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-September 2010-
We just started taking orders again for backpacks, shelters, etc. There is currently a waiting list of about 4-6 weeks. Backpack and tent orders are custom built one at a time, but not necessarily in the order received. If you need your gear by a certain date for a trip just let us know and we will make sure it arrives on time.

Materials and accessory items are in stock and are shipping in a day or two as usual.  Thanks!  Joe & Sheryl
ZPacks™ Dyneema X Gridstop Backpacks

Description:
These packs are made from 4.2 oz/sqyd Dyneema X Ripstop material. The material has a grid of white dyneema threads and each one can hold over 150 lbs. A secondary ripstop grid is angled at 45 degrees. This material may be overkill, but if you are looking for a rugged, relatively lightweight backpack that can stand up to abuse this is it.

Other than the stronger material these packs are built exactly the same as the Cuben Fiber Blast backpacks.

Standard Features on the Blast and Dyneema X 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 at the sides of the pack 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. They are positioned low on the pack and slanted forward for easy access without removing the pack. The side pockets are made from the same material as your pack (Cuben or Dyneema). You can also add the side straps option below for carrying taller water bottles.
     
  • Large 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.
     
  • 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 or sleeping pad sleeves are also options that can boost the comfortable carry capacity.
     
  • Standard 2.5" wide 3/8" thick padded shoulder straps, and 1/4" thick padded belt.
     
  • New! Over 20 attachment points are in place allowing you to easily add shock cord lashing, a top strap, base straps, side straps and many other options below, either at the time of purchase or at a later date.

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.
Order the Backpack:
Size
Color
 Pictured is a Dyneema X 26 (2,600 ci) pack

Click for full size images
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.
 


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 Padded Belt    included
This belt has 2/8" thick padding that wraps around your hips more comfortably than a plain webbing belt. The belt is attached at the center of the pack for a secure fit.

The default size fits waists 30" to 40". Choose your belt length to the right.

A padded belt is included in the price and weight of this pack. If you prefer a plain webbing belt, or no belt, try a Zero pack instead.		 Choose belt length $0
Length:
Torso Height Adjustment   included
The default height will fit an average person with a torso length around 19" to 21". The actual measurement on the pack is about 21" from the bottom of the belt to the top of the shoulder strap attachment. You can specify a different distance by setting the quantity in your shopping cart.

Joe Says: The default height is sized to fit me. I'm 5'9. The straps are attached slightly above my shoulders which I find helps take weight off of them.		 Choose torso height $0
Height:
Sternum Strap  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 3 positions, or can be removed.

A sternum strap is included in the price and weight of this pack.

 included
Daisy Chain    included
1/2" width grosgrain webbing is added to the length of each shoulder strap. This creates loops for clipping items like a compass or watch to the straps, or for securing a platypus tube.

A daisy chain is included in the price and weight of this pack.		 included
Haul Loop    included
A simple hand loop is added above the shoulder straps for lifting the pack.

A haul loop is included in the price and weight of this 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. The strap is detachable.

A top strap is included in the price and weight of this pack.		 included
Upper Side Straps    included
A pair of shock cord straps are attached at the top sides of this pack. 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. The side straps are detachable and can be moved down to the middle of the pack if you prefer.

Upper side straps are included in the price and weight of this pack.		 included

Picture1   Picture2		 Middle Side Straps
A second set of side straps can be added at the middle of the pack. These let you secure a tall water bottle, or a stuff sack in the side pockets. A 3 liter platypus is shown.

You can use both the middle and upper straps together to lash on a tall stuff sack or sleeping pad to the side of the pack. The side straps are all detachable.

Weight: .2 oz  /  5.7 grams per pair  Price: $5 per pair


Click

 Belt Pouches
These pouches clip securely to your padded belt. Each pouch has about 1 liter of volume and is perfect for maps, snacks, hat and gloves, gadgets, you name it. They are detachable and can also be used as a small stuff sack.

Available in in 1.5 oz/sqyd Cuben Fiber, or 4.2 oz/sqyd Dyneema X Gridstop.

Cuben - .3 oz / 8.5 grams each  Price: $13 each / $25 per pair
 
Material / Location
Color
Shoulder Pouches
These clip to your shoulder straps and are an excellent spot for your camera, GPS, phone, 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.

These are detachable and can be used on non-ZPacks backpacks as well.

More Details Here

Weight: .3 oz  /  8.5 grams each   Price: $20 each / $38 pair
Material / Location
Color
Backpack Lid / Brain
This Lid (or brain) attaches to the backpack at 3 points and clips on or off. It has a waterproof zipper opening, holds about 3.5 liters volume, and comes in Cuben Fiber, or Dyneema X Ripstop.

These can be used on non-ZPacks backpacks as well provided they have 3 attachment points in the correct places.

More Details Here

Weight: 1.3 oz / 37 grams   Price: $30
 
Material
Color
Top Side Pockets
Add a second set of detachable pockets above the standard side pockets. These pockets secure in place using four attachment points that are already on your pack. 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 dimensions are roughly 6" wide x 3" deep x 8" tall and are a good fit for a 1 liter cooking pot or other items. Available in Cuben Fiber or black Mesh.

Weight: .3 oz / 8.5 grams each   Price: $15 each / $28 per pair
 
Location
Color
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.

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

Joe Says: In my experience the extra compression isn't necessary, but this is useful for securing items like wet clothing, wet tent etc.
Base Shock Cord Straps
Two adjustable shock cord straps are added 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. The shock cord can be detached when not needed.

Weight: .25 oz  /  7 grams per pair  Price: $6 per pair

Ice Axe Loops
A pair of loops are added 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: .05 oz  /  1.4 grams per side    Price: $2 per side
 
Location:

Hydration Port
If you prefer to carry a Platypus style water bottle on the inside of your pack a covered, reinforced hole can be added to the side of the pack to string out the drinking tube. You can leave the bottle loose on top of your gear, or add a water sleeve below.

Weight: .03 oz  /  1 gram    Price: $4
 
Location:

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 20 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. These are most useful on large, fully loaded packs like the 3,200 ci size. They are not necessary on the 2,000 ci size.

Weight: .2 oz  / 5.7 grams    Price: $8
Carbon Fiber Stays
These 20" carbon rods velcro into sleeves at the outside corners of the pack. This keeps the pack rigid and helps transfer weight off your shoulders and onto your hips. These are especially useful if you are not using a foam pad as a frame, or for carrying heavier loads in a Dyneema pack.

They are on the outside of the pack for easy insertion / removal for other uses.

New! You can now use your Tent Poles (sold separately) or your own stays. The velcro sleeves by themselves weigh just .5 ounces. They will fit stays up to .315" diameter.

Weight: about 1.5 oz / 42.5 grams   Price: $25
 
Sleeves w/ 20" Carbon Stays $25
Sleeves for Tent Poles $15
(Poles Sold Separately)
Sleeping Pad Shock Cord
These two shock cord bands attach to the carbon fiber stays to hold a sit pad or folded sleeping pad in place. They give you a convenient place for your sit pad as well as padding against your back.

These are a less expensive, lighter weight alternative to sleeping pad sleeves IF you are also adding the carbon fiber stays above.

Weight: .25 oz / 7 grams   Price: $5
 
Sleeping Pad Sleeves
These sleeves allow you to use a folded foam sleeping pad against your back as a frame. The sleeves free up pack real estate and allow you to remove your pad on breaks.

Alternatively you can create a frame by coiling a thin foam pad around the inside of your pack and packing your gear into the center. If you use an inflating pad you may want to use the carbon fiber stays instead.

The default sleeves are roughly 11" wide x 20" tall x 2" deep. If your pad requires different dimensions just ask, no extra charge. The sleeves have elastic to keep them tight.

The following pads are a good fit:
Gossamer Gear Nightlight Torso Pad - 3/4" x 19" x 29" - 3.6 oz
Suluk46 Torso Pad - 1/2" x 19" x 33" - 2.7 oz (shown)
Gossamer Gear (or Suluk46) 3/8" x 19.5" x 44"
Gossamer Gear 1/4" x 20" x 44"  (longer will also fit)

Weight: .5 oz  /  14 grams    Price: $25
 
Material:
Pack Cover Pocket
A small pocket is sewn to the backpack right above the shoulder straps. The pocket is a convenient place to store your pack cover where it can be pulled out quickly in the event of rain. The pocket has two attachment loops inside allowing ZPacks pack covers (Sold Separately) to be semi-permanently clipped in place. Other brand pack covers can also be stored.

Weight: .1 oz / 3 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.

Description:
Amount:
$

Shipping is always just $3.95 in the U.S. Global orders are $9.95 and up.