the travel arc review

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Incase A.R.C. Travel Pack Review

The A.R.C. Travel Pack from Incase is a well-rounded travel companion, though we wish some pockets were a little more dynamic.

Our Verdict

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• Laptop sleeve is well designed
• Comfortable back panel and shoulder strap padding
• Holds substantially more gear when expanded
• Main compartment zipper can be awkward to navigate
• Shallow top quick-access pocket
• Shoe compartment and side pocket eat up main compartment space

Technical Details

Carry-on compliance.

View 124/145 Airlines

Disclaimer: We take the measurements of the bag provided by the manufacturer and compare them to the allowance listed on airline websites. This should be used as a guideline rather than a rule. Bags can change size as you pack them out, and every airline's interpretation of compliance is different. Just because a bag is listed as carry-on compliant here doesn't mean that the airline will interpret it that way.

Like the Look

Polled on Instagram

33L when fully expanded

Weight (lb)

3.7 lb (1.7 kg)

19 in x 13 in x 8 in (48.3 x 33 x 20.3 cm)

Notable Materials

Recycled Polyester, YKK Zippers, Duraflex Hardware, Polyethylene, Polyurethane

Laptop Compartment Size

Warranty Information

Incase Warranty

Full Review

Incase is well known for its wide variety of laptop sleeves and cases, but also makes backpacks, slings, and other travel products and accessories. We’ve reviewed some of their smaller travel packs in the past, so when we saw that the A.R.C. Travel Pack expands to 35 liters, to say that we were intrigued is an understatement. We can’t help but wonder whether they can take what has made their other products so successful and create an equally useful travel backpack . Let’s find out!

Materials & Aesthetic

Kicking things off with the pack’s exterior, we have a 900D & 1200D outer shell crafted from recycled polyester. We see these two materials featured throughout the exterior in different places, giving the shell a nice look. One of the fabrics has a nice texture to it and is more matte, and the other material is softer and feels almost rubbery. They come together nicely, and we think Incase did an excellent job deciding which should go where.

The rubbery material is on the top tech pocket and the bottom of the pack, offering more water resistance where it counts. The textured fabric makes up the rest of the pack and feels durable enough to take the wear and tear of travel.

The main fabric has an exterior water repellent coating, which is a good shout because you never know when you might get caught in the rain, snow, or other inclement conditions. In our experience, the A.R.C. Travel Pack holds up in light rain, but if it starts pouring, you’d better head for cover. After 30 minutes in steady rain, we noticed that the interior was starting to feel damp.

There’s an Incase logo on the top right of the pack’s front face, and it’s crafted from metal. It’s raised a little, too, but is the same color as the fabric it’s adhered to. This makes it difficult to see from a distance but adds a nice bit of layering to the pack’s exterior, which we vibe with.

The two colorway options at the time of writing are Black and Navy. We have the Black on hand and dig the minimalism, but we must admit that the Navy option’s deep tones strike a chord with us.

Throughout the pack are YKK zippers, inside and out. Any pocket or compartment that Incase felt might be used for tech has an AquaGuard model, which is a nice addition but leaves us a little confused. This is a travel pack, and odds are, you will need to put tech in more than just the top quick-access pocket and the laptop compartment.

If you wanted to bring some camera gear, you’d probably put it into the main compartment. That doesn’t have a water-resistant zipper, so in theory, water could get inside and get your electronics wet. We would have liked to see similar AquaGuard protection all over this travel pack.

Unfortunately, our gripes with the zippers on this pack continue. The main compartment zippers feel a little small for a pack of this size. It’s a YKK #8 zipper, which is usually a mighty fine zipper for all intents and purposes, but because the pack utilizes a butterfly opening (similar to a clamshell opening) and has to travel so far, we wish it was a little larger. When we open the zipper, we feel like we’re doing the hard work. We have to go all the way around the pack, there are straps and other accessories to maneuver around, and it doesn’t feel in charge of the backpack. Don’t get us wrong, the #8 is smooth and does the job well; it just can be a little awkward to use sometimes.

The AquaGuarded tech pockets we mentioned earlier have #5 zippers, and the interior is all #5 zippers as well. They work well and are of ample size, we think.

So long as we’re oversharing about how we feel about zippers, this is as good a time as any to talk about how you can expand this pack. Just behind the main compartment zipper is another track that runs all the way around the pack and expands the bag from its base size of 25 liters to 33 liters. Opening and closing this zipper can be difficult because it goes all the way around the pack and runs underneath the compression straps, which we will get to in a little bit. It isn’t a zipper you’ll need to use all the time, but we thought that was worth noting.

All the hardware on the pack is made by Duraflex, from which we expect quality. The compression straps on the left side are easy to manipulate and hold fabric well, and the clips on the opposite side and the sternum strap are sturdy and easy to clip and unclip. As always, no complaints from us when it comes to the utilization of Duraflex hardware.

External Components

We’ve got compression straps on both sides of this pack, which, as we mentioned above, can make using the zippers a little clunky. The compression straps are an excellent addition for when you don’t have the pack fully stuffed, but tightening them too much can make the pack look a little funky. When they’re tightened up and you get a side view, it’s almost shaped like a skateboard or a Pringle, but this is only the case when it’s cinched down.

The shoulder straps and back panel have Ortholite® Impressions foam, which adds a lot of comfort while wearing the pack and some protection for the laptop compartment. The foam is typically used to make heel cups and shoe inserts, so it’s pretty durable but offers ample cushion.

The shoulder straps have a little curvature to their design but are mostly straight, which might not be the best fit for all body types. The taller members of the Pack Hacker team found it comfortable, but shorter people may have issues with the design. The padding from the foam is quite comfortable, though the added aeration keeps things fairly dry even on hot days. Both shoulder straps have an attachment loop just above the sternum strap, which is a nice place to attach accessories like a GoPro, Yakoda Utility Pouch , or a flashlight .

We find the same aeration throughout the back panel, as only aerating certain parts of the back panel can lead to sweaty spots. On the other hand, this pack’s full back is perfect for hitting the ground running right when you land before going to your hotel or Airbnb.

The back panel has a luggage pass-through, which is integrated well. It’s pretty large, so it holds onto a luggage handle pretty well. Plus, it has the same mesh as the rest of the back panel, so things stay cool.

The sternum strap isn’t perfect, but it gets the job done. It doesn’t feel as homey as it could, perhaps due to its small size compared to the weight of the pack, but it adds a little extra security and comfort when the bag is packed full. It’s on a rail, so you can make very minor adjustments to the height of the strap, which is nice.

There’s an elastic strap keeper that works well at maintaining the extra material when you tighten it up. We see the same strapper keepers on the bottom of the shoulder straps, which is nice for tightening up the look of the pack in transit.

Inside The Pack

We have a lot of exterior pockets to go over before we dive into the main compartment, so let’s start with the hidden pocket, which sits just below the luggage pass-through. The zipper is pretty nicely hidden, however the zipper pull dangles and is visible. The pocket isn’t very deep but can fit a passport and other travel documents. It struggles to fit anything that isn’t flat, and even larger flat items can be felt on your lower back while carrying the pack.

There are two pockets that take up the entire front face, which we like because it makes us feel like there isn’t any wasted space. More storage space means more gear!

The top pocket is a quick access pocket advertised as being RFID blocking. There are two liner pockets inside, one crafted from mesh and the other from the same material as the rest of the interior. The mesh pocket can’t fit a phone vertically or horizontally, but the top zippered pocket can fit most phones when stashed horizontally. This compartment isn’t very tall, so larger items don’t fit so well here. All of the over-ear BlueTooth headphones we have in the office fit here, but larger sizes may be a tight squeeze. There are also cable holders crafted from elastic on top of one of the liner pockets. Overall, this isn’t a grand palace for all of your quick-grab items, but a good spot for things you might want to access quickly on an airplane or while in transit.

Just below the quick access pocket is another compartment that takes up the rest of the front face of the pack. It’s deep enough to fit most of a forearm inside, so it can hold quite a bit of gear. There isn’t much protection between this pocket and the exterior, so easily breakable items like an uncased tablet aren’t a great look here. It’s best suited for books, a notebook, or a toiletry pouch for quick access to your toothbrush when you get off the plane.

There’s only one hidden pocket on the A.R.C. Travel Pack, but there’s another that’s just as hard to find. On the left side of the pack is a side pocket in between the compression straps that blends in nicely with the folds of the side panel. It’s an odd pocket, as we can’t really determine what it’s meant to do. It extends down past the bottom of the zipper, so we can fit a smaller water bottle here, like a 18 oz Hydro Flask , but it’s a little awkward in use.

We most often stash a Bluetooth speaker here, but even that’s a little odd because the sound gets pretty muffled by the high denier recycled polyester. It’s nice to have another exterior pocket, but this one shares space with the main compartment, so it can be hard to use when you’re fully packed up and ready to go. A small tripod like the Joby GorillaPod fits but is a little awkward to access. If you figure out a better use for this pocket, please let us know because we’re dying for it to be more useful than we found it to be.

Moving to the back of the pack, we find the laptop compartment. We feel this is an area where this backpack shines, and it isn’t surprising to us. After all, Incase is known for the laptop sleeves. The laptop compartment feels like one of their laptop cases, and it works exceptionally well.

The zipper extends more than halfway down the back panel, so you can fold down the extra material to get deep inside the compartment. The laptop sleeve itself will hold up to a 16″ MacBook, and the smaller slide pocket in front of it can handle up to a 12.9″ iPad. The extra padding from the back panel we mentioned earlier keeps your devices safe, and the laptop compartment is lined with a fuzzy material to ensure your laptop makes it safely from point A to point B.

In addition to knocking the laptop and tablet sleeves out of the park, the compartment goes all the way down to the bottom of the pack. This leaves enough room for just about anything else you might need to stow with your laptop, from a keyboard and mouse to a hefty textbook about Magical Water Plants of the Mediterranean so that you can keep up with all the new research on Gillyweed. That book might not be what you choose to stuff inside here, but there really is a ton of room here for extra goodies, which makes this our favorite part of the A.R.C. Travel Pack overall.

The shoe compartment is the last area to cover before we get into the rest of the bag. It’s accessible from the bottom of the pack’s exterior and is wide enough to fit larger athletic shoes , though larger boots are too big for it. The material isn’t waterproof, so either bag up your wet shoes first or wait for them to dry before placing them inside the pack.

The compartment shares space with the main compartment, so it’s the same as putting your shoes inside the pack, but with a layer of protection from mud and grime. If you have two pairs of shoes, it makes sense to wear your larger pair and put the smaller pair in the shoe compartment to save space.

Now that we’ve covered all of the smaller pockets, we’ll move on to the main compartment. As we mentioned when talking about the zippers, it has a butterfly opening, so it quite literally opens all the way. This gives us full access to both sides, which is great for organizing our gear.

Both panels have encasing zippers and mesh material to stop anything you put inside from falling out, and the right panel has a small zippered compartment on the panel door. This is an excellent place for socks, underwear, or other smaller items you want to keep out of the main area. It’s about as tall as a hand, so it has a fair amount of room for storage.

Behind the panel door is a large storage area, although it isn’t very deep if you don’t have the pack extended out to 33 liters. The backside of this area isn’t flat due to the beefiness of the laptop compartment and back panel. It bulges out a little, which isn’t a huge deal unless you have something flat that you planned to sit against it. In that case, you might be better off placing it in the laptop compartment.

There aren’t any smaller zippered pockets on the left panel, which is a bummer, but we like that we can see everything inside the compartment through the mesh without opening it. This area is pretty amply sized but does share space with the shoe compartment, which can eat up a lot of real estate depending on what size shoes you have in there.

The shoe compartment does have two small hook and loop fasteners on it so that you can fold the…well, let’s just call it…shoe bag, out of the way while you don’t have shoes in there. The fastener has come unhooked a few times when other items get intermixed with the shoe bag, but that might say more about our packing than the construction of the pocket.

You can see the large and oddly shaped pseudo-hidden pocket we talked about earlier sharing space, too. With neither the shoe compartment nor the side pocket in use, there’s a ton of space here. Even with both in use, there’s still a fair amount of room, but not as much as it seems like there should be.

To put things in travel terms, with the shoe compartment and side pocket stuffed, there’s enough room for an extended weekend trip’s worth of clothes. When they’re both empty, there’s enough room for a weeklong trip’s worth of clothes. Your mileage will vary, but we feel this is a good metric for how much space there is available here.

Overall, we’re happily surprised how well the Incase A.R.C. Travel Pack performs. The zippers can be a little awkward to use considering how many there are and because they run underneath compression straps, but once you get that sorted out, there’s a ton of room for storage and gear. There isn’t a ton of internal organization even with the designated pockets, but that can quickly be shored up with a few packing cubes or pouches. One thing is for sure: you won’t need a separate laptop sleeve !

A.R.C. Travel Pack

Up to 16" MacBook Pro

A.R.C. Travel Pack - Smoked Ivy is backordered and will ship as soon as it is back in stock.

Sleek enough for business class travel, comfortable as a daily office go-to, and ready for a weekend trip, the Travel Pack is the ultimate tech and lifestyle crossover bag. A butterfly opening design allows for multiple compartments, while zippered mesh dividers and a dedicated shoe compartment ensure items stay neatly in place on-the-go. Additional laptop, tech, and water bottle pockets provide ultimate device protection and thoughtful organization.

• Sustainably designed with a mixture of 900D x 1200D recycled polyester, with the main fabric incorporating an exterior water-repellent coating to resist wear and stains.
• RFID-blocking tech compartment prevents digital info theft.
• Ortholite® Impressions foam on shoulder straps and back panel for breathability and comfort.
• Zippered laptop compartment fits up to 16” MacBook and up to 12.9” iPad.
• Butterfly opening gives full and easy access to large main compartment.
• Bacterial prevention on top and side handles, plus lining throughout bag.
• Dedicated shoe compartment.
• Expansion zipper unlocks increased storage space by 80 mm.
• Premium YKK® zippers, including YKK® weather resistant zippers on tech compartments.
• Proven high-performance Duraflex® hardware.
• Ergonomic sternum-strap makes the load feel lighter.
• Travel pass-through for secure roller-bag integration.
• Hidden storage pocket below the travel pass-through.
• Multiple internal zippered mesh dividers and pockets keep essentials organized.

19in x 13in x 8in, 25L *33L fully expanded* (L x W x H, V)

Recycled Polyester

Customer Reviews

I bought the previous iteration of this bag in 2015 (The EO). It has been an absolute TANK of a bag. Its seen over 20 countries and it has been remarkably durable. You can fit half your life in it. I am excited to buy this new iteration and I have no problem dropping money on a bag that can easily last a decade or more (My old bag is being inherited by my nephew). Now that it has a luggage strap, I just don't know of a better backpack anywhere else on Earth.

We are so glad to hear that you are liking the A.R.C. Travel Pack and it’s working out so well. Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review, to provide feedback and for being a loyal customer. We greatly appreciate it!

I bought the EO and the ARC. i travel for three or four days at a time. i can easily fit everything i need in the ARC. it’s also my daily carry. i sent the EO back. no doubt it has its place.

Ended up over-packing with this thing! There was literally more than enough space for a 3/4 day work trip, and they seemingly thought of everything!

Incredible quality, materials, and backpack overall! I absolutely also love the color I got as well!

I love this bag! It’s perfect for traveling and has many compartments. I also receive a lot of compliments.

Founded in 1997, Incase is a brand driven by design. We design solutions centered on protection and mobility to meet the evolving demands of today's creatives. Informed by the principles of good design, the ecosystem of bags and accessories we curate transcend both age and demographics. We provide the widest audience with the best possible experiences to keep ideas protected.

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First Ride: Yeti's 2021 ARC Hardtail

Cool Features

Yeti ARC Review

Get ready to embrace the trail in a whole new way – the Yeti’s Hardtail option is back. This is not just another hardtail; it is Yeti’s version of a hardtail. From singletrack to pump tracks, and even your bikepacking journeys, the Yeti Arc is a swift and responsive companion. Steeped in history, poised for new experiences, the Arc is waiting.

Table of Contents

The Yeti Arc isn’t a mere relic of the past; it’s a reimagination of what a trail bike can be. While it pays homage to its roots, this frame is far from stuck in the past. With integrated ISCG 05 tabs for chain guide compatibility, the Arc bridges the gap between the past and future innovation.

Step into the future with the Yeti Arc’s contemporary hardtail geometry. It’s a delicate balance of responsive maneuverability and rear-wheel traction, giving you the confidence to tackle any trail with finesse.

Trail-Ready Capabilities

The Arc takes hardtail performance to new heights, designed around a 130mm fork that transforms it into a trail dominator. Beyond the limitations of a standard XC race bike, the Arc conquers trails with finesse and power.

Tranquil Adventure

The Arc’s internally routed cable tubes, featuring secure closures, eliminate rattles and distractions. Additionally, a cutting-edge chain slap protector ensures that your ride remains a symphony of serenity.

New Features & Specifications

• Dual-Sided Downtube Mounts: Unlock the possibilities of extended rides and added gear with these mounts, allowing you to venture further and carry more.
• Full-Stroke Dropper Compatibility: The Arc accommodates dropper posts up to 200mm, giving you maximum flexibility for your riding style.
• Integrated ISCG 05 Tabs: The Arc embraces modern demands with integrated ISCG 05 tabs for seamless chain guide compatibility.

Yeti ARC Colorways

The Yeti Arc is available in 3 different colorways. Turquoise, Cobalt Blue and Rhino Grey, each reflecting a unique personality:

This is the classic Yeti color and there is no mistaking what bike you are riding. We think this color is best paired with orange accents.

Cobalt Blue

Looking for something less flashy? Cobalt Blue could be your option. This is a super cool, understated look.

Looking for something a little more soft-spoken? This could be your color. With Rhino Grey you can pair with just about any accent colors.

Yeti ARC Build Kits

Choose from a range of build kits that go from top of the line to frame only. Prices range from $8,400 for the complete works to $2,100 for the frame only.

Build Kit Overview

Drivetrain: The top two builds, T4 XX Transmission and T3 XO Transmission, have electronic shifting and the revolutionary SRAM Transmission drive train. When you move to the T2 & C2 builds you get manual or traditional shifting.

Suspension: The top 3 builds get you a Fox Factory Fork, while the C2 build is Fox Performance shock. Should be noted the C2 build has a Fox Factory upgrade for $600

Brakes: The T4, T3 & T2 have SRAM Level TLM brakes. The T3 and T2 have SRAM Level TLM Brakes and the less expensive C2 build has SRAM TL brakes.

Frame: All frames are TURQ Carbon. This is different than other bikes that offer both TURQ and C-Series Carbon.

Tires: All builds have a MAXXIS ASSEGAI 2.5 EXO+ up front and a MAXXIS MINION DHR II 2.4 EXO+ in the rear.

Build Kit Comparison Table

Build kit details, t4 xx transmission.

The T4 XX Transmission includes a TURQ Carbon Frame, 130 mm Fox Factory 34 Fit4, SRAM XX T-Type and Level TLM Brakes with a price of $8,400.

For this you get a top of the line bike with the best frame, the best drivetrain, the best brakes, the best dropper and the best of everything.

Upgrades – DT Swiss EXC 1501 carbon wheels are available for $1,000.

T4 vs T3 – When comparing the T4 with the T3 ARC build, you’ll spend an extra $1,500 for upgrades. The upgrades consist of switching from the XO Transmission to the XX Transmission, upgrading the Level TLM brakes to the Level Ultimate Brakes, and exchanging the Fox Transfer dropper with a Fox Factory Transfer dropper.

T3 X0 Transmission

The T3 X0 TRANSMISSION includes TURQ Carbon Frame, 130 mm Fox Factory 34 Fit4, SRAM X0 T-Type and Level TLM Brakes for $6,900.

T3 vs T4 – When comparing the T3 build with the T4 build, you save $1,500 and trade XX Transmission for XO Transmission. Level Ultimate Brakes for Level TLM Brakes and a Fox Transfer Factory dropper for the Fox Transfer dropper.

T3 vs T2 – When comparing the T3 build with the T2 build, you spend $1,100 more and get: Transmission Electronic shifting over standard XO1 shifting. Both have Level TLM Brakes and a Fox Transfer dropper post.

The T2 build includes a TURQ Carbon Frame, 130 mm Fox Factory 34, SRAM X01 Eagle and Level TLM Brakes for $5,800.

T2 vs T3 – When comparing the T2 build to the T3 build, you save $1,100 and get the standard XO drivetranin and shifting instead of the electric Transmission drivetrain. Both have the same Level TLM Brakes and Fox Transfer dropper post.

T2 vs C2 – When comparing the T2 build to the C2 build, you spend $1,200 more and get quite a few improvements. GX Eagle becomes XO Eagle, Level TL brakes become Level TLM brakes, a Oneup dropper becomes a Fox Transfer dropper and a Burgtec handlebar becomes a Yeti Carbon handlebar.

The C2 build includes a TURQ Carbon Frame, 130 mm Fox Performance 34, SRAM GX Eagle and Level TL Brakes for $4,600.

Upgrades – Fox Factory Suspension is available for $600.

C2 vs T2 – When comparing the C2 build to the more expensive T2 build, you save $1,200 and skip these component upgrades. No XO upgrade from GX Eagle, No Level TLM brakes you have Level TL brakes, and you get a Oneup dropper instead of a Fox Transfer dropper. The handlebar is a Burgtec alloy instead of a Yeti carbon.

The “Frame Only” option is the TURQ Frame with no components for $2,100.

Since it is just a frame without any components there is not much to compare. The price does give you a sense of how expensive the different builds will be.

Where to Buy

Immerse yourself in the Yeti Arc experience by visiting authorized Yeti dealers. Discover the perfect match for your trail aspirations and start writing new chapters of your riding journey.

Your Local Yeti Dealer

• Backcountry
• Competitive Cyclist

The Yeti Arc’s geometry is more than just numbers; it’s a meticulously crafted equation that unlocks the bike’s trail prowess. Designed to seamlessly blend agility, stability, and responsiveness, the Arc’s geometry invites you to conquer trails with confidence and finesse.

The Yeti Arc boasts a 29-inch wheel size, striking the ideal balance between rolling efficiency and nimble maneuverability. This choice ensures that you can smoothly navigate rough terrain while maintaining the ability to respond swiftly to trail nuances.

Reach and Effective Top Tube Length

The reach of a bike is akin to its cockpit length, determining how comfortable and maneuverable you feel while riding. The Yeti Arc offers various sizes with corresponding reach measurements:

• Small (SM): 16.5 inches
• Medium (MD): 17.5 inches
• Large (LG): 18.3 inches
• Extra Large (XL): 19.3 inches

The effective top tube length complements the reach, contributing to your comfort and control while steering through diverse trails:

• Small (SM): 22.7 inches
• Medium (MD): 23.8 inches
• Large (LG): 24.6 inches
• Extra Large (XL): 25.7 inches

Stack and Headtube Length

The stack height and headtube length work together to define your riding position. A higher stack provides a more upright posture, enhancing comfort during long rides or climbs. The Arc’s stack measurements for each size are as follows:

• Small (SM): 24.9 inches
• Medium (MD): 25.2 inches
• Large (LG): 25.4 inches
• Extra Large (XL): 25.8 inches

The headtube length determines the height of your front end and influences steering responsiveness:

• Small (SM): 3.7 inches
• Medium (MD): 4.1 inches
• Large (LG): 4.3 inches
• Extra Large (XL): 4.7 inches

Seat Tube Length and Angle

The seat tube length dictates your pedaling efficiency, allowing you to transfer power effectively. The Yeti Arc offers the following seat tube lengths:

• Small (SM): 15 inches
• Medium (MD): 16.1 inches
• Large (LG): 17.7 inches
• Extra Large (XL): 19.5 inches

The effective seat tube angle influences your seated pedaling posture and forward weight distribution, enhancing climbing performance:

• Effective Seat Tube Angle: 76 degrees

Headtube Angle

The headtube angle significantly affects how your bike handles on descents and technical terrain. A slacker angle provides stability at speed while sacrificing some agility. The Yeti Arc features a consistent headtube angle across all sizes:

• Headtube Angle: 67 degrees

Bottom Bracket Height

The distance from the ground to the bottom bracket impacts your bike’s stability and cornering capabilities. The Yeti Arc maintains a consistent bottom bracket height for all sizes:

• Bottom Bracket Height: 12.2 inches

Chainstay Length and Front Center

The chainstay length affects your bike’s responsiveness and balance. The Yeti Arc maintains uniform chainstay lengths across all sizes:

• Chainstay Length: 17.0 inches

The front center measurement is the distance between the front axle and the bottom bracket. It plays a crucial role in steering stability and weight distribution:

• Small (SM): 28.0 inches
• Medium (MD): 29.1 inches
• Large (LG): 30.0 inches
• Extra Large (XL): 31.1 inches

Wheelbase and Standover

The wheelbase encompasses the entire length of your bike and influences stability, while standover height determines how comfortably you can straddle the bike:

• Small (SM): Wheelbase: 45 inches, Standover: 28.5 inches
• Medium (MD): Wheelbase: 46.1 inches, Standover: 28.4 inches
• Large (LG): Wheelbase: 47.0 inches, Standover: 28.3 inches
• Extra Large (XL): Wheelbase: 48.2 inches, Standover: 28.3 inches

Axle to Crown and Offset

The axle-to-crown measurement represents the distance from your fork’s axle to the crown race seat. The offset affects how your bike handles by influencing trail and steering responsiveness:

• Axle to Crown: 21.4 inches
• Offset: 1.7 inches

Vertical Fork Travel

The Yeti Arc’s fork travel ensures smooth navigation over rough terrain, providing cushioning and control:

• Vertical Fork Travel: 4.7 inches
• Small (SM): Fits riders from 5’1″ to 5’7″
• Medium (MD): Fits riders from 5’5″ to 5’11”
• Large (LG): Fits riders from 5’10” to 6’3″
• Extra Large (XL): Fits riders from 6’1″ to 6’7″

Pros And Cons Of Yeti ARC

• Contemporary hardtail geometry for responsive trail performance.
• Trail-ready capabilities with a 130mm fork.
• Integrated ISCG 05 tabs for modern adaptability.
• Thoughtful features like internally routed cables and chain slap protector.
• Range of build kits catering to diverse preferences.
• Limited to hardtail experience, without full suspension cushioning.
• Specialized design may not appeal to all riding styles.

The Yeti Arc revitalizes the essence of trail riding, reimagining it for the modern adventurer. It’s not just about revisiting the past; it’s about carving new trails and reliving the passion that first ignited your love for the outdoors. The Yeti Arc seamlessly blends tradition and innovation, crafting a bike that’s not only a part of history but also a part of your future.

Answers to Common Questions

• Can I install a full-stroke dropper on the Arc? Yes, the Arc is designed to accommodate dropper posts up to 200mm, ensuring optimal adaptability for your riding style.
• Is the Yeti Arc suitable for aggressive trail riding? Absolutely. The Arc’s trail-ready capabilities and modern geometry make it a versatile companion for conquering challenging trails with confidence.
• Are there options for customization? Yes, the Arc offers various build kits that cater to different preferences and budgets, allowing you to tailor your bike to your exact needs.

Further Reading

For more in-depth insights, technical details, and user experiences, explore the Yeti Arc in greater detail through the following resources:

• Yeti Cycles ARC (Official Page)
• Yeti Arc Owner’s Manual
• Trail Rider’s Review: Yeti Arc vs. Traditional Hardtails
• Tech Talk: Exploring the Integrated ISCG 05 Tabs

I am Steven Johnson. All my life I have been riding bikes, even working as a bicycle messenger in Australia. I love riding road, mountain, single speeds, bmx, and everything else.  As a web designer, creating this site was a natural fit. If you have any questions please let me know.  Enjoy the site and Keep on Pedaling!!!

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Yeti Cycles ARC Review: The Mighty Hardtail MTB Returns

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The Alloy Racing Composite hardtail mountain bike launched the Yeti Cycles brand in 1985. But after a 4-year hiatus from the lineup, the ARC returns with a vengeance!

Back in the day, Yeti’s hardtail ARC, ARC AS, and ARC AS LT were the bikes to beat. They dominated in cross-country, downhill, and dual slalom racing with Missy Giove, Juliana Furtado, Kurt Voreis, and Miles Rockwell at the helm.

Then, in 2016, obsessed with its new Switch Infinity and full suspension, Yeti discontinued the ARC, much to the chagrin of Yeti fans. Swing by the Yeti HQ in Golden, Colorado, today and you’ll see the original ARC hardtail sitting in the lobby alongside a gallery of discontinued bikes.

Now, the ARC is back with 29-inch wheels — in full carbon, not alloy. The new bike mimics the feel of Yeti’s SB 130 and SB150, and it promises to be just as popular as the original ARC. The 35th-anniversary edition sold out in 12 hours. Now anyone can have one in standard Yeti colors and builds.

The ARC Is Back

According to Ryan “Rocket” Thornberry, Yeti Cycles bicycle category manager, although the last generation of the  ARC went away in 2016, the demand continued. This was especially true from Europe and parts of the U.S. that don’t have quite as much elevation as the Rockies, where Yeti is based.

Shorter travel makes some trails come alive and feel more fun. And there’s such a thing as too much bike for some trails. So when the trails you’re riding aren’t all chunky shelves and baby-head boulders, this bike will make you hoot and holler — and it won’t hold you back.

Yeti’s New ARC

“A hardtail is a completely different beast,” Thornberry said. “We started with the question, ‘What would be a hardtail that rides like a Yeti?’”

The team tried to build the ARC with the same geometry as its long-travel 29ers, but the rear wheel lost traction and the ARC didn’t have the calm, composed feeling of other Yeti bikes.

So Yeti engineers reined in the reach by 15 mm to control the rear end. This brought the rider’s center of gravity further back over the bottom bracket so you can use your legs as your shock when you’re descending and standing.

Because the Yeti family of bikes is all about ripping descents, the brand updated the ARC’s head tube angle from the original 70 degrees to a more downhill-oriented 67 degrees. Then, Yeti specced a Fox 130mm suspension fork with 2.6-inch tires.

Yeti ARC First Ride Review

To make sitting on the ARC feel the same as sitting on any other Yeti bike, the seated position is much the same as on an SB130 or SB150. The ARC’s top tube length is 604 mm (size M), which is quite close to the 602mm top tube length on those bikes.

The slack and stable 67-degree head tube and 76-degree seat tube angles put you into an efficient climbing position that lets you hammer Yeti’s lightest bike to the top of any climb.

It’s a hardtail, but it’s not a cross-country bike, and the ARC’s 2.6-inch tires reflect that. The ARC feels delightfully stiff without being jarring. On the trail, the bike was loose and playful, easy to maneuver, offered precise steering, and was so much fun. It was smooth and fast, with clean lines and an elegant simplicity unique to hardtails.

On technical rocky trails, the high-volume tires absorbed chatter and let me ride aggressively, airing over tabletops and boosting off kickers. As Yeti promised, it felt just like every other Yeti bike I’ve ridden when I climbed aboard. So I didn’t think twice about rolling g-out rock slabs and hopping over every feature I saw on the trail.

Adaptable ‘UDH’: Specs and Components

Riders who buy this bike will ask different things from it. Racers may use a large front chainring, for example. So Yeti used a 55mm chain line on the crank — a newish standard that lets the ARC accommodate more teeth up front — big tires, and a derailleur cable with Boost, not Superboost spacing. So if you were planning to upgrade your ARC with your existing carbon wheels, for example, you still can.

The ARC also specs SRAM’S UDH (universal derailleur hanger), which both SRAM and Yeti expect will be adopted globally across brands. This means that the next time you bend your derailleur hanger in Nepal, Quebec, Argentina, or Australia, you won’t need to find a Yeti dealer to buy a new one.

Because the brands predict all bike shops will carry UDH, Yeti plans to design it into future models as well. According to Thornberry, however, it can’t be swapped in retroactively on existing models.

Other cool features include a brake mount on the seat stay — an aesthetic, not a functional decision. Thornberry told me Yeti wanted to keep the brake tucked out of the way and keep the bike looking clean.

The bike uses full internal tubes for cables and ports, designed to prevent those cables from rattling. Buy a build with an AXS dropper or shifting, and the bike comes with port covers. An extra-thick-finned chain slap protector provides further noise reduction.

“These days bikes are so good that if a bike makes any rattling noise, you think the bolts are coming out,” Thornerry pointed out. “We did everything to keep this bike silent.”

Point Your Wheel Downhill and Let ‘er Roll

It’s a Yeti, and the brand’s superfans love to over-fork Yeti bikes. So we asked Thornberry if he expects the same on this hardtail, which already has a 130mm suspension — which to me, felt just right.

“Oh, yeah,” he said. “There’s a crew out there committed to ‘lunch riding’ everything we make. Check your social media feed . It’s only a matter of days.”

The ARC is simple and classic, and for me, riding a hardtail took me back to the origins of MTB and reminded me that you don’t need the most complicated tool for the job. Just get out there, point your wheel downhill, and let ‘er roll.

The new Yeti ARC is available in Carbon and Turq builds, ranging from $3,600 to $6,800. Find the full specs here .

Berne Broudy is a contributing writer at GearJunkie.com.

Broudy has been writing about cycling, skiing, and outdoor gear for more than 20 years. Before that, Broudy spent time guiding hiking and cycling tours in South America, Europe, and the U.S.

Based in Vermont, Berne Broudy is a core user of and expert in outdoor, cycling, and ski gear, as well as overlanding and powersports gear. She has been writing about outdoor products, business, and issues for more than 20 years. She has written and photographed for more than 20 publications and has served as a contributing editor at many of them.

Broudy currently sits on several nonprofit boards in her home state of Vermont. She is an avid mountain biker, gravel biker, backcountry skier, overlander, and adventure traveler.

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Yeti ARC — The King of Hardtail Mountain Bikes

The mountain biking scene has seen some major upgrades in the past 5-10 years, especially in the full-suspension division. Today, carbon and full-suspension mountain bikes dominate the market, but it is the hardtail mountain biking where it all once started out.

If you are interested to learn about one of the most iconic, most legendary hardtail mountain bikes around—the Yeti ARC—take a look.

Down below we’ll discuss why the ARC is still one of the greatest bikes out there.

Yeti ARC Review

Yeti ARC is a performance 29er carbon hardtail, built for either competing or for experienced athletes. The 130mm fork gives the impression of a trail or cross-country bike but don’t be fooled – this bike can take on gnarly downhill sections surprisingly well. By using your legs for the rear suspension rather than a shock, you get better control and handling at speed.

After halting production in 2016, Yeti bikes has now re-released the ARC for its 35th anniversary, celebrating over three decades of race-winning hardtail MTBs. Besides the $10,000 35th anniversary edition build, you can also choose from five different builds ranging from $3,600 to $6,900 in price.

What is so special about the ARC?

The Yeti ARC is a hardtail carbon fiber mountain bike, built on one of the lightest yet stiffest TURQ series frames. The ARC has had a legendary run in the past, and the latest model has seen various upgrades after the 4-year manufacturing pause.

The prices of the Yeti ARC start from $1,900 for the frame only  and $3,600 for complete builds .

Yeti has well managed to suit up the bike in colors and geometry which hide its utmost capability on single tracks. The look of the bike is rather vibrant and fun, not aggressive.

No doubt that there is a more suitable bike out there to increase and meet your limits. The ARC is Yeti’s only current hardtail, and there’s a lot to expect from such a prestigious brand. Not to sound too biased, but we must warn you that the bike is suitable for perfectionists who take no exceptions on quality.

Even their entry-level C3 TURQ carbon boasts a finely tuned and well-blended mixture of specially picked components that have passed the initial ‘trial and error phase’. The Yeti ARC history dates way back to 1993 when the early ARC models hit speeds of 60mph on Kamikaze DH events .

Why a hardtail mountain bike instead of a full suspension?

Although hardtail mountain biking is where it all started out, there is still a league of die-hard hardtail fans for a good reason. There’s literally no other bike to tackle those specific trails where you’d need as little give to the bike as possible.

That being said, the geometry of the carbon ARC is best-suited for such playgrounds, and it is one of the top recommendations one could ask for.

The responsiveness of picking sharp and direct lines on demanding trails is only achieved by a hardtail MTB and you simply can’t compare a sporty hardtail to any other bike on some specific trails – whether it is the 20ft gaps or bombing down a rutted trail, the ARC is built to hit demanding lines with the speed of a 29er.

We are not going to dwell on the ease of climbing, instead, hardtails are preferred by riders who like to stand on their feet and control the beast with little to no give when going down the line, fast!

The aggro characteristics don’t stop there as the 130mm front travel for a hardtail is a bold statement. Add the fact that it is made by Yeti, you are guaranteed to be a top-line performance-focused beast in your control.

Buy on JensonUSA.com

Yeti ARC Geometry

• Trail spec, All-mountain ready
• Headtube: 67°
• Seat Tube: 76
• Chainstays: 431mm
• Front travel: 130mm
• 29×2.6″ (Clearance of up to 29×2.8″)

The new Yeti ARC incorporates modern geometry to keep in line with emerging trends in the trail and XC mountain biking. The relaxed 67° headtube angle is just steep enough for the best pedal efficiency, while an effective 76° seat tube angle is steep enough for aggressive riding.

At 431mm, the chainstays create a suitably balanced ratio of handling and comfort, putting the rider in a better position of control over the rear wheel. The lowered 310mm bottom bracket also helps to provide more stability at speed, solidifying the ARC’s trailblazing personality.

With a lightweight carbon frame and no rear suspension, the Yeti ARC Hardtail weighs between 24 to 26.6 lbs (10.8 – 12kg). While not as light as some top-range carbon racing MTBs, this remains an impressive weight for a bike in its spec range. Unlike its predecessors, this anniversary edition Yeti ARC is designed as a limited-edition tribute, with fun in mind rather than a podium-winning, weight-watching design.

There are only 100 of the anniversary edition Yeti ARC’s available in the traditional turquoise and yellow color. You can also get the standard edition in raw carbon, and blue turquoise mix with five different build models. Sizes include Small, Medium, Large, and Extra large.

29″ Maxxis tires

The Yeti ARC features 29×2.6″ Maxxis Minion DHF tires on the front & 29×2.6″ Maxxis Rekon on the rear. The combination gives you the best grip upfront while providing additional surface contact on the rear for more speed.

Yeti ARC Size Chart

Luckily, choosing the correct frame size when buying Yeti ARC is super easy, thanks to the detailed size and geometry charts provided by Yeti.

S – 5’1″ – 5’7″ – [155 – 171cm]

M – 5’5″ – 5’11” – [165 – 180cm]

L – 5’10” – 6’3″ – [178 – 192cm]

XL – 6’1″ – 6’7″ – [186 – 200cm]

What is the Yeti ARC?

Yeti ARC is a performance 29er carbon hardtail mountain bike.

Built for either competing, or for experienced athletic mountain bikers who are looking for a top-shelf hardtail made by a boutique mountain bike brand .

What does the Yeti ARC stand for?

Yeti ARC stands for A lloy R acing C omposites and refers to the frame materials used to build the first ARC series bikes.

TURQ series carbon

The new Yeti ARC hardtail comes with several build kits, all of which use either standard carbon or TURQ carbon fiber frames and Fox 34 forks. The carbon fiber frames feature press-fit bottom brackets, internal cable routing, BOOST dropouts, and integrated derailleur hangers. You can also get two standard C1 or C2 carbon frame builds at a reduced price.

Why get a 130mm travel hardtail?

130mm of travel is relatively long for a hardtail bike, which offers certain benefits but also disadvantages. Naturally, you can attack larger drops with less chance of bottoming out but this also means you need the skill to take the impact on the back wheel. For this reason, a hardtail bike with 130mm of travel is aimed at a more professional level of riders with a decent amount of experience.

Why 29 instead of 27.5?

MTBs with 29″ wheels are designed to handle better at faster speeds, while 27.5″ bikes are more agile. If you are planning to do tricks or navigate down a tight, complex course, 27.5″ wheels could be better. However, for flat-out speed over rough terrain, 29″ wheels will provide a better experience.

Buy Yeti ARC

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About the Author

Sam Millers

One thought on “ yeti arc — the king of hardtail mountain bikes ”.

Bought a 2021 Arc C1, great bike for the first part of the short ride. Unfortunately, the seat stay cracked over nothing!

Going through warranty, but not impressed!

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An Attractive Upgrade: Ridge’s New MagSafe Collection

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Solve All Your Packing Problems With Ridge’s New Expanded Travel Collection

Riding hot on the heels of its hugely successful Ridge Travel Collection , Ridge further expands its line of functional, durable, and stylish travel gear to offer even more options when planning your next trip. The new additions include the Ridge Check-In Luggage, Ridge Weekender Duffel, and, by popular demand, the Ridge Personalized Logo Plates. Let’s check each out to see how they fit into the collection.

Ridge Check-In Luggage: Designed for the Long Haul

Serving as the perfect companion to the previously released Ridge Carry-On, the Ridge Check-In offers the same impressive materials that make its little sibling a fan favorite. Its exterior shell, measuring 26.5″ x 18.5″ x 10.5”, is crafted from German Makrolon polycarbonate—a material that’s 30% thicker than standard plastic shells and is highly flexible. This makes it nearly impossible to break and able to absorb energy from impact while staying lightweight.

The corners are usually the parts of the luggage that sustain the most abuse during transit, so it’s great that black anodized aluminum corner protectors reinforce the corners of the Ridge Check-In Luggage. Compared to standard plastic corners, they do a much better job protecting your luggage from rough handling. We’re also glad to see YKK Racquet Coil zippers keeping the case together. Zippers are the primary failure point for any luggage, and Ridge went with the best in the business to ensure smooth and reliable performance. Oversized 360° spinner wheels keep things moving smoothly even over rougher terrain, while two handles keep options open for vertical or horizontal carry.

Open it up, and you’ll be greeted by a 70-liter compartment lined with 200D nylon fabric. 200D nylon is often found in tactical vests because of its high tear strength, so you can expect the Ridge Check-In’s interior to serve you well for years. You’ll also find a removable compression panel with its own zipped pocket to efficiently use any available space and a zipped panel on the left side to make separating items more manageable and organized. And just like the Ridge Carry-On, the Ridge Check-In has a pocket for AirTags or any GPS tracker, so you’ll always know where your luggage is at any given time.

The Ridge Check-In Luggage is available for $445 USD in Matte Olive , Basecamp Orange , Alpine Navy , Royal Black , or Gunmetal .

Ridge Weekender Duffel Bag: Works Hard, Plays hard

If you’ve got several short trips planned after you reach your destination, it wouldn’t be practical to roll your belongings around with you, especially if you’re going camping or attending a sporting event. That’s where a duffel bag comes in. Lightweight and compact, duffel bags are still spacious enough for all your essentials for the weekend while allowing enough versatility for whatever comes your way. 

The Ridge Weekender Duffel Bag answers these needs and offers several convenient features for good measure. The exterior is made from a weatherproof 900D ballistic nylon shell held together by YKK AquaGuard zippers, providing excellent protection against the elements. It measures a compact 19″ x 19″ x 12″, so you can use it as a carry-on, while a removable shoulder strap offers customizable carry options.

You’ve got 32L of space inside, with the 210D antimicrobial nylon lining ensuring longevity and helping resist bacteria and mold, making it ideal for holding clothes that may get wet. Two mesh organization pockets keep essentials organized, and a dedicated pocket for AirTags or any small GPS tracker ensures you’ll always know where your luggage is. The Ridge Weekender Duffel Bag is available now for $195 USD.

Personalized Logo Pates: Make It Personal 

One of the more frustrating things that could happen on your trip is realizing that several bags look just like yours, and you’re left second-guessing which bag to grab from the baggage carousel. With Ridge’s Personalized Logo Plates, you’ll never have to worry about that again. Available in Royal Black , Hyper Lime , and High Dive Blue (made from 6061-T6 aerospace-grade anodized aluminum), Stonewashed Grade 2 Titanium , and Carbon Fiber 3k , the Personalized Logo Plates allow you to customize your Ridge gear with three characters, making it uniquely yours.

Each Personalized Logo Plate is compatible with any of Ridge’s travel bags, including the Carry-On , Check-In , Weekender Duffel Bag , Commuter Backpack 20L , and Travel Kit . They’re also scratch-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about them getting scuffed in transit. As a bonus, Ridge’s website even allows you to see what your custom text will look like before you purchase. The aluminum plates are priced at $25 USD, while the titanium and carbon fiber plates are priced at $30 USD and $35 USD, respectively. 

Ridge Frequent Flyer Kit: An All-in-One Travel Solution

If you’re new to the Ridge Travel Collection family, Ridge offers you a chance to purchase a complete travel system at a hugely discounted price with the Ridge Frequent Flyer Kit. It includes the Ridge Carry-On and Ridge Check-In bundled together for $550 USD, giving you a massive savings of $240 USD. You also get to add the Ridge Commuter Backpack for another 15% off, plus additional discounts on essential add-ons: the Ridge Packing Cubes, Hanging Airtag Holder, the Packable Backpack, and the Basecamp Orange Toiletry Bag.

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Made from recycled materials

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Tons of compartments

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RFID-blocking

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Looking for a great laptop bag , particularly for travel, that holds up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro ? Incase's ARC collection includes this nicely-sized travel bag that protects and carries your MacBook and much more. "ARC" stands for "A Responsible Carry," as the entire lineup is crafted from recycled polyester. The ARC collection uses RFID-blocking material, and it fights bacterial growth.

The Incase Travel Pack has a ton of compartments, including a plush laptop compartment and iPad sleeve. It can be carried horizontally (briefcase-style) or vertically. In addition, it can be carried as a backpack with memory foam padded straps. The bag can also be slipped onto your suitcase handle with a strap on the back.

Incase Travel Pack: Price and availability

You can purchase the Incase Travel Pack on the company's website in either Black or Navy. It retails for $229.

Incase Travel Pack: What's good

The Incase Travel Pack is made from a durable, water-resistant 900D-by-1200D recycled polyester. The handles and interior material fight bacteria growth. The tech compartments use RFID-blocking material, so you don't have to worry about digital theft. The back panel and shoulder straps are made from Ortholite Impressions memory foam, making this bag a comfortable carry. A sternum strap across the chest helps balance the load and makes carrying this bag backpack-style even more comfortable. A travel pass-through on the back of the bag makes it easy to slip on your expanded luggage handle. A small secret zippered compartment for your valuables is nestled behind the pass-through.

There are so many compartments that will help you organize your tech gear and plenty more. An expansion zipper gives you 3.15 inches (80 millimeters) more depth in the bag. The main compartment opens up butterfly-style and has two main zippered compartments with mesh flaps to keep your clothing and other personal items in place. There is even a separate shoe section.

This is a great laptop briefcase backpack for the environmentally-conscious traveler.

The laptop compartment is lined with a wonderfully furry fabric to cradle your precious laptop. It will comfortably hold up to a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Next to that is a slim iPad sleeve; it'll hold up to a 12.9-inch iPad Pro. A good-sized tech compartment in the front is further divided into smaller sections to organize your chargers, dongles, and more. Finally, a zippered closure on the side could hold a water bottle, umbrella, or similarly-sized item.

While the Incase Travel Pack is not advertised as such, I measured it and found that you could use this as a personal item on most airlines, so you don't have to pay the carry-on fee for it. It should work as long as you don't pack it too full or use the expansion zipper, but I'd recommend taking measurements and checking them against your specific airline's rules before booking your airline ticket.

Incase Travel Pack: What's not good

This is a pretty pricey bag. There are certainly cheaper and perfectly good laptop backpacks on the market. This one is specifically for someone traveling with tech who wants to travel very light, or someone traveling with other luggage that wants to maximize the use of their personal item.

The squared-off style is neither a full "business briefcase" nor "casual backpack" look but somewhere in between. As a result, the look won't appeal to everyone.

Incase Travel Pack: Competition

If you're in the market for more of a briefcase-style bag, check out the Harber London Laptop Briefcase . It's a classy, elegant leather bag with handles and a long strap that can be carried over the shoulder as a messenger bag. In addition, it has plenty of compartments for your 16-inch MacBook and much more.

The Waterfield Mezzo Laptop Backpack is one to consider if you want a straight-up backpack that's upscale enough for business use. It also accommodates any size MacBook up to and including the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Waterfield makes lots of very nice bags in all shapes and sizes.

Incase Travel Pack: Should you buy it?

You should buy this if ...

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This is an excellent purchase for someone who needs a tech bag with plenty of compartments for your MacBook, iPad, and all your other tech stuff and personal items as well. It's also great for the environmentally conscious since it's made out of recycled polyester. However, if the style and features don't appeal to you or the bag is out of your budget, you'll have to look for something else.

The Incase Travel Pack is an excellent purchase if you're in the market for a bag like this. It can be carried four ways: horizontally by the handle at the top, vertically by the handle on the size (briefcase-style), as a backpack, or slipped onto your extended suitcase handle. There is a compartment for just about everything you'd need, including an exceptionally plush one for your 16-inch MacBook Pro or smaller laptop. In addition, it's made from sustainable recycled polyester and has RFID-blocking and bacteria-inhibiting properties. While the price and style won't necessarily appeal to everyone, this bag is a great investment.

Bottom line: Feel good carrying this well-designed laptop briefcase backpack.

Karen is a contributor to iMore.com as a writer and co-host of the iMore Show. She’s been writing about Apple since 2010 with a year-long break to work at an Apple Store as a product specialist. She's also a contributor at TechRadar and Tom's Guide. Before joining iMore in 2018, Karen wrote for Macworld, CNET, AppAdvice, and WatchAware. She’s an early adopter who used to wait in long lines on release days before pre-ordering made things much easier. Karen is also a part-time teacher and occasional movie extra. She loves to spend time with her family, travel the world, and is always looking for portable tech and accessories so she can work from anywhere.

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The Ark Encounter: An Honest Review (2022)

Earlier this year I reviewed Ken Ham’s first Family Homeschool Experience at the Ark Encounter. My focus was primarily on the event, but today I would like to discuss the Ark Encounter as a destination. WARNING: I’m going to be absolutely honest and not sugarcoat anything. This is, however, my opinion. You can take it or leave it. All right. Let’s jump in.

The Ark Encounter Vs. Disney World

Ken Ham has been pitting the theme park giant, Disney World, against his Ark Encounter. He claims families are cancelling their vacations to Disney World and coming to the Ark Encounter instead. In fact, he insists his attraction is a better value and vacation, overall.

I’m sorry, Mr. Ham, but we have to get real here. The Ark Encounter and Disney World face-off is a total apples to oranges comparison. I cannot imagine telling my children we are going to Disney World and then switching it up on them to the Ark Encounter.

Disney features two huge pools, two mini-golf courses, themed hotels with numerous amenities, immersive theming throughout four theme parks, more rides and experiences than any family could accomplish in a week. On the other hand, the Ark Encounter website suggests dedicating approximately six hours to the experience. My kids would be crushed if I took away a week-long trip through nostalgia and amusement and replaced it with a day trip.

Am I saying Disney World is better or the Ark Encounter is not awesome? No. Though, I recommend that Ken Ham stays in his lane in the world of destinations and attractions. He’s setting up inflated expectations which can taint the experience at a perfectly lovely place.

Why Choose The Ark Encounter Over Disney World?

Despite my misgivings about Ham’s insistence on positioning himself as a competitor to the Mouse House, I don’t disagree with his call to ditch Disney. There is something more under the surface at Disney than many of us realized. Actually, I’m not sure it’s really “under the surface” any longer.

Listen, I am a 90’s Disney kid. I love the movies from my youth, and Mickey bring a smile to my face. My family and I have been to Disney World twice, and I had more fun than I knew was possible on a family vacation. Then, not long after my second trip, Disney stopped playing like it cared about families or children. The content aimed at children on Disney+ has become more LGBTQ+ heavy, and the theme parks are embracing immorality and price gouging.

I haven’t cut Disney out of my life, but I definitely have a hard time with the idea of dropping oodles of money on a trip to theme parks run by a company that is actively acting against my children through indoctrination. Ken Ham makes a good point when he suggests Christian families ought to invest their money in Christian businesses and spend time together enjoying the truths of God’s Word together.

So, what do you get if you decide to do that and visit the Ark Encounter?

Ark Encounter Lodging

There is no Ark Encounter lodging, so to speak. Any visitors needing accommodations will have to find lodging in the area on their own. This is easy and difficult…it just depends on your needs.

A small group or family will not have a problem, unlike large groups. As a larger family, though, we have found that to be true in most cases when we travel. In speaking to many women on this topic, I find families commonly utilize vacation rental sites such as Vrbo and Airbnb. As far as cost and space are concerned, they are your best options.

The main challenge is the location. The Ark Encounter is in the middle of nowhere. If you are hoping to get up and be there in a couple of minutes or not even have to drive, then you might be disappointed because it is slim pickings nearby. On the other hand, Cincinnati, OH with all kinds of lodging options is about forty minutes away by car. My family doesn’t mind that drive, but for some that may feel tedious.

Ark Encounter Parking

Allow me to offer a word of caution. If you think you might want something with you while you visit the Ark Encounter, then bring it with you. You will not be trying to get back to your car once you arrive on the property. The only way to leave the parking lot and enter the attraction is by bus. The drive is super short, but it’s a whole thing with waiting and everyone getting settled in. There are also lines galore to get into the Ark Encounter, and you’d have to navigate that to return with the items from your car.

Surprisingly, the busses were efficient and frequent. The drivers were all incredibly friendly, and the busses were quite clean. In my visit, they were even short-staffed on drivers. So, I would love to see how much better the bus experience could be with enough drivers because I already thought it was well done.

As with all things, nothing is free. Parking will run you $15 a car and $20 for an oversized vehicle. The parking lot opens about thirty minutes before the Ark Encounter opens, and the line to get in backs up quickly. Also, it is worth noting that the road is small and if the gate is closed when you arrive (i.e., you’re too early like I am to everything ), there’s nothing for you to do but turn around and putz about until the gate opens.

Ark Encounter Tickets

I’m torn on the ticket prices. On one hand, they need to make money so they can operate, but on the other hand, it can add up quickly. However, this year (and last) the tickets had a great deal for families with young children. Typically, anyone four and under is free, but ten and under are currently free. We didn’t even run into the common fine print restriction of one free child per paying adult. Four of my five children were free.

Currently, there are three ticket options. Remember, under standard pricing only children four and under are free.

$54.95 (18-59)

$44.95 (60+)

$24.95 (11-17)

FREE (10 and under)

Ark Encounter/Creation Museum Combo Tickets

$84.95 (18-59)

$74.95 (60+)

$44.95 (11-17)

3 Day Bouncer Tickets (gives a week to enter either attraction three separate days)

$99.95 (18-59)

$89.95 (60+)

$49.95 (11-17)

Ark Encounter Food

Speaking of prices… The food pricing is where the Ark Encounter goes off the rails for me. How can I really be mad about it, though? Food at tourist attractions and destinations always costs too much. The Ark Encounter fits right in. In my review of Ken Ham’s Homeschool Experience , I talked about a $9 salad that consisted of iceberg lettuce and a handful of vegetables. I’ve had entire meals of the same quality for a similar price. Options, though, are in the Ark Encounter’s favor, so long as you visit when the options are open. Smaller food vendors are closed during the slow season.

Now, take a look at the options available for meals and snacks. I’ll comment in detail on the places I tried.

Emzara’s Kitchen

Emzara’s is the only sit-down restaurant option, and it’s a buffet. That’s great news to a lot of people, but I’m less inclined to want to eat at a buffet than most people I know. I rarely eat enough to make it worth the price, and that was no different at Emzara’s.

$16.99 (11-59)

$14.99 (60+)

$8.99 (5-10)

FREE (4 and under)

My family of seven with a free child ended up a little over $80. That isn’t out of the ordinary for buffet pricing, but it felt excessive given the lack of food options and mediocre quality.

The food was basic and not particularly flavorful. The meal was not memorable aside from feeling disappointed and hungry because I didn’t find enough food I wanted to eat.

I should be transparent here, though. I’m a picky eater, and I don’t enjoy heavy and/or fried foods when it’s hot. And, oh, was it hot! I saw plenty of people enjoying their meals, and my husband said he liked it. My guess is most people would find a meal at Emzara’s perfectly acceptable, even good. If you’re trying to eat healthier, though, you will probably struggle to find enough to eat at this location.

One of the positives to Emzara’s is the size. It has two levels, and there is ample seating. Large parties like mine had no trouble finding a table. One note I would give is to eat earlier or later than the typical meal time to avoid crowds. Because it is the only sit-down restaurant, nearly everyone will be heading there at some point.

The rest of the restaurants I mention are either outdoor food stands or are located inside a gift shop.

This location sells burgers, hot dogs, pizza, and breadsticks. We tried the pizza because with five kids, it seemed like a safe choice. I was wrong. It was probably the worst pizza I have ever eaten. My kids were even unenthused about it, and they will eat cauliflower crust pizza! Essentially, it tasted like cheap frozen pizza.

Southwest Grill

We ate here twice because our family can almost always find something to eat when the menu is Mexican food. All the food here is easy to carry (e.g., walking tacos, street tacos, and taco bowls), and this a good thing because other than two or three tables nearby, there is nowhere to sit.

The Village Smokehouse

My husband ate the brisket here, and he said, “It was as good as barbecue is going to be if it’s not at a barbecue joint.” I think that means he liked it. Along with the brisket, this location sold pulled pork and beef sandwiches.

Village Ice Cream and Sweets

There was no ice cream when we visited the Ark Encounter. This shop was open, but all the store offered was Italian ice. My kids liked it, but it was disappointing to find no ice cream at a place with “ice cream” in the name.

Various Snack Stands

There are stands for salty and sweet treats. Think funnel cakes and pretzels.

Uncle Leroy’s Fudge

This was located inside the Ark Encounter gift shop. The gift shop and, consequently, Uncle Leroy’s fudge was always busy. I didn’t see one frown from anybody leaving with their treat. Overall, it was a crowd pleaser.

Kezia Coffee

The coffee is what I am most concerned about on any trip. Where will I get it, and will it be good? That might sound a little high maintenance, but our last vacation trip featured a Keurig inside the hotel bathroom just a couple of feet away from the toilet. Ladies, the struggle is real.

The coffee tasted good, service was fast, and the prices were no different than any other coffee shop.

My food review sounds more negative than I meant it to. It’s just that I personally loathe dropping so much money on food that is lackluster and forgettable. This is especially true when I feel like I can’t leave to get food elsewhere without it being a huge inconvenience. I felt like we were over a barrel in the food department.

The website says you can’t bring food inside, yet a I saw many (most?) families with packed lunches and snacks. My suggestion is to bring snacks and a light lunch in a backpack. Save your money for souvenirs or special treats…like coffee.

The Ark Encounter’s Main Attraction

Lodging, parking, tickets, and food are a part of anyone’s trip to the Ark Encounter, but the ark is why someone goes there. So, what is it like?

The big reveal is awesome. It is, funnily enough, reminiscent of Cinderella Castle’s reveal on Main Street at Disney World. In both cases, you arrive, and the attraction is out of sight until it appears and just blows the onlookers away. The ark is hidden behind the trees along the road the busses take to the Answers Center (where the busses drop visitors off), and at the end of the trip the ark is suddenly completely visible. And it is jaw dropping.

I admit it; I got teary when I saw it the first time. Seeing something from biblical history brought to life like that was overwhelming. God‘s plan for Noah and to save mankind is on full display, and every Christian should have the chance to see it.

Inside The Ark

Walking into the ark begins with a thunderstorm. My kids thought that was a fun and immersive way to enter the ark. The storm sounds gave the impression that time was running out to get on board. Before going inside, though, you get stopped by a line of photographers. This, to me, is like the credit card push at the cash register of every Kohl’s. “No thanks” is met with bewilderment and insistence. My advice? Just pose for the picture, even if you hate being photographed.

The inside of the ark is a museum with ramps that take visitors up to the various decks. Some of the exhibits include how they fit the animals, the Noah’s Ark story across children’s books, why the ark had to be built exactly the way it was, the ark’s living quarters, and different flood stories from all over the world.

The two most notable exhibits to me included the gospel presentation videos and man’s decent into evil. There are two videos shown on the ark with the same actors playing similar characters in each short movie. The first video takes place while Noah is building the ark. The second video is set at the Ark Encounter. The second video, especially, does a solid job giving a clear gospel message. That is due, in part, to Ray Comfort giving the presentation. Take the time to watch these.

The exhibit of man’s fall into evil is both well-done and comes with a warning. The imagery and artwork used to depict what the world could have looked like in Noah’s time is beautiful and heartbreaking. What kind of terrible things might mankind have been up to that would lead God to flood the planet? This exhibit shows some of what that could be. But don’t worry. There isn’t anything in the exhibit that is inappropriate for children to see. The warning, though, is that it is not entirely factual. Scripture was used to create this exhibit, but this entire section of the ark is based on what could have been . ( For the record: There is a sign saying as much.) Even so, keep in mind that Ken Ham’s Ark Encounter is not a replacement for God’s Word.

Quick Facts

1. The ark gets busy and stays busy most of the day. Knowing that, prepare to wait and walk behind slow walkers. There’s so much to see that only someone like me would power walk through it.

2. Reading is a major element of the ark experience. This doesn’t mean: ark = bad. Just be prepared to read a lot or miss reading a lot because your kids don’t want to stand there. You know your family. Plan accordingly.

3. Kids will love it! I have read articles that claim the ark is wasted on young kids, but my younger kids thought it was cool. They had plenty to see and we engaged with them while we went through the exhibits. They needed us to explain things as we went along. Be your child’s tour guide, and have fun!

4. Have a plan for the gift shop. Like any attraction, the exit is through the gift shop. It’s large. Stuffed toys are in plain sight, and they are right next to Leroy’s Fudge and the coffee. So, bring lots of money or blindfolds for the children.

The Ark Encounter’s Ararat Ridge Zoo

As in all things with the Ark Encounter, I must encourage you to manage your expectations. For some that isn’t necessary, but if you grew up near a large zoo like Brookfield Zoo or San Diego Zoo, then Ararat Ridge Zoo will come across more like a petting zoo. Nonetheless, my family liked it a lot.

The zoo didn’t only have typical animal exhibits. The Ark Encounter also took the extra steps to include a fossil find and camel rides and feedings. The camel rides have limited hours, so keep an eye on that. The most impressive part of Ararat Ridge Zoo is the staff. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and more than willing to answer questions and engage with the visitors. Not to mention, they obviously love these animals and point back to Christ in their conversations about them.

Ark Encounter Playground

This might be weird to say, but I think the playground was the highlight of the trip for me. It was beautiful, clean, safe, and huge. All my children were able to find ways to be engaged and have fun. Plus, after reading a thousand exhibit placards, most kids need a place to expend some of that pent-up energy.

Truth Traveler: A Virtual Reality Experience

I get motion sick easily, so I avoided this “ride.” My family, however, all went on it. They reported back that it was really fun. The show includes seeing the ark get built, experiencing the flood, and going inside the ark. My kids ran out of the theater with huge smiles and telling me everything they saw. My husband enjoyed it, too, and he said he thought I probably wouldn’t have gotten sick. I didn’t risk it, though…

Keep in mind this experience is not included with the cost of entry.

$14.99 (11 and up)

$9.99 (10 and under)

Screaming Eagle at the Ark Encounter

Want to zip line, complete an aerial course, or experience a free fall? Screaming Eagle located at the Ark Encounter can offer all that for a price. For example, the zip line course ranges from $59-$139 and lasts 1.5-3.5 hours. During our visit in May, this never seemed too busy.

Carousel: Journey Of The Animals

This is a brand new attraction at the Ark Encounter. It was not completed yet when we were there in May 2022, but Ken Ham was already incredibly excited about it and anticipating the delivery from Italy. The website quotes him on his thoughts about the carousel.

“This will be an amazing teaching carousel with lots of artwork and signage about the flood account in Genesis and the animal kinds on the ark. Families will love it! I believe it’s going to be extremely popular and another great addition to our family playground area at this world-class Christian themed attraction.” Ken Ham

The carousel rides are included in the cost of entry and last two minutes. It can seat thirty-seven people and has space for six extra riders if they stand.

Final Thought

I was hesitant to share this review of the Ark Encounter because I have rarely, maybe never, heard or read a Christian give it any criticism whatsoever. But I just don’t think that’s particularly helpful. Overall, I highly recommend a visit to the Ark Encounter, but I also believe we should walk in with realistic expectations.

Ken Ham is constantly making improvements and working toward making it an even bigger draw, and I am happy hear it. I think it will be a destination worthy of repeat visits one day, but for now I cannot see a reason to go more than once unless there is an event for which to visit. Ham is actually doing a great job in that arena. Visit the Ark Encounter site and you can find events scheduled for men, women, mothers and daughters, pastors, homeschoolers, Christmas, musical acts, etc.

As for me, I really enjoyed my trip to the Ark Encounter, but I think the things I liked best were related to the Homeschool Experience being hosted there. I would not hesitate to visit again, but I would rather pair my visit with an event or program. My opinion, for whatever it’s worth, is to head to the Creation Museum if you’re limited on time or funds, but check out the Ark Encounter if you can.

Have you been to the Ark Encounter? What did you think of it?

You can see my review of the Creation Museum HERE .

Image courtesy of Elias Null via Unsplash.

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28 comments.

All amusement parks are very expensive thanks to labor and insurance. Great review. I’ve never been there and you have a very thorough explanation of what to expect. I don’t like crowds and lines so I probably wouldn’t go .

Thanks. Most reviews I read gave me no real idea of what I would experience. All I heard was how great it was. I think I expected it to be less like an “amusement park” and more like the Creation Museum. And that’s fine…but it’s nice to know.

Primrose Rhoden

I would really love to go and take my mom for Mother’s Day or an upcoming holiday. Thanks for the info.

I think you’ll all enjoy it. If possible, every Christian should go and see it in person. It’s so cool when the Bible can come to life like that.

Carolyn Jett

This is more of a question – are small dogs allowed (even in an enclosed stroller)?

The only animals allowed (aside from their zoo animals) are certified service animals. Good question!

karen brown

I am looking forward to taking my husband and step son who are new converts to Christainity.

Amen! I’m so excited for them! God is so good! Have a great time when you go. I’m sure it will be a blessing to you all.

I live perhaps 35 miles or so from the Arc. I loved your review and your honesty. The only thing I would add is this; while you are correct that it is in a very small town with not a lot of accommodations-it is not necessary to leave the state and cross the bridge into Cincinnati. In fact, that could put a damper on the entire experience depending on the time of day. You will find plenty of lodging in Florence or Erlanger KY. Also, plenty of places to eat (mostly in Florence). There is also a large shopping mall in Florence if you need anything and at least a dozen places to eat on Mall Rd alone. All levels of lodging and dining. Just my 2 cents. I’ve live in the area for 70 years. Again, great review.

Thanks for the tips! I really appreciate your input.

Marie G Tuttle

I am wondering if there is a way that someone who requires a scooter to get around can come to the Ark Encounter? It looks like it would be possible, but still I would need to know as I am 83 years old and cannot walk any distance. I would appreciate a response.

You can definitely use a scooter at the Ark. Wheelchairs are available for rent for a $12 fee. They also have ECVs for a $38 rental fee, but the number is limited.

Donna M. Santangelo

Yes, you can rent a scooter while you are there. Many people use scooters.

Montag Shannon

What a bunch of crap and waste of time on an imaginary, invisible Sky Daddy. Poor kids.

You don’t have to feel bad for my kids. They had a great time. And they can’t wait to return and “waste” some more time on our Creator and means of salvation.

You should read my testimony. The link is at the top of the page. Thanks for your contribution. 🙂

Do you feel that one day or three day pass is better with you ger kids (4&6)? Deciding on which to do….. Your review was great and I have taken it all in for our visit next week!

I honestly believe one day at the Ark Encounter will be enough time, assuming you don’t drop in after lunch or something. However, if you are wanting to see the Creation Museum, too, then you’ll need a day at each one.

I’m glad the review helped!

Jean hendricks

Just went to the Ark Encounter. What i found amusing is that there was a video in one of the upstairs rooms about a reporter fromPITtabloid going to check it out to see if it was a money grabber. How funny since this is exactly what it is. The experience was awful. The people were rude. Felt like a bunch of cattle being herded. Making it more like a crappy theme park then a religious experience. The only thing missing was a Ripleys believe it or not! Everything was overpriced as in most gift shops. Will tell everyone i know to avoid this less than religious experience. Save your money but dont spend it at woke disney either

I went when it was off-season and for a homeschool conference. So, my experience was less crowded, and I had the benefit of workshops to attend. I wondered what busy days would be like… I’m sorry it was such a letdown.

One thing I have to 100% agree with is that it didn’t feel like a religious or spiritual experience. It definitely felt like a tourist destination. This is one of the reasons I recommend the Creation Museum over the Ark every time. Yet, nearly everyone I encounter speaks about the Ark as if it’s on par with a trip to Israel. 🤨

Thanks for sharing your experience. God bless.

I wish I had seen your review earlier. We did the ark yesterday and the creation museum today. Both days were extremely crowded and frustrating (which I should have considered since it’s a holiday weekend). We live just outside Disney World and share your thoughts on their decline and on the lack of comparison between these two experiences.

I do wish The Ark would adopt some of the policies Disney has on strollers and wagons. Both locations are just too crowded with tight walkways to have large strollers. I have a son with autism and I was also disappointed there didn’t appear to be any accommodations for those with special needs. In order to give him quick breaks away from the crowds and constant waiting, I asked to use the stairs at the Ark but apparently guests aren’t allowed to use them. At the museum, the only options were turning around to go against traffic or just trying to get passed people in front of you.

I strongly suggest attending both of these places later in the afternoon. In our experience, it was much less crowded. We are also picky eaters and I second the suggestion of bringing snacks with you to The Ark. No one checked our bags and we were forced to buy food we weren’t excited about because we followed the rules.

I absolutely agree with everything you said. I hadn’t thought about disability accommodations, but you’re right. Thanks for sharing your experience. It’s a great place to visit, but there are some things that can make it better or worse. I think your thoughts will really help future visitors!

Dennis Bast

There is an HOUR n Half line to leave. There is only one way out via bus with no option of walking path to get back to our car. I would walk the half mile and beat any bus… after a lovely day and all we enjoyed this really ruins my experience. Especially with kids needing food and tired after a long day!!! Feel held captive for the hour n half standing in the longest line!!! Please Ark encounter, save on the cost of gas and invest in a walking trail for people to walk back to the front!!!!

I agree. I don’t like feeling like I can’t leave a situation with ease, and I would have enjoyed a nice walk back to the car as opposed to waiting around for a bus. I suppose they have safety reasons for this, or maybe they just want you to hang around in the store for a little bit while you wait… I’m glad you enjoyed your experience, otherwise.

Julie Oliver

Julie triner-oliver.

Hi Julie! My name is Julie also! I accidentally came across the ARC ENCOUNTER…. and you, while browsing around! Love your site! But… sad to say I have never heard of the Arc Encounter, nor have any of my friends or family. I’m very upset by this because after reading your reviews, I have become very excited about this place! It’s far from where I live, Reno Nevada, but I can’t wait to plan a future trip there! I haven’t even gone to their site yet to learn all about it, that’s next! My whole point in writing to you… I guess… is just to say… Something has got to be done about this! I believe that so many people would gladly forego Disneyland for the Arc Encounter… IF they knew it existed! Thank you for the picture you painted! I’m off to their site to SEE what it’s all like!

I’m glad you know about it now. 😀 It’s definitely worth the trip.

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Ark Encounter

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Ark Encounter - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Mon - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
• (0.19 mi) Sunrise Inn Williamstown
• (0.21 mi) Hampton Inn and Suites Williamstown Ark Encounter
• (0.35 mi) Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Williamstown
• (0.38 mi) See why everyone loves it here! 1.5 miles to Ark.
• (0.10 mi) Cedar Valley Resort
• (0.34 mi) El Jalisco Mexican Restaurant
• (0.89 mi) Emzara's Kitchen
• (4.02 mi) Beans
• (2.17 mi) Edwardo's Pizza & Subs LLC
• (4.04 mi) LaRosa's Pizza Dry Ridge
• (0.06 mi) Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures
• (1.44 mi) Stage Right Theatre Company
• (0.81 mi) Frank Webb Memorial Park
• (1.27 mi) Patriots Landing Kentucky
• (4.14 mi) Brad Brown Comedy Magic Show

Table of contents

ZPacks Arc Blast Backpack Review

Some of the links on this page are affiliate links

The ZPacks Arc Blast is one of the lightest and most comfortable backpacks I’ve ever taken on the trail. At a mere 16.4 ounces, the ZPacks Arc Blast is an ultralight backpackers dream come true.Its minimal, carbon fiber frame provides airflow to your back, which is an uncommon benefit for ultralight packs. The design of the pack is simple, making it convenient and easy to use. Large hip-belt pockets and shoulder strap pouches are an additional benefit that should not be passed up. The Arc Blast is an exceptional blend of toughness and simplicity that will greatly reduce your pack weight.

ZPacks owner, Joe Valesko, is a seasoned thru-hiker and triple crown backpacker. He knows his stuff and his company has an excellent reputation for customer service. If you’re an ultralight backpacker in need of a pack upgrade, I highly recommend the ZPacks Arc Blast. For more information on critical considerations for backpacks and our recommendations, check out our Best Lightweight Backpacks page.

Quick Specs

Zpacks Arc Blast

Price: $375

Weight: 19.9 oz.

Capacity: 55L

Lightweight

• Comfortable
• Minimal frame
• Hip pockets
• Shoulder strap pouch
• Custom made
• Not great at carrying heavy loads
• Sometimes equipment pokes back
• Water bottle holder material
• Not the most stylish
• Shoulder strap twists

Not the best in the rain

• Wait time to purchase

This pack is light. And I mean light. 16.4 ounces is featherweight. And it really feels that way on your back. At 16.4oz, this bag is about as light as they get.

Comfortable & breathable

The shoulder straps and hip belt have excellent padding. They are very comfortable and have added stitching to increase durability. The hip belt on this pack isn’t as rigid as many pack belts tend to be. The advantage of this is increased comfort around your waist, but this style won’t be ideal for heavy loads and rigid hip support. The Arc Blast frame design really is quite smart. It allows for airflow to your back, which will help control your body temperature and reduce back sweat while you hike. You also won’t need to rely on a foam pad for back support, like many other UL packs. If you prefer to sleep on air pads, this frame design will help reduce unnecessary back padding weight.

Minimal Design

The clips and straps on this bag are small and light. They seem a lot more minimal than other packs I’ve used and they are probably not as tough. That being said, I think a good balance was struck in this area. If your gear is light, you won’t need heavy straps on your pack. I was worried at first that the straps and clips were too small, but I quickly changed my mind once I got this pack on the trail.

Durability is another area where I think this pack is deceptive. At 16.4oz with a minimal frame and strap design, I was worried that this pack wouldn’t be able to handle the toughness of the trail. So far it has crushed my expectations. I’ve logged about 250 trail miles with this pack and it looks like it has a ton of life left in it. I don’t think it will be as durable as some other UL packs and it definitely won’t be as durable as a traditional backpack, but I would absolutely feel comfortable taking this pack on a thru-hike without hesitation. Treat it with care and it’ll last a long time.

Hip belt pockets and shoulder strap pouch

The optional hip belt pockets (extra cost) on this pack are roomy. ZPacks updated their hip pockets in April, so I haven’t had a chance to use the new pocket design, but it looks very similar to the old design with a few improvements. The hip belt pockets are now waterproof, which is a great touch. They are also latched with a simple clip now, which is another improvement.They are still quite large, which is great for carrying easily accessible gear, but they can get in the way of swinging arms while you hike. I ultimately didn’t find this to be an issue, but it was annoying at first and it took a little while to get used to. I wouldn’t ever backpack with a pack that didn’t have hip belt pockets, so I’d definitely recommend adding a pair to your order.

I would also highly recommend adding one shoulder strap pouch (extra cost) to your order. I found wearing one shoulder strap pouch to be incredibly useful. I’ve been looking for a better spot on my pack to store my camera and sunglasses for a long time. I want them to be easily accessible and always in a safe place, especially when my pack is resting on the ground. I found that adding a shoulder strap pouch was the perfect solution to my problem. My camera and glasses are always safely suspended in an easy to reach position.

Size & capacity

The size of this pack is also quite appropriate for ultralight pack users. It’s a slim pack, so it won’t hold as much gear as other pack designs. I found the 52L model to be an appropriate size for all of my UL gear with five days of supplies and plenty of room to spare. ZPacks also offers a 60L model, which is a bit bigger for users who are concerned with space. If you’re an ultralight backpacker that knows how to pack light, I’d recommend the 52L size. If you’re transitioning to UL backpacking and are nervous about needing more space, get the 60L pack.

The main downside to this bag is probably the price. Cuben fiber is an excellent material to use for UL backpacking gear, but it is very expensive. One of the main reasons that this bag is so light is because it’s constructed with cuben fiber. So, there’s really nothing that ZPacks can do about the price, it’s just the tradeoff for working with UL materials. Though it will surely be too expensive for some, I still think it’s well worth the investment.

Not great for carrying heavy loads

Another downside to the Arc Blast is its size and load carrying ability. This is not a downside for most ultralight backpackers; in fact, it’s exactly what we’re looking for. But for traditional backpackers, an ultralight bag can sometimes be a tough transition. The Acr Blast will carry a light load exceptionally well, but if you’re planning on carrying a lot of weight, I wouldn’t recommend it.

Sometimes Your Equipment can poke your back

The design of the Arc Blast is great for increasing airflow to your back while you hike. This is an important feature, especially if you sweat a lot on the trail. You will still have to pack your bag carefully because poorly packed equipment can poke you in the back while you hike. The Arc Blast now has two horizontal bars on the frame, which will help provide more space than the model I am using.

The Arc Blast pack I tested was not seam-taped for water protection, but cuben fiber is a waterproof material. When it rained, water would run through the seams (especially through the bottle holders) and get into the bag. It’s uncommon to find waterproof backpacks, so this wasn’t the biggest deal to me. I almost always line the inside of my pack with a trash bag when it’s raining, even if my backpack claims to be waterproof. It’s just not worth the risk of getting your gear wet. Now ZPacks tapes the seams of the Arc Blast for added water protection. My guess is that this makes a big improvement, but I would probably still line the inside of my bag in a rainstorm.

Wait time to purchase gear

ZPacks is a small company, which comes with certain advantages and disadvantages. They build their products on demand, constantly innovate, and do excellent custom work. The downside is that they often have long wait times for their products. The current wait time for this pack is 4-5 weeks. It’s not always that long and they will do their best to get you your gear ASAP. Joe is very good at responding to personal requests, so don’t hesitate to send them an email if you have questions. I think their products are well worth the wait and I enjoy supporting small businesses that are doing good work.

Bottom Line

I don’t often find backpacks that are extremely light, comfortable, and tough and that’s why the Arc Blast makes our list of Best Lightweight Backpacks .

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Microsoft Arc Mouse Mouse Review

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a good ambidextrous travel mouse, but it isn't well-suited for other uses. It offers excellent portability, with a lightweight, compact design, and it supports Bluetooth connectivity, so you don't have to worry about losing a receiver. It's decently comfortable, but might be a bit too small if you have extra-large hands. Unfortunately, this isn't a very good mouse for gaming, as it has very high click latency and only one programmable button.

Our Verdict

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is a decent office/multimedia mouse. It has decent ergonomics and fits most hands, but it might be a bit too small if you have extra large hands. It has decent build quality, with no significant issues, and it has excellent portability, great for taking with you in a laptop bag.

• Excellent portability.
• Lightweight design.
• Limited number of buttons.
• Limited companion software.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is inadequate for FPS gaming. It has very high click latency, and it can't be used wired for lower latency. Although it has decent ergonomics, it might not be comfortable for longer play sessions or if you have extra-large hands.

• Very high click latency.

Unfortunately, this mouse isn't a great choice for MMO gaming. It has very high click latency and only has one programmable button. The available software also has very limited options. It has decent ergonomics but might not be a good choice for longer gaming sessions.

• 6.5 Video Games (FPS)
• 4.6 Video Games (MMO)
• 5.5 Raw Performance
• Updated Jan 05, 2024: We've updated the CPI graph displayed in the Sensor Latency section of this review. Our results remain the same, but these graphs have two new columns with results from the Delay At Half Movement and Delay To End Of Movement tests.
• Updated Dec 07, 2023: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.5. This update adds a new Main Button test group, which provides button actuation data and switch information. We've also made minor changes to how we calculate the Office usage score. For more details, you can see our full changelog here .
• Updated Jul 14, 2023: We've added a link to the newly-reviewed Logitech M240 in this review's Hand Size Recommendation section.
• Updated Dec 09, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.4. This update modifies our Hand Size Recommendation test, adding a more granular hand size recommendation chart. We've moved several minor tests into different test groups, removed the Travel usage, and added a new Raw Performance usage. For more details, you can see our full changelog here .
• Updated Sep 06, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.3. This update adds a new Sensor Latency test and makes minor changes to several of our existing tests, resulting in test result changes in several sections. For more information, you can check out our full changelog here .
• Updated Aug 09, 2022: Following the update to Test Bench 1.2, some of our test results have changed within both the Weight and CPI sections. We've added or modified some of the text in this article to clarify these changes.
• Updated Aug 01, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.2. This update simplifies our Weight test and expands on our CPI test from Test Bench 1.1, resulting in changes to test results in both sections. For more details, you can see our complete changelog here .
• Updated Jun 15, 2022: We've updated this review to Test Bench 1.1, which revamped our click latency test methodology. We've updated the text to reflect our new results in various sections, including the Click Latency test box, Usages, Introduction, and other locations where we discuss click latency.
• Updated May 30, 2022: We've converted this review to Test Bench 1.1. This update revamps our Click Latency test and results in changes to test results. For more details, you can see our full changelog here .
• Updated Oct 05, 2020: Converted to Test Bench 1.0 .
• Updated Sep 16, 2020: We've added the mouse's dimensions when it's in its curved shape.
• Updated Dec 20, 2019: Converted to Test Bench 0.8.1 .
• Updated Dec 11, 2019: Review published.

Compared To Other Mice

The Microsoft Arc Mouse has a very unique design. It's good for travel, and its snap-to-power-on feature hasn't been tested on any other mice we've reviewed so far. It connects via Bluetooth to your source and needs AA batteries to work. It's a great choice for light productivity work and everyday browsing. However, the click latency is significantly higher than most mice, and its max CPI settings and polling rate are very low, so it isn't a suitable choice for gaming.

For other options, see our recommendations for the best wireless gaming mouse , the best wireless mouse , and the best gaming mouse .

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is better than the Apple Magic Mouse 2 . The Microsoft is meant for use with a claw grip, and you can also use it with a palm grip. It also has dedicated software where you can adjust its CPI and program one button. On the other hand, the Apple mouse is designed for people using the fingertip grip, and it's a better-built mouse.

The Logitech MX Master 2S is better than the Microsoft Arc Mouse. You can use the Logitech with its proprietary receiver or through Bluetooth, has more customization options, and has a scroll wheel. However, the Microsoft is lighter, making it easier to carry around.

The Logitech MX Master 3 is much better than the Microsoft Arc Mouse. The Logitech is better-built, it offers better comfort, it has a scroll wheel, and it has many more programmable buttons. However, the Microsoft mouse has an ambidextrous design, and it's lighter to carry around.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse has a better overall performance than the Logitech Pebble M350 since you can customize its settings a bit, but its unique design might not be suitable for some. On the other hand, the Logitech can be used with a receiver and via Bluetooth and has a lower click latency.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse and the Logitech M240 are basic, compact wireless mice. The Microsoft has an arc shape that collapses flat for better portability. It doesn't have a conventional scroll wheel but rather a tactile surface that registers swiping gestures for scrolling. On the other hand, the Logitech has a more conventional rounded shape and a normal scroll wheel design. Additionally, its left- and right-click buttons are also quieter.

Test Results

The Microsoft Arc Mouse has a very simple, compact design. When traveling, it collapses to a flat shape for better portability. It's available in a variety of different colors depending on the retailer.

Update 09/16/2020: Some of our readers have requested the mouse's dimensions when it's in its curved form. The length is 11.2cm and the height is 3.21cm when it's in the 'On' position.

The Microsoft Surface Arc Mouse has outstanding portability. When collapsed to the "off" position, it easily fits in your pocket or a bag. If you want a more typical-designed mouse that is travel-friendly, take a look at the Logitech Pebble M350 .

Decent build quality. The clipping mechanism used to lock the mouse into a flat or arched shape feels well-built, but the latex material that covers the back portion of the mouse could be more susceptible to wear-and-tear.

This mouse is fairly light in its default configuration. The Lowest Weight result is achieved using lighter lithium AAA batteries rather than standard AAA batteries.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse has an ambidextrous design and decent overall ergonomics. It can't be used with a fingertip grip but is otherwise comfortable for most hand sizes. If you're interested in a mouse with a more conventional shape that still offers impressive portability, check out the Logitech M240 .

The Microsoft Arc Mouse can only be used over Bluetooth. There's no traditional on/off switch; instead, the mouse can only be turned off by snapping it to the flat position.

This mouse doesn't come with a cable, as it can't be recharged, and it can't be used wired.

• Microsoft Arc mouse
• User Manual

This mouse has a limited number of buttons, which is okay for traveling. It recognizes certain gestures, including a three-finger click, which can be programmed to do almost anything. The left and right mouse buttons can also be swapped, depending on which hand you use. If you're looking for a Microsoft mouse with more programmable inputs, check out the Microsoft Sculpt Ergonomic Mouse .

This mouse has poor click latency, and it's quite inconsistent. You likely won't experience noticeable delays while using this mouse for everyday browsing or productivity tasks. However, it isn't suitable for gaming use, especially for reaction-based or competitive games.

Although there's no physical mouse wheel, the Microsoft Arc Mouse recognizes gestures for vertical and horizontal scrolling. For a travel mouse with a more conventional design and a scroll wheel with L/R tilt buttons, check out the Logitech M525 .

The available Microsoft Mouse and Keyboard Center software works well, but is only compatible with recent Windows PCs, and has limited options.

The Microsoft Arc Mouse is fully compatible with Windows PCs, but some functions don't work properly on macOS, including the three-finger click, which isn't supported at all.

Panasonic Arc6 review

A premium shave for a premium price.

TechRadar Verdict

The Panasonic Arc6 is very, very expensive. But, if you’re willing to splurge, then it’s worth it. It performs wonderfully for wet-shaving and is okay for a dry shave – and it comes with a number of excellent features, including a self-cleaning station that makes a morning shave as easy as it can possibly be.

Easy, smooth-shaving experience

Feature filled

Self-cleaning

Very expensive

Not great for dry shaving

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

• Price & availability
• Performance

Should I buy?

One-minute review.

Calling the Panasonic Arc6 a piece of art might be hyperbole. But, there’s a reason it comes bearing a price tag that’s higher than some models of laptop. This is an elegant piece of personal grooming kit, which has been thoughtfully designed so that not only is it straightforward to use, but also delivers the kind of shave that will see you dismiss the competition.

That said, not everyone will be drawn to such an expensive tool. After all, you’d be buying disposable razors for years before you’d cover the cost of the Arc6. Even when comparing this model to the previous flagship, the Panasonic Arc5, you’ll be spending twice as much. Of course, you get six blades instead of five as well as a self-cleaning station – which, in our opinion, sets the Arc6 above.

As we dig deeper into how the Arc6 performs, hopefully the reasons that it carries such a hefty price tag will become clear, not least the inclusion of that self-cleaning charging station. Besides, this is an investment piece, the kind of device that should last you through years of use, somewhat offsetting that high initial outlay. If you’re willing to pay the price, you might want to consider skipping even the best beard trimmers and electric razors for the Panasonic Arc6.

Panasonic Arc6 price & availability

• List price: $499 
• Only available in the US

There have been two bundles of the Panasonic Arc6 available since it first launched in June of 2022. The cheaper one, the ES-LS8A-K, comprises just the shaver itself and is still pretty pricey at $399.

The ES-LS9A-K, on review here, costs more at $499 / £499; but includes a self-cleaning charging station. If you were already budgeting around $400 / £400 on your shaving solution, then we suggest spending a little extra for that charging and cleaning convenience.

Of course, justifying that price may prove difficult. After all, you can buy a razer for a couple dollars / quid, with some decent electric shaver options also coming in for a tenth of the price. We do believe the Arc6 is worth the money; but the price of entry means it isn’t a great value proposition.

Value: 3.5 / 5

Panasonic Arc6 design

•  Comes with a self-cleaning charging station that’s worth the extra cost 
•  The Arc6 is big but ergonomic  
•  Comes with six blades for shaving duties 

Here are the specifications for the Panasonic Arc6: Recommended uses: Wet Battery life: 50 minutes Battery type: Rechargeable Accessories: Self-cleaning charging station, travel case, lubricating oil, brush, detergent packet Weight: 0.5lbs (0.23kg)

As previously mentioned, the ES-LS9A-K configuration of the Arc6 is essentially a bundle. So, on opening the box, we were pleasantly surprised to find the Arc6 shaver accompanied by a self-cleaning charging station, a charging cable, one packet of special detergent for the cleaning station, a small bottle of lubricating oil, plus a small brush for cleaning away excess debris. The shaver also arrives in a nice, leather carrying case.

Regarding the charging station, it’s a bit bulky – but sturdy and light. There are four LEDs across the top: Status, Low, Clean and Dry. A select button next to them allows you to turn on the cleaning and/or drying function.

A button on the side of the station allows the chassis of the station to pop up, revealing a compartment in which you can insert the detergent with some water to use the self-cleaning function. We particularly liked this station; along with making charging easy, since it’s also a dock from which to charge the Arc6, the extra spend is warranted to upgrade what is already an expensive shaver to a more functional setup.

Our only real complaint is that Panasonic only includes one packet of that special detergent. While it does last six months, you’ll have to order more when you need a refill from a third party retailer from Amazon . A single packet starts at around $15 / £11 is you're to buy direct from Amazon .

The Arc6 shaver itself is a fine bit of kit, even without the charging station. It’s pretty big at 6.77 inches long (17.2cm) but its grip is ergonomically shaped to fit comfortably in the hand. Three sides of the handle are covered in a textured rubber that helps it feel secure in the hand, while the front of its handle is home to the power button as well as an LED display. This panel displays battery life remaining as a percentage, as well as some “check engine” type symbols to let you know if the device requires charging or cleaning, whether it’s locked into place, and if the blades need checking.

The Arc6’s head – which comes with a guard to keep out random debris –  is free-moving with a decent amount of tilt and swivel. Behind the head, you’ll find an attached trimmer with a sliding button below it. When you move that button up one setting, it locks the head into place. Move it once more and the trimmer will pop out – perfect for anyone who waits three weeks before shaving.

Probably the most important feature here, however, is the six-blade system that’s meant to deliver a smooth, clean shave. Of the six blades, made of hypoallergenic steel, two are finish blades, two are lift blades, and two are thick-stubble blades. It may be tough to distinguish what each blade is doing, but they’re tough without being rough on the skin. In addition, having so many blades contributes to how quickly the Arc6 gives a clean shave.

Design: 5 / 5

Panasonic Arc6 performance

•  Wet shaving delivers a smooth and clean cut 
•  Dry shave performance isn’t the best 
•  The Arc6 is super-easy to clean 

Panasonic advertises the Arc6 as delivering “84,000 cross-cutting actions per minute” and that the head moves in “22 independent directions.” While we can’t count that fast, it does shave down to a babyface fairly quickly. On regular stubble and even a few days of growth, using the Panasonic with some shaving gel or cream achieved great results very quickly.

As we do have somewhat thicker stubble, even using the Arc6 for a wet shave but without any shaving gel resulted in a good, quick shave – but it wasn’t as close; there remained a little bit of a five o’clock shadow.

Now, Panasonic also advertises this as a wet/dry shaver. While we had no trouble using the trimmer on a dry beard to get short enough to shave – we wouldn’t recommend using the trimmer to shape a beard; we found that we had to move very slowly with a dry shave, so that hairs wouldn’t catch. In fact, it was slightly painful trying to shave this way. Again, we do have somewhat thicker stubble; but we’d primarily recommend using the Arc6 as a wet shaver.

When it comes to cleaning the Arc6, there are two ways to do this. Using the charging station is incredibly easy: simply dock the shaver and press a button. Of course, it’s pretty loud for the 10 minutes it’s cleaning, but this switches to a low hum for the following 50 minutes of drying time. But at least it’s a set-it-and-forget-it solution.

However, for those occasions you’re on the road with the Arc6, without the self-cleaning station (or you opted for the shaver unit-only), it remains easy to clean. You can use regular hand soap directly on the blades; hold down the power button for a couple seconds, then remove the outer foil that houses all the blades for rinsing, alongside the inner part of the Arc6’s head. All in all, Panasonic has made everything simple and straightforward.

Performance: 4.5 / 5

Panasonic Arc6 battery

The Arc6 arrived without any charge. Having set up the charging / self-cleaning station and putting the Arc6 in its cradle, the shaver took a little under an hour to reach a full charge.

Since you can view the shaver’s charge level on its LED display, it’s easy to keep tabs on the battery. A regular shave – going from a couple days’ growth to a clean, smooth face – will use around 15% of the Arc6’s battery. Our first use brought the battery life down to about 65%, as we had to use the trimmer first to get the beard to a reasonable length for shaving. We also tried shaving dry, then wet, and then wet with shaving gel – in all instances, the Arc6’s battery drain of similar level was reasonable. And, once back in its charging station, it was back to 100% in about 10 minutes.

Battery: 5/5

Panasonic Arc6 score card

Buy it if....

You’re willing to splurge

This is a feature-filled shaver that will have your face baby-smooth in no time at all – but you have to pay quite a lot for it.

You want to makes things easy

Yes, you can achieve a clean shave for a fraction of the price, but the Arc6 comes with a trimmer, the ability to charge quickly and is self-cleaning, too.

You want a smooth, quick and close shave

As long as you use water and some gel or cream, you can achieve a close, smooth shave super-quickly.

Don't buy it if...

You’re on a budget

If you like to save money, it’s tough justifying a price tag of around $500 / £500 when you can spend a tenth of that on a basic electric razor.

You want a dry shave

While the Arc6 can be used for a dry shave, it functions best with water and some shaving gel or cream, especially if you have thicker stubble.

• First reviewed: October 2022

James Holland loves audio gear! So much so that he covers all the ins and outs, good and bad for TechRadar and T3. Where does that so-called expertise come from? Not only is he a lifelong music-lover but he also works in the music industry and is a musician. When not testing headphones or listening to music, he loves to travel, rage at the latest PC games, and eat off-the-beaten-path but not too off-the-beaten-path food.

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Dell XPS 13 and XPS 14 review (2024): Gorgeous laptops with usability quirks

What will you pay for pretty laptops.

Say farewell to the classic XPS 13, and say hello to the spiffy new XPS 13. Dell surprised us at CES by bringing the modern (and somewhat controversial) design of 2022's XPS 13 Plus to its entire flagship lineup, which now includes the larger XPS 14 and 16 models. With this new design, they all have invisible haptic trackpads hidden beneath the glass-covered wrist rest, a capacitive top row of function keys (which can instantly switch to media controls), and wider gap-less keyboards that have no spacing between keys. But do those upgrades actually make them better computers than Dell's previous XPS lineup? Well, it really depends on how much you like the way they look.

When I reviewed the XPS 16 last month , I was impressed by its sheer power and attractiveness, but its high price and a few quirks made it a tougher sell than the XPS 15 that came before it. The same is mostly true for the XPS 13 and 14. The smaller model is basically just the XPS 13 Plus with a new Intel Core Ultra 7 chip. The XPS 14 is far more intriguing, since it aims to pack in the power of the XPS 16 without being so damn hefty. I’m reviewing them together because they're gunning for a very similar audience: People who demand both speed and portability. Choosing between them comes down to how much power you actually need and how much weight you're willing to deal with.

Dell XPS 13 (2024)

Dell’s latest XPS 13 is stylish, portable and powerful. You’ll have to get used to some of its design quirks, though, and it’s far pricier than older models.

• Attractive and modern design
• Solid performance for an ultraportable
• Excellent keyboard
• Gorgeous display
• Invisible trackpad leads to usability issues
• Function keys disappear in sunlight
• Trackpad feels sluggish at 60Hz
• Could use more ports

Dell XPS 14

Dell’s XPS 14 is a beautiful and powerful MacBook Pro competitor, though you’ll pay for its modern design with usability quirks and a higher overall price.

• Fast performance
• Gorgeous OLED screen
• Attractive modern design
• Trackpad sluggish at 60Hz

Just like their larger sibling, both the XPS 13 and 14 are gorgeous to behold. They're exercises in minimalism, with all-aluminum cases (available in light or dark variants) and clean layouts around their keyboards. And yes, their displays also have razor-thin bezels, something Dell popularized with the XPS line over a decade ago. Rather than try to stand out with extraneous features like dual screens or a plethora of LEDs, the XPS 13 and 14 make more of a statement by what they don't have: visible trackpads and dedicated function keys.

Like the XPS 13 Plus, this year's XPS 13 only carries two USB-C sockets and no other ports — no dedicated headphone jack, not even a dedicated charging connection. But hey, at least Dell put its USB-C ports on opposite sides, something I'd still like to see on the MacBook Air. If you want any other additional connectivity, you're probably better off with the XPS 14, which has three USB-C ports, a headphone jack and a micro-SD card slot. Professionals would be better off with a full-sized SD card reader, though, and it would be nice to have an HDMI port like the MacBook Pro 14-inch.

Dell XPS 14 rear shot

Dell XPS 13 and 14

Dell XPS 13

Dell XPS 13 keyboard

Dell XPS 13 side profile

Dell XPS 14 from the front

Dell XPS 13 USB-C port, micro-SD card slot and headphone jack

Dell XPS 14 keyboard view

Dell XPS 14 case top

Weight is the most obvious difference between the XPS 13 and 14: the smaller model comes in at 2.6 pounds (slightly less than the MacBook Air), while the XPS 14 is noticeably heftier at 3.7 pounds. (Dell is following Apple's product strategy a bit, as the 13-inch MacBook Air weighs 2.7 pounds and the MacBook Pro 14-inch sits between 3.4 and 3.6 pounds.) The XPS 13 and 14 are both easy to carry around all day, but the one-pound difference could make the larger model more annoying if you're trying to travel light.

Still, the XPS 14 justifies its additional heft by cramming in more hardware. It can be equipped with NVIDIA's RTX 4050 GPU (running at 30 watts), and also features more robust cooling, which allows it to reach a higher maximum thermal envelope of 47 watts. The XPS 13, on the other hand, can only hit 28 watts of sustained performance. Even though both machines use the same Intel Core Ultra CPUs, you'll end up seeing far better performance from the XPS 14 for prolonged workloads like video encoding or 3D rendering. (Again, that's much like the difference between the MacBook Air and base configuration MacBook Pro.)

The XPS 14's 14.5-inch screen is an inch larger than the XPS 13's, which makes it more comfortable for multitasking with multiple apps or working on media timelines. No matter which model you choose, though, you'll get a bright and immersive image, along with thin bezels that Apple still can't touch. Both computers offer a variety of viewing options: the XPS 13 can be equipped with Full HD+ (1,920 by 1,200 pixels, non-touch), Quad HD+ (2,560 by 1,600) or 3K+ OLED (2,880 by 1,800), while its larger sibling gets Full HD+ (non-touch) and 3.2K+ OLED (3,200 by 2,000) screens..

Dolby Vision is standard across the board, but you'll only get 100 percent DCI-P3 color gamut coverage with the pricier displays. You'll also get up to 120Hz refresh rates on all of the screens, except for the XPS 13's OLED, which maxes out at 60Hz. (I'd recommend avoiding that option entirely and going for a high refresh rate LCD, which will ultimately deliver a smoother image.)

Both the XPS 13 and XPS 14 I reviewed were equipped with Intel's Core Ultra 7 155H CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The XPS 14 also had NVIDIA's RTX 4050 GPU, while the smaller laptop relied on Intel's built-in Arc graphics. As I expected, they didn't differ too much when it came to CPU benchmarks like Geekbench 6. But the XPS 14 was twice as fast as the XPS 13 in the Geekbench 6 Compute test, which relies on the GPU for more intensive work. That NVIDIA hardware also helped the XPS 14 be more than three times as fast as the 13 in the Geekbench Machine Learning GPU test.

While the XPS 14 is far from what I'd call a gaming laptop, its NVIDIA GPU also let me play Halo Infinite in 1080p with medium graphics at 40fps. That's not exactly my ideal Halo experience, but hey, it's playable. In comparison, the XPS 13's Intel Arc graphics barely managed to sustain 25fps. The RTX 4050 GPU is mainly useful for media creation on the XPS 14: I was able to use Handbrake to transcode a 4K clip into 1080p in 26 seconds, whereas that same task took 36 seconds on the XPS 13.

I had no trouble with my daily workflow on either machine, but I enjoyed carrying the XPS 13 around town far more than the XPS 14 simply because it's lighter and easier to maneuver. I could slip it into a tote bag without a second thought, bring it to Starbucks and get up and running easily. Thanks to its additional bulk and weight, II sometimes had trouble stuffing the XPS 14 into the same bag amid the accoutrements of parenthood. This won't be much of a problem if you're using a backpack (and not trying to fit in kids' toys and snacks), but it was a reminder of how useful a sub-three pound notebook can be.

Much like the XPS 16, I enjoyed typing on Dell's lusciously wide keyboards. The large key caps are easy to hit and they have a satisfying amount of key travel. The keyboard is more visually impressive on the XPS 13, since it stretches completely edge-to-edge, while it's flanked by speakers on the XPS 14. The capacitive function keys are fine most of the time, but they still disappear in direct sunlight and other bright lighting.

And then there's the trackpad. By now, I'm used to Dell's invisible design, and I also appreciated the increased size of the XPS 14's trackpad. But it still takes some adjustment, especially for newcomers. I've also noticed that it's sometimes tough to find the line that separates left and right clicks, which led to a few frustrated attempts to copy and paste links from Chrome.

Now that I've experienced Dell's invisible trackpad and capacitive function row across four machines, I'm even more convinced they're a mistake. Sure, they look cool and help Dell stand out in the dull world of Windows laptops, but that doesn't justify the usability issues. On the XPS 13 and 14, I also saw fraction-of-a-second delays while swiping around Windows. The problem went away when I forced both machines to run at 120Hz, but that also uses more battery life than running at 60Hz. It almost feels like I'm trying to swipe through an additional layer of glass. I noticed the same issue on multiple XPS 13 and 14 units, but Dell tells me it hasn't been able to replicate any slowdown in its labs. The company will be doing a further investigation into our review units, and I'll report back later on what it finds.

As for the rest of their hardware, both the XPS 13 and XPS 14 feature solid 1080p webcams with Windows Hello support for facial authentication. You can also use Windows Studio Effects during video chats to blur backgrounds and adjust your gaze, thanks to the NPUs in Intel’s new Core Ultra chips. Their 8-watt speaker setups sound fine for watching YouTube videos or playing a bit of background music, but they’re not nearly as impressive as Apple’s notebooks. There was also a surprising battery life gap between both machines: The XPS 13 lasted 13 hours and 15 minutes in PCMark 10’s Modern Office benchmark, while the XPS 14 ran for just four and a half hours. You can chalk that up to its beefier GPU, as well as its larger screen.

Another downside to the XPS 13 and 14's spiffy look? Higher prices. The XPS 13 now starts at $1,399 with the configuration we tested, while the XPS 16 starts at $1,699. (Our review unit would cost $2,399, thanks to its NVIDIA GPU and OLED screen.) I'll give Dell credit for making 16GB of RAM standard, instead of 8GB like previous models, but for the most part you're paying out the nose to have a prettier trackpad. Is that really worth it? Dell's pricing is particularly wild when you consider you can nab an M3 MacBook Air for $1,099 and a 14-inch MacBook Pro for $1,599. Sure, you'll also need to add $200 to get 16GB of RAM, but even the base configurations are faster than Dell's laptops.

While there’s a lot to like about the new XPS 13 and XPS 14, we can’t recommend them as easily as Dell’s earlier XPS generations. They look attractive and perform well, but that comes at a cost for usability, battery life and, well, actual cost . Simply put, you’re paying more for pretty machines.

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Intel Arc A750 Review

The ultimate budget graphics card

It might not be the fastest GPU out there by any measure, but the Intel Arc A750 delivers incredible value for the money. You can easily pick one of these up for a low price right now. Across all of our test suites, at 1080p, it goes way over 60 fps under some serious load.

• Incredible value for money at 1080p
• Decent performance at 1440p too
• Acer card is super quiet
• 8GB VRAM will be limiting later on
• Card design could use work

Key Features

• Alchemist Architecture Intel’s utilizing its Alchemist architecture for the A750 which features a mix of traditional GPU hardware, alongside more modern Ray Tracing units as well.
• 8GB VRAM The A750 houses 8GB of GDDR6 memory at its core, on a 256-bit bus, making it ideal for 1080p and 1440p gaming.
• Intel XeSS Thanks to a whole armada of Tensor cores in the A750, Intel has developed its own form of AI upscaling, similar to DLSS , called XeSS.

Introduction

Intel’s Arc A750 is a phenomenal piece of engineering, and a fantastically affordable graphics card, ideal for 1080p gaming. It’s remarkable just how far Intel has come in such a short time frame, in what’s arguably one of the most difficult computing segments to break into. Arc , at the low end, is nothing if not impressive.

Utilizing TSMC’s N6 7nm manufacturing process, the GPUs feature a mix of traditional rasterization hardware, running alongside, dedicated Ray Tracing and Tensor hardware. This massively helps leverage modern graphics techniques, combined with AI sophisticated upscaling to deliver solid gaming performance across 1080p and 1440p.

Intel’s initial lineup includes three separate divisions of Arc GPUs, Arc 3, Arc 5, and Arc 7. The two most interesting cards of the lot, are the A750, which I’m reviewing here, (initially priced at $289), and the A770, (available in two variants, an 8GB and 16GB for $329 and $349 respectively).

• Alchemist architecture debuts with solid manufacturing process
• Pricing is insanely competitive
• VRAM could be a limiting factor later down the line

Unlike Nvidia and AMD, it’s quite challenging to analyze these cards from a purely hardware or spec perspective, as there’s no prior generation to compare it to, and the architecture is vastly different to the likes of Team Red and Green. The cards entirely live and die based on their relative performance to the competition. 

Intel’s built out its Alchemist architecture to function as a modular chiplet design, rather than a monolithic style, similar to how AMD builds its top-tier GPUs. This gives Intel a slight edge, as it allows them to effectively scale up the card to any size and performance variable they want, without increasing complexity by any huge margin outside of power and temperature demands. It also makes it more cost-effective, and easier to manufacture as well, which is incredibly important, given how expensive GPU R&D is.

At its heart, the A750 features 28 Xe cores, comprised of 3,584 shading cores, 192 texture mapping units, 112 ROPs, and 28 ray tracing units. Those ray tracing units feature 896 Tensor cores, 448 execution units, and 7 render slices total, giving the A750 plenty of hardware for dedicated AI upscaling.

Intel also built the Arc Alchemist series on the back of the PCIe 4.0 connection interface as standard, and the A750 features 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM as well, all on a 256-bit bus, delivering 512 GB/s of total bandwidth. Considerably more bandwidth than the RX 7600, or its XT cousin. That’s perfect for 1080p in 2024, but if you’re looking to use this card in a few years time, or intend to game at 1440p, that 8GB of VRAM could end up being a significant bottleneck.

It’s the pricing that’s the real king here though, as Intel’s Arc A750 comes in at just shy of $210 at retail, making it one of the highest-performing affordable graphics cards out there right now. Is this the best graphics card money can buy? No, but it doesn’t need to be.

I’ve spent the last couple of weeks testing the Intel Arc A750 alongside a number of its competitors and counterparts, putting it through its paces across a mixture of real-world and synthetic benchmarks. With that in mind, I had to build a well-ventilated and solid test bed to get the most out of it, bearing in mind any potential bottlenecks. I took advantage of one of the best CPUs in the business to ensure that, the Core i9-14900K. You can find the full test bed specs below.

CPU: Intel Core i9-14900K

RAM: 32GB (2x16GB) Corsair Dominator Titanium @ 7200

Motherboard: ASUS ROG Maximus Z790 Dark Hero

CPU Cooler: Corsair iCUE Link H150i LCD 360mm AIO

Cooling: 8x Corsair iCUE Link QX120 120mm fans

PSU: 1200W Corsair RMx Shift 80+ Gold PSU

SSD: 2TB Gigabyte Aorus Gen5 12000 M.2 PCIe 5.0 SSD

Case: Geometric Future Model 8 Dharma

I’ve grabbed a ton of top-tier games and synthetic tests to put the A750 to the test, including benchmarks such as 3D Mark’s Fire Strike, Port Royal (for Ray Tracing), and Speedway. I’ve also tested these GPUs with Blender’s integrated benchmark too, all while keeping a keen eye on power draw, and peak temperatures throughout the benchmarking process.

For our real-world gaming tests, we’ve gone for a total of seven titles here too, with standouts being Total War: Warhammer 3, Cyberpunk 2077 (with ray tracing enabled, and AI upscaling disabled), along with Red Dead Redemption II and Borderlands 3 as well.

In most of our tests, I’m using the Ultra or highest preset I can find to make the testing variables consistent across each run, however, in the titles that support ray tracing features (Cyberpunk and F1 2022), I’ve ensured DLSS, Intel XeSS , AMD FSR 2.0 or any form of AI upscaling is disabled by default.

Performance and Benchmarks

• Easily hits 50 fps in most titles
• Ray tracing does take its toll in certain games
• DX12 Compatibility could be problematic

Let’s cut to the chase, at 1080p the A750 is a serious contender. It regularly chugs away at 70-80 fps in almost all of our titles. There are a few exceptions to that, particularly Cyberpunk 2077 and F1 2022, with the latter hitting just 62 fps, and the former, 25. But both those games feature fairly aggressive ray tracing graphics options as standard, and with AI upscaling disabled the hit is seriously noticeable.

What’s particularly impressive about the Arc A750 is how it compares to the A770. In testing it was regularly within 5-10 fps of its far more expensive bigger brother. There wasn’t a whole lot in it, the A770 is certainly quicker sure, but not by much, and when you take into consideration the $140 price difference between the two, and the 8GB of extra VRAM the A770 has to its name, well it does leave you with questions.

One thing I would say, however, is that no matter what I tried, (clean install, driver re-install, different CPU), 3D Mark’s DX12 Speedway benchmark would crash on launch, occasionally making it 1-2 seconds into the benchmark before failing.

Ray Tracing and Upscaling

• Intel XeSS performance increase can be dramatic
• Not compatible with as many titles as DLSS
• Ray Tracing performance is decent at 1080p

I also tested the Arc A750 across several different ray tracing titles. This is purely a bit of a thought exercise to see how Intel’s XeSS compares against the likes of DLSS 3.0 and AMD’s FSR 2.0. In fact, at time of writing, Intel’s just dropped its XeSS 1.3 update as well, so numbers should improve here too.

All our ray tracing runs are completed at 4K, in four different configurations, with or without ray tracing enabled, and that, mixed with or without Intel XeSS as well. That gives us four sets of different results to draw on, and a ton of data to pour over.

So, how did the A750 do in such a taxing resolution? Well unsurprisingly, without XeSS it struggled. Cyberpunk 2077 in particular is brutal, with the GPU scoring 2 fps on average with ray tracing enabled, and XeSS disabled. Tick that XeSS box to yes though, and frame rates bounced up to 17 fps. Not that playable by any means, but still an incredible 750% bump in performance. This is likely due to XeSS alleviating a lot of the pressure from that 8GB VRAM buffer, in a more “normal” scenario, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, went from 25 to 33 fps with ray tracing on, with a more respectable 35% performance increase.

Power Consumption and Temperature

There’s no denying, that the Arc A750 is a hungry card. Across our time testing, the entire system pulled, at most, 604.3W from the wall, and idled at 195.1W. That’s on par with AMD’s RX 7800 XT, a far more powerful card, that nabbed 184.8W and 606.5W respectively, and is surprisingly more than even Nvidia’s RTX 4070 Super , at 172.3W and 589.3W too.

Temperatures however remained well tamed throughout the benchmarking process, and peak GPU temp never went above 84.0C. That’s not the coolest we’ve seen, again with the RTX 4080 Super from Asus staying well below that with a max temp of 74.5 C (and that’s on its hot spot, not the GPU, which hit just 65.0C) but it’s well within reasonable GPU temp parameters.

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Should you buy it.

You want the best value 1080p gaming GPU

The Intel Arc A750, no matter its flavour, is an incredibly impressive graphics card. Although its average frame rates do lack the impact of some of the heavier hitters from the competition, Intel’s nailed the pricing on the A750 by some margin, and per $ it’s the best value GPU out there right now.

You’re looking for a GPU for the future

8GB of VRAM for 1080p gaming, is more than enough. That said, if you’re looking to upgrade monitors in the future, or are planning on gaming at 1440p with this thing, you might want to opt for something with a touch more VRAM instead, like the Arc A770 or AMD’s RX 7600 XT.

Final Thoughts

The Intel Arc A750 marks a curious first launch from Intel but the positive results speak for themselves. It’s not by a top-tier card, and its MSRP represents that. It’s had significant price cuts since its launch and is now available at such a low price, that’s made it a phenomenally tantalizing 1080p proposition that is set to fill out the budget position in our best graphics card guide.

The 8GB VRAM is a little limiting however, so if you do plan on gaming at 1440p, just know that later down the line, you’ll probably need something with a bit more VRAM and a bit more power. Nvidia’s GeForce RTX 4070 Super, and AMD’s RX 7800 XT are fantastic picks in that regard.

Still, for a first attempt, the Arc A750 is impressive, and although Acer’s cooler lacks the aesthetic panache of some of the competition out there, its unique cooler design keeps the card well-chilled and reasonably quiet regardless of what you throw at it.

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How we test.

Each of the graphics cards we test is installed into a dedicated test bed. After which, multiple different benchmarks are run to stress test the card, at a variety of different resolutions. We also monitor power draw and temperature throughout this procedure.

Tested in a dedicated gaming PC

power draw and temperatures monitored

Gaming benchmarks used

You might like…

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AMD Radeon RX 7600 Review

AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT Review

Nvidia GeForce RTX 4080 Super Review

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Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Super Review

Yes, the Intel Arc A750 performs incredibly well averaging 74.14 fps across our entire test suite. At this price point it’s a really strong contender.

Trusted Reviews test data

Zak grew up obsessed with PC gaming. Getting his first PC at the age of 6, working with his dad he was soon building rigs left right and center. Based in the UK, Zak studied journalism at the Universi…

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Travel Insurance – 10 Frequently Asked Questions [2024]

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Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Overview

Recap of chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, 2. does chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance cover cruises, 3. what does the chase sapphire preferred card baggage insurance cover, 4. what does the chase sapphire preferred card medical insurance cover, 5. does the chase sapphire preferred card cover hotel cancellations, 6. does the chase sapphire preferred card cover airbnb cancellations, 7. does chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance cover rental cars in other countries, 8. does the chase sapphire preferred card cover turo or zipcar rentals, 9. how do i file a chase sapphire preferred card travel insurance claim, 10. do i need travel insurance if i have the chase sapphire preferred card, final thoughts.

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The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card remains one of the most popular travel rewards credit cards for numerous reasons. Alongside excellent earning rates and a fair amount of benefits that justify the $95 annual fee, the card also offers numerous shopping and travel insurance benefits.

If you’re like most people, you hear the word “insurance,” and your eyelids start feeling heavy. Let’s be honest: Insurance isn’t thrilling. The terminology can feel confusing, leaving you with many questions about what exactly the travel insurance on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card does and doesn’t cover.

You have questions, and we have answers. Here’s a simple look at your most common questions about travel insurance on the Chase Sapphire Preferred card.

Chase Sapphire Preferred ® Card

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• 5x points on Lyft purchases (through March 31, 2025)
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through the Chase Travel portal
• 6 months of complimentary Instacart+ (activate by July 31, 2024), plus up to $15 in statement credits each quarter through July 2024
• Excellent travel and car rental insurance
• 10% annual bonus points
• No foreign transaction fees
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs like United MileagePlus and World of Hyatt
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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Chase Ultimate Rewards

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Before moving any further, let’s ensure you’re familiar with the long list of travel protections built into the Chase Sapphire Preferred card :

• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Baggage delay insurance
• Lost luggage reimbursement
• Travel accident insurance
• Trip cancellation and trip interruption insurance
• Trip delay reimbursement

You’ll also enjoy several other cardholder benefits and protections beyond travel insurance :

• Extended warranty protection
• No foreign transaction fees
• Purchase protection
• Roadside dispatch
• Travel and emergency assistance

Some of the benefits seem more obvious than others. And, as with all insurance, there are always specific terms to understand, exclusions to mind, and coverage limits . Let’s clear some of those up.

1. What Flight Insurance Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Have?

When flying, you’ll have 2 types of insurance: travel accident insurance and trip cancellation and interruption insurance. Both types are in effect for trips for which you paid at least a portion of the cost with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Let’s look at each benefit.

Travel accident insurance applies to you and your immediate family members if one of you becomes permanently injured or dies while traveling. The cardholder benefit guide lists specific dollar amounts that you can be paid for specific injury types. The coverage is further divided into 2 categories: traveling on a common carrier and 24-hour coverage .

Coverage related to a common carrier covers both injuries and death resulting from your travel on a licensed air, land, or sea transport that regularly carries paying passengers . Think planes and ferries, for example. You’ll also be covered while at an airport, terminal, or station immediately before or after a trip, including courtesy transport to or from these places if provided as part of your trip. If your flight booking includes the airline picking you up from the hotel, this could be covered if all other conditions are met.

The 24-hour coverage applies around the clock and is valid on trips of up to 30 days. If you take a trip longer than this, coverage will end 1 minute after midnight on the 31st day, though it would come back into effect when you are in transportation to the airport for your flight home. If you drive yourself to the airport, coverage should resume once you are inside the airport .

This benefit reimburses you for the money you lose when a trip paid for (in whole or part) with your card is interrupted or canceled. Trip interruption is when you’ve started the trip and must end it early for a covered reason; trip cancellation applies to canceling a trip before it begins. The maximum benefit payout here is $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip. Both the cardholder and immediate family members are covered.

Trip cancellation coverage begins when you make your first deposit toward the trip and ends when you depart on your scheduled departure date. Trip interruption starts on your scheduled departure date and ends on your scheduled return date. However, if these dates or times are adjusted for reasons beyond your or the carrier’s control, the benefit will adjust automatically .

What expenses are reimbursable? They include nonrefundable, prepaid travel expenses by a licensed supplier, such as a travel agency, hotel, shore excursion agency, etc. When canceling for a covered reason, you’re also covered for redeposit fees to get your airline miles back. Unfortunately, this benefit doesn’t cover lost money you paid for tickets to shows or theme parks, tee times at golf courses, museums, or other entrance fees unless they’re part of a tour package.

You’ll be covered for a few more situations with trip interruption coverage only . These include fees for returning a rental car early or to the nearest facility and up to $250 of expenses to transport you for necessary medical treatment. However, that doesn’t include medical transport (such as ambulances or medevac).

What if you paid with Chase Ultimate Rewards points and are due a refund under these benefits? You’ll be reimbursed according to the value on your travel supplier’s confirmation receipt, assuming that’s listed. If there’s no trip value listed on the receipt after you paid with points, you’ll be reimbursed at a value of 1 cent per point.

Covered Reasons

Not every reason for canceling a trip or ending it early is covered under these benefits. Covered reasons include accidental death or injury, a sickness requiring hospitalization, severe weather, a named storm warning, a change in military orders, a subpoena or call to jury duty, your home being burglarized or becoming uninhabitable, your hotel becoming uninhabitable, a public transportation strike that makes you miss 20% of a trip or a scheduled tour departure, and more. Consult the Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide to see if your specific cancellation or interruption reason is covered.

Trip cancellation insurance doesn’t cover everything. For example, changing your mind about a trip is not covered. If your plans are subject to change, you may want to purchase Cancel for Any Reason (CFAR) travel insurance .

This part is a bit confusing, but yes. Chase’s benefits guide for the Chase Sapphire Preferred card states explicitly that cruise lines aren’t included in the definition of a “common carrier.” However, cruise lines are included in the definition of a “travel supplier.”

Why does this matter? Many of the trip cancellation and trip interruption benefits only apply to travel with a common carrier, which doesn’t include cruise lines. However, some benefits do apply to cruises . These include stolen luggage benefits or even canceling a trip if delays mean you’ll miss at least 20% of the trip or that you’ll miss the departure of your cruise ship.

The travel accident and injury benefits also apply while you’re cruising, but it’s worth noting that returning late to your cruise ship, only to find it’s left for the next island without you, isn’t a covered expense. You’ll be on your own for the costs of catching up to your ship.

There are 2 types of baggage protection here: coverage for delayed bags and coverage for lost, stolen, or damaged luggage. Baggage delay insurance covers up to $100 per day for up to 5 days when your bags are delayed by at least 6 hours, covering each additional 24 hours past that until the maximum of 5 days is reached. This benefit applies to you and your immediate family members when you pay for at least part of your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. You don’t need to be traveling with your immediate family members for them to be covered , as long as at least part of their trip was paid for with your card, which can be a nice perk if you book travel for relatives.

Coverage begins on the scheduled departure date and ends on the scheduled return date, though coverage adjusts automatically if there are changes outside your or the travel provider’s control. There’s also a list of non-covered items, such as medical devices, losses due to war/conflict, electronics, and cash equivalents. In case of baggage delay, you must report it to the travel provid er as soon as possible and keep receipts for necessary expenses you incur ; you’ll submit these for reimbursement afterward.

Lost luggage reimbursement is different; it covers lost, stolen, or damaged luggage during your trip. Both checked and carry-on bags are covered up to a maximum of $3,000 per person per trip. However, there’s a limit of $500 for jewelry, watches, and electronics.

There are some specifics to understand about this coverage, however. First, it doesn’t cover items you leave behind by accident . Second, coverage applies to you and immediate family members (even if you aren’t traveling with them) so long as you paid for at least part of the trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Coverage is available from the scheduled start to the scheduled end of your trip, but it is automatically adjusted if there are uncontrollable delays to either date.

Coverage applies to common carriers and cruise lines, and you must report the loss, theft, or damage within the timeframe specified by your travel provider. Then, the coverage on your Chase Sapphire Preferred card will cover any difference in the value of your monetary loss (after depreciation of the items) and the payment you receive from the travel provider . Thus, this is secondary coverage. It’s worth noting that documents, furs, tickets, and cash-like items aren’t covered.

Accidents can happen on any trip, from accidentally slipping on the wet deck of a cruise ship to spending nights in a hospital at a far-flung destination. Does your health insurance at home cover you when you head to Florida? What about South America? These are questions worth asking. If your medical coverage won’t be in effect, it’s worth considering medical travel insurance .

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card includes travel accident insurance for you and your immediate family members . It’s in effect if you pay at least part of the airfare for your trip with this card. You’ll receive varying maximum payouts depending on the type of injury (or death) encountered during your trip, and the maximum limit also depends on whether the accident occurs while traveling on a common carrier or at some other point during your trip . The 24-hour benefit provides maximum coverage of $100,000, increasing to $500,000 when traveling on a common carrier.

But how does this work in practice?

If more than 1 person is injured , the benefits administrator will pay no more than 2 times the maximum limit for each type of injury. That sum will be divided among all covered persons eligible for benefits payments.

In case of death , the benefits administrator will give the money to your named beneficiary. If you haven’t named a beneficiary, the order of preference goes from a spouse or domestic partner to children, then parents, siblings, and finally, your estate. If you go missing and haven’t been found after a year, then this will trigger the “loss of life” benefit.

Coverage begins either when you reach the airport, station, or terminal for travel on a common carrier or when you enter courtesy transportation provided to take you to the point at which your trip begins, such as a train station or airport. If you didn’t buy your tickets in advance but are purchasing them when you arrive at the station, coverage begins once you make the payment for travel. Coverage ends after you leave the transportation vessel or exit the courtesy transportation provided afterward.

The 24-hour coverage functions a bit differently. It’s in effect around the clock for up to 30 days, starting from your scheduled departure for air travel. If your trip is longer than 30 days, coverage will pause 1 minute after midnight on the 31st day and resume when you reach the airport for a flight home or are in courtesy transportation to the airport for the flight home.

Obviously, there are exclusions. You aren’t covered if you’re a pilot or crew member on a flight, you get injured while committing a crime, you get injured while skydiving, your injury is self-inflicted, or you’re injured in a war.

Lastly, you may wonder how COVID-19 factors in . The benefits guide says this under covered losses: “Quarantine of you or your traveling companion imposed by a physician or a competent governmental authority having jurisdiction, due to health reasons.”

Thus, your illness could be covered if a doctor or government requires quarantine related to COVID-19. COVID-19 is generally covered under most travel insurance policies in the same way sicknesses are covered. However, not traveling to avoid COVID-19 risks isn’t covered. As the benefits guide says, “Your disinclination to travel, a country closing its borders, or a travel supplier canceling or changing travel arrangements due to an epidemic or pandemic.”

Hotels aren’t treated separately under the Chase Sapphire Preferred card travel insurance terms. If you must cancel or interrupt a trip for a covered reason, then your hotel cancellation fees can be covered. This would include situations like forfeiting a first night’s room cost for canceling your hotel booking at the last minute, assuming you couldn’t arrive for a covered reason, such as a travel delay or a last-minute injury that made you unable to travel.

While you won’t find the word “Airbnb” or even “vacation home” in the benefits guide, you will find a description that covers these types of rentals :

“Provider of Lodging – a hotel, inn, motel, bed and breakfast, or hostel; a Provider of Lodging includes non–commercial time shares, condominiums, or rentals of a private residence; such rental shall require a written contract between You and the property owner or management company, executed in advance of the commencement of the rental period …” Chase Sapphire Preferred card benefits guide.

So long as you’ve reserved your rental in advance and have a written contract — which Airbnb provides at the time of booking, courtesy of your confirmation details — your vacation home rental should count as a type of lodging. The contract must state the cancellation provisions, must not include a rental of more than 60 days, and your booking must be made directly with a licensed website or agent — not with the homeowner directly (unless that person is a licensed agent).

Airbnb is a covered lodging type, meaning your booking should qualify for trip interruption, trip cancellation, and trip delay coverage .

In short, yes. However, there are some exclusions. Since your personal auto insurance policy may not cover you abroad, it’s great to know that paying with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card and declining the rental company’s collision damage waiver can provide protection on your next rental .

You can be covered up to the actual cash value of most rental cars against theft or collision damage. Coverage can include administrative fees, loss-of-use charges, and even towing charges. Coverage applies to rentals up to 31 days and covers you plus any additional drivers listed on the rental contract .

You’ll need to use your card (or your points) to pay for the entire cost of the rental , and most vehicle types are covered by this primary insurance. However, coverage doesn’t apply to exotic or antique cars, high-value vehicles, cargo vehicles, motorcycles, RVs, or vans with seating for more than 9 people (including the driver). Note that Teslas qualify as high-value vehicles, so these aren’t covered .

The benefits guide doesn’t spell out any specific excluded countries . However, Visa typically excludes coverage in Israel, Jamaica, and Northern Ireland, plus you may not be able to use your card to pay for a rental (and thus coverage won’t be in effect) with U.S. Treasury Department monetary embargoes . These destinations include places where your credit cards won’t work, such as Cuba, Sudan, Syria, and North Korea.

Unfortunately, no. Because Turo and Zipcar rentals aren’t considered rentals from a rental car agency, most credit card rental car insurance doesn’t cover them .

To file a claim, you should first gather all of the documents related to your claim . These can include receipts, accident reports, police reports, photos, hospital records, or anything else pertinent to the type of claim you’re making.

Next, you can call the benefits administrator at 866-390-9735 or visit eclaimsline.com to submit online . Different claims have different required timelines. For example, auto claims must be filed within 100 days of the incident. However, you need to file within 90 days for baggage delays or losses, but you’re supposed to contact the benefits administrator within 20 days of these incidents to at least provide notice, even though you have 90 days to finish submitting the claim.

This question will be subjective, and different people will arrive at different conclusions. Travel insurance can be useful for the unexpected, but no 2 trips are equal. The best way to decide whether you need additional insurance beyond what the Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers is to look at what it doesn’t cover.

Will you be skydiving? Do you have significant trip expenses related to Turo rentals or short connections that could cause domino effects if you miss a departure time? Are you renting an RV or going camping — types of travel not covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card?

If you have prepaid, nonrefundable expenses that wouldn’t be reimbursed by your credit card’s travel insurance in the event of delays or cancellations, getting a travel insurance policy that covers these could be a good idea and could provide peace of mind. That said, not every travel activity is covered by every travel insurance policy, so you want to make sure you choose a policy that covers your expenses for your particular trip .

If you look at your trip and decide that your flights, hotel plans, and simple plan of just relaxing at the beach will be covered by the Chase Sapphire Preferred card, then purchasing an extra policy probably isn’t necessary.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers numerous protections for purchases and trips. Insurance terms can feel confusing, but hopefully, the explanations of these policies should clarify what is and isn’t covered, as well as policy limits, in a way that helps you know whether the coverages are sufficient for your upcoming travels.

Want to learn more about what else this card offers beyond travel insurance? Consult our full Chase Sapphire Preferred card review .

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the chase sapphire preferred card have trip insurance.

Yes, it has several types of travel protections. Cardholders get rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost and damaged luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement.

How to file a claim with the Chase Sapphire Preferred card travel insurance?

You can call the benefits administrator at 866-390-9735 or visit eclaimsline.com to submit online. Each claim type has different required documents and a different required submission timeline, so check your benefits guide for your specific claim type.

Does the Chase Sapphire Preferred card reimburse for travel cancellation?

Yes, you can be reimbursed for monetary losses of up to $10,000 per person and up to $20,000 per trip if you cancel for a covered reason. You’ll need to pay for at least part of your trip with your Chase Sapphire Preferred card, and the cancellation must be for a covered reason, such as death, injury, or being called to active military duty.

What insurance does Chase Sapphire Preferred card cover?

The Chase Sapphire Preferred card has several types of travel protections. Cardholders get rental car insurance, baggage delay insurance, lost and damaged luggage reimbursement, travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, and trip delay reimbursement. Cardholders also get shopping insurance benefits, such as purchase protection and extended warranty protection, plus other benefits like roadside dispatch and travel and emergency assistance services (though these are pay-per-use benefits).

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and now plans to let his wife choose their destinations. Over the years, he’s written about award travel for publications including AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, and Forbes Advisor.

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AIG Travel Guard insurance review: What you need to know

Whether you need an annual plan or a policy for a last-minute trip, travel guard can deliver..

Travel Guard is one of CNBC Select 's picks for best travel insurance , thanks to its wide range of customizable policies. But are any of them right for you? Below, we review the provider and its offers and how they compare to the competition to help you choose the right travel insurance for your next trip.

Travel Guard review

Other insurance offered, how it compares, bottom line, travel guard® travel insurance.

The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote

Policy highlights

Travel Guard offers a variety of plans to suit travel ranging from road trips to long cruises. For air travelers, Travel Guard can help assist with tracking baggage or covering lost or delayed baggage.

24/7 assistance available

• A variety of plans are available to help cover different types of trips
• Not all products are available for purchase online

Travel Guard® is a global travel insurance provider specializing in plans for leisure and business travelers. Its online travel insurance packages include five options, from basic and last-minute trip coverage to more comprehensive plans. This allows travelers to pick a plan that best matches their situation.

For example, budget-minded travelers might go for the Essential Plan which offers basic protections, such as trip cancellation, interruption and delay insurance, coverage for lost, damaged and delayed baggage, and medical, evacuation and death coverage.

On the other hand, the Deluxe Plan — the most comprehensive option — adds such extras as missed connection coverage, security evacuation, travel inconvenience benefits and more. It also boosts high limits for essential coverages.

Last-minute travelers can opt for the Pack N' Go Plan which only includes certain post-departure coverages. Or, if you travel often, the Annual Plan can cover your trips throughout the year.

Finally, Travel Guard offers "offline" travel insurance packages, meaning you'll have to call if you're looking for a specialty plan.

Coverage types

Depending on the plan, here are the types of protection Travel Guard can include in your package:

• Trip cancellations
• Trip interruption
• Baggage coverage
• Baggage delay
• Travel medical expenses
• Travel inconvenience benefits (reimbursement for such situations as runway delays, cruise diversion and other unforeseen situations)
• Medical evacuation
• Trip Saver (reimbursement for meals, hotels and transportation if you need to begin your trip sooner due to weather or airline changes)
• Trip exchange (reimbursement in case you have to cancel your trip and book a new one due to covered unforeseen circumstances)
• Security evacuation (due to a riot or civil disorder)
• Flight guard (coverage for accidental death or dismemberment that occurs when traveling by plane)
• Pre-existing medical conditions exclusion waiver

You can also customize your plan with add-ons, such as car rental insurance and "cancel for any reason" coverage .

Travel Guard landed on our list of the best travel insurance companies thanks to its variety of coverage. With plenty of options to choose from, both online and offline, it's easy to build a policy that meets your needs.

Travel Guard also features 24-hour concierge services that you can use to book a new flight in case of an emergency or delay.

The provider's website also offers informational resources — here, you can check travel news, read safety tips and find general travel advice. Additionally, the website lets you modify your plan, file a claim and check its status, or apply for a voucher or refund.

As of writing, Travel Guard doesn't offer any discounts. That's common for travel insurance — you're more likely to find deals when shopping for other types of insurance, such as home and auto insurance .

Travel Guard is a portfolio of travel insurance and travel-related services offered by AIG Travel, a member of American International Group (AIG). AIG also offers life insurance and a variety of business insurance products.

Travel Guard makes it easy to get a travel insurance policy customized to your needs. But before you purchase coverage, it's always a good idea to shop around.

For example, if you're going on a cruise, you might want to look at Nationwide Travel Insurance . The provider advertises cruise-specific insurance with three plan options available. This type of coverage is designed with issues unique to cruises in mind — from ship-based breakdowns to missed pre-pard excursions.

If you're planning a more active trip filled with rock climbing or sky diving, Berkshire Hathaway offers the AdrenalineCare® plan which features coverage for unforeseen costs that result from participating in extreme sports on your trip, as well as reimbursement for sporting equipment delay. Pre-existing conditions are covered under this plan (if you meet qualifying conditions).

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection

Berkshire Hathaway Travel Protection has multiple plans to cover vacations from luxury travel to adventure travel. The brand's LuxuryCare offers the highest limits of travel insurance coverage offered by the company. Quotes and policies are available online.

As you can see, offerings vary by provider. It can be helpful to compare multiple companies and the plans they offer to find what works best for you. It's even better if you gather several quotes to ensure you're getting a good price for your policy.

Money matters — so make the most of it. Get expert tips, strategies, news and everything else you need to maximize your money, right to your inbox.  Sign up here .

Travel Guard offers plenty of ways to customize your policy, making it a solid choice for travel insurance. You can also access additional options by giving Travel Guard a call. However, make sure to check out other travel insurance companies too — comparison shopping is essential when picking any type of financial product.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every insurance review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products . While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.

Catch up on CNBC Select's in-depth coverage of  credit cards ,  banking  and  money , and follow us on  TikTok ,  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

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'Conan O'Brien Must Go' is side-splitting evidence of life beyond late night TV

Eric Deggans

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway. Conaco/Max hide caption

Conan O'Brien dresses as a Viking in Norway.

To be honest, when I first heard Conan O'Brien was ending his TV talk show in 2021, I assumed news that he might turn to variety shows and online programs to continue his career was some combination of face-saving and wishful thinking.

But after watching the four episodes of his new Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , it's now obvious — even to a thickheaded critic like me — that leaving late night TV really was liberating for O'Brien. He's leveraged his unique sensibility into several different podcasts, a deal with Sirius XM , specials featuring other stand-up comics and now this travel series for Max — which resembles jokey specials he did for cable channel TBS back in the day.

And as the late night TV genre crumbles under sagging viewership and the decline of traditional media, O'Brien's renaissance also provides an example for the future — where fertile comedy minds and talented performers can spread their work over a much larger canvas.

Pop Culture Happy Hour

Is conan o'brien the best 'hot ones' guest ever discuss., learning a lesson from 'hot ones'.

O'Brien already made a splash recently with his brilliantly maniacal appearance on the interview-while-eating-hot-wings show Hot Ones , slobbering over hot sauces while claiming, as he was checked over by a fake doctor, that "I'm fine! I'm perfectly f*****g fine!"

This is the place where O'Brien shines — he's called it "this strange phantom intersection between smart and stupid" — and it's on full, freakish, super silly display in every episode of Conan O'Brien Must Go .

The conceit of the show is pretty simple. O'Brien heads overseas to visit average folks in Norway, Argentina, Thailand and Ireland who had once Zoomed in to speak with him on the podcast Conan O'Brien Needs a Fan . Sometimes the visits seem like a surprise — he catches one aspiring Norwegian rapper in shorts and Crocs after popping up on his doorstep — and others seem a bit more planned, including his visit to a radio show with about four listeners in Buenos Aires.

Each episode begins with a solemn monologue which sounds like it is delivered by the film world's most eccentric voice, German filmmaker and actor Werner Herzog (he's not credited in the show and when asked, a publicist at Max shared a quote from O'Brien: "I can neither confirm nor deny the voice in question.")

The torturous accent by "Herzog" makes every line sound absurdly hilarious, describing O'Brien as "the defiler ... with dull, tiny eyes ... the eyes of a crudely painted doll ... he scavenges in distant lands, uninvited, fueled by a bottomless hunger for recognition and the occasional selfie."

Now that's smart. And oh so stupid.

A funhouse mirror version of a travel show

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway Conaco/Max hide caption

O'Brien performs onstage with a fan in Norway

Fans of O'Brien's Conan Without Borders specials on TBS already know what his style is when he tackles a travel show — throwing himself into outrageous reactions and situations while working his quirky brand of improvised conversations with hapless bystanders.

In the Max series Conan O'Brien Must Go , that includes O'Brien offering screechy vocals onstage during a performance of a Norwegian emo/rap band. Or asking provocative questions of a couple therapist/sex expert. Or getting beat up in a "fight" with a 10-year-old boy in a bar.

It's all an excuse for O'Brien to unleash his energetic wit, taste for silly absurdity and skill at drawing laughs from sympathetic — if often befuddled — strangers. Whether you enjoy this special will depend on how you feel about O'Brien's style, which can feel a bit like the world's best class clown doing everything possible to make you crack a smile.

(Rent a family in Norway so they can say goodbye when he gets on a SeaCraft? Check. Get local artists to paint a mural of O'Brien, a soccer star and The Pope on the side of a building in Argentina? Double check.)

'Conan O'Brien Needs A Friend' Is A Joke Name For A Podcast — Sort Of

But what amazes in a larger sense is how O'Brien has turned his sensibility into a comedy brand to fuel work on many different platforms. And, at age 60, with more than 30 years as a comedy star, he's been released from the shackles of any genre to shine wherever he chooses — whether it's an episode of Hot Ones or a streaming service which sometimes looks like a collision between True Detective and 90 Day Fiancé .

Leaving late night TV as late night left him

I'm old enough that I started covering TV not long after O'Brien made his first move from the shadows of life as a comedy writer – he worked on Saturday Night Live and The Simpsons — to succeed David Letterman in 1993 as host of NBC's show Late Night (now hosted by Seth Meyers). Back then, NBC gave O'Brien years to figure out the show, honing his smartly serious comedy in a way that would inspire then-teenage fans like Seth Rogen and Bill Hader .

O'Brien left NBC after a disastrous deal where the network tried to make him host of its venerated late night program The Tonight Show and also keep its former host Jay Leno at the network. He moved to a late night show on TBS in 2010, but even then, there was a sense that his creativity was a bit hemmed in by the format.

After 28 Quirky Years, Conan O'Brien Is Leaving Late Night

By the time he left his TBS show Conan for good, it seemed O'Brien was already caught in a trend which would hobble other late night shows — as young viewers consumed his content online and ratings on cable dropped.

Now, with a podcast and digital media company worth many millions and growing status as a TV comedy legend still willing to do almost anything for a laugh, O'Brien is proving there is a successful life beyond late night.

Particularly, if you have the talent to play the fool while leaving little doubt you're also the smartest person in the room.

Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket Review

Arc’teryx’s streamlined hardshell is highly protective, skillfully built, and competitively light but doesn’t come cheap.

Brian McCurdy Photography

We use affiliate links and may receive a small commission on purchases. Read more about us . 

Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight Jacket

Price: $500 Weight: 13.6 oz. (men’s large) Waterproofing: 3L Gore-Tex w/ C-Knit What we like: Top-notch protection and build quality in a streamlined but thoughtful package. What we don’t: Thin shell fabric isn't the most confidence-inspiring; considerably pricier than most competitors. See the Men's Beta Lightweight Jacket   See the Women's Beta Lightweight Jacket

North Vancouver-based Arc’teryx is no stranger to harsh mountain weather, and their Beta hardshell collection is well equipped to handle rough and rowdy conditions. We recently put the aptly named Beta Lightweight to the test in North Vancouver and on a backpacking trip in Iceland, where the shell proved itself as another highly dependable design with a keen attention to detail. The jacket’s construction is relatively thin, and you’re paying a steep premium for the Arc’teryx name, but the top-notch build quality and weather protection—along with a low weight and small packed size—are hard to beat for demanding backcountry use. Below are my thoughts on the Beta Lightweight Jacket. To see how it stacks up to the competition, see our article on the  best hardshell jackets .  

Table of Contents

Weather protection, breathability, weight and packability, build quality and durability, key design features, fit and sizing.

• What We Like/What We Don't

Comparison Table

The competition,   performance.

Storage: Pockets

Sustainability

Other Versions of the Arc’teryx Beta Lightweight

What We Like 

• Proven Gore-Tex waterproofing and practical suite of protective features make the Beta Lightweight a stalwart in wet and rowdy weather. 
• Competitively light at 13.4 ounces and packs down impressively small for stuffing in a pack.
• C-Knit backer is noticeably soft and supple against the skin—a far cry from the stiff and crinkly feel common among traditional hardshells.
• Typical Arc’teryx build quality and attention to detail, including a nice sustainability slant and quality materials and components throughout.

  What We Don’t

• Arc’teryx pieces don’t come cheap, and the Beta Lightweight isn’t a strong value at $500.
• Shell is on the thinner end at 40D, although it’s holding up very well so far.
• Storage is a little limited with just three zippered pockets.
• I wish the jacket had a two-way main zipper to prevent bunching when sitting or bending over and for easy access to a harness while belaying.

From within the same Beta lineup, Arc’teryx’s standard Beta Jacket checks in at a scant 10.6 ounces, making it the lightest option in the collection. It’s also the cheapest at $400 while stacking up reasonably well to the Beta Lightweight: You get a similar 3-layer Gore-Tex build with their soft C-Knit backer for added comfort, a “fitted” fit that’s streamlined but still highly mobile, and three total pockets. However, that’s where the similarities end. The Beta Jacket is thinner at 30D, the hood design is more basic and not helmet-compatible, and you don’t get pit zips for dumping heat while on the move (for more, see our in-depth Beta Jacket review ). These features aren’t must-haves for everyone, but we consider the Beta Lightweight’s upgrades worth the price and weight penalties.

Last but not least is Outdoor Research’s Microgravity AscentShell Jacket , which is the most wallet-friendly alternative here at $279. OR kept the cost low by using their in-house AscentShell membrane rather than Gore-Tex, which is a step down in waterproofing but impressively breathable for a 3-layer design. They also retained key features including a helmet-compatible hood, water-resistant zippers, practical storage, a soft next-to-skin lining, and cuff and hem adjustments. However, you do make some sacrifices by saving: The OR is slightly heavier at 14.6 ounces, uses a thinner and less durable 20 x 45D shell, and has a notably trim fit that’s especially tight in the waist when worn over layers. In testing the Microgravity, we also found that the hood cinch cord sits awkwardly and uncomfortably over the ears. The $221 savings are undeniably enticing for penny pinchers and those just starting out, but committed backcountry-goers will benefit by spending up for the more premium and protective Arc’teryx.

Editor’s note: We usually provide a live price comparison table below our outdoor gear reviews, but the Beta Lightweight Jacket is currently only available directly through Arc'teryx. You can see the Beta Lightweight page here and support us in the process. Thanks!

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• International

Pro-Palestinian protests continue at colleges across the US

By Dalia Faheid, Nouran Salahieh, Maureen Chowdhury and Antoinette Radford, CNN

Screaming and scuffles between opposing protest groups at UCLA after demonstrators cross barrier

From CNN’s Sarah Moon and Camila Bernal at UCLA

Demonstrators on Sunday   breached a security barrier meant to keep opposing protest groups apart on the UCLA campus, and the two sides have come   face-to-face, at times screaming at one another and shoving back and forth.

A CNN team is on the ground watching the crowd, where pro-Palestinian demonstrators have gathered to support an  encampment protesting Israel's military campaign  in Gaza, and a group of counter-protesters draped in Israeli flags has erected a video screen and speaker set-up.

“Very high passions on both sides, and when these two come together we have seen confrontations,” CNN’s Camila Bernal reported from the campus. “People who are screaming at each other, sometimes shoving and pushing, and it does get violent at times.”

Organizers from each group have told Bernal that they are trying to keep the peace.

The CNN team has seen police officers in riot gear standing at a distance   from the crowd, but university officials have said police will not intervene unless they feel students are in harm’s way.

The school’s vice chancellor for strategic communications, Mary Osako, confirmed in a statement that demonstrators had “breached” a barrier between the groups, and that there were “physical altercations” between protesters.

“UCLA has a long history of being a place of peaceful protest, and we are heartbroken about the violence that broke out,” the statement reads.

Information about any potential injuries has not been made available.

Watch Camila Bernal's report from the UCLA campus

This post has been updated with additional reporting from the UCLA campus.

Students remain in encampment blocking a street at George Washington University for 4th day of protests

From CNN’s Avery Lotz

Pro-Palestinian protests continued Sunday on George Washington University’s campus in Washington, DC, where students have erected an encampment of dozens of tents in a park and on the neighboring street.

A crowd of demonstrators has chanted “Free Palestine” to the beat of a drum on H Street NW, some of them wearing traditional keffiyeh and waving Palestinian flags. The street remains blocked by law enforcement, and a number of DC Metropolitan Police officers remain in the area.

Flags, signs and sidewalk chalk decorate the encampment, where protestors say they will stay until the university fulfills their demands, which include disclosing its financial endowments and divesting from Israeli associations — similar to the message of many other college protests nationwide. 

One counter-protester walked through the crowd with an Israeli flag draped around her shoulders. Demonstrators chanted, “Free, free, free Palestine,” at the protester, while one held a sign that read, “Genocide is bad.” 

Sanders says it's not antisemitic to hold Israeli government accountable for its actions in Gaza

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders pushed back on  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s claim  that protests on US college campuses are driven by antisemitism, telling CNN’s Dan Bash that it’s critical to hold the Israeli government accountable for its actions in Gaza.

In the interview on Sunday morning , Sanders said the “vast majority of the American people are disgusted with Netanyahu’s war machine in Gaza” and do not want more aid sent to Israel.

While Sanders said he acknowledges “antisemitism exists and is growing in the United States,” he said it is not antisemitic for protesters to hold Netanyahu accountable for his actions in Gaza, which he says are “unprecedented in the modern history of warfare.”

Sanders said Israel's widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure in Gaza, and the death toll of more than 30,000 people , according to the enclave's health ministry, is the reason people want the Israeli government held accountable.

Sanders said he condemns Hamas, antisemitism, Islamophobia and other forms of bigotry, but emphasized again, “We do have to pay attention to the disastrous and unprecedented humanitarian disaster taking place in Gaza right now.”

Watch a clip from the interview below:

Portland State University says it will pause gifts and grants from Boeing amid campus protests

From CNN’s Chris Boyette

Portland State University will pause receiving gifts and grants from the Boeing Company until the college holds a forum to debate the ethics of doing so, according to the school's president.

The move comes amid nationwide protests, including at PSU, against Israel's war in Gaza. Student organizations are calling for schools to cut ties with Israel and to divest from companies that sell weapons, tech and other items to the country, among other demands.

Boeing says on its website that the Israel Defense Forces currently operates nine different Boeing products, and the company contributes a $3.5 billion benefit to the Israeli economy.

"I have heard many students and faculty express that they would like to see PSU cut ties with the company. I initially found these demands confusing and arbitrary: PSU has no investments in Boeing but accepts philanthropic gifts from the company and, given that Boeing is a major employer in the region, many of our alumni work there,” PSU President Ann Cudd said in  a letter to the campus community  Friday.

“However, the passion with which these demands are being repeatedly expressed by some in our community motivates me, as a scholar of academic ethics and a university leader responsible for the well being of our campus constituents, to listen and ask additional questions,” Cudd said.

Cudd said PSU will host a two-hour moderated debate in May with faculty and students. 

On its website,  Boeing says  its relationship with Israel dates back "more than 75 years — to the founding of the State of Israel."

Boeing declined to comment on Cudd’s announcement.

LA Mayor Bass stands by USC's decision to cancel its main commencement ceremony

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass says the decision by University of Southern California leaders to cancel the school's main commencement ceremony  for 2024 graduating students in May was necessary due to safety concerns.

“I believe that that was a decision that they had to make," Bass told CNN’s Dana Bash on Sunday.

"They were expecting about 65,000 people on campus and they just did not feel that it was going to be safe, and the job of the (university) president, just like my job as mayor — my number one job is to make sure that Angelenos are safe."

The mayor,  herself a USC alumna , pointed out that while the main ceremony had been canceled, individual schools and departments will go forward with their own ceremonies.

Some context : A USC professor who has  criticized the school's response  to pro-Palestinian protests told CNN on Saturday that the university's initial decision to  cancel its valedictorian's commencement speech served as a catalyst for demonstrations at the Los Angeles campus.

Asna Tabassum, a first-generation South Asian-American Muslim, said in a statement published by the Council on American-Islamic Relations that she has "serious doubts about whether USC’s decision to revoke my invitation to speak is made solely on the basis of safety."

CAIR has accused the school of canceling Tabassum's speech in response to "attacks and harassment launched by anti-Muslim and anti-Palestinian extremists."

The school announced it was canceling the main commencement ceremony altogether on Friday, days after the decision to cancel the valedictorian speech.

CNN’s Amanda Musa, Alisha Ebrahimji and Melissa Alonso contributed reporting to this post.

Here are some of the latest comments from elected officials on the protests happening across the US

Several US lawmakers and other elected officials have spoken in media appearances Sunday about the protests seen across the country in response to Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza.

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell criticized what he said was antisemitic rhetoric seen in the protests, saying on CBS that "university presidents need to get control of the situation, allow free speech and push back against antisemitism."

“We’ve all got to get serious about the challenges ahead of us, engaging in antisemitic behavior in the United States needs to be stood up to by the administrators of these colleges,” he said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.”

Virginia Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkin also condemned instances of antisemitic rhetoric, and said Virginia wouldn't allow protest encampments to be put up at its academic institutions.

“We will protect the ability to peacefully express yourself, but we’re not going to have the kinds of hate speech and intimidation that we’re seeing across the country in Virginia,” the governor told CNN’s Dana Bash on “State of the Union.”

Democratic Sen. Tim Kaine of Virginia, meanwhile, pushed back against House Speaker Mike Johnson’s suggestion that the National Guard could be sent to college campuses amid the protests, calling it a “very, very bad idea.”

“I think calling in the National Guard to college campuses for so many people would recall what happened when that was done during the Vietnam War — and it didn’t end well,” Kaine said on “Meet the Press.”

“There are other ways, using campus security, but also offering students more opportunities to have dialogue that is civil and constructive where people hear one another — that’s by far preferable,” he added. 

Students in Gaza stage demonstration to express gratitude for pro-Palestinian protests at US colleges

From Tareq Alhelou in Rafah and CNN’s Kareem Khadder, Abeer Salman and Zeena Saifi in Jerusalem 

Dozens of Palestinian students staged a display of solidarity at a demonstration in southern Gaza on Sunday to express gratitude for the support seen on US college campuses in recent weeks.  

Video from the Shaboura refugee camp in Rafah shows children holding banners with messages that read: "Students of Columbia University, continue to stand by us,” and “Violating our right to education and life is a war crime.”   

The students gathered around makeshift tents near a school that now serves as a shelter for Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza. Footage shows people spray-painting messages of gratitude on the fabric of the tents, saying “Thank you, students in solidarity with Gaza. Your message has reached.”

Takfeer Abu-Yousuf, a displaced student from the northern city of Beit Hanoun, told CNN he felt it was necessary to thank the students in the US who “supported us with their humanity.”

“We can’t write these thank you messages on the walls of our homes because we have no homes. They have been destroyed on top of our children, elders and women,” he said.  

Eighteen-year-old Rana Al-Taher pointed to the school in the camp, telling CNN that what should have been a place for learning and education has become a place for sheltering.   

“That means that we have lost our education. We have lost our only hope in Gaza and we want it back. We’re here to ask for it back. It’s our right to have it back … that’s why we’re here,” she said.

Read the full story here.

Universities are cracking down after months of student protests over Israel’s bombardment of Gaza

From CNN's Dakin Andone

With tension mounting over an encampment in support of Palestinians at  New York’s Columbia University , police strode onto campus this month and arrested more than 100 demonstrators.

Soon, dozens more students protesting the monthslong assault on Gaza were arrested at  New York and Yale  universities. At the  University of Texas at Austin , police in riot gear and on horseback moved to disperse a like-minded demonstration, while nearly 100 at the  University of Southern California  also got arrested. Then at  Emory University in Atlanta , law enforcement deployed pepper balls to break up a pro-Palestinian action, arresting 28, including several  professors . And at  Boston’s Emerson College , another 108 protesters were arrested, with four officers hurt.

While the latest run of arrests has commanded outsized attention, US colleges have been using law enforcement — along with academic suspensions and, for at least one school, expulsion — to try   to   rein in student demonstrations since  Hamas’ October attack on Israel  left more than 1,200 dead and dozens taken hostage. Israel’s devastating counterpunch in Gaza – with more than 34,000 Palestinians killed, according to its health ministry – has further fueled deeply held views of students and faculty on all sides.

Amid US students’ broad insistence their tactics are peaceful, administrators often have decried campus protests as disruptive, with some — including at  Indiana University,   George Washington University  and  California State Polytechnic  University’s Humboldt campus — employing school rules governing use of public spaces to threaten or enact discipline, or call for police backup.

Administrators lately have seemed quicker to levy consequences against campus demonstrators than they were six months ago, according to Zach Greenberg of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression. Read more about the crackdown here.

Vandalism reported at USC is "absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated," university says

From CNN’s Paradise Afshar

The University of Southern California says campus property was vandalized Saturday "by individuals who are part of the group that has continued to illegally camp on our campus."

The Tommy Trojan statue and a fountain in Alumni Park were vandalized, the university said, without elaborating on the type of damage they sustained. University officials also did not state what led them to believe the perpetrators were among those taking part in encampment demonstrations.

Video footage from CNN affiliate  KABC  showed the words “Say No to Genocide” spray-painted on the base of the Tommy Trojan statue.

“Despite repeated warnings, this group has also continued to disrupt our campus operations and harass students and others, in violation of numerous university policies,” Joel Curran, senior vice president of communications, said in a statement.

"While the university fully supports freedom of expression, these acts of vandalism and harassment are absolutely unacceptable and will not be tolerated," Curran said.

University President Carol Folt has made attempts to meet with students, “but they have declined these offers,” Curran said.

“We are hoping for a more reasonable response Sunday before we are forced to take further action,” he said. “This area is needed for commencement set up early this week.” 

Remember: Demonstrators at universities across the country have organized in protest of Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza , in many cases calling on the schools to disinvest from Israeli institutions and other entities they say benefit from the war.

A USC professor who has criticized the school's response to protests told CNN on Saturday that the university's decision to cancel its Muslim valedictorian's commencement speech , citing safety concerns, served as a catalyst for demonstrations at the Los Angeles campus.

This post has been updated with additional information about the protests at USC.

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