For the second year in row, ZPacks will contribute a custom-made ultralight Arc Blast Backpack to our top hiker prize package. All ZPacks packs are custom made to order, so the lucky winner will be able to specify the volume, color, torso height and belt length for his or her new ultralight backpack, valued at $325.

The Arc Blast is ZPack’s most comfortable and most popular backpack. Their patent-pending flexed arc carbon fiber frame creates an air gap against your back. The air space keeps your back cool and also provides a buffer from any lumpy items in your pack. The curve of the frame is adjustable for optimal air flow and fit; no extra padding necessary.

The pack is constructed from tough 2.92 oz/sqyd Cuben hybrid fabric. This material is Cuben fiber on the inside with a protective layer of 50 denier polyester on the outside. The outer layer gives it even more strength, prevents fraying, and gives it a nice solid color. Weighing in at a mere 21 ounces, the material and design can nevertheless handle loads up to 35 lbs.

If you want a testament to the quality of ZPacks, look no further than our own Tom Kennedy who has owned his ZPacks backpack since 2012. Tom wore his ZPack last year on his 900+ mile grand adventure on the Florida Trail this winter. Tom would be happy to talk with anyone about how well the pack performed on the trail.

3 ZPacks on a hotel luggage cart. Tom doesn’t always stay at five-star hotels when he is backpacking the Florida Trail, but when he does, he always brings his ZPack. And apparently so do his friends.

Thank you to Joe Valesko and ZPacks for providing the perfect home for our top hiker prize package, a $1,200 collection of top-quality hiking and backpacking gear from leading brands that will be awarded to our top fundraising hiker in 2016.

Click here for more details about the 2016 prize package and rules.