Which Pack to Choose?

Has anyone tried or own a ZPack? I'm looking at a lightweight pack around 60L in size and saw a link to these? They sure are light compared to my current Macpac 75L.

Got 2 Aarn packs. Effortless Rythm for long haul. Natural Exhilaration for overnight to 4 days. Aarn suits me wouldn't change them.

I was looking at a Hyperlight Mountain Gear pack, but getting here from the States, given exchange rates and shipping, was going to cost $650. So instead, I've ordered one highly recommended by one of the regulars here, Gaiters. He recommended the Exped Lightning. A 60L roll-top pack with unique suspension system, it weighs just 1.1kg. It hasn't arrived yet, but I'm excited to get this pack! And given that Bivouac currently have a 20% off everything sale, it only cost me $280. Bargain!!

@phil21 I own a Zpacks Arc Blast. I really like it, but it is a pack made for a specific type of activity. For example, they are not designed to carry more than 15kgs with any regularity. The frame is also somewhat delicate. The fabric is also not designed to be sat on or thrown down a scree slope, but it is surprisingly durable given what it is. Mine has survived severable very rough bush-bashes. The only other thing to know is that their listed volume is not just the interior volume, but includes the back mesh stuff pocket (8L) and the two side pockets (1L each), so their 60L pack only has a interior volume of 50L. That being said, if you need 60L worth of space you're probably carrying too much to comfortably use an ultralight pack. Ultralight packs are for lightweight loads.

I'm a fan of the Osprey Exos 58. I have the large, which in effect is 61 litres and it weighs 1200g. A great harness and good for up to 15kgs. We have two of them in the house, so the go-to pack for 2-4 day outings. I should mention I had an Arc Blast 60 but found it too 'delicate' as mentioned above. Sold it.

Take a look at the new Arc'teryx Bora if money no issue and don't mind importing.

Exped Lightning just arrived. Incredibly light! The only potential thing I can see that would cause me to pack a little more carefully is that it seems quite narrow. No problem when using my summer sleeping bag, but my -16 degree driDown winter bag is bulky. It will probably have to go into a compression sack first.

I'm considering a Cactus Huntaway. 1.6kgs for 55L. Their gear is usually a bit heavy for me. (I have some shorts & gaiters of theirs which could take a shotgun blast I reckon) but that pack looks reasonably priced & not too heavy for how tough it would be. https://www.cactusoutdoor.co.nz/packs-bags/tramp-walk/huntaway.html

Well, I put the Exped Lightning through 14 hours of tramping in one day. It is, without a doubt, THE most comfortable pack I have ever worn! Turns out, fitting my big red tomato (winter bag) in it isn't a problem at all. When I return from Nepal and my season kicks off again, I'm buying at least two more; for whenever they stop making them. Unless I am going on something like a trans-continental jaunt in Siberia or Canada, I can't see myself needing another pack.

@Kreig re: Exped Lightning. How did you get on for back sweat ? Osprey packs have good venting (Airscape = mesh over dimpled foam) that keeps the wall of the pack off your back. http://www.moontrail.com/details/osprey/aether-70/aether70-sbak.jpg Lightning appears to have 2 foam chocks. How'd you find it ?. http://cdn2.exped.com/sites/default/files/MigratedPictures/Backpacks/Detail/14_Lightning60_Back_1.jpg