Nero Ultra 38L Backpack
$249.00 USD Weight 9.9 oz / 280.0 g
Lead Time Ships in 1-3 Days
The Nero Ultra is a compact frameless backpack streamlined to only the most essential features making it great for hikes where less weight and volume is required.
Multiple thru-hikes of the Triple Crown trails have been completed withour Nero series backpacks, helping to prove that smaller volume frameless packs are a legitimate approach to long-distance hiking.
With 3 different interchangeable strap designs, a removable belt, a comfy sit pad, and a bunch of cool modularadd-ons, the versatile Nero Ultra is your ticket to maximizing every day hike, section hike, or thru-hike. Time to level up your outdoor game!
- Ultra 100X fabric features a woven Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) face fabric laminated to a waterproof backing. Ultra fabric boasts extremely high abrasion and tear resistance and is the strongest fabric we offer.
- Ultra fabric is not coated with DWR or other chemicals and is PFAS free.
- The pack material is waterproof. All seams and attachment points are taped and the pack is constructed using hydrophobic thread, making the packs highly water resistant.
- Provides enough space for gear and food to accommodate most multi-day ultralight adventures.
- The Nero features an interchangeable strap design allowing you to pick the perfect strap for you. The design also allows you to swap out straps for specific adventures. You can choose from our comfy Standard S Straps, Small/Women's Straps, or our Vest Style Straps with integrated water bottle pockets. Check out the Sizing, Straps, & Fit tab for more information on each style strap or clickhereto purchase additional interchangeable strap styles.
- Three belt positions allow you to move the optional webbing belt up or down to fit a range of torso heights. The optional belt is 1" (2.5 cm) wide and has a maximum adjustment of about 50" (127 cm) circumference. An optional padded belt is also available.
- Features a roll top closure with a stiffened opening which keeps water out and allows you to compress the top of your pack as your gear load shrinks.
- Use the provided top strap to lash items to the top of your pack or upgrade to the optional Nero V-Top Strap to allow you to carry a Bear Canister or other heavier items.
- Large stretchy mesh center pocket is great for quick access items. Mesh also lets you dry wet clothing and gives you a clear view of your gear.
- Side compression straps are made from non-stretchy Dyneema® cord for squishing down the pack volume. They also allow you to stand tall items like trekking poles or an umbrella in the side pockets.
- Side pockets are sized to fit 1 or 1.5 liter bottles. They are positioned low on the pack and slanted forward for easy access without removing the pack. The pockets have drainage holes at the bottom, and elastic that keeps them tight at the top.
- Along the sides and front, you will find a variety of loops for attaching optional add-ons like our top side pockets, shock cord lashing, and ice axe loops.
- A closed cell foam sit pad measuring 11" x 15.5" (28 cm x 39.4 cm) is included and adds an additional 1 ounce to the total weight of the pack. The foam provides some cushion and support against your back. The sit pad is held in place with shock cord and comes off quickly for breaks. The shock cord (.3 oz / 8.5 g) and sit pad are removable and replaceable.
- The shock cord can also be re-tied to accommodate up to 20" tall folded sleeping pads, or taller sit pads.
- All Zpacks gear has a two year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Please see ourreturn / warrantypolicy.
- Made in the USA.
Foam sit pad adds 1.0 oz (28 g)
Belt (optional): 1" (2.5 cm) wide x 50" (127 cm) circumference, 1.2 oz (34 g)
Body dimensions: 5.5" x 11.5" x 24" (14 cm x 29 cm x 61 cm)
Volume: 38L (25L main body, 2.5L each side pocket, 8L center pocket)
Load Capacity: Recommended up to 20 lbs (9 kg) for shoulder comfort. The materials can handle as much weight as your shoulders can for longer carries.
 | 3.3oz/sqyd Ultra 100X Ultra 100X is composed of a woven 100 denier Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) face fabric laminated to a waterproof lining. Our 2nd generation fabric has a 50% thicker, more durable .75 mil laminate. It has an "X" grid on the interior to add bias strength. The fabric is fully waterproof and has extremely high tear and abrasion resistance. Our Repair Tape and Adhesive products stick extremely well to the interior of this fabric. Weight:3.3 oz/sqyd (112 g/m²) Tear Strength:69.4 lbs. warp; 89.6 lbs. fill |
 | 3.5 oz/sqyd Mesh This is the mesh that we use on ourbackpack'scenter pockets. It has a relatively light weight for mesh, while being difficult to tear. It can withstand getting caught on branches and other typical abrasion that backpacks are subjected to. The hole size is a about 4 mm (a little over 1/8"). Weight:3.5 oz/sqyd (119 g/m²) |
 | 5.3 oz/sqyd 3D Spacer Mesh This mesh has a three-dimensional structure which allows airflow and adds cushioning. We use it on the underside of ourbackpack's shoulder straps and belts to absorb sweat, add cushion, and add grip. Our 3D mesh weighs less than most other types. Weight:5.3 oz/sqyd (180 g/m²) Thickness:About 3/32" (2.5 mm) |
Torso Height:
This backpack has three belt attachment positions allowing you to move the belt up or down to fit a range of torso heights. The actual distance on the pack from the bottom of the belt to the top of the shoulder straps can be adjusted from about 18" to 22" (46 to 56 cm), which will fit most adults. On a frameless backpack, it is nice to have the shoulder straps roughly level with the tops of your shoulders (rather than wrapping up around them) so that more weight is forced on to the webbing belt. The pack body does not extend much above your shoulders and load lifter straps are not needed.
Shoulder Straps:
 | Small/Women's Straps |
 | Standard Straps Comfy 3/8" thick by 2.75" wide padded contoured shoulder straps. The straps have a daisy chain for clipping on items like our popularshoulder pouches,shoulder pouches w/ zipper,water bottle sleeves, and anadjustable positionsternum strap is included. The shoulder straps have 3D mesh on the underside which gives them a little bit more cushion. |
 | Vest Straps Our harness style Vest Straps feature comfy 3/8" thick padding atthe shoulders and layered 3D mesh throughout that help wrap and hug your body providing a secure fit when navigating technical terrain or trail running. Each side of the strap features an integrated stretchy Lycra water bottle pockets that fits a 1LSmartWater or Body Armor Bottle, or a600ml UltraFlask, a stow pocket, and a small zippered pocket perfect for storing energy gels or your keys.The straps have a daisy chain for clipping the two adjustablesternum straps that are included. |
Belt Size:
The webbing belt will fit up to around 50" circumference and can be trimmed down for smaller waists or swapped out for larger waists. To move the belt to a different position, slide off the belt buckle and back the webbing out of the backpack attachment points.
Nero Add-Ons
Water Bottle Sleeve
$29.95
Weight0.6 oz (16 g)
Easy to use. Enough support to be able to slide bottle in and out. Elastic loop holds the bottle in when bending over. Top notch!! Thanks, Zpacks.
– France M., ★★★★★
Water BottleSleeves are a great way to keep your water easily accessible while also counter-balancing your backpack. Designed to fit most popular tall slim 1L bottles such as Smart Water, Body Armor, Essentia and similar, these sleeves will attach to the shoulder straps on just about any backpack.
Water Bottle Sleeve
$29.95 USD
Weight
0.6 oz / 16 g
UltraFlask Speed 600 ML Soft Flask
$23.95
The Hydrapak UltraFlask Speed 600 ml allows you to drink on the go. Its soft material allows it to fit snugly in most vest pockets and it shrinks as you drink to minimize water movement.
The SpeedFill™ cap flips open for quick top ups at aid stations, and the wide mouth can accommodate drink mixes and ice cubes. The included drinking-tube cap can also be swapped out with a BeFree Filter. You can also use just a bite valve without the drinking tube.
A perfect match for ourVest Straps or for ourWater Bottle Sleeves. Grab two bottles for balanced hydration.
UltraFlask Speed 600 ML Soft Flask
$23.95 USD
Shoulder Pouch w/ Zipper
$42.95
Weight0.9 oz (25 g)
Designed for the adventurer on the go, our Shoulder Pouch w/ Zipper isthe ideal place to store items that you need on the ready, likea small camera, your wallet, a map or your smart phone. The streamlined design carries comfortably on your shoulder, and you will hardly notice them there.
The small exterior mesh pocket can be used to store your small items like lip balm, emergency whistle, or a compass.
Shoulder Pouch w/ Zipper
$42.95 USD
Weight
0.9 oz / 25 g
Shoulder Pouch
$32.95
Weight0.6 oz (18 g)
Keeps your cell phone secure and handy when you need it for navigation or to take a picture. Pouch weighs next to nothing; a must for every serious hiker. I highly recommend this product.
– Paul G., ★★★★★
Shoulder Pouches are the ideal place to keep your small camera or phone in reach for taking quick photos. The main compartment of the shoulder pouches are a good size for your wallet, car keys, map, headlamp, mittens, sunglasses, candy bars, pack towel, GPS, or any other items you would like to have within easy reach. The pouches carry comfortably on your shoulder, and you will hardly notice them there.
The small exterior mesh pocket can be used to store your small items like lip balm, emergency whistle, or a compass.
**DCF material shoulder pouches are priced lower while supplies last. They look fine on Ultra backpacks and function about the same.
Shoulder Pouch
$32.95 USD
Weight
0.6 oz / 18 g
Nero V Top Strap
$11.95
Weight0.9 oz (26 g)
Our Nero V Top Strap adds additional stabilitywhen you’re carrying heavier items on the top of your backpack.
It can be used to carry a bear canister so long as the canister can squish into your gear as shown.
The Nero V Top Strap is modular and can be added or removed from your pack as necessary.
If you need a V Top Strap for your Arc Frame Backpack, you'll can purchase one specifically designed to work with onehere.
Nero V Top Strap
$11.95 USD
Weight
0.9 oz / 26 g
Zpacks x Glacial Gear Wool Trail Rag
$24.95
Weight0.6 oz (17 g)
We've teamed up with Glacial Gear to create the ultimate 100% merino wool ultralight trail rag. Made from 180 gsm Hydro-Duct Merino Wool, it's the ideal companion for adventurers who demand both style and substance on the trail. From banishing stubborn dirt and sweat to confidently snatching that sizzling cook pot handle this rag does it all. Throw in merino wool's odor-fighting superpowers and a handy pack loop for easy access, and consider your trailside needs met.
Zpacks x Glacial Gear Wool Trail Rag
$24.95 USD
Weight
0.6 oz / 17 g
Front Utility Pack Accessory
$74.95
Weight2.9 oz (81 g)
Really glad I bought this pouch—it works with my pack’s waist belt, it’s practically weightless, and it’s the perfect size for phone, compass, map and a few snacks.
– Charles Y., ★★★★★
From the summit to the streets, the versatile Front Utility Pack Accessoryprovides quick and easy access to all your essentials.
With plenty of space for your phone, a camera, a jacket or snacks, the ultralight F.U.P.A. can be worn as a stand-alone item while bagging a peak or for a night out on the town.
Leave the webbing belt at home and connect the F.U.P.A. directly to one of our backpacks for the ultimate pack accessory.
Front Utility Pack Accessory
$74.95 USD
Weight
2.9 oz / 81 g
Multi-Pack
$74.95
Weight3.0 oz (86 g)
Really appreciate the ability to carry it different ways and to carry it alone on days in town. Saves much time and aggravation as you can get to most things you need during your hike when carried on your chest.
– Mark B., ★★★★★
This versatile four-in-one backpack accessory is one of our most popular items. The ability to choose between four different configurations helps make the Multi-Pack the perfect companion for just about any adventure.
Need a spare set of Multi-Pack straps? Click here.
Check out more of our Backpack Add-Ons.
Multi-Pack
$74.95 USD
Weight
3.0 oz / 86 g
Pair of Shoulder Strap Pads
$29.95
Weight1.0 oz (27 g)
Excellent, Immediately noticed that the pack was more comfortable with these pads helping to hike longer.
– Louis S., ★★★★★
Our Shoulder Strap Pads add extra padding to your shoulder straps right where you need it. These shoulder strap pads should be compatible with almost any backpack straps. They are made with 3/8" closed cell foam, and a layer of soft cushioning 3D mesh on the underside.
Pair of Shoulder Strap Pads
$29.95 USD
Weight
1.0 oz / 27 g
Ultralight Sunglasses Case
$34.95
Weight0.6 oz (17 g)
Protect your investment with our Ultralight Sunglasses Case—your new best friend for ultralight, ultra-cool protection! This sleek, minimalist marvel is made from high-tech Robic material, delivering the perfect mix of durability and feather-light convenience. Whether you're conquering rugged trails or cruising through the city, this fleece-lined case keeps your sunglasses scratch-free and ready for adventure.
With a built-in hang loop, this case is all about versatility and easy access. Clip it to your backpack, belt loop, or bike handle for easy access. No more rummaging through your bag—just grab, go, and know your shades are safe and sound.
The magnetic clasp closure adds a touch of modern sophistication while keeping your sunglasses firmly in place. With its streamlined design and advanced materials, our Sunglasses Case is a must-have accessory for any adventurer who values both style and functionality.
Ultralight Sunglasses Case
$34.95 USD
Weight
0.6 oz / 17 g
Whistle Clip
$2.95
Weight0.1 oz (2 g)
Stay safe in the backcountry with this ultralight, ultra-tiny whistle clip. This small, low profile whistleis surprisingly loud, and allows you to signal for help when you find yourself in danger on an adventure.
Clip the whistle to your backpack's daisy chain or sternum strap to keep it handy. Or thread a piece of cord through the hole to hang it from a loop.
*This item is not eligible for return.
Whistle Clip
$2.95 USD
Weight
0.1 oz / 2 g
Ultralight Titanium Whistle
$9.95
Weight0.2 oz (5 g)
This sleek, high-pitched powerhouse is crafted from top-grade titanium, ensuring it's as tough as your wildest adventures and as light as a feather. Weighing in at a mere fraction of an ounce, it won’t bog down your pack, yet it delivers an ear-piercing blast that cuts through the forest, making it an essential safety tool for hikers, backpackers, and trailblazers.
Attach it to your shoulder strap and be ready to make some noise when it counts. Whether you're navigating dense trails, signaling for help, or just letting your buddies know it's time to pack up, this whistle ensures you're heard loud and clear.
Ultralight Titanium Whistle
$9.95 USD
Weight
0.2 oz / 5 g
All Accessories
