ZPacks.com Ultralight Backpacking Gear - Blast Ultralight Backpacks

Shelter	Backpacks	Sleeping Bags	Accessories	Materials	FAQs	Payments	About/Photos

-May 2013-
Due to overwhelming demand all Backpacks, Sleeping Bags, and Tents/Tarps are currently shipping out in around 5 to 6 weeks. Jackets are shipping in about 4 weeks. If you need a quicker delivery please ask when you place your order and we will prioritize it. All of our gear is made in the US right here in our workshop.

Accessory items are generally in stock and normally ship within a week. Thank you! -The ZPacks crew

ZPacks™ Blast Backpacks

Description:
The "Blast" packs are frameless and can utilize a coiled or folded foam sleeping pad for support. They are made from lightweight but strong 1.43 oz/sqyd Cuben Fiber fabric. The material is difficult to puncture or tear, while still being extremely light. The material can handle 25 lbs but lighter loads are encouraged!

This pack is also available in 2.92 oz/sqyd Cuben Hybrid fabric like the Arc Blast at about 2.5 ounces heavier.

I carried an original Blast 30 pack on both my 2,663 mile Pacific Crest Trail thru-hike, and on my 2,651 mile Continental Divide Trail thru-hike.

Specifications:
Blast 24 - 2,400 cu in (39 Liters), 8.6 oz (244 grams), $195
Blast 30 - 3,000 cu in (50 Liters), 9.0 oz (255 grams), $205
Blast 36 - 3,600 cu in (58 Liters), 9.4 oz (266 grams), $215

Two Materials to Choose From:

1.43 oz/sqyd Cuben Fiber is difficult to puncture or tear and can last for a full 2,500+ mile thru-hike with some care and probably some repair tape. Tape sticks well to this material so repairs in the field are a cinch. Choose this material if you want the lightest pack possible.

2.92 oz/sqyd Cuben Hybrid material is the same Cuben Fiber as above, except with a protective layer of 50 denier Polyester on the outside which gives it more strength, prevents fraying, and gives it a nice solid color. It is very tough and should last longer than a thru-hike. Choose this material if weight is not as critical and you want a pack that can take more abuse. The Arc Blast backpacks are made from this material.

Standard Features on the Blast backpacks:

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, but the material can handle a bit more weight on occasion.
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.
Comfy 3/8" thick padded contoured shoulder straps and padded belt. Both the straps and the belt have a daisy chain for clipping on items, and an adjustable position sternum strap is also included.
The pack has a Padded Belt with 3/8" thick padding that wraps around your hips more comfortably than a plain webbing belt. The belt is attached near the center of the pack for a secure fit. It has a daisy chain for clipping on belt pouches or other items.
Side pockets are sized to fit 1 or 1.5 liter bottles. They are positioned low on the pack and slanted forward for easy access without removing the pack. The pockets have drainage holes at the bottom, and elastic that you can cinch tight at the top.
Large stretchy mesh center pocket is great for quick access items. Mesh also lets you dry wet clothing and gives you a clear view of your gear.
Two sets of compression straps on each side of the pack let you squish down the pack volume and also allow you to stand tall items like trekking poles in the side pockets.
A top strap, and base straps allow you to lash on extra items to the top or base of the pack.
Three pack sizes available. The packs can be compressed down with the roll top and side straps for short trips, or use the top strap and base straps to lash extra stuff to to the outside for long carries. The main compartment on all three sizes is large enough to fit most bear canisters standing on end.
All ZPacks gear has a one year warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Returns or exchanges are welcome, even on custom gear.
For more info check out the Backpack FAQs.

Sizing / Dimensions:

Blast 24 - 10" wide x 6" deep x 28" tall. (25.5 cm x 15 cm x 71 cm)
Main body (1,700 ci) + Mesh center pocket (450 ci) + Side pockets (250 ci) = 2,400 cu in (39 Liters) total.

Blast 30 - 12" wide x 6" deep x 29" tall (30.5 cm x 15 cm x 74 cm)
Main body (2,200 ci) + Mesh center pocket (550 ci) + Side pockets (250 ci) = 3,000 cu in (50 Liters) total.

Blast 36 - 13" wide x 6.5" deep x 31" tall (33 cm x 16.5 cm x 79 cm)
Main body (2,800 ci) + Mesh center pocket (~550 ci) + Side pockets (250 ci) = 3,600 cu in (58 Liters) total.

Torso Height:
Stand up straight. Measure in a straight line from just below where you want the belt to ride on your body to the top of your shoulder. You can view a graphic helping to show you how to measure here.

Example: I am 5' 9" tall and I normally wear my backpack belt at the same spot I would wear a belt on my pants. My measurement is about 21" from the bottom of my pants belt to the top of my shoulder.

The default / medium torso height on this pack will fit a 20" to 21" torso as measured. Taller and shorter torso heights can be selected.

Belt Length:
There are 3 size belts to choose from. Choose the largest belt that will fit you. For example if your minimum waist size is 31" you would choose Medium (30 inches and up).

Order the Backpack:
There is a waiting list for this item, see the notice at the top of the page.

Don't forget to scroll down through the additional options!

Pictures of a White Blast 30:

Click for full size images
Pictures of an Olive Drab Blast 24:

"In 2007 I carried a Blast 30 backpack on a full PCT thru-hike (2,663 miles). I carried a base weight of around 5 lbs (PCT 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 an ultralight backpack!"
-Joe Valesko (ZPacks owner)

"I just want to drop you a quick line to let you know how thrilled I was using your backpack on my Philmont 12 day 100mile backpacking trek. My pack held up PERFECTLY! It kept ALL of my items in the pack completely dry during a 13 hour hike in a heavy rainstorm. Originally, the other hikers commented on how I needed to buy a sturdy pack because mine would not hold up to the rigors of the trek. I just smiled knowing that my pack only weighed 10.5 oz. Boy were they WRONG! My frameless pack was comfortable and durable. I highly recommend anyone who wants to hike on a trek to loose the added weight and use one of your packs. Thanks again"
-Keith T.

Add Options:

Backpacks are typically built right when you order with the options you specify. Returns or exchanges are always accepted, even on custom built packs.

Sternum Strap and Daisy Chain included
A sternum strap using 1/2" nylon webbing and a side release clip is added to your shoulder straps at chest level. The strap can be moved between multiple positions, or can be removed.

The Daisy chain allows you to secure a drinking tube, or clip small items like a watch, compass, etc.

included

Haul Loop included
A simple haul loop is added above the shoulder straps for lifting the pack.

included

Top Strap included
A strap at the top center of your pack allows you to lash an item above your pack's center pocket. This is handy for quickly stowing a jacket or rain gear. You can also lash on a stuff sack or sleeping pad if your main pack body is full.

included

Side Straps included
Two pairs of side compression straps are included. They allow you to stand tall items like a trekking pole, fishing pole, or umbrella in the side pockets. They are also good for clipping small items like a hat, and for compressing the pack.

included

Base Straps included
Two adjustable straps are included near the base of your pack. These can be used to secure a sleeping pad, a stuff sack, or other long item right below your pack's center pocket.

included

Click for larger image

Belt Pouches
These pouches clip securely to the daisy chain on your padded belt. These have taped seams and are completely waterproof from falling rain. They open with a single clip at the center. Each pouch has about 1 liter of volume and is perfect for maps, snacks, hat and gloves, gadgets, you name it.

These are detachable and can be used on non-ZPacks backpacks as well. They are symmetrical and can be switched left or right.

Made from the 2.92 oz/sqyd Cuben Hybrid material for extra durability.

Dimensions: About 6" wide, by 2" deep, by 5" tall.

Weight .75 oz / 21 grams each Price: $19.95 each / $38 per pair

Shoulder Pouches
These clip to your shoulder straps and are an excellent spot for your camera, GPS, phone, sunglasses, or other items that you want to grab quickly. Mesh on the front of the pouch gives you additional storage for small items like chap stick, keys, etc. They can also be used for .5L water bottles to counter balance a small pack.

These are detachable and can be used on non-ZPacks backpacks as well. They are symmetrical and can be switched left or right.

Made from black 2.92 oz/sqyd Hybrid Cuben Fiber.

More Details Here

Weight: .5 oz / 14 grams each Price: $21.95 each / $41.95 pair

Multi-Pack - Three in One Backpack Lid / Chest Pack / Belt Pack
This three-in-one backpack accessory can be attached to the top of your pack as a lid, carried on your chest as a front pack, or worn at your waist as a fanny pack! About 3.5 liters / 215 cubic inches volume.

Made from 2.92 oz/sqyd Cuben Hybrid fabric.

More Details Here

Weight: up to 2.8 ounces - 80 grams Price: $39.95

Top Side Pockets
A second set of mesh pockets can be attached above the standard side pockets. Each pocket has a sleeve at the top and bottom, and your pack's side straps go through the sleeves to hold these in place. Since these are not sewn to the pack you can still stand a tall item like a trekking pole, umbrella, or a fishing pole behind the pockets. The pockets can be taken off or added later.

The dimensions are roughly 6" wide x 3" deep x 8" tall. They are a good fit for:
-A 1 Liter or smaller pot
-A 1 Liter water bottle
-A water filter
-A poncho or light jacket
-Hat and gloves
-A NeoAir sleeping pad.

Weight: .5 oz / 14 grams each Price: $15 each / $29 per pair

Shock Cord Lashing
3/32" Shock cord is criss-crossed along the front of the backpack. It can be used to compress the pack, or to strap on items. The shock cord can be detached when not needed. It does get in the way of the center pocket a bit.

Weight: .5 oz / 14 grams Price: $6

Ice Axe Loops
A pair of loops are tied on at each side of the pack for securing one or two ice axes, one at each corner. The head of each axe secures through a loop at the bottom, the handle is kept tight at the top with a shock cord band. The loops can all come off when you aren't carrying axes.

Weight: .1 oz / 3 grams Price: $3

Hydration Port
A Hydration port can be added to your pack above the shoulder straps to string out a drinking tube. You can leave the bottle loose on top of your gear, or add a water sleeve below. The tube can come out either side.

Weight: .05 oz / 2 gram Price: $4

Water Sleeve
An internal pocket is added to the backpack to hold a water bladder against your back. Fits a 2 or 3 liter Platypus or other similarly sized bladders. This is usually combined with the hydration port above, but you could also string the tube out the top of the pack.

Pictured is a Blast 24 backpack turned inside out with a 3 liter platypus.

Weight: .3 oz / 8.5 grams Price: $15

Load Lifter Straps
A pair of load lifter straps are sewn to your shoulder straps. Some people find these helpful to pull the top of the pack in towards their shoulders.

Weight: .2 oz / 5.7 grams Price: $8

Roll Top Closure
By default the pack will have a draw cord closure. The draw cord can be secured near the bottom of the pack to cinch the pack smaller.

If you prefer a roll top closure like our dry bags instead then add this option.

Weight: .4 oz / 11 grams Price: $5

Carbon Fiber Stays
Carbon fiber stays increase the carrying comfort of your pack by keeping your pack rigid. They help transfer more weight off your shoulders and onto your hips. If you have stays you do not need to use a closed cell foam pad for support. Perfect for inflatable pad users!

The rods insert into sleeves at the outside corners of the pack. They are on the outside of the pack for easy insertion / removal for other uses.

You can choose to use two 22.75" carbon fiber stays or a carbon fiber tent pole divided into two sections. The sleeves themselves contribute about .5 ounces to the total weight.

You might also consider the Arc Blast, which has comfortable stays by default.

Weight: 1.8 oz (51 grams) Price: $30

Sleeping Pad Holsters
These triangular holsters allow you to store a folded sleeping pad or sit pad against your back for padding. Keeping your pad outside the pack frees up pack real estate inside your pack and allows you to remove your pad on breaks.

These are attached with adjustable elastic bands and will fit just about any pad. A Gossamer Gear Nightlight Torso Pad is shown. The holsters are detachable.

Weight: .5 oz / 14 grams Price: $15 per pair.

Sleeping Pad Shock Cord
Loops and shock cord are added to your pack to lash on a sit pad or sleeping pad against your back. This works just like above, except without the holsters.

Weight: .2 oz / 6 grams Price: $8

Custom Options
If you have made special arrangements you can enter a description and amount owed in the boxes below. You can also use this box to add notes to your order, just leave the amount at $0.

Free Shipping on U.S. orders over $100!
Otherwise shipping is just $3.95 in the U.S., $15.95 Internationally and up.

Contact Us:
Matt Favero receives your orders, oversees production at our shop, and ships out your orders. For questions about your order, due date requests, and changes to existing orders, please email Matt:

Joe Valesko founded ZPacks in 2005. He designed and tested all the gear, and has thru-hiked over 9,400 miles including the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, and Te Araroa Trail. For any questions about our gear, recommendations, feedback, and custom project quotes please email Joe: