Zpacks Arc Pro 60 vs Zpacks Women's Arc Zip Ultra 62
Quick take: The Zpacks Women's Arc Zip Ultra 62 carries more (62 vs 60 liters); the Zpacks Arc Pro 60 is lighter (1.4 vs 1.5 lbs).
Which one to buy
Both cost $449 and share the curved carbon Arc Frame, a 40 lb rating and Short, Medium and Tall frames for 16-26 in torsos. The choice is between access and fit. The Zpacks Women's Arc Zip Ultra 62 opens along a full-length front zip, so you can reach gear without unpacking from the top, and it comes with Zpacks' women's straps and hipbelt. The Arc Pro 60 is a roll-top with a unisex harness, 0.1 lbs lighter, in a newer PFAS-free mix of Ultra 100X on the back and bottom and lighter Ultra TenX on the front.
For a woman who finds unisex straps too long or wide, the Arc Zip's harness is the stronger reason to choose it, with zip access as a bonus. A long zip is one more failure point than a roll-top, and it comes in one volume only. The Arc Pro is offered in 50, 60 and 70 L, fits a bear canister standing on end in its upper half, and has taped seams throughout, but it's a new line with no long-term record, and its TenX front is less abrasion-proof. Neither comes with hipbelt pockets.
Zpacks Arc Pro 60
For hikers comfortable in a unisex harness who want a roll-top, a choice of volumes and room for a bear canister on end.
Zpacks Women's Arc Zip Ultra 62
Best for women who want Zpacks' women's straps and belt plus full-length zip access to the bag.
| Spec | Zpacks Arc Pro 60 | Zpacks Women's Arc Zip Ultra 62 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $449 | $449 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Internal Frame | Internal Frame |
| Capacity | 60 L | 62 L |
| Weight | 1.4 lbs | 1.5 lbs |
| Max Load | 40 lbs (30-35 lbs comfortable) | 40 lbs |
| Torso Fit | Adjustable, Short 16-19 in / Medium 19-23 in / Tall 23-26 in | Adjustable, Short 16-19 in / Medium 19-23 in / Tall 23-26 in |
| Material | Ultra 100X back and bottom, Ultra TenX front, Venom Stretch Mesh pockets | Ultra 100X |
| Back Panel | Curved carbon-fibre Arc Frame with airflow gap | Curved carbon-fibre Arc Frame |
| Adjustable torso | Yes | Yes |
| Ventilated back | Yes | Yes |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | No | No |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | Yes | No |
| Warranty | Zpacks two-year limited warranty | Zpacks two-year limited warranty |
Pros & cons
Zpacks Arc Pro 60
- ✓The Arc Frame's curve holds the pack off the back for airflow, rare at this weight.
- ✓Torso height adjusts within each of the three frame sizes.
- ✓Going from 50 L to 70 L adds only 1.2 oz, so the larger sizes cost almost nothing in weight.
- ✓A 40 lb ceiling is high for a pack around 22 oz.
- ✓Taped seams and PFAS-free fabrics throughout.
- ✓A bear canister fits standing on end in the upper half.
- ✗$449 is $50 over the Arc Haul Ultra, and vest straps add another $50.
- ✗Hipbelt pockets are an add-on, not included.
- ✗No hydration sleeve; the tube routes through the roll-top.
- ✗Ultra TenX on the front is lighter and less abrasion-proof than the 100X back.
- ✗A new line with no long-term durability record yet.
Zpacks Women's Arc Zip Ultra 62
- ✓Panel zip access, uncommon among sub-2 lb framed packs.
- ✓Women's-specific straps and belt at the same price as the unisex pack.
- ✓40 lb rating for long food carries.
- ✓Adjustable torso height within each frame size.
- ✗24.7 oz is about 3.5 oz heavier than the roll-top women's Arc Haul Ultra.
- ✗$449 base, $499 with vest straps.
- ✗A long zip is one more failure point than a roll-top.
- ✗Only one volume offered.
Zpacks Arc Pro 60 vs Zpacks Women's Arc Zip Ultra 62: common questions
Does the Arc Pro 60 come in a women's version like the Arc Zip Ultra 62?▾
Zpacks sells the Arc Pro with a unisex harness in 50, 60 and 70 L. The Women's Arc Zip Ultra 62 is the option with Zpacks' women's straps and hipbelt at the same $449.
Is the Women's Arc Zip Ultra 62's front zip a durability risk?▾
It adds a failure point that a roll-top like the Arc Pro doesn't have. In return you get suitcase-style access along the front of the bag, so treat the zip with care and avoid forcing it over an overstuffed load.