Zpacks Nero Pro

Zpacks Nero Pro 40L

The Zpacks Nero Pro 40L is an ultralight, frameless backpack for experienced hikers who want a lightweight, durable pack with maximum access to their gear throughout the day. It builds on the minimalist Nero design, but with more technical materials, smarter pockets, and improved comfort against your back.

This version comes with Standard Shoulder Straps and a webbing belt. This provides a clean, lightweight, and efficient carrying solution for those who already have a well-thought-out packing strategy and want to move quickly on the trail.

Benefits

• 40-liter capacity—perfect for ultralight 3–5-day trips
• Frame-less construction for low weight and maximum freedom of movement
• Ultra 100X and Ultra TenX for exceptional tear and abrasion resistance
• Stretchy Venom Mesh pockets on the front, sides, and bottom
• Standard Shoulder Straps with foam padding and 3D Mesh
• Included webbing belt for a more stable carry
• Roll-top closure that compresses the pack according to pack volume
• Removable seat pad in the back panel included
• Taped seams and attachment points for high water resistance
• Designed and assembled in the USA

For fast and well-planned hiking

The Nero Pro 40L is built for hikers who have streamlined their gear but still want a durable and functional backpack system. The 40-liter capacity provides enough space for 3–5 days’ worth of food and gear with an ultralight packing list, while the frameless construction keeps the weight down.

The roll-top closure makes it easy to adjust the volume as your pack lightens during the trip. The included top strap can be used to secure extra gear on top of the backpack, or removed when not needed.

Smart Pockets in Venom Stretch Mesh

The Nero Pro features stretchy pockets on the front, sides, and bottom. The material is made with UHMWPE fiber to provide high durability even in areas where the pockets see heavy use.

The large front pocket, for example, can hold a wet tent, rain gear, snacks, or other gear you want to access quickly. The side pockets are positioned low and angled forward so you can reach your water bottles while walking. Each side pocket holds up to two 1-liter bottles and has drainage holes at the bottom.

The bottom pocket is perfect for a rain jacket, fleece, gloves, or anything else you want to access without taking off your backpack.

Comfort Without a Frame

The back panel features a zippered 3D Mesh pocket with an included foam seat pad. The pad provides light structure to the backpack, increases comfort against your back, and can be quickly removed during breaks.

The Standard Shoulder Straps feature 3/8" foam padding and 3D Mesh on the underside for better comfort and airflow. Daisy chains on the shoulder straps make it easy to attach accessories, and the chest strap can be moved up or down for the right fit.

The included webbing belt helps stabilize the backpack during fast hiking and on uneven terrain. The 40L version features three different belt positions, allowing you to adjust the belt’s placement according to your back length.

High-Durability Ultra Fabric

The Nero Pro uses Ultra 100X on the back and bottom for extra durability, combined with Ultra TenX for low weight and technical performance. The Ultra materials feature a woven UHMWPE surface laminated to a waterproof backing, providing very high tear strength and abrasion resistance relative to its weight.

The material is waterproof, PFAS-free, and free of DWR treatments or other chemical surface coatings. Seams and attachment points are taped, making the backpack highly water-resistant. For sleeping bags, clothing, and other delicate gear, however, we still recommend using a pack liner or waterproof stuff sacks.

Specifications

• Volume: 40 liters
• Construction: Frameless
• Shoulder Straps: Standard Shoulder Straps
• Belt: Webbing belt included
• Main Material: Ultra 100X and Ultra TenX
• Stretch pockets: Venom Stretch Mesh
• Closure: Roll-top
• Back panel: 3D mesh pocket with removable seat pad
• Seat pad: 28 × 39.4 cm
• Bottle capacity: Up to two 1-liter bottles per side pocket
• Hydration system: Tube can be pulled out through the roll-top opening
• Made in: USA

Material

• Back and bottom: 3.3 oz/sqyd Ultra 100X
• Other fabric: 2.9 oz/sqyd Ultra TenX
• Pockets: 4.75 oz/sqyd Venom Stretch Mesh with UHMWPE fiber
• Back panel: 3D Mesh
• Shoulder straps: Foam padding with 3D Mesh

Included

• Zpacks Nero Pro 40L
• Standard Shoulder Straps
• Webbing belt
• Removable seat pad
• Top strap

Summary

The Zpacks Nero Pro 40L is a backpack for those who already have their pack weight under control and want a lightweight, durable, and fast system on their back. Featuring Ultra fabric, smart stretch pockets, and a frameless design, it’s built for hikers who want to move efficiently without sacrificing functionality.

Warranty

Zpacks offers a two-year limited warranty against material and manufacturing defects.

Choose the Right Hip Belt Size

For optimal comfort and stability, it’s important to choose the right hip belt size. Measure your hip or waist circumference where you normally wear the backpack’s hip belt—usually over the hip bone, not at the waistband of your pants.

• S/M (30–38"): Fits a hip circumference of 76–97 cm.
• M/L (34–42"): Fits a hip circumference of 86–107 cm.

If you fall between two sizes, both will usually work, but feel free to choose the smaller size if you prefer a tighter fit, or the larger size if you usually wear multiple layers of clothing on colder hikes.