Thread: Zpacks 55ltr arc

Im just trying lighten the load a bit when im not carrying meat , thats all .

Originally Posted by joelhenton

Thanks Moa Hunter,

Yes I'm young and fit, a lot more than most, but more importantly I'm sensible ha ha. I'll keep choosing my knees and back over being a hero

Regards,
Joel

Suppose you’re against hobnail boots aswell.....


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Have used the HyperLite Mountain Gear Southwest 3400 on a few trips, like it so far. Light, dyneema is tough, basic rolltop sack with external pouches and hip belt pockets. Worth a look.

Originally Posted by wayno

Im just trying lighten the load a bit when im not carrying meat , thats all .

@wayno, out of interest how much does your current pack weigh ??

The belt carry system works way more comfortable than making them into a pack I'm sure it will work well on reds too.

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Originally Posted by MSL

Suppose you’re against hobnail boots aswell.....


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Hi MSL,
Ha ha I'm still running around in Bullers, but near the end of the stash and will need to look for a suitable alternative.
Joel

Originally Posted by 25 /08 IMP

The belt carry system works way more comfortable than making them into a pack I'm sure it will work well on reds too.

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Does anyone know of anywhere you can buy carry belts like these?

We use old car seatbelts which work okay, but a mate purchased some which work just a bit better - easier to set-up and a little more comfortable. The guy who was making them isn't any longer....

Might be a good side-gig for someone more industrious than me :-)

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Originally Posted by maccanz

Does anyone know of anywhere you can buy carry belts like these?

We use old car seatbelts which work okay, but a mate purchased some which work just a bit better - easier to set-up and a little more comfortable. The guy who was making them isn't any longer....

Might be a good side-gig for someone more industrious than me :-)

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Forbes and Co in Hastings will make these for you
https://www.forbesco.co.nz/

Originally Posted by maccanz

Does anyone know of anywhere you can buy carry belts like these?

We use old car seatbelts which work okay, but a mate purchased some which work just a bit better - easier to set-up and a little more comfortable. The guy who was making them isn't any longer....

Might be a good side-gig for someone more industrious than me :-)

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There are second hand packs for sale on TM that can be used for a carry harness - shoulder straps and waist belt. I bought a Macpac Endeavour for six bucks for that purpose

When I started looking into lighter packs the Gossimer, Hyperlite & Zpack keep popping up in the top 10 light pack reviews but it’s some what hard to decide which one without handling them.

I’m still undecided whether to get a Gossimer Gorilla or a Hyperlite 4400

I know @dale bought one into the country but he’s yet to do a gear review

In the meantime my main pack I use for trips away is a Osprey Aether which is a greater step up than my Tatonka I was using.

Getting a lighter pack is a great idea but you also need to look at everything else you take and see what you can change to make it lighter or more compact

As for carrying animals... yeah.... nah... I don’t need to aggravate my numerous injuries so I prefer to bone out and put the meat into my Huntech meat bag so I don’t get blood on everything in my pack.

Originally Posted by Seventenths

When I started looking into lighter packs the Gossimer, Hyperlite & Zpack keep popping up in the top 10 light pack reviews but it’s some what hard to decide which one without handling them.

I’m still undecided whether to get a Gossimer Gorilla or a Hyperlite 4400

I know @dale bought one into the country but he’s yet to do a gear review

In the meantime my main pack I use for trips away is a Osprey Aether which is a greater step up than my Tatonka I was using.

Getting a lighter pack is a great idea but you also need to look at everything else you take and see what you can change to make it lighter or more compact

As for carrying animals... yeah.... nah... I don’t need to aggravate my numerous injuries so I prefer to bone out and put the meat into my Huntech meat bag so I don’t get blood on everything in my pack.

By all accounts the hyperlite southwest4400 I got appears tough with the harness system similar to the cactus hector. I’m yet to do a trip with it but will do shortly and put a post up.

Hi @Seventenths,

I own, have used, and seen a lot of the ultralight weight gear made in the US while hiking a number of the world's iconic long trails. All the brands you mentioned feature heavily on these trails. It's also a large proportion of those manufacturers intended market. Having hiked the US Rockies I would say that the North American wilderness isn't as tough on gear as the NZ bush is. If you're thinking about a lighter pack than the typical NZ made canvas Cactus pack or Macpac (which are usually between 2.5-3kg), you could also consider one of Ospreys lighter weight hiking packs because their warranty from what I've seen is second to none (at least in the US). You break something and they'll repair it or replace it, doesn't matter if you dropped your pack in the campfire. And the already mentioned Exped Lightening or Thunder models might be worth considering.

But like you mentioned, the combination of your big 3 (sleeping bag, backpack and shelter) is where you can save plenty of weight, along with taking only the minimum required to be safe and comfortable. Consider a quilt over a traditional sleeping bag and you could easily save half a kg.

Joel

Originally Posted by maccanz

Does anyone know of anywhere you can buy carry belts like these?

We use old car seatbelts which work okay, but a mate purchased some which work just a bit better - easier to set-up and a little more comfortable. The guy who was making them isn't any longer....

Might be a good side-gig for someone more industrious than me :-)

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This is just a builders belt from Bunnings.

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Originally Posted by 25 /08 IMP

This is just a builders belt from Bunnings.

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I made one from an old car safety belt.

I've been using a Gossamer Gear Maraposa for four years now. I was surprised how lightweight it was and I didn't expect it to last long at all but I've been pleasantly surprised as to its durability. It's 60 litre capacity and I can carry enough for seven days camping in the hills. Very comfortable with heavy loads.
I've just bought another one for my wife and I'll buy another for myself when this one wears out.

Disadvantages are:
The material isn't waterproof in the slightest.
It gets very smelly after a few trips as it has an internal frame and the back of the pack is hard against your back.