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-September 2010-
We just started taking orders again for backpacks, shelters, etc. There is currently a waiting list of about 4-6 weeks. Backpack and tent orders are custom built one at a time, but not necessarily in the order received. If you need your gear by a certain date for a trip just let us know and we will make sure it arrives on time.

Materials and accessory items are in stock and are shipping in a day or two as usual.  Thanks!  Joe & Sheryl
About ZPacks

ZPacks is run by me, Joe Valesko. I have been backpacking and building my own gear since the 90's. I started ZPacks.com in early 2005 after finishing my 2004 Appalachian Trail thru-hike.

As of 2010 I am working on gear full time, and my wife Sheryl is now helping with operations. We don't have any other employees and everything is built right here. We take your orders, build your gear, and ship it out. Gear is often custom made right when you order, and usually ships in just a day or two.

We are originally from upstate NY, but currently located in Palm Bay, FL 32909.

Some of my Adventures:

Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike - 2,174 miles / 142 days (View Map)
When: May 17th through October 7th 2004
Trail Name: "Lightweight Joe"
Base gear weight: About 8 lbs of almost entirely home-made items.
Photos: I carried disposable cameras on this trip. Here are a few scans:
Samurai Joe's Picasa Web Album

Pacific Crest Trail Thru-Hike - 2,663 miles / 147 days (View Map)
When: April 29th through September 22nd 2007
Trail Name: "Samurai Joe"
Base gear weight: About 5 lbs (Gear list)
Photos: Samurai Joe's Picasa Web Album

Continental Divide Trail Thru-Hike - 2,651 miles / 154 days (View Map)
When: June 17th through November 17th 2009
Trail Name: "Samurai Joe"
Base gear weight: Average about 6 lbs (Gear list)
Photos: Samurai Joe's Picasa Web Album

Shipping is always just $3.95 in the U.S. Global orders are $9.95 and up.