Zpacks Nero Classic 40 vs Zpacks Nero Pro 40
Quick take: The Zpacks Nero Classic 40 costs $40 less; the Zpacks Nero Classic 40 is lighter (0.62 vs 0.69 lbs).
| Spec | Zpacks Nero Classic 40 | Zpacks Nero Pro 40 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $239 | $279 |
| Rating | — | — |
| Type | Ultralight Pack | Ultralight Pack |
| Frame Type | Frameless | Frameless |
| Capacity | 40 L | 40 L |
| Weight | 0.62 lbs | 0.69 lbs |
| Max Load | Not specified by the manufacturer | Not specified by the manufacturer |
| Torso Fit | See manufacturer sizing | See manufacturer sizing |
| Material | Ultra 100X with waterproof taped seams | Ultra fabric with waterproof taped seams |
| Back Panel | Frameless | Frameless |
| Adjustable torso | No | No |
| Ventilated back | No | No |
| Raincover included | No | No |
| Hipbelt pockets | Yes | Yes |
| Removable lid | No | No |
| Hydration sleeve | No | No |
| Fits BV500 bear can | No | No |
| Warranty | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published | Manufacturer warranty; terms not published |
Pros & cons
Zpacks Nero Classic 40
- ✓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.
- ✗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.
Zpacks Nero Pro 40
- ✓11.1 oz is still extraordinarily light for a waterproof 40 L pack.
- ✓More robust construction than the Nero Classic for only 1.2 oz more.
- ✓Waterproof taped seams throughout.
- ✓Same three-volume range as the Classic, from 30 to 50 L.
- ✓Zpacks' Ultra fabric expertise is among the deepest in the segment.
- ✓Frameless simplicity with nothing rigid to fail.
- ✓A sensible middle step between the Nero Classic and the framed Arc Haul.
- ✓Hipbelt pockets included.
- ✗$279 is $40 over the Classic for a modest durability gain.
- ✗Still frameless, so the load rides on the shoulders above roughly 20 lb.
- ✗No published maximum load figure.
- ✗No adjustable torso.
- ✗Laminate fabrics are hard to field-repair.
- ✗The Classic-versus-Pro distinction is not well explained in Zpacks' own materials.
- ✗Bear canisters do not fit sensibly at this volume and construction.
- ✗Warranty terms are not published in detail.