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- February 2010 Important Notice -
There is currently a waiting list of up to Six Weeks for backpack orders. Accessory items are shipping in a day or two as usual. Thanks for all the orders, I apologize for the long wait!  - Joe
ZPacks™ "Blast" Backpacks

Description:
The "Blast" series of packs are made from a tough 1.5 oz/sqyd variety Cuben Fiber fabric. The material is difficult to puncture or tear, while still being extremely light. The material can handle 25 to 30 lbs, but lighter loads are encouraged! I carried a Blast 26 pack on both my 2,663 mile Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, and on my 2,651 mile Continental Divide Trail thru-hike. The expected life span is one full thru-hike.

Advantages of Cuben Fiber:
  • The material's extremely high strength to weight ratio makes these the lightest packs available.
  • The packs are difficult to puncture or tear so you don't need to be gentle with them.
  • Duct tape sticks well to the material so repairs in the field are easy if ever needed. (Tape won't stick to sil-nylon).

Disadvantages:

  • The material is pricey.
  • The material eventually begins to fray from excessive sun exposure. This is what limits the lifespan to 2500 to 3000 miles. You will likely have some duct tape on frayed areas by the end of a long thru-hike.
Standard Features on all ZPacks backpacks:
  • Draw cord-loop closure system keeps your pack closed and adds vertical compression. A cord lock secures through a loop near the base of the pack (much like a button through a button hole) and then can be cinched tight to shrink down the pack volume.
     
  • Shock cord circling the top of the pack keeps the center pocket closed, adds circumferential compression, allows you to stand tall items like trekking poles in the side pockets, and provides a convenient place to clip small items or wet clothes.
     
  • Side pockets are sized to fit 1 or 1.5 liter bottles, and are positioned low on the pack to make them easy to reach into without removing the pack. Tall side pockets for larger items are also an available option.
     
  • Large center pocket is great for quick access items. All pockets have grommets to drain rain water. Mesh pockets are also an available option.
     
  • Super light, frameless design allows you to use your foam sleeping pad as both padding and an internal frame. Just coil it inside the backpack and pack your gear into the center. Frameless backpacks like these are generally comfortable for loads up to 20 lbs / 9 kg. Carbon fiber stays are an available option that can boost the comfortable carry capacity.
Optional Features:
  • Additional features such as a padded hip belt, sternum strap, shoulder pouches and many others can be added from the Backpack Options page. Every pack is custom built right when you order it. Don't forget to look through the options!
Sizing Information:
  • The backpacks all have same general design other than the material and size. Packs are available in 2,000, 2,600, and 3,200 cubic inches. See the Sizing Information for dimensions and specifications.
Additional Information:
  • Reviews and testimonials can be found here.
     
  • All ZPacks gear has a one year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Returns or exchanges are welcome, even on custom gear.
     
  • See the Frequently Asked Questions page for more information.
Ordering:
Prices and weights shown here are for the base backpacks not including options. Options can be added to your cart separately.

Size
Color
Pictured is a green Blast 26 backpack with an Optional padded belt and sternum strap:
 
Click for full size images

Joe Says:
"I carried a single Blast 26 backpack my entire PCT thru-hike (2,663 miles). I carried a base weight of around 5 lbs (gear list), and generally 12-20 lbs with full food and water.

At one point I carried 35 lbs for an 11 day stretch without re-supply through the High Sierras of California. My shoulders weren't happy about that much weight, but the pack took it like a champ! (Under 20 lbs is a more comfortable weight with frameless packs)

By the end of the five month trip the pack was quite a bit frayed and beat up, but still in very usable condition. Not bad for a sub 5 ounce backpack!"


Shipping is always just $3.95 in the U.S. and $9.95 for Global Orders!