Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L.
21.7 oz framed pack with carbon-fiber arch suspension and a UHMWPE body that survives long-trail mileage.
Lowest price in 90 days
The Verdict.
Gavler Meta-Score
“The pack you graduate to after your first cottage UL refinement — six-source editorial consensus and Gavler's number-one community ranking back it up. Skip it if the use case is granite scrambling or off-trail abrasion; the Hyperlite Southwest is the better DCF body for that mileage.”
The Gavler Verdict
Precision Engineering
21.7 oz Total Weight
Among the lightest framed 60L packs in production — carbon-fiber arched frame keeps the suspended-mesh suspension under 22 ounces.
UHMWPE Ultra Fabric
Waterproof and more abrasion-resistant than first-generation Dyneema DCF. Handles maintained-trail abuse without the fragility of earlier ultralight materials.
Arched Carbon-Fiber Frame
Adjustable carbon-fiber arch creates an air gap between the pack and the hiker's back — solves the sweat-shirt problem of flat-against-the-back packs and transfers 35+ pound loads cleanly to the hips.
Technical Specifications
The Scoreboard
Near-universal praise from thru-hikers and editorial. The price is the only common complaint; six independent best-in-class editorial picks (GearJunkie, OutdoorGearLab, Adventure Alan, Backpacker, CleverHiker, Switchback Travel) justify it for the buyer this pack is built for.
Cast Your Vote
Do you think Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L deserves the #11 spot in Best Hiking Backpacks?
Best Price Availability.
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Price History
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$399
90-Day High
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$399
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Global Critique
“The ultralight pack to beat. Nothing else combines this weight with this comfort.”
“Ultra fabric is a genuine leap forward in ultralight materials. Editor's choice for best ultralight backpack.”
“Best ultralight backpack of 2026 — the carbon-fiber arch suspension is the single biggest UL pack innovation of the decade.”
“The pack we'd most recommend to a thru-hiker with the budget to buy once and carry for years.”
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