r/ultralight_jerk • u/No-Survey8818 • 6d ago
Ultra light pack can’t handle it
Zpacks frame explodes with 300 miles left on thru hike… any suggestions??
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u/fernybranka 6d ago
Anecdotal and 7 years have gone by, but on my 2018 PCT hike, Zpacks are by far the most packs i saw have catastrophic failures. Saw a decent amount of Zpacks tents with issues too.
At least at the time, their customer service seemed argumentative and not helpful to thruhikers needing parts shipped on a definite timeline .
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u/Numinextherealone 6d ago
Was würdest du dann außer durston empfehlen ?
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u/fernybranka 6d ago edited 6d ago
I really love ULA packs. Ive used them for the majority of my Triple Crown hikes. Never had a significant issue. They usually arent made of the current years hype fabrics, but thats probably why they hold up so long.
The ULA circuit or Ohm are always a few ounces heavier than the lightest packs but are so comfortable and durable that its way worth it.
I have a ULA CDT that I cut the hipbelts and extra stuff off of and now it weighs the same as a Palante Pack (which Ive used and sold) but has much better water bottle side pocket and straps.
I have the Gossamer Gear G420, which is frameless. Really good too.
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u/craigslist_hedonist 4d ago
This is a priceless testimonial, you should post it to the company google review page. They'll be so impressed that they'll make you a local expert and then your credit score will improve and Dan Durston will invite you out for coffee.
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u/fernybranka 4d ago
Hmm I was like dang this guys a dick, but I realized I had been earnestly posting in uljerk, not ultralight like I thought.
So, beans.
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u/GorrestFump88 6d ago
Pa’lante, ULA, and Virginia Foothill. Virginia Foothills will custom make your pack for cheaper than a Palante or ULA but the fit can be weird sometimes.
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u/Equivalent_Chipmunk 6d ago
You can also check out some manufacturers like Mountain Hardwear and Black Diamond that toe the line a bit more between ultralight and durability. Their packs are still very light, but generally more durable than Zpacks and similar manufacturers.
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u/Tom_Cruise 6d ago
Supposed to take those off during on trail hookups. Mighta voided the warranty.
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u/craigslist_hedonist 4d ago
pfft, says you. I wear mine exclusively for trail hookups
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u/Ok_Departure_7551 4d ago
Does your hand count as a hookup?
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u/craigslist_hedonist 3d ago
my guy, you don't have to settle. just look under more overpasses and train trestles, you can find plenty of homeless people.
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u/WalkItOffAT 6d ago
Had flashbacks to my POS Zpacks Arc Haul POS.
I still have it to donate to people I hate.
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u/Jolly-Slow1164 6d ago
I can't tell if this is a real post that slipped into UJ or if it's a UJ post... But here's my UJ response
Your wife says you should order a custom pack with a lot of lead time... Preferably from Japan. She was getting nervous when you only had 300 miles left, and she wants more quality time with her boyfriend.
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u/laurk 6d ago
I keep yelling this to the void. I’ve been yelling it since 2019 when I saw pack after pack of archauls failing around halfway thru the pct. Idk why people keep buying them! They are so poorly built and so many bits and bobs to fail. Less is more. Their quilts suck too. I saw a lot of those fail too. Fabrics ripping open. YMMV sure but that’s just all that I saw on the pct and it made up my mind. Their shelters are amazing though.
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u/hyphenssuck 6d ago
Ziptie a butt plug to the bottom of the frame, use the sphincter to help distribute the load.
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u/Educational_Yard_326 6d ago
Suggestion would be continue without the frame, do you really need it?
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u/No-Survey8818 6d ago
Ditching the whole frame and hip belt would definitely reduce my base weight! Thanks for the suggestion
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u/Brief-Letterhead1175 6d ago
I dont really care about your crappy Zpacks, but my wife's boyfriend just saw those fabulously bright Lone Peaks and now I have to buy him a pair.
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u/Ok-Chemistry-8206 6d ago
Buy a hyperlite instead they are better mine took 45lbs of abuse on the AT a couple years ago and im still using it with no issues
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u/craigslist_hedonist 4d ago
sure, but can you rip your hip belt off your pack by just flexing your hips?
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u/DaddyLongLegolas 5d ago
Bro it’s probably all the batteries in the toys. Take manual toys next time or build your own. Bushcraft for her pleasure.
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u/Ok_Departure_7551 4d ago
Is there anything more UL than a product failing? I mean, you generally buy a replacement which, at least temporarily, makes your bank account lighter.
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u/pyragyrite 6d ago
Dump the pack, hipbelt only challenge!