Picking the right Zpacks Arc Blast & Arc Haul pack size
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- Опубликовано: 8 фев 2025
- The Zpacks Arc Blast and Arc Haul packs are stellar, but are you ordering the right size? I strongly recommend watching this video BEFORE you order.
Be sure to subscribe to "Bungzy's 2 Minute Review on Stuff I Wish I Knew About Stuff Before I Bought It". Series focuses on quick reviews of ultralight backpacking and camping gear. My goal is to help you buy the right product, right out of the gate.
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You are 100% right on Zpacks sizing. I'm a 5'6 135# woman. I had my physical therapist, who backpacks too, measure me. I have a 23" torso so ordered the Medium. That bar came up to my ears! Luckily I had ordered it 2 months before my first trip so had plenty of time to exchange it for a Short. ZPacks customer service was great. They also transferred my add-ons to the new Arc Haul Short. Thanks for the video.
I appreciate your insight, I’m wondering though...isn’t the torso size about weight distribution to the hips instead of about your head hitting the bar if you tilt your head back?
I just received my Arc Blast. I am a 6’ male with torso measuring 19.5. I feel like the short torso was the correct choice. Now, that being said, I don’t like to wear my pack like Bungzy. I like the top crossbar to be slightly ABOVE my shoulders ( this is what Zpacks recommends) and if you look at the pics of Joe Z wearing the packs, this is how he wears them. I do see the other guys at Zpacks in some pics are wearing packs where that crossbar is waaaay above the shoulders. I sent pics with me wearing the pack to Zpacks and they said they believe I have a “perfect fit.” The load lifters are not quite up to a 45 degree angle when fully loaded. More like 35 degrees.
Bottom line is to size down if you are on the line. There is a big difference between the short torso frame at 19 “ and the medium at 21.5”. You don’t want to have to use the lowest setting (closest to bottom of pack) on the conveyor belt shoulder strap adjustments. That would put the crossbar halfway up your skull. This is a great pack. Also, the arc doesn’t change the frame length much.
Matthew Dumas
So I am 5ft 11 and torso is measured 19.5
I should get the short model then correct?
I am glad I read the replies and saw this review as I am about to take the plunge and buy one.
Also my waist size is 36. What size belt should I get if the sizes are a little off.
Thanks for the help. Much appreciated thank you.
This pretty much describes my sizing needs. I'm 5'11 with 19" torso. I just received my "short" torso Arc Blast, and it fits as you described. I'm happy.
The pack sizing video on Zpacks site shows taking the torso measurement along the spine with the head facing down so the C7 continues to stick out. When I do this, I get about 20". However, when I stand straight, with my head up in a normal standing/walking position, with my gaze level, my torso measurement shrinks to about 17". This difference may explain why Zpacks sizing could be so off as other pack makers specify to measure with the head level rather than facing down. The Zpacks packs may be sized with the level head torso measurement, but the guys that made the video got it wrong. I left them a comment asking about this, but haven't gotten a response yet.
You can adjust the height of the shoulder straps up and down, one other video says about 4 inches. You may be able to lower or raise where the bar is so that you head is either not hitting it, or is hitting the mesh. With heavier loads you want the load lifters close to 45 degrees, so maybe you can raise the bar and hit the mesh instead.
I like how you only take 2 minutes. These 20 minute long reviews kill me!
Ideally load lifters are supposed to be at a 45 degree angle. So typically a backpack is supposed to be higher than the shoulders in order to distribute weight correctly. That said, ultralight backpacks aren't tasked with carrying a lot of weight, so it may not be an issue.
I generally don't walk around cranking my head up as far as it will go looking straight up into space so don't have this issue.....
Height of packs is more about frame size or the shoulder straps in relation to the hip belt and not the height of the pack itself. E.g. you may have a medium capacity pack, with a large 'frame' size whereby the pack does not come into contact with your head if you do this. By the same token a short person may get a large capacity pack with a short frame and it does....
If you look up at a reasonable angle - say 45 or even 70 degrees your head should not hit your frame. If you decide to crane your head up to 90 degrees I'd say you are just looking to nit pick problems that aren't real problems at all...
I agree about the Arc Haul! I am 5’3” and bought a short and that bar still hits the back of my head and makes it impossible for me to wear any other hat except a baseball cap or tuck the back brim of my bucket hat inside the hat, so the backpack does not knock against it with every step.
Adjust the straps to fix it
I'm 5'10" and had to buy the arc scout (childs version of this pack) because my torso is 16". They really pushed that the Scout is for short, sub 5', hikers which I don't feel I fit into that category. The Arc Scout does fit me properly however.
Hey Bungzy, Love the videos (both the 2-minute reviews AND the B-rolls)! Just wanted to drop a note about my Arc Haul buying experience; I saw this video and watched all the videos that Zpacks has posted about fitment. I stand 5'11.5" tall and I measured my torso between C7 and Iliac crest at exactly 19". Because I had some questions about lead time and belt size (also on the line there too) I sent Zpacks customer service a message to ask about pack sizing, I included links to your video and their own video and the response I got was to size UP to the medium. I questioned them again to confirm they were giving me the opposite advice of their own sizing video and their response was something to the effect that they had made some small changes to their packs and now recommend to size up. So, I thought, ok- they make the packs- and I've always heard of their excellent customer service, so I'm going with their advice. BUT here I am. Waiting for them to send me a small torso Arc Haul after it took almost an entire week of going back and forth sending photos for them to finally admit I needed a smaller torso pack. And I had to pay return shipping. Live and learn. If it weren't for the excellent quality & craftsmanship I would have just paid the restocking fee and requested a refund because I was so frustrated. Anyways, love the work you do- should have just listened to your video and trsuted my gut. Thanks and keep up the awesome content!
Spencer : So, did both the "Medium" and "Short" fit well on your torso as long as the crossbar hitting your head is "disregarded" ?
I am asking this because mine (Short) is on order after switching from Medium.
My story is virtually the same as yours.
My torso is about 19.5". After asking ZPACKS with the link of this video, they responded with "Medium was fine as they were reevaluating the sizing (whatever it means)". So, I went ahead and placed an order for Medium 2 weeks ago. One week after, I sent an E-mail questionig if it was the right decision. 6 days later (it takes like 3-4 business days for them to respond plus weekend), they commented that they changed my order to Small, which I will let go.... Also, the lead time of 4 weeks reset from the day when the size was changed, which I am not really happy with.
Anyhow, I do not much care about the crossbar hitting my head (as my current Osprey is like that and I do not usually notice it). I just wonder if there is so much difference between Medium and Small for Torso size. If 19" Small backpack can fit well on a 22" torso guy (Bungzy), something does not add up.....
Honestly, the Medium torso just felt 'off' no matter how I adjusted the arc suspension, but the only thing I could articulate to their customer service was the crossbar hitting me in the neck and base of the skull. Now, I could see this not being a huge deal if I was on a relatively flat trail and only hiking 5 miles- I could let it go...but I bought this for a thru-hike on the AT and I really want/need a dialed fit, and considering the price tag of the pack that's what it should be IMHO (dialed). Now that I have the short torso size, it feels totally dialed, like right in my center of gravity and no matter what position I put my body in, it feels comfortable. So, I'm really happy with the end-result. But their customer service is like 2-people and isnt sufficient for this thier "busy" season. Although, somehow I got someone else at Zpacks in the loop and she was super helpful with a couple of other orders I had in the queue, and she single-handedly renewed my faith in humanity.
Thanks for your input, Spencer. Based on your IMHO, I am glad that my new order is for Short then.
I wish I would've seen this before I bought mine! I'm a 5'8" male and my head hits the crossbar without tipping it back nearly as far as you did. I've never had a pack that went that far above my shoulders.
I’m 5’8” also. Is the issue you’re referring to with a small or medium sized frame?
I guess if you plan on carrying a 42L + pack while on a bird watching excursion this fitting explanation would be useful. Otherwise, I'd stick to fitting according to torso length (and waist size for the belt).
Agree with this review. I am a 5’9 woman and I measured at 19”. Ordered a medium which seemed reasonable. It’s definitely too big.
I had the exact same experience. According to my torso length I should get a medium, but the top bar comes up ridiculously high over my shoulders and bumps into my head.
@@eh4518 Yeah I swapped it for a small and I've been pretty happy with it. So far I've done a 6-day/125 mile trip, and a few long weekends. The small is working out!
Hey bungzy, I really appreciate your video. I love all your stuff. I have to politely point out, though, that this video advice doesn't follow the correct fitting guide for zpacks and for most every pack.
A correct fit should have the load lifter straps coming off your shoulders at a 45 degree angle up and away from your back. In both of your packs, the load lifters are nearly horizontal. Any thoughts? I'd love your thoughts bc I'm about to buy this pack. :)
Did you buy it yet and if so, how does it fit ?
@@farquat69 no I'm starting to get into ice climbing and so my old osprey Atmos 65 L is actually very appropriate for that, even though it's 4.5 lb
Thats the same pack im using at the moment .
@@farquat69 that's awesome. I've comfortably carried 70 lb for weeks with it (way too much, I know).
If I got a new pack now I would probably still get the arc blast/haul (both seem incredible and loved by everyone), although I would certainly consider the hyperlite Mountain gear 3400 southwest, which I've also heard people love. Homemade Wanderlust used it while on a thru hike
Now im looking at the new arc haul ultra , 500$ for a pack is just ruff lol
I just found your channel, great vids, tho I wish they were 3min long, lol.
So I'm 5' 7.5" I guess Sm is for me, what about the guy that they size to a small..........???
I just got into hiking, did a almost no hike 3 nighter and fell in love with backpacking, did a 22mile over night, planning a 75mile 4-5 day, 180-200 mile 10-11 day trip to prep for the JMT next yr.
What about Zpacks Blast vs Haul, suggestions?
Thanks again for the vids and keep them coming.
Greetings! I am 6" tall with 18-19 size of torso (measured in REI). I bought the short Arc Haul that should fit(17-20) and it does fit, and I don't hit my head on that horizontal bar, but in exchange I don't feel weight being distributed to the hips, about 10% when standing straight and 0% when walking, but I bought extra shoulder padding anticipating such issue. I'll test it out a couple of times in this season, and attempt to change to Medium size, if the weight distribution will feel critical. Hope this info helps somebody :D
Peace friends!
P.S. I have seen people carrying backpacks without hip belts, but those were "Ultra light" hikers, they carry way less weight than somebody like me who prefers some level of comfort. I would guess 30% weight into hip would be perfect...
im a newbie so im curious how you change to the medium size? is there some adjustment you can do or do you mean get a completely new backpack that is medium size? im 6ft 4 and like an idiot i never even measured and just assumed that because im tall then the tall is what i needed, but the bar is sitting way too high.
@@1STstream ahh ok. i just got mine, so ill look into sending it back if possible. thanks for the advice =)
My torso length is 19". Bought the medium, same problem. Then got a small for my wife. It fits me right. If you are close to limit in the chart, go with the smaller.
Really helpful for me (5’ 11 1/2“) as I go about choosing the right size for my Arc Haul. But your remark that the Arc Blast and Arc Haul are the same pack except for the material used is not quite right. The Haul offers a lot more volume.
Meaningless without showing pack bottom. Pack height at neck is merely a function of shoulder-strap adjustment. Without considering the bottom, the pack could be four-feet long for all we know? You failed to show fit at the base of the pack? Many complain about those stays digging into hips too, so that makes it even more important to show bottom?
Hey Bungzy, thanks for the 'heads up'!! I was just getting measured up for an Arc pack, And I'm on the other side of the pond, so doing returns to Florida to try and get the perfect fit, doesn't sit well with me. I wear (varifocal) glasses, and despite a lot of negative comment on here, I DO know what it's like to NEED to get my head at that angle. Climbing steep and sheer faces are virtually impossible otherwise.
I wonder if you can reduce the issue by dialing in the arc of the pack. It should effectively make it shorter. Did you try it? Also, I wonder if you ever tried to address this with Zpacks and what was their response.
I kind of agree though that this is not the right way to measure as you should really measure based on where your hip belt would ride. If you buy undersized pack, it may put hip belt too high for proper fitment depending on the torso.
It helps a little but not that much... I have mine arc sitting at 3 inches. My head still hits the bar, and I am 6'0 tall with a medium torso
I'm 5'9" and got the medium and have the same issue. Luckily I don't notice it unless I'm going up a steep incline and try looking up so I didn't send it back but dang I wish you had made this video sooner, lol. Still love the pack though.
Hey Bungzy, doing a great job bud! Your videos are all on point and provide a pretty good bit sized info dump. Keep it up mate!
Wish I saw this a year ago! My medium is was too big! (I’m 5’7” and measured within their medium) I agree go a size down.
did zpacks agree to exchange? i just ran into the same issue and just messaged them and am now waiting for a responce. i measured at 20" and so got the medium which is 20-23 but my head hit the frame bar with the pack adjusted all the way down to 20
I'm a man, 173 cm (5'8") tall, and torso is 18.5 inches.
And I weigh 80 kg (176 lb) and my belt size is 34 inches.
Backpack I'm using right now is a Circuit in ULA (M size)
Do you think my backpack size is good for S?
I was considering buying the short, but since I measure 16" guess I'll keep looking
I've heard of this issue, but the thing is, pack sizes are because of torso length, not the overall height of the pack. It would make no sense to buy a pack for head clearance, only to have the waist belt ride way above the hip crest. It does sound like though, if you can get a fit in a smaller size, it may be the way to go. I've had other packs that were tall like this, and I agree it can be irritating. It makes one wonder what some packs would be like with the extension collar all the way up. I kinda like the short and wide packs like my catalyst, you would never really need to have the extension collar up, although that is not in the same weight category.
I’ve got to agree with this comment. Pack size is about the distance from hip belt to shoulder straps. Some packs like Deuter have a lot of pack sticking above the shoulder straps, but that has nothing to do with how it fits. Just my opinion. Maybe the issue with Zpacks is the way that cross bar is positioned so close to the neck. I don’t own a Zpacks, but I am interested in the Arc Haul for a thru-hike in 2020.
I do like the 2 minute reviews!
Dear sir. I really enjoy your videos. I realize I am late to the party, but this info is inaccurate. That short pack does not fit you well. There is no fit metric - especially for an external frame pack - that considers whether or not your head hits the top of the frame in an uncommon head movement.
Nice, as a teacher impressed on me early on to focus on "breath and brevity". Just subscribed.
Ive always bought my pack so the top goes above the shoulders. For me, the load lifters work better this way.
You demonstrated how NOT to carry your pack. You have ALL the weight on your shoulders = garbage hiking unless you literally are carrying zero weight, so why bother with arc style pack, you need a SMALLER lighter pack. Vast majority are carrying their wife's/kids gear/food and are nowhere near "lightweight" let alone ultra lightweight...
Hi Bungzy, is your torso really 22" measured according to Zpacks method (iliac crest to C7 vertebra), and the small frame size fits you well? Is the Arc Blast you bought and reviewed in your other video actually the small size?
I am 6'5" tall and always need to buy the large size in everything. However, the large Arc Blast I ordered feels way to tall for my liking. This morning, I measured my torso to be 20.5". I never noticed or was told that my torso was exceptionally short for my height, so I am seriousy wondering, what kind of person needs a backpack with a 26" torso length.
Since I have to exchange the Arc Blast, and after viewing your video, I am asking myself whether I should even go for the small size rather than the medium size instead.
Could you maybe post a video that shows exactly the fit of your small Arc Blast on you with your 22" torso? That would be awesome.
I measured my torso length again and believe it is a little bit longer than 20,5", rather between 21 and 22 inches. That would still be a little bit shorter than your torso!
I'm 6'3" and measured my torso at 18.5" according to their method. Seems ridiculous, but I ordered the short torso length and based on my first 3-day backpacking trip it might be a bit short for me, but I think it's workable. Apparently my legs are just ridiculously long, or their torso measurement method is rather strange.
Bungzy’s Ultralight I didn’t ask, but I probably should have.
I'm a small frame 50 yr old male 5 ft 5 130 lbs torso 16 and one half to 17. so what size pack do you suggest I buy?
👀 a snazzy Enve wheelset in the background. On a Stigmata if I'm not mistaken.
What about the hip belt?
Are sizes to fit.. ?
I wear 36” waist so either a small or medium?
The real issue the small on you doesn’t allow you to use the load lifters properly.
Bungzy’s Ultralight you are free to disagree, but load lifters are supposed to be between 35 and 45 degree angle to operate correctly. As such you’re simply incorrect.
so I'm 5"5" and have a 19" torso. I'm guessing you'd recommend small then.
Or maybe the Scout.
Torso length has nothing to do with your height. Nothing. Also, on a good FITTING pack the hip belt needs to straddle your crest, the shoulder straps need to hug your shoulders, and the load lifters need to be at approx 30-45 degree angle. So yeah.....BUT if it feels good and works for you then hike your own hike brother
The length of the torso is more important than your height. I am 6'1" and my wife is 5'6". However, we wear the same length pants. All of my height is in my torso. I have short legs. Don't base your selection on total height but torso length.
I’m 6’ tall with a 19.5 torso and 33 inch waiste. Amber from Zpacks recommended medium pack (19-21) torso and medium belt (30-45). I’m leaning towards small torso after the video ... What do you think?
Hi Mike, How does the pack feel for you now? I have the exact same scenario and like to hear your input. Thanks!
So how did it come out,,,the small fit you good..
Hey sup, what do you think Can i take zpacks Arc Blast with me on board like a hand luggage? if backpack is half full for example.
@@Bungzy Thank you! cuz im goona buy it soon. and i Enjoy your video a lot! go on !!!
great vids. Does the back adjustment system on these packs not make a difference?
Bungzy Thanks, just wondered
yeah im a moron and i didnt even measure. im 6 ft 4 so i assumed the tall would be just fine, and its not... your example of it being too high is like 6 inches lower than what mine is lol.
how long your tall??
I disagree 🤚
You don't understand how load lifters work.
I understand how they work. I’ve had BPs with load lifters that I like. The recommend sizing on this pack puts the horizontal top bar (and their load lifters) an inch or two behind your head. It’s uncomfortable, to put it lightly. This can be “worked around” by sizing down. But hey, to each his own. ✌️
Again.... Wish I would have found your vids sooner. Email will or Matt or Joe. Ask them to link your vids onto their site please
The problem with this review is that, as a hiker with thousands of miles under my belt--incl. 2 thru-hikes of the AT---this is a moot video. I cant remember the last time I cranked my head all the way back as you do in this video. I have had internal frame packs where my head hits the top of the pack, also. This whole video is just plain silly...splitting hairs to the Nth degree. Id say most hikers would have an issue with the pack if they just tilted their head back while glancing up and kept hitting the top bar...THAT would be annoying. With a pack on your back, and especially one that is an external frame, you should expect an occasional bump of the head when tilting it back. Here's the thing..the ONLY way to ensure that a pack meets every single expectation that you have as to how it should fit is to physically try one on at the outfitters LOADED up!! . If you buy a pack online then you take your chances. Different manufacturers have different specs and thats why one may fit you perfect yet another not at all even tho the specs are equal from one to the other. This really has nothing to do with measurements as this pack 'arcs"..and is MEANT to arc...so when you are considering measurements you have to also consider how the arcing effect will affect just how high, or low, and how close in---or away---from the head/neck it will be when arced....AND the amount and degree of arc. So...all that said....if youre going to buy a Zpack's pack you should try one on first. UN-fortoonately----they only have one store out here in Sunny Florida so trying one on is not a possibilty unless you are in the area. My point to all this being....if you like what a Zpacks pack has to offer...ORDER one. But keep in mind that you may have to pay return postage more than once as you try one on...then another...etc., until you get that elusive "perfect" fit......should that be the case. Thats what I did. I bought and exchanged my Arc Haul Zip thrice till I get the right length, the proper belt and the right heigth. A p;ain in the ass but now I have a 20-degree bag, a Thermarest pad, an EXTERNAL-FRAME pack and a tent that, combined, top out at a massive 77 OUNCES for all four...all thanx to my patience and Zpacks expertise for my upcoming 3rd AT thruhike this late March.
Plz don't hate me but as you were explaining this I was thinking of this episode of South Park:
m.ruclips.net/video/pa9YUDNHobE/видео.html
Hey bungzy. Get a magic marker and change it to M or Xl even. It may make you feel more manly. Lol.
If only I had seen this 2 months ago. Just got my pack in the mail, ordered according to their sizing chart, and its way to long. The metal bar hits the back of my head.