The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L is the backpack every gram-counter eventually gravitates toward. At 17.4 oz for a 60L pack with a full frame and hipbelt, it shouldn’t exist. But it does, and after 200+ miles across the Sierra Nevada and Colorado Rockies, here’s the unvarnished take.
The Numbers
- Weight: 17.4 oz (size medium, tested)
- Volume: 60L
- Frame: Carbon fiber arc, removable
- Hipbelt: Fully padded, removable
- Material: Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF)
- Price: $399
What It Does Right
Carry comfort for the weight class is remarkable. The carbon arc frame transfers load to your hips better than any sub-2lb pack on the market. Up to about 30 lbs, you’ll forget you’re wearing an “ultralight” pack — it just carries.
The DCF construction is bomber. After 200 miles including two off-trail desert sections and a granite scramble, the fabric shows zero abrasion damage. People worry about Dyneema durability. Don’t. It’s tougher than it looks.
Organizational simplicity. One main compartment, two large side pockets, a front mesh pocket. Nothing unnecessary. You load it, you go.
Fits odd-shaped loads. The top-loader design with a roll-top closure handles bulky items — a bear canister, wet tent fly, extra layers — without fighting with zippers or overstuffed compartments.
Where It Falls Short
The price. $399 for a backpack is genuinely hard to justify unless you’re spending serious time in the backcountry. If you’re doing 2-3 trips a year, spend $150 less on an Osprey Exos and call it a day.
Hipbelt options are limited. The standard hipbelt works for most body types, but if you have wider hips or unusual proportions, the fit can be frustrating. Zpacks offers custom sizing but that adds cost and lead time.
No water reservoir sleeve. Minor, but notable. You’ll be using water bottles in side pockets. Most ultralight hikers prefer this anyway, but it’s worth knowing.
Rain cover needed. DCF is water-resistant but the seams aren’t taped and the roll-top closure isn’t bombproof in a sideways storm. Pack a cuben fiber rain cover or a heavyweight trash compactor bag as a liner.
Who It’s For
This pack makes sense if:
- You’re doing 10+ day backcountry trips per year
- You’ve already optimized your base weight below 12 lbs
- You want the best carry comfort available at ultralight weights
- You can afford $399 and see it as a long-term investment
Bottom Line
The Arc Haul Ultra is genuinely the best ultralight framed pack available. It carries like a pack twice its weight and it’ll outlast you if you treat it reasonably. The price is steep but it’s a one-time purchase.
Rating: 9/10 — Lose a point for the price and hipbelt limitations. Gain everything else.
How It Compares
| Pack | Weight | Volume | Frame | Price | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 | 17.4 oz | 60L | Carbon arc | $399 | Zpacks |
| Hyperlite Southwest 3400 | 27 oz | 55L | Aluminum stays | $375 | Amazon |
| Gossamer Gear Gorilla 50 | 30 oz | 50L | Framesheet | $295 | Amazon |
| ULA Circuit | 34 oz | 68L | Frame stays | $295 | Amazon |
| Osprey Exos 58 | 42 oz | 58L | Mesh + frame | $260 | Amazon |
FAQ
Is DCF actually waterproof?
DCF panels themselves are waterproof, but the seams on the Arc Haul aren’t fully taped and the roll-top closure can let water in during sustained rain with wind. Always line the interior with a trash compactor bag or a DCF dry liner — it’s the lightest, most effective waterproofing method for any ultralight pack.
How much weight can it actually carry comfortably?
Zpacks rates it to 40 lbs. In practice, 25-30 lbs is the sweet spot where the pack feels transparent. At 35 lbs it carries well but you feel it. Above 40, a heavier pack with more structure (Osprey Atmos class) is more comfortable.
How do you size the torso?
Measure from C7 (the bony bump at the base of your neck when you tilt your head forward) to the top of your iliac crest (the top of your hip bones). Zpacks makes S, M, and L with hipbelt and shoulder strap options. Don’t guess — their sizing guide gets it right if you measure carefully.
Will it fit a bear canister?
Yes. The BV500 (BearVault BV500) fits horizontally in the main compartment of the 60L size. The BV450 fits either orientation and is the better choice for 5-7 day trips.
Can I put a hydration bladder in it?
There’s no dedicated reservoir sleeve, but a bladder fits in the main compartment against the back panel. Most Arc Haul users run Smartwater bottles in the side pockets — accessible while hiking, no bite-valve freezing in cold weather.
How long does DCF last?
5-10+ years of regular use. The fabric itself is essentially inert — it doesn’t UV-degrade or hydrolyze the way silnylon does. Wear points are the bottom panel (use carefully) and the seams (can re-seal with Seam Grip).
Is the hipbelt removable?
Yes. The hipbelt and carbon frame are both removable, dropping the pack weight to under 12 oz as a frameless daypack. Overkill for most use but useful for base camp + side hike scenarios.
Where to Buy
- Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L on Amazon — search availability
- Direct from Zpacks — custom sizing and color options
- DCF Dry Liner (essential accessory) — keeps your gear bone-dry
- Ultralight pack rain cover — for sustained rain protection
Related Guides
- Best Ultralight Backpacks of 2026
- How to Pack a 10-Pound Base Weight
- Best Ultralight Tents — pair with a DCF tent for a full ultralight kit