Quick answer
The Arc Haul Ultra 50L is an excellent choice for a week-long ultralight trip when your base weight is under 15 pounds. Pack your shelter, sleep system, cook kit, clothing, and food inside the main body, using the large mesh pocket for items you need during the day.
Why the 50L size works for a week
A 50-liter pack is the sweet spot for multi-day ultralight trips. It gives you enough room for a week's worth of food and gear without encouraging overpacking. The Arc Haul Ultra 50L's roll-top closure lets you compress the load when it's not full, so you can adjust volume as needed.
Capacity trade-offs to consider
If your base weight exceeds 15 pounds or you carry bulky items like a bear canister, the 50L may feel tight. In that case, consider the 60L or 70L version. For most ultralight hikers with a base weight around 10-12 pounds, the 50L offers plenty of space without extra weight.
Packing rules for the Arc Haul Ultra 50L
- Shelter and sleep system: Place your tent or tarp, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad inside the main compartment. Use a stuff sack for the tent to protect the pack fabric from sharp stakes.
- Food and cook kit: Pack your week's food in a single stuff sack or bear canister. Put it in the middle of the pack, surrounded by softer items, for balanced carry. The roll-top closure allows you to adjust volume as food is consumed. If using a bear canister, test fit before your trip; it may require the 60L version.
- Clothing and layers: Store extra layers and rain gear in a waterproof stuff sack at the bottom of the pack. Use the large mesh front pocket for a jacket or items you need during the day.
- Water and hydration: Carry a 1-2 liter water bottle in a side pocket. Use the other side pocket for a water filter or an additional bottle. The pack's side pockets are deep and stretchy, so bottles stay secure.
- Electronics and small items: Keep your phone, headlamp, and power bank in the hipbelt pockets or shoulder strap pockets for easy access. Use a small dry bag inside the pack for electronics.
Product facts
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Arc Haul Ultra 50L Backpack: The Arc Haul Ultra backpack is designed for comfort and durability at an unbeatable weight. Made from Ultra 100X material, it is innovatively designed for long days between resupply. The Ultra 100X fabric is tough enough for off-trail travel and bushwhacking, yet light enough to keep your total pack weight low for long miles.
Arc Haul Ultra 50L Backpack
Who should choose the Arc Haul Ultra 50L
Best for
- Ultralight backpackers with a base weight under 15 pounds
- Thru-hikers and weekend-to-week-long trips where weight savings matter
Not ideal for
- Hikers carrying heavy loads over 15 pounds base weight
- Those who need to carry a large bear canister or bulky gear that requires more than 50L of space