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-July 2010 Important Notice -
We are currently catching up on a backlog of orders. Orders for backpacks and shelters should resume September 1st.

Most accessories and materials are in stock and are shipping in a day or two as usual.
ZPacks™ Zilch, Z1, and Z2 Ultralight Sil-Nylon Backpacks

Description:

These are the original ZPacks backpacks, constructed from a combination of 1.3 oz/sqyd silicone impregnated nylon, and 2.4 oz/sqyd coated nylon. These packs are reasonably durable, and comparatively inexpensive. In my experience they will last about 1,200 miles. They are a good choice for casual ultralight backpacking with loads up to 20 lbs.

Advantages of Silicone Impregnated Nylon:
  • The material is relatively inexpensive.
  • Sil-nylon has a high tensile strength for its weight, and is very lightweight.

Disadvantages:

  • Sil-nylon can be punctured or torn if care is not taken. The 2.4 oz material on the base and side pockets is more resistant.
  • Duct tape won't stick to sil-nylon unless you sew around the edges.
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.
Ordering:
Prices and weights shown here are for the base backpacks not including options.

These backpacks are no longer being built. The Cuben Fiber Blast backpacks are the same packs except stronger and lighter.

Size
Color
Pictured are Z1 2,600 c.i. backpacks, one with an optional webbing belt, the other with optional shock cord lashing.


Click for larger image

Joe says:
"I thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail in 2004 with the original version of this pack. Since then it has undergone several years of testing and refinements to become what it is today."

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