| 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:
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.
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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." |
