Shelter Backpacks Sleeping Bags Accessories Materials FAQs Payments About/Photos
-May 2012-

There is currently a waiting list of about 6-8 weeks for backpacks, shelters, and sleeping bags. If you need a quicker delivery please ask when you place your order and we will prioritize it. All of our gear is made locally right here in in our workshop.

Accessory items are generally in stock and currently shipping in a weekday or two.    Thanks! -Joe & Sheryl
ZPacks™ Blast Backpacks

Description:
The "Blast" series of packs are made from a tough 1.43 oz/sqyd variety 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! I carried a 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. The expected life span is one full thru-hike.

Specifications:
Blast 22 - 2,200 cu in (36 Liters), 7.3 oz (207 grams), $175
Blast 30 - 3,000 cu in (50 Liters), 7.9 oz (224 grams), $185
Blast 36 - 3,600 cu in (58 Liters), 8.3 oz (235 grams), $195

Advantages of 1.43 oz/sqyd Cuben Fiber:
  • The material's extremely high strength to weight ratio makes these the lightest packs available.
  • The packs are difficult to puncture or tear so you don't need to be gentle with them.
  • Duct tape sticks well to the material so repairs in the field are easy if ever needed. (Tape won't stick to other materials like sil-nylon).

Disadvantages:

  • The material is pricey.
  • The material eventually begins to fray and separate from excessive sun exposure and general use. This is what limits the lifespan to 2500 miles or so. You will likely have duct tape on some frayed areas by the end of a long thru-hike.

The bottom 6" of Cuben backpacks are double layered to help mitigate abrasion and stress in that area. All the reinforcements (behind the belt and straps for example) have also been strengthened.

Hybrid Material:
Blast backpacks are also now available in 2.92 oz/sqyd Hybrid Cuben material for extra strength, just like our Exo backpack. This material has a polyester layer on the outside which adds protection, prevents fraying, and gives it a nice solid color, at about 2.5 ounces (71 grams) extra per backpack.

Standard Features on the Blast 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.
     
  • Nylon straps at the sides of the pack adds circumferential compression, allow 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 pockets have drainage holes at the bottom.
     
  • 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.
     
  • 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 holsters are also options that can boost the comfortable carry capacity.
     
  • Comfy 3/8" thick padded contoured shoulder straps and padded belt A daisy chain, and an adjustable position sternum strap are included. New design! The blue pack in the pictures shows the newer straps.
     
  • Most Bear Canisters will fit in main body of the packs standing on end.
     
  • 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.
     
  • 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.

Sizing / Dimensions:
You may notice that the listed sizes of the packs has changed. The Blast 26 is now the Blast 30 for example. The listed sizing has been updated for accuracy, but the actual dimensions are the same as always.

Blast 22 - 10" wide x 6" deep x 24" tall.
Main body (1,500 ci) + Mesh center pocket (450 ci) + Side pockets (250 ci) = 2,200 cu in (36 Liters) total.

Blast 30 - 12" wide x 6" deep x 29" tall
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
Main body (2,800 ci) + Mesh center pocket (~550 ci) + Side pockets (250 ci) = 3,600 cu in (58 Liters) total.

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!
Cuben Fiber Blast Backpack
Size
Color
Hybrid Blast Backpack
Size
Color
Pictures of an Olive Drab Blast 30:
Click for full size images

Pictures of a Blue Blast 36 (new pictures):

Joe Says:
"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!

In 2009 I did a full CDT thru-hike, again using a Blast 30. It worked well for my hike. Here is my CDT gear list along w/ a synopsis of the trip.
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.
 


Click for larger image

 Padded Belt    included
This belt has 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.

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 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.

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

 included
Haul Loop    included
A simple haul 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
Side Straps
A pair of upper straps are included as shown. 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.

If you would like a second set of side straps at the middle of the pack add this option. They help for compression or for securing items like a platypus bottle in the side pockets.

The side straps are detachable / moveable.

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


Click for larger image

 Zippered Belt Pouches
These pouches clip securely to the daisy chain on your padded belt. They have a waterproof zipper for easy access and minimal seams for water resistance. 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 same Cuben Hybrid material as the Exo packs.

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

Zippered Belt Pouch

Location
Color
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 1.26 oz/sqyd Cuben Fiber.

More Details Here

Weight: .3 oz  /  8.5 grams each   Price: $21.95 each / $41.95 pair
Quantity
Color
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
 
Multi-Pack
Color
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: .4 oz / 11 grams each   Price: $15 each / $29 per pair
 
Quantity
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
Base Straps
Two adjustable 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 straps 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 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 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 since the smaller packs don't stick up much above your 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 and transferring 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. By default the tent pole would be 48" for our tents, but just ask if you want us to cut a different size. The sleeves themselves contribute about .5 ounces to the total weight.

Weight: 1.3 oz (43 grams)   Price: $30
 
Rods:
Sleeping Pad Holsters
These triangular holsters allow you to store a folded sleeping pad or sit pad against your back for padding and to aid the pack frame. The sleeves free up pack real estate inside your pack and allow 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.
 

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 just $3.95 in the U.S., $9.95 Internationally and up.