"Samurai" Joe's Current Pack List
"Samurai" Joe Valesko
Joe Valesko founded Zpacks out of his apartment in 2005. He has been designing and testing all of our gear ever since.
A Triplecrowner, Joe has over 10,000 long distance miles under his belt, including the Appalachian Trail, Pacific Crest Trail, Continental Divide Trail, Te Araroa, Tour du Mont Blanc and much more.
You can check out a complete list of Joe's Adventures here.
Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack
$399.00Weight 20.9 oz (592 g)I’m on the Appalachain Trail right now for the last 30 days and am 100% happy so far. Awesome pack. Probably best on trail.
Long days between resupplies requires a pack designed with ample space and durability. Made from Ultra 100X material, the ultralight Arc Haul Ultra backpack is innovatively designed to be a true workhorse from the Sierras to the Shenandoah.
Comfortably transfer your pack’s weight to your hips with our custom Curved Carbon Fiber frame system. The frame also creates a gap between your back and the pack allowing for air flow that helps keeps you cool.
Featuring adjustable shoulder straps, an interchangeable belt, and a variety of optional modular add-ons, the Arc Haul Ultra will allow you to tackle those long days on the trail with a durable ultralight backpack designed to fit you.
Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack
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Features
Curved Carbon Fiber Air Stays | Adjustable Torso
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Material
Ultra 100X
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Weight
20.9 oz / 592.0 g
Plex Solo Classic Tent
$599.00Weight 14.6 oz (413 g)Finally – the perfect single ultralight tent for long distance hikers with standard trekking poles. The Plex solo fits perfect for me. A lot of space beyond an above my head when laying down. Easy to get in and out. Super simple to pitch.
Our ultralight Plex Solo is a sub-15oz tent designed for adventurers who value weight but aren't willing to sacrifice performance or comfort. From thru-hiking to bikepacking to packrafting, the Plex Solo is a spacious one-person tent that allows you to redefine your boundaries and push your limits.
Easily pitching with a single 52" (132 cm) trekking or tent pole, the Plex Solo is well-ventilated and can be set up in even the most cramped campsites.
An optional flat groundsheet is available for added protection here.
The "Classic" version of the Plex Solo is made with thicker Dyneema Composite Fabric for both the canopy and the floor, giving you a bit more durability and opacity. They guy-lines are our original 2 mm bright yellow Z-line. If you'd like an even lighter option, check out our boundary-pushing Plex Solo Lite.
Plex Solo Classic Tent
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Features
Sleeps 1
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Set Up
1 Trekking Pole or 52" Tent Pole
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Floor Size
28" to 38" x 90" (71 to 97cm x 2.3m)
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Weight
14.6 oz / 413.0 g
Shoulder Pouch
$32.95Weight 0.6 oz (18 g)Keeps your cell phone secure and handy when you need it for navigation or to take a picture. Pouch weighs next to nothing; a must for every serious hiker. I highly recommend this product.
Shoulder Pouches are the ideal place to keep your small camera or phone in reach for taking quick photos. The main compartment of the shoulder pouches are a good size for your wallet, car keys, map, headlamp, mittens, sunglasses, candy bars, pack towel, GPS, or any other items you would like to have within easy reach. The pouches carry comfortably on your shoulder, and you will hardly notice them there.
The small exterior mesh pocket can be used to store your small items like lip balm, emergency whistle, or a compass.
**DCF material shoulder pouches are priced lower while supplies last. They look fine on Ultra backpacks and function about the same.Shoulder Pouch
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Weight
0.63 oz / 18.0 g
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Belt Pouch
$32.95Weight 0.8 oz (24 g)The belt pouches on Zpacks are one of the many selling points for their products. They are roomy, easy to access and are superior to that offered on any other pack I've used!
Be prepared for whatever the trail may bring by keeping your essentials close in hand with our belt pouches. These pouches clip securely to a padded belt, like on our Arc backpacks. There is plenty of space for a headlamp, folded maps, snacks, hat and gloves, gadgets, you name it.
If your backpack has a webbing belt, try Belt Pouches with Pads.
Belt Pouch
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Weight
0.85 oz / 24.0 g
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6.4" Carbon Fiber Stake
$4.50Weight 0.2 oz (6 g)Easy to place into all terrain. Great holding capability.
Increased surface area make these Carbon Fiber Stakes a great choice for soft terrain. Made with a Carbon Fiber shaft with a metal tip and metal end cap, these stakes have the best holding power to weight ratio of any of the stakes we carry. These stakes have an orange cord through the end to make them easy to see and easy to pull out of the ground.
The thick diameter allows them to grip the ground better than thin titanium. These are excellent in loose soil, and they have also proven to be very functional in typical dirt. On packed ground or on bedrock lay them sideways and anchor with rocks.
These are the only stakes that can reliably be carried through airport security. We have carried these stakes through US airport security a dozen times with no issues. Our experience with metal stakes is they are confiscated about half the time. Please report if you have any trouble with these.
6.4" Carbon Fiber Stake
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Holding Power
Better
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Bend Resistance
Better
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Weight
0.22 oz / 6.2 g
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Stake Sack
$14.95Weight 0.1 oz (3 g)It’s nice to my stakes, which are always pop up and get loose from the top.
Keep your stakes organized, and protect your tent from punctures and dirt with this durable stake sack. This stake sack is constructed from extra thick 1.6 oz/sqyd Dyneema® Composite Fabric to prevent punctures. Fold the top down over your stakes and use the shock cord drawstring to keep them snug like a rubber band.Travel Utility Zip
$49.95Weight 0.9 oz (26 g)Its greater thickness and single zip access affords easy drop in holstering of my Galaxy Note 8 with cover into the “main” compartment, and its secondary compartment allowed for my passport and vaccination card. The third compartment worked for storing cash and my ticket/boarding pass.
Our ultralight Travel Utility Zip keeps your most important items secure and in easy reach while on the move. A zippered compartment allows you to keep your essentials organized and features separate internal pockets for your passport, Field Notes, and a pen.
The Travel Utility Zip is a great place to keep your phone, plane ticket, cash and headphones while on the go.
An adjustable neck strap makes sure your critical items never fall out of your Travel Utility Zip or get left behind.
Need a different size? Check out the rest of our Zip Pouch collection.
Find more of our Crossover Collection here.
Travel Utility Zip
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Weight
0.92 oz / 26.0 g
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Medium Pillow
$54.95Weight 1.4 oz (41 g)Slept great this past weekend using it for the first time. I really like being able to control the firmness of the pillow by using the desired amount of extra clothing I’m carrying. And it’s a great waterproof stuff sack!
We merged the comfort of a pillow with the utility of a dry sack to form this Medium Pillow. Identical in size to the Medium Dry Bag, our Medium Pillow features soft micro fleece sewn to one half of the interior. Simply flip the dry bag inside out (as shown) and fill it with your spare clothes and gear to use as a pillow!
Need a different size? Check out the Medium-Plus Pillow or the rest of our Dry Bag collection.
Medium Pillow
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Dimensions
6" x 12" (15 x 30.5 cm)
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Volume
340 in³ (5.6 Liters)
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Weight
1.4 oz / 41.0 g
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Men's Vertice Rain Jacket
$249.00Weight 5.4 oz (152 g)Could be the best rain jacket on the market. Keeps you dry from the rain outside and dry on the inside as it is very breathable.
When the skies are overcast and the rain is pouring down, our ultralight Vertice Rain Jacket offers superior protection and breathability. Our Vertice material is optimized to be lightweight without compromising on durability, and it is among the lightest possible choices for waterproof hyper-breathable rain gear.
Also available in Women's Sizes.
Be sure to check out the rest of our Vertice Rain Gear.
Men's Vertice Rain Pants
$149.00Weight 3.0 oz (85 g)Kept me dry in a heavy downpour and they are so small I can pack them along just in case.
Master the elements with the Men’s Vertice Rain Pants. Gone are the days of getting soaked with hot, humid and unventilated rain gear. Our Vertice Rain Gear material is optimized to be lightweight without compromising on durability, and it is among the lightest possible choices for waterproof hyper-breathable rain gear.
Also available in Women's Sizes.
Be sure to check out the rest of our Vertice Rain Gear.
Vertice Rain Mitts
$69.95Weight 0.7 oz (21 g)They performed quite well on first try hiking in snow and rain mix. Hands were warm and dry while hiking with trekking poles.
Cold, rainy hikes are no match for our Vertice Rain Mitts. Our Vertice fabric is optimized to be lightweight without compromising on durability, and it is among the lightest possible choices for waterproof-breathable rain gear.
Be sure to check out the rest of our Vertice Rain Gear.
Vertice Rain Mitts
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Weight
0.74 oz / 21.0 g
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Zpacks Ventum Wind Shell
$99.95Weight 1.6 oz (46 g)Amazingly light but cuts the wind and holds the heat in with a layer underneath!
Choosing the right layer for crisp spring mornings and chilly fall nights can be a challenge. Our Ventum Wind Shell is crafted to cut the breeze and trap warmth in your base layer or against your skin.
Ventum fabric strikes the right balance between cutting cold wind while still allowing enough breathability for sweat to escape when hiking on chilly mornings and evenings.
It’s perfect for when a base layer alone is not enough, but insulation would make you overheat. Weighing under 2 ounces this is a must-have item for when you plan to hike in cool weather.
This windshell is unisex sizing. We do also have some women's sizes in our Bargain Bin while supplies last.
Fleece Hat
$19.95Weight 1.0 oz (28 g)A few weeks earlier, I would have just lived with a cold head. But not now! For almost no weight and a tiny amount of space in my pack, I put up a strong defense against hypothermia. Another great product!
Stay warm and cozy when the temperature begins to drop, whether you’re on the trail or on your way to work. Ultralight and crafted with a double layer of micro-fleece around the ears, this hat was created to keep you warm but not weigh you down.
For a heavier weight 4 season option, check out our Brushtail Possum Beanie.
Still not warm enough? Check out our insulated clothing line here.
Fleece Hat
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Weight
0.99 oz / 28.0 g
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Conductive Brushtail Possum Gloves
$29.95Weight 1.3 oz (36 g)Excellent! I have the worst circulation and have tried literally every glove and mitten on the market. My hands and fingertips freeze within a few minutes of being in the cold wether it's mild or below zero. These gloves keep my fingertips warm! I do not have to wear anything else.
Winter weather can be harsh, but when the digits drop yours don’t have to feel the chill. Made from a combination of New Zealand's brushtail possum fur, and New Zealand Merino lamb's wool, these Brushtail Possum gloves provide plenty of warmth when you need it most.
Featuring conductive ends on both the index finger and thumb, these gloves will allow you to use your smartphone and other touch screen devices without having to remove them.
These gloves are a great companion to the Brushtail Possum Socks, and can be used as a liner under our Vertice Rain Mitts
*Gloves are non-returnable if they have been removed from the packaging.Conductive Brushtail Possum Gloves
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Weight
1.3 oz / 36.0 g
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Brushtail Possum Socks
$29.95Weight 3.0 oz (85 g)These are absolutely the warmest socks. I take them backpacking to put on when I get into camp and they keep my feet toasty.
When the campfire just isn’t enough to keep you warm and your feet need a little extra help heating up, Brushtail Possum Socks are an ultralight must have. Made from a combination of New Zealand's brushtail possum fur, and New Zealand Merino lamb's wool, these socks are sure to keep your toes nice and toasty.
These socks are very thick and warm! They are rugged enough to hike in on cold days, and they also make excellent sleep socks. They are great for winter sports as well.
For extra warmth pair these socks with our Brushtail Possum Gloves!
*Socks are non-returnable if they have been removed from the packaging.
Brushtail Possum Socks
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Weight
3.0 oz / 85.0 g
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Zpacks Classic Trucker Hat
$24.95Weight 2.9 oz (83 g)I absolutely love my new hat! The quality of material you use is great!! It doesn’t take long at all to get the fit and shape you want! I love the camo pattern too! Thanks again!
These hats feature a sewn on embroidered patch to achieve that clean and classic look. Great for blocking the sun or propping up rain hoods, these hats look right at home whether you're on the trail, in town or spending a lazy day fishing on the lake. A standard snap back adjustment will fit just about any head size.
Medium-Plus Dry Bag
$37.95Weight 0.7 oz (20 g)Perfect size for my 40-degree sleeping bag and the clothes I sleep in. Fits perfectly into the Arc Blast sideways. I love how all of the Zpack bags keep my Arc Blast organized and tight to my back, and I never have to worry about anything getting wet!!
Keep your gear dry and dust-free without adding any more weight than you have to. This size will fit multiple clothing items or an average-sized ultralight sleeping bag. It fits well horizontally in most backpacks.
Need a different size? Check out the rest of our Dry Bag collection.
Medium-Plus Dry Bag
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Dimensions
7" x 13" (18 x 33 cm)
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Volume
500 in³ (8.2 Liters)
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Weight
0.71 oz / 20.0 g
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Carbon Fiber Staff w/ Pair of Grips
$99.95Weight 8.2 oz (232 g)I’ve used this staff on a couple of occasions now and love the rigidity and lightweight nature of it. And being able to break it down for travel is big plus.
Our Carbon Fiber Staff allows you to support your full weight using two hands on rough terrain, while keeping one hand free on more moderate sections. This staff is an ultralight, extremely strong alternative to Zpacks Trekking Poles. It can fold down for compact packing, or can be folded to the correct height to prop up any of our tents.
A pair of ADV Feltac Grips is now included with each staff to wrap the upper two sections! If you need replacement grips, or grips to wrap and older staff they can be found here.Carbon Fiber Staff w/ Pair of Grips
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Weight
8.2 oz / 232.0 g
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A5 Hat Clip Flashlight (USB-C)
$36.95Weight 0.8 oz (22 g)The RovyVon Aurora A5 is the minimalist headlamp that ultralight hikers have been dreaming of. The A5 can be clipped to a hat brim for hands free night hiking or reading, or toggle to lantern mode to light up your whole tent with red or white light.
The clip can also connect to our clasp lock trekking poles to light up the ground when night hiking, or to light up your tent when the trekking pole is used as a tent support.
The clip is magnetic and can be stuck to our magnet tent door toggles on tent models that have them, or to other metal surfaces.The RovyVon A5 features a 330mAh battery with USB-C charging.
A5 Hat Clip Flashlight (USB-C)
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Weight
0.78 oz / 22.0 g
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Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 Power Bank
$59.95Weight 5.3 oz (150 g)The popular Nitecore NB10000 is back with big improvements for the 2nd generation. This Gen2 power bank keeps its extraordinary 10,000mAh battery in a solid carbon fiber body frame. It's lighter than conventional power banks, with a thin, sleek minimalist design. The NB10000 is the ultimate portable backup battery charger for outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy trail running, hiking or camping, road warriors, or first responders. It is also a great addition to your emergency prep kit or bug-out-bag.Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 Power Bank
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Weight
5.3 oz / 150.0 g
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