Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack review

The Arc Haul Ultra 60L is the lightest pack we compared at 21.8 oz. Zpacks says the 60 L size is its most popular, with space for 5 to 6 day carries on a thru-hike with ultralight gear. The body is 3.3 oz/sqyd Ultra 100X, a woven UHMWPE face fabric laminated to a waterproof backing, and every seam is taped, though Zpacks still recommends a liner. A curved carbon fiber Arc Frame holds the pack off your back and sends most of the weight to the belt. Torso height adjusts with a patented mechanism, and straps and belts are interchangeable. Side pockets fit two 1 L bottles each, and all standard bear canisters fit standing on end. The limits: Zpacks rates comfort at 30 to 35 lbs. with a 40 lb. max, the warranty is two years, and the price is $399. We compared documented features and published prices and did not carry the pack.

Who it is for

ultralight thru-hikers with a light base weight

Price

$399 on Zpacks' US store as of November 2026.

$399.00 USD
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• 21.8 oz (619 g), the lightest pack on this list
• 60 L: 47 L main body, 2.5 L per side pocket and an 8 L center pocket
• Waterproof 3.3 oz/sqyd Ultra 100X UHMWPE fabric with taped seams
• Curved carbon fiber Arc Frame with an air gap behind the back
• Patented adjustable torso height and interchangeable shoulder straps and belts

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: Lightest pack here at 21.8 oz
• Strength: Zpacks says all standard bear canisters fit in the upper half
• Strength: Short and medium frames fit an airplane overhead bin with the top rolled down
• Weakness: Comfortable to 30 to 35 lbs., with a 40 lb. max
• Weakness: $399, the second most expensive pack here
• Weakness: Two-year limited warranty, shorter than Osprey, Gregory and ULA

Key facts

• Price: $399
• Volume: 60 L
• Weight: 21.8 oz
• Load: 30 to 35 lbs. comfortably, 40 lbs. max
• Warranty: Two-year limited

Where it ranks

Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack is No. 5 in our Best Hiking Backpacks verdict.