I used this shortcut to get the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 to Italy fast

Why I wanted the 2026 Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60 revision

I needed a pack that could handle the unpredictable weather of the Italian Alps without weighing me down. When Zpacks announced the 2026 revision of the Arc Haul Ultra 60, I knew I had to get it. This year, they introduced a proprietary Ultra-PE weave that is significantly more waterproof and lighter than the previous Dyneema versions. My old gear often soaked up moisture during long treks, but this new weave is designed to shed water instantly.

The main issue I faced was the US-only custom sizing options. Zpacks offers specific torso and belt combinations that are often restricted to their domestic store. I wanted a precise fit for my frame, which meant I had to find a way to shop directly from their US warehouse rather than waiting for third-party European retailers to stock generic sizes.

My process for buying from the USA

I realized early on that ordering high-end ultralight gear from Italy is difficult because of limited stock and high markups. To get the specific 2026 model, I decided to shop us store sites directly. By using a tax-free us address, I avoided paying US sales tax, which kept my initial costs down before the pack even started its journey to Italy.

I used comGateway as my primary freight forwarder. They provided me with the Oregon-based address I needed to complete my purchase on the Zpacks website. This was the first step in my "speed run" to get the gear before my next scheduled hike in the Dolomites.

How I bypassed credit card blocks with BuyForMe

During my shopping experience, I encountered a common hurdle for international hikers. Many US-based stores, including major brands like Nike, Sephora, or Apple, frequently block international credit cards or cancel orders that are destined for a forwarding address. Even though Zpacks is specialized, many US retailers have strict fraud prevention systems that make it impossible for me to use my Italian bank card.

I found the solution in the "BuyForMe" service. Instead of struggling with a declined card, I had comGateway buy the item on my behalf. They used a US domestic credit card to fulfill the order, which is the safest way to guarantee that a store won't cancel the transaction. I simply told them what I wanted, and they handled the purchase. If you are trying to buy from a store that is notorious for cancelling international orders, I highly recommend using this assisted purchase service to save time and frustration.

Expediting my delivery to Italy

Once the 2026 Arc Haul Ultra 60 arrived at my US address, I wanted it moved as quickly as possible. I used the international shipping service to select an express carrier. Speed was my priority, so I didn't mind paying a little extra for a 3-5 day delivery window. I checked the shipping calculator beforehand to estimate shipping cost so there were no surprises when I hit the checkout button.

The international shipping rates were competitive, especially considering the insurance I added for such an expensive piece of equipment. I found that consolidating my order with a few smaller accessories also helped me save on the total weight-based fee.

Managing Italy import costs and shipping rules

Before the pack left the US, I made sure to review the shipping rules to ensure that there were no prohibited items or restricted goods in my package. Since it was just a backpack and some carbon fiber stays, it passed through easily. For my fellow hikers in Italy, remember that you will still need to pay VAT and customs duties upon arrival. I calculated these fees based on the package value to ensure I had the funds ready for the courier.

My backpack arrived in Milan just four days after leaving the US warehouse. By using a shop us ship international workflow, I secured a specialized 2026 revision that isn't even available in local Italian shops yet. If you want the latest tech from Zpacks, this is the most direct and reliable method I have found.

Check our guide on prohibited items if you plan on ordering camping fuel or batteries along with your pack, as those require different handling.