Arc Haul

Using a non-Ultra Arc Haul and looking to replace it: overcomplicated to adjust and not very comfortable, it skews left causing one-sided pain, weight sits on the lower back, and a carbon stay broke within 200 miles (Zpacks replaced it within hours).

The Arc Haul fit great, but it started falling apart about 200 miles into their PCT thru-hike and customer service was awful; they replaced it within a month.

Their 2016 Arc Haul had four failures on a 2018 AT thru-hike, including two broken vertical stays and a broken horizontal stay, and email-only support made replacements hard on trail.

On their second Arc Haul: used the first for two-thirds of an AT thru-hike and replaced it four years later when worn; at 5'4" with a bad back it works well for them.

Bought an Arc Haul in 2021; one main stay broke about 1.5 years in and Zpacks replaced it, with no other issues in about 1,500 miles, and they love it.

Has the Arc Haul and loves the back design, which really works, and its Dyneema grid fabric.

Still has their Arc Haul from a 2018 PCT thru-hike and it is still going after repairing one bottom arc tensioner; the back-sweat savings are totally worth it.

On a 2016 PCT thru-hike their replacement Arc Haul barely made it to the end despite never being overloaded: stays broke five times, fabric rubbed through and the mesh ripped.

They and their wife both have Arc Hauls with over 600 miles on the West Highland Way, Pennine Way and Coast to Coast through tough conditions.

Loves their Dyneema Arc Haul but would not call it waterproof; even new, some water got in.

Has carried 37 lb in their Arc Haul with no frame issues over 5 miles, though it is best at 25 lb or less.

Has carried up to 40 lb in their Arc Haul on waterless stretches with no major issues; great for someone who usually carries about 20 lb.

Loaded their new Arc Haul to just 25 lb and the lumbar is not comfortable; even with the extra lumbar pad the bottom of the frame digs badly into them.

Has an Arc Haul and says anyone serious about UL should look hard at the Arc packs; they seem expensive but save a lot of weight.

Used the Arc Haul on the PCT and was much more uncomfortable when it was loaded past 25 lb, though they had no frame problems.

Has used their Arc Haul for frequent weekend trips for years and loves how it feels on their back, with no issues.

Has used their Arc Haul for about six weeks of trail time with no problems and has had good luck with Zpacks products and service.

The flex rods on their brand-new Arc Haul broke, and Zpacks took weeks to reply before sending a replacement part; the pack otherwise fit them and ventilated well.

Had a 2017 Robic Arc Haul that was a great pack before selling it.

Has an Exos 58 and an Arc Haul 62 Gridstop and mostly uses the Exos, which fits a BV500 better and is more comfortable above 20 lb.