Nero Classic Backpack

$249.00 USD Weight 10.6 oz / 301 g
Sizing, Strap, & Belt Guide
Lead Time Ships in 1-3 Business Days

The Nero Classic is as as close as it gets to our original frameless backpack design which was tested on an Appalachian Trail thru-hike over 20 years ago. The Nero is compact and streamlined with only the most essential features for long distance hikers. Bomb-proof Ultra 100X fabric and waterproof taped seams can handle whatever nature throws at it. Green and Pink variations feature Ultra TenX fabric for an added pop of color.

Choose from multiple volumes to fit your hiking style. Three different interchangeable strap designs, an optional removable belt, a comfy sit pad, and a bunch of cool modular add-ons make the versatile Nero Ultra your ticket to maximizing every day hike, section hike, or thru-hike.

  • Made from 3.3 oz/sqyd Ultra 100X fabric, and optionally with Pink or Green 2.9 oz/sqyd Ultra TenX fabric for a splash of color. Ultra fabrics features a woven Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) face fabric laminated to a .75 mil waterproof backing. Ultra fabric boasts extremely high abrasion and tear resistance and is the strongest fabric we offer.

  • Ultra fabric is waterproof, PFAS Free, and is not coated with DWR or other chemicals.

  • All seams and attachment points are taped making the pack highly water resistant. We recommend adding dry bags or a pack liner for additional protection for important items like your clothing and sleeping bag.

  • The 40L is our most popular volume, with enough space for 3-5 day carries on a thru-hike with ultralight gear while the 30L is ideal for 2-3 trips or hikers with a dialed-in base weight.
  • The 30L size is fits under airline seats and can count as a free personal item. 40L fits well in overhead bins, or under seats if the top is rolled down small.

  • Use the provided top strap to lash items to the top of your pack or upgrade to the optional Nero V-Top Strap to allow you to carry a Bear Canister or other heavier items. The strap comes off if you don't need it.

  • A roll top closure allows you to compress the top of your pack as your gear load shrinks. Side compression cords can further shrink the volume and are also useful for carrying trekking poles or an umbrella in the side pockets.

  • Multiple styles of interchangeable shoulder straps are available to choose from. Our straps feature comfy 3/8" closed cell foam padding with 3D Mesh on the bottom for air flow and cushioning. A daisy chain lets you clip on accessories, and a sternum strap can be moved up or down for a perfect fit.

  • The 40L features three belt positions allow you to move the optional webbing belt up or down to fit a range of torso heights, while the 30L offers a single belt position. The optional webbing belt is 1" (2.5 cm) wide and has a maximum adjustment of about 50" (127 cm) circumference. Padded belts are also available.

  • Spacious side pockets will fit up to two 1L bottles each. They are positioned low on the pack and slanted forward for easy access. The pockets have drainage holes at the bottom, and elastic to keep them tight at the top.

  • A large stretchy mesh center pocket is handy for quick access items like your rain jacket and snacks, and it allows you to dry out wet clothing and gear.

  • A drinking tube can be threaded out the corner of the roll top closure and secured with the daisy chain on the shoulder strap.

  • A variety of loops are available for attaching optional add-ons like our top side pockets, shock cord lashing, and ice axe loops.

  • A closed cell foam sit pad measuring 11" x 15.5" (28 cm x 39.4 cm) is included and adds an additional 1 ounce to the total weight of the pack. The foam provides some cushion and support against your back. The sit pad is held in place with shock cord and comes off quickly for breaks. The shock cord (.3 oz / 8.5 g) and sit pad are removable and replaceable.

  • The shock cord can also be re-tied to accommodate up to 20" tall folded sleeping pads, or taller sit pads.

  • All Zpacks gear has a two year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Please see our return / warranty policy.

  • Designed and assembled in the USA from domestic and imported components.


Foam sit pad adds 1.0 oz (28 g)

Belt (optional):
1" (2.5 cm) wide x 50" (127 cm) circumference, 1.2 oz (34 g)

Body dimensions:
30L - 5.5" x 11.5" x 18" (14 cm x 29 cm x 46 cm)
40L - 6" x 11.5" x 25" (15.25 cm x 29 cm x 63.5 cm)

Volume:
30L (18L main body, 2L each side pocket, 8L center pocket)
40L (28L main body, 2L each side pocket, 8L center pocket)

Load Capacity:
Recommended up to 20 lbs (9 kg) for shoulder comfort. The materials can handle as much weight as your shoulders can for longer carries.