Zpacks
Zpacks Nero Classic 40
The Nero is Zpacks' frameless pack and at 9.9 oz the lightest framed-or-otherwise hiking pack in this catalog. Ultra 100X with taped seams makes it genuinely waterproof at a weight where most packs are barely water-resistant.
Price and availability on Zpacks’s site may differ.
Specifications
What do these specs mean? →Sizes Available
| Capacity | Price | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 30 L | $239 | — |
| 40 Lthis pack | $239 | 0.62 lbs |
| 50 L | $239 | — |
Features
Pros
- ✓9.9 oz is the lightest hiking pack in this entire catalog, lighter even than the Cotopaxi Batac.
- ✓Ultra 100X with taped seams is genuinely waterproof, not merely treated.
- ✓Three volumes from 30 to 50 L on the same frameless design.
- ✓$239 is reasonable for a laminate pack from an established maker.
- ✓Zpacks has one of the longest DCF and Ultra track records in the segment.
- ✓Nothing rigid to break, bend or rattle.
- ✓40 L is workable for a genuinely light multi-day kit.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included despite the minimal design.
Cons
- ✗Frameless at 40 L demands a very low base weight to carry tolerably.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗Ultra 100X is the thinnest of the Ultra family and abrades at fold lines.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Difficult and expensive to repair in the field.
- ✗Sub-10 oz construction leaves no margin for rough handling.
- ✗Bear canisters do not fit sensibly in a frameless 40 L pack.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published in the way major brands publish them.
Common Questions
Compare the Zpacks Nero Classic 40
Related backpacks
More from Zpacks →Zpacks
Zpacks Nero Pro 40
The Nero Pro is the upgraded Nero: 11.1 oz against the Classic's 9.9, for a $40 premium. The extra weight buys a more robust build in the same frameless, waterproof format across the same 30 to 50 L range.
Weight
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Capacity
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Frame
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Also in 30 L / 50 L
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Capacity
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Frame
Internal Frame
Also in 40 L / 50 L / 70 L
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The Arc Zip is the Arc Haul with front zip access, so the pack opens like a suitcase instead of only from the top. It keeps the tensioned carbon arc that lifts the pack off the back -- Zpacks' distinguishing feature -- at 23.9 oz for 62 L.
Weight
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Capacity
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Frame
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LiteAF
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Weight
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Capacity
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Frame
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Mountain Laurel Designs
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The Exodus is Mountain Laurel Designs' 55 L frameless pack, offered in a choice of UltraGrid or Ultra X fabrics which is why the price runs from $245 to $325. At 1 lb 2 oz for 58 L of measured volume it has one of the best weight-to-volume ratios here.
Weight
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Capacity
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Frame
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