hiking!! Jane
Malgorzata Pytel Hello, we bought the Triplex tent. The Duplex looks fine for one person but as it's for me and my husband the Triplex gives plenty of room for two plus kit. We've only had it pitched in the garden so far. Quite a windy day and it was easy to pitch and looked rock steady in the breeze. Hoping to get out to Dartmoor this weekend for a first outing.
Good video. Still thinking hard about getting the Zpacks. Two new things for people to consider. The new Exos is a bit heavier and has no hip belt pockets and no shoulder pockets. It does seem to carry weight better, but I have only tested it in the store. I walked the Camino with the old Exos 48 and it was a great choice. Osprey also just came out with a lighter Levity 45 pack that is made from a more waterproof material, but I haven't heard much about it's performance yet, but it is also pocketless.
Thanks. Zpacks and Osprey both make good packs. For me I upgraded to the Zpacks pack because it was lighter and waterproof and now I've got it and used it I'm not going back the the Exos.
The Zpacks is a bear bone pack when purchased. If you want all of the items that are standard on the Osprey Exos on the Zpack you have to purchase them separately. I have done just that , I have the Zpacks Nero ( Ultralight pack ) and added hip pouches , shoulder strap pouches some other incidentals. When the total was added up it is a considerable cash amount and each item adds additional weight to the pack. Right now I'm thinking between the Zpacks Haul or the Osprey Exos 48 as a larger pack when I don't want to go Ultralight. Considering the cost and everything included with the Osprey it is looking pretty good. The Osprey can be fitted with a cuben fiber pack liner or even a trash compactor bag to keep everything inside it dry. Checking the difference......Zpacks Arc Haul. Adding on 2 Belt Pouches , 2 Shoulder pouches , a multi pack and a key pouch runs the price up to 449.00 USA. Osprey Exos 48 with everything included as standard acessories..$190.00. Zpacks total weight 28.65 ounces , Osprey Exos 48 weight , 40 ounces...... The Osprey Exos 48 weight is 12 ounces more and is $ 259.00 less.
Chuck Littleton thanks for your comments. There certainly is a lot of things to think about when purchasing the zpacks backpack. I think as soon as Osprey or another big manufacturer start using waterproof material on their backpack zpacks will have to lower their prices
Zpacks have some good stuff I think but until they get some UK distribution set up I won't be importing any of their stuff. I'll stick with my Exos and continue to use eBay and stokepa for my Tread Lite gear accessories 😁
ive just bought the Osprey Exos 48, really good bag. I got mine from Taunton leisure, and the guy said that the volume is for the main compartment only, so the brain (top) and side pockets are extra, and tho hard to measure a bag size , it does seem bout right, i got the large one so its volumes is actually 51 litres. Used it yesterday for the first time, a really top bit of kit, and for the money a good entry into proper lightweight gear.
Hi Paul I can't afford the z packs and am tempted by the exos but I can't decide between the 48 or the 58. I want a light weight pack but with the flexibility to include extra for winter. What do you suggest? Or would you suggest just saving up for the z packs??? :)
I'm always a bit nervous recommending someone buys a certain item because I don't know your budget, how often you will be using the item or what other gear you have, so for me the exos 48 was great for me to start with but if I was going winter camping then the exos 58 would be my first choice. Depending on the weight of your gear the exos 58 will carry the extra winter load better then the Zpacks. Hope this helps.
Hi Paul, bit the bullet and got one, brilliant product, well thought out pack. I've made my own ' stow on the go' straps by copying the osprey design by using some shock cord it's not difficult but makes a massive difference for me as I normally only use one pole as an extra leg and use both for up hills. Enjoy your next trip.
Hi Paul, thanks so much for a close-up of your arc blast, thinking of getting the Scout for myself. Did you have any issues with condensation in the Duplex on your recent trip to Dartmoor? Thanks, Jane
great review. Yeah my Arc Blast is my main pack for long distance trail hiking, its been awesome, got about 2,000km on it, its a 2015/2016 model that Zpacks upgraded to 2017 specs for free for me when I sent it back for a couple of repairs, good for up to about 15-16kg, perfect for 12-14kg loads....but is fragile for bushwacking off-trail, the Zpacks mesh is flimsy and tears with snags........hence I have just bought a HMG 3400 Southwest pack (860gm), no external mesh, tougher main pack cuben material and hope it will deal with off-trail hikes better than the Arc Blast. My other on-trail packs are a cuben Mountain Laural Designs frameless Prophet 48L for sub-10kg loads (weights 450gm) and the Exos 48L for when I am hiking with the family and I become the packmule and have to haul 17-15kg loads. That said I still reckon the Exos is by far the best off-shelf pack that is widely available in most outdoor shops and its an awesome pack, super comfortable.
Garry Connell you really know your packs. Yes the Exos is a great pack but I will be using the Arc Blast from now on. Hopefully it will last me a long time.
The price of the Zpacks pack and all the extra pouches adds up to many dollars per ounce weight savings compared to the Exos 48. As someone who has both do you really feel it was worth all the extra money for the weight savings? I also wonder how you feel about the durability of the Zpacks material? I have narrowed down my search to one of these two packs so your input would be very helpful. Also what is the actual weight savings after you add all the extras on the Zpacks model? Thanks in advance from Wisconsin, USA
Including the weight of the shoulder/belt pouches on the Zpacks pack and the rain cover on the Osprey pack, I think the weight difference is about 450grams (i think that's about 15 ounces) and would probably be closer to 550grams if you include the lid on the Osprey pack. The main reason that I prefer the Zpacks Pack is that its waterproof so no need for a rain cover or pack liner. I just put spare clothes and my sleeping bag in a dry bag. As for durability then the Osprey is probably better but I have a tendency to look after my gear so I try not to put the pack down on sharp rocky etc so for me this isn't a problem. One last point is to remember that if the Osprey pack does get wet it will soak up the water and that will make the pack even heavier where as with the Zpacks pack the water just runs off it. Hope this helps.
Paul Willcocks thanks so much for your input, adding the upper side pouches and hip belt pouches runs the Zpacks up to $525. Dollars to me that seems way over priced and that the Zpacks has a 1 year warranty and the Osprey a lifetime warranty. I do love the idea of saving a few ounces 12 by my research and the waterproofing. I will have to think on it awhile I currently use the Osprey Atmos 65 and love the pack, just want to get my base weight down
@@elcrackodiablo473 Yes the Zpacks pack is very expensive, but for me its been worth it. I have more long distance hikes planned for 2019 and as it tends to rain a bit over here in the UK I think the Zpacks pack is the right choice.
Paul Willcocks I know it rains quite a bit in the UK it’s a little different situation here in the mountain west like the Sierra and Rockies it rains but it’s rarely more than a few hours not all day event like I figure you probably run into so I can understand why the waterproofing is very important and handy for you. I also have to consider the material because I do off trail navigating in the mountains in rough country so The Zpacks material is another concern I have.? I am leaning toward the Osprey but I am not in a hurry so I will think on it a while for sure. I appreciate all your input and will use it greatly in my final decision! Thank you Paul
@@elcrackodiablo473 Check out ULA packs, they have a full customizer on their website. You can chose from from an array of different colors and fabrics such as "Robic and XPac material. While the fabrics aren't 100% waterproof, I just use a dyneema pack liner Which is only $49.00 from Zpacks.
Its holding up ok. The only real difference between the Blast and Haul is the material, the Haul being a thicker more durable Gridstop fabric. Now that I have used the Blast on a 200 mile hike and some single night wild camps I can say that the Blast is perfect for me. I'm quite gentle on my gear so the thinner material of the Blast works just fine, but if you abuse your gear or are lightly to hike through bushes then the Haul would be a better choice. Hope this helps.
I ended up getting the Exos shortly before my recent trip for the WHW. I had bought a pack and it ended up being SO uncomfortable when loaded up that i just had to return it and saw a lot of folks using the Exos and saying good things about it so I pulled the trigger and bought one... had to pay full price of course which at the time was I think $180 or $190 USD. Pack was great, pretty comfortable considering.
Yes the exos is a great pack and I found it very comfortable, the only reason I replaced it with the Arc Blast is the waterproof material. Well done on completing the WHW hope you enjoyed the hike.
Oh I only made it 4 days. I started the day after major rainfall and couldn't keep my feet wet and got blisters day 1. Hiked on them for 3 more days and then just too painful and started to not enjoy myself. So, will go back another day to finish the final 3 days :) I very much enjoyed my time out there other than 4 days of slugging through puddles, mud and cow poo! :D
I used this pack on my Coast to Coast hike with a base weight of 6.6Kg. If you add in the weight of a gas canister and some water it was probably just under 8Kg and I had no discomfort at all. Check out my Coast to Coast gear video for a look at what I carried in the pack. czcams.com/video/N-QL4U__kw4/video.html
I was thinking that the extra shoulder pouches and hip belt pouches must be on top of the weight. Do you have a number for the total weight of the z-pack? Also what's the weight of the Exos without the detachable lid?
The Zpacks shoulder pouches are 14g each, hip belt pouches are 21g each, this is on top of the weight of the pack. I think the lid on the Osprey Exos is about 140g but I could be wrong. My Osprey Exos is a couple of years old now so they could have updated the pack by now.
Those are great infos. Really light extras on the z-pack. In your opinion, is it fair to say that the waterproof feature of the z-pack material is the most important reason for paying the extra money?
Great video, very helpful to have a comparison. With the ZPacks, the optional upper mesh pockets aren’t sewn on IIUC. I believe they are tied on to the loop attachment points (that are used for cinching)
Great video . Used the exos on whw Pennine way .& ctc walks found it very comfortable and well designed like the weight of the zpacs sack is the weight including straps and belt thanks Paul
Yes it includes the belt but not the belt/shoulder pouches. If you take a look at Zpacks website you can alter the torso and belt lengths so this will change the weight. zpacks.com/products/arc-blast-backpack
Hi Paul. No it didn't come with a rain cover and you really don't need one. The Arc blast is made from a Dyneema Composite Fabric which makes it practically 100% waterproof. If you look at my Coast to Coast videos you may see that the pack and me did get soaked but the inside of the pack was 100% dry. I've now used this pack on different hikes and wild camp and I really don't think you need a rain cover or pack liner, but I would advise putting your sleeping bag and clothes in a dry bay just in case. Hope this helps.
Thanks for replying. Will you be doing any other long distance walks? I am going to re-try the WHW in May 2019. I had one of my seizures when I tried in May forcing me to come home on the 2nd day. I will not quit till I have completed it. C2C in 2020. Then I also planning to do the Southwest Coast Path sometime after that. This is a very good walk, if you can get 2 months off work, as it is only 630 miles long. Look it up. Would love to see a vid log of the whole route. Something to think about.
@@pauladams6969 yes I am planning more long distance hike next year. The South West coastpath is on my to do list and as I live in Cornwall I will probably section hike it.
Its all or nothing for me as I live in Manchester. It'll cost a bit to get to Minehead, so I might as well do it all. I have planned to start this either in 2021 or 2022, dependent on financies. Look forward to watching your vid logs. All the best mate
Which pack was more comfortable on a long trip? I have some back issues and have been debating between the two packs. So I was thrilled to see your comparison!
Jennifer Z I think both packs are about equal for Comfort. When I use the Osprey my pack weight was about 3kg heavier than when I used the Zpacks pack. Take a look at my West Highland Way and Wainwright Coast To Coast videos if you want to see my using these packs. Just make sure you pack as light as possible.
They are not all that hidden and not particularly expensive. Check out their website. www.zpacks.com/backpacks.shtml The concept is more about saving weight and not paying for what you don't want. Dyneema is about 50 US$ a yard. As light as possible with a variety of modular style additions that you attach with neat little spring toggles to many existing loops. Some people hate belt/shoulder pockets etc, some people can't get enough. Plus you can move them around to what suits you and mix and match. For example the dyneema belt pouches/pockets can get ripped up by thorny bushes so the gridstop is a better choice for the belt.
By the time I saw this video, Osprey has discontinued the waistband pouches. I enjoyed your video, even though some of the things didn't apply to me as I live stateside. I prefer a DCF or even a Liteskin pack, because it constantly rains here. Even with a waterproof liner the outside of the pack gets soaked and takes a while to dry if it's made of a material that doesn't shed water, meaning it's heavier and uncomfortable.
Nice one. I've ordered a tent from MLD Im going to see if they sting me for vat on that first as it has happened to me before when importing over a certain price from US.
I have an osprey 50 atmos AG and that had ' stow on the go' fittings and I thought what an simple idea. I have other rucksacks that I easily moded with some shock cord.
Thanks Paul. The Zpacks are really nice but over priced in my opinion. I think in a few years the price of Cuban fiber will come down and I might reconsider then. I currently have an Osprey AG 50 which works well for me. I have a large poncho rain cover that easily fits over both me and the pack and keeps us both dry. Great review!
£38 you got away light, I got a sting of £68 import duty for a tent,it's a big put off for people in the UK the massively overprice import dutys.good vid by the way
Good question but its hard to answer because everyone has a different body shape. For me personally the Exos is more comfortable if you pack weight is over 12Kg but under that weight they are more or less the same. These days my base weight is around 6.5Kg so for me the Arc Blast is the perfect choice.
Really good informative video. I have the exos, I like the service support you get with osprey, not sure how responsive zpacks are. They would probably do well in the UK if they had a distribution outlet. Keep up the good work. Can't wait for my Halloween weekend wild camp on Dartmoor. Cheers Paul.
Hi Paul, just watched the review again after a long time. I am on the verge of getting either a Blast or an Haul from Zpacks, but I read so many bad things about the customer support and also of quality of product. Maybe this has changed since you bought your pack. I have two questions for you: is the frame (easily) removable? And: how do you wrap your pack when traveling by plane? Cheers from Berlin 🍻
I haven't tried to remove the frame but it look like the two vertical parts of the frame that make the arc are easy to remove but the two horizontal parts look a lot more difficult to remove. Like I say I haven't tried so I don't know for sure. Yes I do wrap my pack when flying, I use clear pallet wrap like this amzn.to/3mgXCTv.
@@PaulWillcocks Thanks for the quick reply 🙌 I finally pulled the trigger on the Haul this morning. Could not be bothered with any more research - it can drive you nuts watching and reading so many opinions. Especially when people getting emotional and start throwing around hate messages. Thanks again and have nice Christmas time. Looking forward to your next trip. And of course, mine 😁
If you are talking about the shoulder pouches then yes they will. I used them on the exos on my West Highland Way hike. czcams.com/video/6e5tdDqDgc4/video.html West Highland Way gear list. czcams.com/video/q_eTPV9dkwA/video.html
Go on eBay and search for stokepa or treadlite gear. A guy in the UK makes some lovely bits of kit and he lists a chest pouch. I've got a few bits from him and it's well made.
The Osprey rain cover is useless unless in lite rain. The water gets in between pack and body. So I use lite weight poncho. problem solved and the poncho is the same size as the cover. Nice z pack!
When I was using the Osprey I was very lucky that I didn't really need to use the rain cover on my hikes. Now I'm using the Zpacks pack it makes life a lot easier knowing that the pack is almost 100% waterproof without a cover. Thanks for your comment.
Because it's not. The only water proof material is PVC, even GORE-TEX is not 100% waterproof, you can submerge that in the water, but it should be good enough to keep your stuff dry.
Paul, Nice video. One comment regarding the extra pouches from Z pack is that yes, they are extra but they can be moved from pack to pack so you can use then on a day pack or a different pack. Another comment is that since the pouches come attached to the Osprey pack and such I've seen that people have had mice or chipmunk chew holes through the pouches to get food and then ruin the pouches. A possible follow up video might be on how you like the packs loaded and how comfortable they are for you. Skillet
1990westfalia thanks for your comments. I agree being able to move the shoulder pouches from one pack to another is very handy. I originally used the Zpacks pouches on my Osprey pack, this can be seen in my West Highland Way videos czcams.com/video/6e5tdDqDgc4/video.html . Now I have the Zpacks pack I've moved them over. I probably will do a followup video after a year of use with the pack.
Um, all of Zpacks are seam taped, so you shouldn't have a problem along the seams. Both of mine have been. I've crossed rivers with them and they've never leaked water.
I ordered the Arc Haul Zip on Monday coz they were having a special for cyber monday and I got the hip belts for free. I didn’t really need to watch another review but I did coz you’re handsome and I love your accent 😊 Oh! and it was a very good comparison and review 👍🏼
Pack covers are things of the devil utterly useless invention ,rip easy don't keep you stuff dry just biff it and line your pack with a heavy duty plastic bag and be done with it!
I own a few packs and two are Osprey and I also own an Arc Blast. You really can't go wrong with any of them. I only changed to the Blast because I don't like to carry anything that I don't need. Its the same reason I own the Zpacks Duplex, weight reduction. My pack, tent and sleep system weigh less than five pounds. It is really hard to justify the additional expense to drop a couple of pounds. I love to backpack and go often so it's my thing. My pack before the Blast was a Granite Gear 38 L and it was great for about 135.00 US Light and not very expensive. Take care.
I agree. Although a little expensive, you can't go wrong with the Arc Blast or Duplex.
Thank you, thank you, Paul.
We took delivery today of a Zpacks' tent, sleeping bags, rucksacks and a few extra bits. Can't wait to put it all to use.
Thank you so much for all your help.
Keep hiking!!
Jane
PD HVC I'm happy to help.
Malgorzata Pytel Hello, we bought the Triplex tent. The Duplex looks fine for one person but as it's for me and my husband the Triplex gives plenty of room for two plus kit.
We've only had it pitched in the garden so far. Quite a windy day and it was easy to pitch and looked rock steady in the breeze. Hoping to get out to Dartmoor this weekend for a first outing.
Sorry - re read your question, yes, we bought it for use in the UK - but who knows where else it may take us .....
Good video. Still thinking hard about getting the Zpacks. Two new things for people to consider. The new Exos is a bit heavier and has no hip belt pockets and no shoulder pockets. It does seem to carry weight better, but I have only tested it in the store. I walked the Camino with the old Exos 48 and it was a great choice. Osprey also just came out with a lighter Levity 45 pack that is made from a more waterproof material, but I haven't heard much about it's performance yet, but it is also pocketless.
Thanks. Zpacks and Osprey both make good packs. For me I upgraded to the Zpacks pack because it was lighter and waterproof and now I've got it and used it I'm not going back the the Exos.
The Zpacks is a bear bone pack when purchased. If you want all of the items that are standard on the Osprey Exos on the Zpack you have to purchase them separately. I have done just that , I have the Zpacks Nero ( Ultralight pack ) and added hip pouches , shoulder strap pouches some other incidentals. When the total was added up it is a considerable cash amount and each item adds additional weight to the pack. Right now I'm thinking between the Zpacks Haul or the Osprey Exos 48 as a larger pack when I don't want to go Ultralight. Considering the cost and everything included with the Osprey it is looking pretty good. The Osprey can be fitted with a cuben fiber pack liner or even a trash compactor bag to keep everything inside it dry.
Checking the difference......Zpacks Arc Haul. Adding on 2 Belt Pouches , 2 Shoulder pouches , a multi pack and a key pouch runs the price up to 449.00 USA. Osprey Exos 48 with everything included as standard acessories..$190.00. Zpacks total weight 28.65 ounces , Osprey Exos 48 weight , 40 ounces...... The Osprey Exos 48 weight is 12 ounces more and is $ 259.00 less.
Chuck Littleton thanks for your comments. There certainly is a lot of things to think about when purchasing the zpacks backpack. I think as soon as Osprey or another big manufacturer start using waterproof material on their backpack zpacks will have to lower their prices
Zpacks have some good stuff I think but until they get some UK distribution set up I won't be importing any of their stuff. I'll stick with my Exos and continue to use eBay and stokepa for my Tread Lite gear accessories 😁
fly to the usa and pick it up, or have someone...that is going there do it for you...
Thank you very much for doing this video.
G Ellis no problem. I will be posting more videos next weekend, hopefully.
ive just bought the Osprey Exos 48, really good bag. I got mine from Taunton leisure, and the guy said that the volume is for the main compartment only, so the brain (top) and side pockets are extra, and tho hard to measure a bag size , it does seem bout right, i got the large one so its volumes is actually 51 litres. Used it yesterday for the first time, a really top bit of kit, and for the money a good entry into proper lightweight gear.
Yes the Exos is a great pack, I will probably end up selling mine because I don't need two pack around the 50L mark. I will be a reluctant sale.
Hi Paul
I can't afford the z packs and am tempted by the exos but I can't decide between the 48 or the 58. I want a light weight pack but with the flexibility to include extra for winter. What do you suggest? Or would you suggest just saving up for the z packs??? :)
I'm always a bit nervous recommending someone buys a certain item because I don't know your budget, how often you will be using the item or what other gear you have, so for me the exos 48 was great for me to start with but if I was going winter camping then the exos 58 would be my first choice. Depending on the weight of your gear the exos 58 will carry the extra winter load better then the Zpacks. Hope this helps.
Thanks, Paul. Very helpful.
Hi Paul, bit the bullet and got one, brilliant product, well thought out pack. I've made my own ' stow on the go' straps by copying the osprey design by using some shock cord it's not difficult but makes a massive difference for me as I normally only use one pole as an extra leg and use both for up hills. Enjoy your next trip.
Hi Paul, thanks so much for a close-up of your arc blast, thinking of getting the Scout for myself.
Did you have any issues with condensation in the Duplex on your recent trip to Dartmoor?
Thanks, Jane
great review. Yeah my Arc Blast is my main pack for long distance trail hiking, its been awesome, got about 2,000km on it, its a 2015/2016 model that Zpacks upgraded to 2017 specs for free for me when I sent it back for a couple of repairs, good for up to about 15-16kg, perfect for 12-14kg loads....but is fragile for bushwacking off-trail, the Zpacks mesh is flimsy and tears with snags........hence I have just bought a HMG 3400 Southwest pack (860gm), no external mesh, tougher main pack cuben material and hope it will deal with off-trail hikes better than the Arc Blast. My other on-trail packs are a cuben Mountain Laural Designs frameless Prophet 48L for sub-10kg loads (weights 450gm) and the Exos 48L for when I am hiking with the family and I become the packmule and have to haul 17-15kg loads. That said I still reckon the Exos is by far the best off-shelf pack that is widely available in most outdoor shops and its an awesome pack, super comfortable.
Garry Connell you really know your packs. Yes the Exos is a great pack but I will be using the Arc Blast from now on. Hopefully it will last me a long time.
The price of the Zpacks pack and all the extra pouches adds up to many dollars per ounce weight savings compared to the Exos 48. As someone who has both do you really feel it was worth all the extra money for the weight savings? I also wonder how you feel about the durability of the Zpacks material? I have narrowed down my search to one of these two packs so your input would be very helpful. Also what is the actual weight savings after you add all the extras on the Zpacks model? Thanks in advance from Wisconsin, USA
Including the weight of the shoulder/belt pouches on the Zpacks pack and the rain cover on the Osprey pack, I think the weight difference is about 450grams (i think that's about 15 ounces) and would probably be closer to 550grams if you include the lid on the Osprey pack. The main reason that I prefer the Zpacks Pack is that its waterproof so no need for a rain cover or pack liner. I just put spare clothes and my sleeping bag in a dry bag. As for durability then the Osprey is probably better but I have a tendency to look after my gear so I try not to put the pack down on sharp rocky etc so for me this isn't a problem.
One last point is to remember that if the Osprey pack does get wet it will soak up the water and that will make the pack even heavier where as with the Zpacks pack the water just runs off it.
Hope this helps.
Paul Willcocks thanks so much for your input, adding the upper side pouches and hip belt pouches runs the Zpacks up to $525. Dollars to me that seems way over priced and that the Zpacks has a 1 year warranty and the Osprey a lifetime warranty. I do love the idea of saving a few ounces 12 by my research and the waterproofing. I will have to think on it awhile I currently use the Osprey Atmos 65 and love the pack, just want to get my base weight down
@@elcrackodiablo473 Yes the Zpacks pack is very expensive, but for me its been worth it. I have more long distance hikes planned for 2019 and as it tends to rain a bit over here in the UK I think the Zpacks pack is the right choice.
Paul Willcocks I know it rains quite a bit in the UK it’s a little different situation here in the mountain west like the Sierra and Rockies it rains but it’s rarely more than a few hours not all day event like I figure you probably run into so I can understand why the waterproofing is very important and handy for you. I also have to consider the material because I do off trail navigating in the mountains in rough country so The Zpacks material is another concern I have.? I am leaning toward the Osprey but I am not in a hurry so I will think on it a while for sure. I appreciate all your input and will use it greatly in my final decision! Thank you Paul
@@elcrackodiablo473 Check out ULA packs, they have a full customizer on their website. You can chose from from an array of different colors and fabrics such as "Robic and XPac material. While the fabrics aren't 100% waterproof, I just use a dyneema pack liner Which is only $49.00 from Zpacks.
How's the blast holding up?
Would you ever consider the haul over the blast?
Its holding up ok. The only real difference between the Blast and Haul is the material, the Haul being a thicker more durable Gridstop fabric. Now that I have used the Blast on a 200 mile hike and some single night wild camps I can say that the Blast is perfect for me. I'm quite gentle on my gear so the thinner material of the Blast works just fine, but if you abuse your gear or are lightly to hike through bushes then the Haul would be a better choice.
Hope this helps.
I ended up getting the Exos shortly before my recent trip for the WHW. I had bought a pack and it ended up being SO uncomfortable when loaded up that i just had to return it and saw a lot of folks using the Exos and saying good things about it so I pulled the trigger and bought one... had to pay full price of course which at the time was I think $180 or $190 USD. Pack was great, pretty comfortable considering.
Yes the exos is a great pack and I found it very comfortable, the only reason I replaced it with the Arc Blast is the waterproof material. Well done on completing the WHW hope you enjoyed the hike.
Oh I only made it 4 days. I started the day after major rainfall and couldn't keep my feet wet and got blisters day 1. Hiked on them for 3 more days and then just too painful and started to not enjoy myself. So, will go back another day to finish the final 3 days :) I very much enjoyed my time out there other than 4 days of slugging through puddles, mud and cow poo! :D
Scotland can get very wet. I was lucky with the weather on my WHW hike but that's just how it goes.
Howdy, what is the max weight you have hiked with your Zpacks Arc Blast and did you feel any discomfort?
I used this pack on my Coast to Coast hike with a base weight of 6.6Kg. If you add in the weight of a gas canister and some water it was probably just under 8Kg and I had no discomfort at all. Check out my Coast to Coast gear video for a look at what I carried in the pack. czcams.com/video/N-QL4U__kw4/video.html
Very informative and helpful. Many thanks.
I'm happy to help. If you have any questions about the packs just ask.
I was thinking that the extra shoulder pouches and hip belt pouches must be on top of the weight. Do you have a number for the total weight of the z-pack?
Also what's the weight of the Exos without the detachable lid?
The Zpacks shoulder pouches are 14g each, hip belt pouches are 21g each, this is on top of the weight of the pack. I think the lid on the Osprey Exos is about 140g but I could be wrong. My Osprey Exos is a couple of years old now so they could have updated the pack by now.
Those are great infos. Really light extras on the z-pack. In your opinion, is it fair to say that the waterproof feature of the z-pack material is the most important reason for paying the extra money?
Ib Sandstrøm It was for me.
Have been thinking about changing up my kestrel 48 for a exos 38 to go lighter. Thanks for review cheers Karl
Great video, very helpful to have a comparison.
With the ZPacks, the optional upper mesh pockets aren’t sewn on IIUC. I believe they are tied on to the loop attachment points (that are used for cinching)
Thanks for your comment.
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Great video . Used the exos on whw Pennine way .& ctc walks found it very comfortable and well designed like the weight of the zpacs sack is the weight including straps and belt thanks Paul
Yes it includes the belt but not the belt/shoulder pouches. If you take a look at Zpacks website you can alter the torso and belt lengths so this will change the weight. zpacks.com/products/arc-blast-backpack
When you bought the Ark Blast, did it come with the raincover or was it seperate? Thanks
Hi Paul. No it didn't come with a rain cover and you really don't need one. The Arc blast is made from a Dyneema Composite Fabric which makes it practically 100% waterproof. If you look at my Coast to Coast videos you may see that the pack and me did get soaked but the inside of the pack was 100% dry. I've now used this pack on different hikes and wild camp and I really don't think you need a rain cover or pack liner, but I would advise putting your sleeping bag and clothes in a dry bay just in case. Hope this helps.
Thanks for replying. Will you be doing any other long distance walks? I am going to re-try the WHW in May 2019. I had one of my seizures when I tried in May forcing me to come home on the 2nd day. I will not quit till I have completed it. C2C in 2020. Then I also planning to do the Southwest Coast Path sometime after that. This is a very good walk, if you can get 2 months off work, as it is only 630 miles long. Look it up. Would love to see a vid log of the whole route. Something to think about.
@@pauladams6969 yes I am planning more long distance hike next year. The South West coastpath is on my to do list and as I live in Cornwall I will probably section hike it.
Its all or nothing for me as I live in Manchester. It'll cost a bit to get to Minehead, so I might as well do it all. I have planned to start this either in 2021 or 2022, dependent on financies. Look forward to watching your vid logs. All the best mate
Which pack was more comfortable on a long trip? I have some back issues and have been debating between the two packs. So I was thrilled to see your comparison!
Jennifer Z I think both packs are about equal for Comfort. When I use the Osprey my pack weight was about 3kg heavier than when I used the Zpacks pack. Take a look at my West Highland Way and Wainwright Coast To Coast videos if you want to see my using these packs. Just make sure you pack as light as possible.
Aren’t the seams taped on the Zpacks?
Unless it’s an extra option, I thought the seams were already waterproofed...
Never mind, you’ve already addressed.
Kelli Rustin yes the seams are taped but this is still a weak point. Some of the tape has started to rub off on the inside of the pack.
You just convinced me to buy Exos 48. :) Appreciate info about hidden cost.
Thathanka it's a great pack you won't be disappointed.
They are not all that hidden and not particularly expensive. Check out their website. www.zpacks.com/backpacks.shtml
The concept is more about saving weight and not paying for what you don't want. Dyneema is about 50 US$ a yard. As light as possible with a variety of modular style additions that you attach with neat little spring toggles to many existing loops. Some people hate belt/shoulder pockets etc, some people can't get enough. Plus you can move them around to what suits you and mix and match. For example the dyneema belt pouches/pockets can get ripped up by thorny bushes so the gridstop is a better choice for the belt.
By the time I saw this video, Osprey has discontinued the waistband pouches. I enjoyed your video, even though some of the things didn't apply to me as I live stateside. I prefer a DCF or even a Liteskin pack, because it constantly rains here. Even with a waterproof liner the outside of the pack gets soaked and takes a while to dry if it's made of a material that doesn't shed water, meaning it's heavier and uncomfortable.
Thanks for your comments. I agree having a pack that doesn't soak up water and you don't need a pack cover is a real bonus.
Nice vid Paul. I'm looking at the arc blast. Did you not get charged 20% vat As well as the import duty?
As far as I can remember it was only the import duty.
Nice one. I've ordered a tent from MLD Im going to see if they sting me for vat on that first as it has happened to me before when importing over a certain price from US.
I have an osprey 50 atmos AG and that had ' stow on the go' fittings and I thought what an simple idea. I have other rucksacks that I easily moded with some shock cord.
Thanks Paul. The Zpacks are really nice but over priced in my opinion. I think in a few years the price of Cuban fiber will come down and I might reconsider then. I currently have an Osprey AG 50 which works well for me. I have a large poncho rain cover that easily fits over both me and the pack and keeps us both dry. Great review!
Thanks. Yes it's very pricey but I'm glad that I've got it now.
£38 you got away light, I got a sting of £68 import duty for a tent,it's a big put off for people in the UK the massively overprice import dutys.good vid by the way
From comments people have left on some of my videos it certainly does look like I got away lightly with the import tax. Thanks for your comment.
Really nice intro for the packs but you never compared comfort. Can you speak on comfort differences?
Good question but its hard to answer because everyone has a different body shape. For me personally the Exos is more comfortable if you pack weight is over 12Kg but under that weight they are more or less the same. These days my base weight is around 6.5Kg so for me the Arc Blast is the perfect choice.
Really good informative video. I have the exos, I like the service support you get with osprey, not sure how responsive zpacks are. They would probably do well in the UK if they had a distribution outlet. Keep up the good work. Can't wait for my Halloween weekend wild camp on Dartmoor. Cheers Paul.
luckily for me I haven't needed to use Osprey or Zpacks customer support, but if I ever do I will post a video about it.
Hi Paul, just watched the review again after a long time. I am on the verge of getting either a Blast or an Haul from Zpacks, but I read so many bad things about the customer support and also of quality of product. Maybe this has changed since you bought your pack. I have two questions for you: is the frame (easily) removable? And: how do you wrap your pack when traveling by plane? Cheers from Berlin 🍻
I haven't tried to remove the frame but it look like the two vertical parts of the frame that make the arc are easy to remove but the two horizontal parts look a lot more difficult to remove. Like I say I haven't tried so I don't know for sure. Yes I do wrap my pack when flying, I use clear pallet wrap like this amzn.to/3mgXCTv.
@@PaulWillcocks Thanks for the quick reply 🙌 I finally pulled the trigger on the Haul this morning. Could not be bothered with any more research - it can drive you nuts watching and reading so many opinions. Especially when people getting emotional and start throwing around hate messages. Thanks again and have nice Christmas time. Looking forward to your next trip. And of course, mine 😁
will the attachable zpack chest pouch attach to the exos?
If you are talking about the shoulder pouches then yes they will.
I used them on the exos on my West Highland Way hike. czcams.com/video/6e5tdDqDgc4/video.html
West Highland Way gear list. czcams.com/video/q_eTPV9dkwA/video.html
Go on eBay and search for stokepa or treadlite gear. A guy in the UK makes some lovely bits of kit and he lists a chest pouch. I've got a few bits from him and it's well made.
I've just looked and yes the gear looks good to me. I will have to remember him if I need anything else.
The Osprey rain cover is useless unless in lite rain. The water gets in between pack and body. So I use lite weight poncho. problem solved and the poncho is the same size as the cover. Nice z pack!
When I was using the Osprey I was very lucky that I didn't really need to use the rain cover on my hikes. Now I'm using the Zpacks pack it makes life a lot easier knowing that the pack is almost 100% waterproof without a cover. Thanks for your comment.
The seams are taped on the Zpacks. That's why you didn't get water in.
Yes the seams are taped but zpacks only advertise the pack as highly water resistant not water proof.
I mentioned it because you said the seams are a weak point, but the reason they call it resistant is for the fabric itself.
Because it's not. The only water proof material is PVC, even GORE-TEX is not 100% waterproof, you can submerge that in the water, but it should be good enough to keep your stuff dry.
Paul, Nice video. One comment regarding the extra pouches from Z pack is that yes, they are extra but they can be moved from pack to pack so you can use then on a day pack or a different pack. Another comment is that since the pouches come attached to the Osprey pack and such I've seen that people have had mice or chipmunk chew holes through the pouches to get food and then ruin the pouches. A possible follow up video might be on how you like the packs loaded and how comfortable they are for you. Skillet
1990westfalia thanks for your comments. I agree being able to move the shoulder pouches from one pack to another is very handy. I originally used the Zpacks pouches on my Osprey pack, this can be seen in my West Highland Way videos czcams.com/video/6e5tdDqDgc4/video.html . Now I have the Zpacks pack I've moved them over. I probably will do a followup video after a year of use with the pack.
@@PaulWillcocks look forward to the video
Um, all of Zpacks are seam taped, so you shouldn't have a problem along the seams. Both of mine have been. I've crossed rivers with them and they've never leaked water.
I've used the Zpacks pack in heavy rain on a number of occasions and it hasn't let me down but I still keep my sleeping bag and clothes in dry bags.
@@PaulWillcocks I use dry bags as well. Good call.
So now you had more time with them both is Zpacks work the money
Yes for me the Zpacks pack is worth the money but its very subjective.
Thanks for the review Paul 👍
Wish I had the cash for a Zpack 😬
Thanks for sharing
ATB Mike
#StayCornish 😬
Yes it is a bit expensive but well worth it.
My new Arc haul has just arrived Paul , thanks for helping me to make my mind up and pull the trigger
Mike
I ordered the Arc Haul Zip on Monday coz they were having a special for cyber monday and I got the hip belts for free. I didn’t really need to watch another review but I did coz you’re handsome and I love your accent 😊
Oh! and it was a very good comparison and review 👍🏼
Thanks for your comment. You won't be disappointed with the pack.
About 50% lighter than Osprey, cost 60%+ more, 1 year warranty, Osprey LIFE TIME warranty.
Both are great packs and both have there advantages. At the end of the day in all down to personal choice.
Yes they are great packs. Thanks for your contribution and review. Well done. I own the Osprey 58 and the 38 but not the Arc Blast (YET!)
Thanks for the review, i'm looking for a new pack and trying to decide what to buy. I subscribed. If you get some time, check out my channel.
Pack covers are things of the devil utterly useless invention ,rip easy don't keep you stuff dry just biff it and line your pack with a heavy duty plastic bag and be done with it!
Now i'm using the Zpacks Arc Blast pack full time there's no need for a pack cover or line as the bag itself is waterproof.