Z Packs Arc Blast (or Haul) vs. GG Mariposa

[stry]

Lots of positive feedback on both of these in the forum, but I'm wondering if anyone has had any experience with both, and what their observations are.

[whitefang]

Personally, I have no experience with either. However, Section Hiker has done extensive reviews on both here (http://sectionhiker.com/gossamer-gear-mariposa-backpack-review-2015-model/) and here (http://sectionhiker.com/ultralight-backpack-zpacks-arc-blast-review/).

[Sandbars]

"I think it’s going to really boil down to fit, how much you want to spend, and how much you’re willing to wait They’re both excellent packs. Try both if you can. Also, I suspect that the Mariposa is in stock, and it’s about half the price of the Arc Blast.That’s almost always the problem with cuben…it’s almost always backordered by a month or more unless you buy a pack in the winter."

This is a comment by Phillip when asked to directly compare the two packs.

[stry]

Thanks WF. I've seen those links, and while they are very helpful, I was hoping to find something from someone who had compared them side by side.

You are, of course, correct Sandbars, but buying both sight unseen and then trying to offload or return the unwanted one, is a rather financially luxurious way to save around .8 to 1 kilo. (Attractive but )

[jakeyarwood]

Hi there! Just came across this thread whilst researching new packs. Stry, did you end up going with either one in the end? If so it'd be great to get your thoughts on which one and why.

[stry]

No decision made jake. Still using the OP Shadow, with which I am very happy.

Still on my mind though - just not a priority

[The Perambulator]

Hi Stry,

Please excuse the late response. I have both these packs, my Mariposa is a few years old and has a lot of use and abuse (carrying more than the recommended weight, putting it down on abrasive surfaces and some scrub bashing). I ended having a hole in the mesh + bottom of the pack, I also found that the buckles/clips wouldn't maintain tension.

On the basis of saving some weight I replaced the Mariposa with a Z Packs Arc Blast. I finally got to use the Arc Blast over the weekend, along the Razor Back to Feather Top and up Staircase to Mt Bogong.

In my (subjective) opinion with a 5kg load the Arc Blast is more comfortable. However the comfort factor is offset by the smaller buckles, particularly for my large male fingers and the roll top.

I also doubt that the Arc Blast would be as durable as the Mariposa, (I am actually careful as to where I put it down).

Charlie.

[jakeyarwood]

No decision made jake. Still using the OP Shadow, with which I am very happy.

Still on my mind though - just not a priority

That's fair! Thanks for the response nonetheless. Be sure to update the thread if/when you do invest please

[Eljimberino]

@the perambulator

Does your Mariposa have Rubic material?

If so, how does Rubic feel in relation to cuben hybrid?

[stry]

Hi Stry,

Please excuse the late response. I have both these packs, my Mariposa is a few years old and has a lot of use and abuse (carrying more than the recommended weight, putting it down on abrasive surfaces and some scrub bashing). I ended having a hole in the mesh + bottom of the pack, I also found that the buckles/clips wouldn't maintain tension.

On the basis of saving some weight I replaced the Mariposa with a Z Packs Arc Blast. I finally got to use the Arc Blast over the weekend, along the Razor Back to Feather Top and up Staircase to Mt Bogong.

In my (subjective) opinion with a 5kg load the Arc Blast is more comfortable. However the comfort factor is offset by the smaller buckles, particularly for my large male fingers and the roll top.

I also doubt that the Arc Blast would be as durable as the Mariposa, (I am actually careful as to where I put it down).

Charlie.

Many thank for your input Charlie. Somehow, I missed seeing your post, so my apologies for the tardy acknowledgement.

[The Perambulator]

@the perambulator

Does your Mariposa have Rubic material?

If so, how does Rubic feel in relation to cuben hybrid?

Again sorry for the delayed reply, been away + ultra busy.
My Mariposa has a light grey material with white threads making small squares (8mm) and feels (after being washed a couple of times) like denim.
The arc blast at time of order was described as using Cubin, I would describe it as feeling like vinyl,that crinkles (noisily), similar to a cold tent fly.

Cheers Charlie.

[melinda]

I have a Mariposa made out of the Rubic material.
It's stronger than it looks. No issues with it after using it for about 18 months!
Beautiful, practical pack. That tent quiver works very well in places like the SW of Tas.
No experience of a cuben pack but I do have a cuben fly. Awesome material, you can see the stars thru it in the night!