My experience getting a Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L to New Zealand for way less than local prices

Why the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L is taking over my feed

I’ve been spending way too much time on ultralight hiking forums lately, and it seems like everyone is talking about the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L. It is basically the gold standard for cottage-brand gear right now. With the ultralight movement hitting its peak in May 2026, I knew I needed to upgrade my kit before my next Great Walk. The Arc Haul Ultra is famous for its carbon fiber frame that actually keeps the pack off your back, which is a life-saver for those humid North Island treks.

While the gear scene in Tokyo is usually the first to jump on these trends, New Zealand hikers are catching on fast. The problem is that finding one in a physical store in Auckland or Christchurch is almost impossible, and the few specialty importers we have tend to add a massive premium for the convenience of local stock.

The price difference for us in New Zealand

When I looked at the math, buying directly from the US was the only thing that made sense to me. The Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L retails for around $399 USD. Converting that to NZD, plus the markups I saw at boutique shops, I was looking at a difference of nearly $250 to $300 NZD. I realized I could save a significant amount by simply using an international shipping service to get it here myself.

You might also like to Read more: Wasting money on local gear markups by ignoring these Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack shipping tips for New Zealand. It really helped me see how much we usually overspend on hiking gear just because we are at the bottom of the world.

How I handle the shipping from the US

Zpacks doesn't always offer the most affordable direct shipping to New Zealand, so I used comGateway to bridge the gap. By using a tax-free us address, I avoided paying US sales tax at the checkout, which already saved me about 8-10% depending on which state the store thinks I'm in.

I always make sure to check the international shipping rates before I commit. It’s a lot easier to justify the purchase when you know exactly what the shipping fees will look like. I personally used their shipping calculator to compare different speeds. Since I wasn't in a rush for a hike next weekend, I could pick a more economical option.

My shipping estimates for the Arc Haul Ultra 60L

If you are planning to order this pack, here is what I found regarding the logistics. These estimates should help you use the shipping calculator more accurately.

Because the item is so light but takes up a fair bit of space, the volumetric weight is the main thing to watch out for. Don't let the 600-gram weight of the pack fool you; the box is what the freight forwarder will measure.

A quick check on restricted items

Before I buy anything from overseas, I always glance at the prohibited items list. While a backpack is perfectly safe, sometimes the "freebies" companies throw in—like small cleaning kits or fire starters—can be flagged as restricted goods. Luckily, Zpacks is pretty straightforward with their materials.

Dealing with NZ customs and GST in 2026

In 2026, we still have to be mindful of the GST rules. Since the pack is over $400 USD, it will definitely cross the threshold where GST is applied. Even with the GST and the international shipping costs, my total was still significantly lower than the local retail quotes I received. When you shop us store directly, you just have to factor that 15% into your budget from the start.

My final verdict on the savings

By the time the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 60L arrived at my door in Wellington, I had saved enough to basically pay for my food and transport for my next three trips. Using a shop us ship international strategy is honestly the only way I can afford top-tier ultralight gear on a New Zealand salary. If you are tired of the limited selection locally, I highly recommend looking at the US stores and managing the international shipping yourself. It's much easier than it sounds, and your back (and wallet) will thank you once you're out on the trail.