I buy ultralight gear so that I can carry more fun comforts for the same weight. I am really not about the full minimalism and discomfort. A lot of zpacks gear is compatible with this approach and is mostly either modular or easily modded. But yeah, I own a lot of ultralight gear, but I will never want to be an ultralight hiker. I love that zpacks is agile with product updates and make changes to improve the product. I carried over 50 lb in my arc haul on a basecamp style trip this past Spring and it was great! Most of it was food and water (no water on the trail till the end and we were out for 5 days and I eat a lot and was carrying food for 2). It carried it without any issue. I was much lighter on the way back uphill.
I first heard about Zpacks back in 2013 on the AT. For the next eight years I kept reducing my pack weight. In 2021 I hiked a few miles in the Whites of NH with a younger couple and they convinced me to go completely UL. I am older 64 and I pulled the trigger and went all in on Zpacks and other UL gear. The vast majority of my gear is from Zpacks. It’s been a game changer, I have hiking longer and feeling better than I did thirty years ago. My base weight is about eight pounds but I feel I am just as comfortable as when I had a 14 pound base weight. The condensation certainly can be an issue especially when it’s truly pouring down and you are closed up. I also hike with my dog and she adds to the issue. What I like most about their gear is it allows someone like me , older with some injuries to still hike and hike far. I was caught in a storm this summer on the Long Trail that flooded much of state of Vermont, over ten inches of rain in one night and there was certainly condensation but it was no big issue and I was safe as was my dog. I don’t even feel the pack on my pack, it’s so light. Thanks Zpacks and thanks for the interview. I will add the fact that their products are made in the USA is a big reason I support them. I will never purchase a tent from the other brand you both were alluding to. I am sure they are good but the made in USA means a lot to me. Take care
I'm one of the, seemingly rare, people who will spend the extra money for gear that is made in the USA, especially when it is also the lightest on the market. I've been using Zpacks gear for a few years now and have no complaints. I live out of a Plex Solo on trail and just dropped 2lbs off my pack by purchasing Arc Haul Ultra 60L and so far I'm loving it. People who complain about the back panel being useless are overpacking their packs. I'm able to carry a full BV500, all of my gear and still get the benefit of the air between the panel and the main body. One of my favorite Zpacks items is the Lotus UL Umbrella. When I'm in areas where trees are scarce and the sun is beating down, the umbrella is awesome.
I think often people forget that going ultralight is always contextual. And particular base weights change depending on location and season. Going light is just about being aware of what you're carrying, it's purpose for each particular adventure you undertake, and whether it will do the job. It's always about bringing the lightest piece of gear that does the job, and hopefully is also sustainable in the long term. Buy from companies that offer repair services or buy gear that you can repair yourself if/when needed. Much ultralight gear is not in the mainstream and this needs to change if we are to stop seeing people torturing themselves on trail with 90l polycotton rucksacks that weight 25kg. I see it all the time and these people do not look like they're enjoying themselves. It's a shame because these instances scare people away from hiking when they discover that it's not fun when carrying so much weight. There needs to be a shift in the market and from companies recommending people "at least" 60 litre rucksacks for multiday hikes. If companies starting recommending 45 litres this would force people to think about what gear they take. If I go into Naturkompaniet here in Sweden they will straight away tell me to buy a 60 litre Fjällräven rucksack that weights over 3kgs, then that person will fill that and think it's all good.
Its interesting because my impression is that much of the UL gear development but also user base is US based, while Europe is still very much dominated by fairly conservative equipment designs - think Fjällräven in Sweden or Deuter in Germany for backpacks, ALFA boots in Norway or Lowa & Meindl boots in Germany. I guess one main reason for that is that cabin trips are way more common, in the Alps but also in Scandinavia...we have much less wilderness and its also less remote, so its often more of a weekend affair for people, we dont have a thruhiking culture. So the pressures to go lightweight or especially UL are not really there...and frankly, that keeps hiking also more affortable and hence more accessible - somebody will always have some old backpack laying around and because designs are so conservative and 60+15L is sorta the norm, you can easily fit an assortment of less then ideal gear for a trip, thats the way I hiked as a teen and young adult until I had substential disposable income. Now, in my eyes that still doesn't really excuse selling people outdated gear if they bring good money and the obsession with hiking boots is baffling but still, I think we should not forget that UL gear is often expensive AF and especially in Europe people tend to be weekend warriors at maximum.
I've had the Arc Haul for 7 or 8 years now and its still so strong and in great shape. I'm a weekend warrior most of the time but have done almost half of the CT in two trips over two years. I'd say I have at least 1500 miles on it. I also have a Duplex that I've had for 3 or 4 years now. I won't be getting anything to replace those until they fail which I don't see happening for a long time now. Can't say enough about Z-Packs gear.
I was super excited to see this video. I was dead set on getting the Durston Xmid Pro 2 (or Plus) until I saw an a video about the offset duo. And now I'm not sure. I'm leaning toward the offset, but it may just come down to cost. It's just for me and the dog usually, but I'm 6 feet tall and like to keep my gear inside the tent. I can't wait to see more reviews of the offset. Thanks for putting this interview together. So interesting!
I was torn between the two as well, but the X-Mid doesn't sell tents with a DCF floor. So I went with the Offset Duo. Just used it for 20 nights on the Colorado Trail and I must say, the tent is freaking awesome. Incorporates all the lessons learned from both Durston and Zpacks, and has more features than the X-Mid (that's why I love capitalism). I'm 6'4" and the room inside the duo is unreal. I had to pitch it in a few tight places, no issues. Such a good, light, roomy, ALL DCF tent.
1) Great interview! 2) Mateo has some energy, for sure! 😀 3) Always had great customer service from Z Packs AND great products. That is all-Yard Dart out.
In the future, you'll carry around a little cube the size of a Bic lighter and place it on the ground after activating it. It will form a force field that can be tinted, mirrored to disappear in it's surroundings or be completely clear with customizable climate control.
You can hike here in North Florida earlier than December… it starts getting better in October for sure. Now, I tried a very short 6 mile backpacking trip with a 30 pound pack in early August on the Florida Trail as a novice. It was the first time and the last time I will ever do that again that’s for sure, and I had a tick where the sun don’t shine to show for it. You can hike in Florida in the summer, but it’s limited to shady parks during the morning for 2-4 mile treks
I agree, I’m from Tallahassee Florida and I’m thinking that it wld be ok to go even as early as the end of this month. I may be wishful thinking, but I’m so rdy to get bck on the trail! Stay safe!😅
Would this condensation issue be why some go the hammock route rather than tent? I have wondered if setting up a tarp over a tent would help the situation. If you haven’t already read between the lines, I’m brand new at this hiking but averaging 10 miles a day and I haven’t bought a sleep system yet because of this getting wet issue. I definitely don’t like the idea of laying in a bathtub full of water. I’d rather be in a hammock. Here you fight the whole thru hike to keep your sleep system dry to keep you safe and warm and it gets soaked from condensation dripping all over it. I don’t get it. I definitely doing want to get hyperthermia while in this kind of situation either. I want to do the AT next year but this subject really has me bothered and I have watched endless videos trying to figure this out.
in my experience condensation is only an issue if you accidentally touch the inside of the tent. it's not like the entire inside of the tent is getting dripped on. you should remain dry inside as long as you dont touch the sides
Great video, man. Lots of good tips. But we have to admit.... it's an interesting dynamic that ultra light backpackers swear that what they are doing is totally great, while at the same time being unwilling to admit that going ultralight is an INHERENTLY MORE DANGEROUS camping backpacking trip than...... it would be to go PREPARED;-- with more gear, and more stuff, and more FORETHOUGHT. A lot can go wrong on ANY camping trip, and especially in a backpacking adventure. Everybody knows it IS a goal to have more ultralight gear, but keep in mind that.... the COST OF BEING WRONG about something on an extended camping adventure just MIGHT be something important that YOU left behind.
Wow, such and engaging interview. I figured I wouldn't stay with until the end, given the level of detail about tent materials, which I didn't think would hold my interest. But I was wrong :) On to the Dan Durston one!
I’m new to hiking gear. Zpack is mentioned more often than TNFace in all of the videos I’ve seen on YT. So Zpack for sure does a great job as a company.
So interesting !!! I love that Zpacks is agile with product updates ....I love Zpacks product.....However, in Europe, it is quite difficult to find Zpacks products... I think it would be a necessary move to open an online store for us in Europe as well.
Be nice to see version number for revolutions of the products eg v1.01 etc so you know what one you buying specially when buying from importers in other countries or secondhand you know what your getting
As someone who works at an outdoor store, I see Hyperlites come back. We rarely have them in store and people buy on reputation, not much research. And I have to explain that these packs are different and can't carry more than X comfortably. They just see that they must be ultralight and don't think about what it means. It takes time, research, and being honest with yourself and your backpacking goals. However, I would LOVE if we carried your umbrellas. Best thing since sliced bread.
Please add time stamps so I can get straight to the interview. Sorry, but I do not care about how someone does their no2 in the forest but I do want to hear your guests. Thank you for your hard work.
I buy ultralight gear so that I can carry more fun comforts for the same weight. I am really not about the full minimalism and discomfort. A lot of zpacks gear is compatible with this approach and is mostly either modular or easily modded. But yeah, I own a lot of ultralight gear, but I will never want to be an ultralight hiker.
I love that zpacks is agile with product updates and make changes to improve the product.
I carried over 50 lb in my arc haul on a basecamp style trip this past Spring and it was great! Most of it was food and water (no water on the trail till the end and we were out for 5 days and I eat a lot and was carrying food for 2). It carried it without any issue. I was much lighter on the way back uphill.
I first heard about Zpacks back in 2013 on the AT. For the next eight years I kept reducing my pack weight. In 2021 I hiked a few miles in the Whites of NH with a younger couple and they convinced me to go completely UL. I am older 64 and I pulled the trigger and went all in on Zpacks and other UL gear. The vast majority of my gear is from Zpacks. It’s been a game changer, I have hiking longer and feeling better than I did thirty years ago. My base weight is about eight pounds but I feel I am just as comfortable as when I had a 14 pound base weight. The condensation certainly can be an issue especially when it’s truly pouring down and you are closed up. I also hike with my dog and she adds to the issue. What I like most about their gear is it allows someone like me , older with some injuries to still hike and hike far. I was caught in a storm this summer on the Long Trail that flooded much of state of Vermont, over ten inches of rain in one night and there was certainly condensation but it was no big issue and I was safe as was my dog. I don’t even feel the pack on my pack, it’s so light. Thanks Zpacks and thanks for the interview. I will add the fact that their products are made in the USA is a big reason I support them. I will never purchase a tent from the other brand you both were alluding to. I am sure they are good but the made in USA means a lot to me. Take care
I'm one of the, seemingly rare, people who will spend the extra money for gear that is made in the USA, especially when it is also the lightest on the market. I've been using Zpacks gear for a few years now and have no complaints. I live out of a Plex Solo on trail and just dropped 2lbs off my pack by purchasing Arc Haul Ultra 60L and so far I'm loving it. People who complain about the back panel being useless are overpacking their packs. I'm able to carry a full BV500, all of my gear and still get the benefit of the air between the panel and the main body. One of my favorite Zpacks items is the Lotus UL Umbrella. When I'm in areas where trees are scarce and the sun is beating down, the umbrella is awesome.
I think often people forget that going ultralight is always contextual. And particular base weights change depending on location and season. Going light is just about being aware of what you're carrying, it's purpose for each particular adventure you undertake, and whether it will do the job. It's always about bringing the lightest piece of gear that does the job, and hopefully is also sustainable in the long term. Buy from companies that offer repair services or buy gear that you can repair yourself if/when needed. Much ultralight gear is not in the mainstream and this needs to change if we are to stop seeing people torturing themselves on trail with 90l polycotton rucksacks that weight 25kg. I see it all the time and these people do not look like they're enjoying themselves. It's a shame because these instances scare people away from hiking when they discover that it's not fun when carrying so much weight. There needs to be a shift in the market and from companies recommending people "at least" 60 litre rucksacks for multiday hikes. If companies starting recommending 45 litres this would force people to think about what gear they take. If I go into Naturkompaniet here in Sweden they will straight away tell me to buy a 60 litre Fjällräven rucksack that weights over 3kgs, then that person will fill that and think it's all good.
Its interesting because my impression is that much of the UL gear development but also user base is US based, while Europe is still very much dominated by fairly conservative equipment designs - think Fjällräven in Sweden or Deuter in Germany for backpacks, ALFA boots in Norway or Lowa & Meindl boots in Germany. I guess one main reason for that is that cabin trips are way more common, in the Alps but also in Scandinavia...we have much less wilderness and its also less remote, so its often more of a weekend affair for people, we dont have a thruhiking culture. So the pressures to go lightweight or especially UL are not really there...and frankly, that keeps hiking also more affortable and hence more accessible - somebody will always have some old backpack laying around and because designs are so conservative and 60+15L is sorta the norm, you can easily fit an assortment of less then ideal gear for a trip, thats the way I hiked as a teen and young adult until I had substential disposable income.
Now, in my eyes that still doesn't really excuse selling people outdated gear if they bring good money and the obsession with hiking boots is baffling but still, I think we should not forget that UL gear is often expensive AF and especially in Europe people tend to be weekend warriors at maximum.
I've had the Arc Haul for 7 or 8 years now and its still so strong and in great shape. I'm a weekend warrior most of the time but have done almost half of the CT in two trips over two years. I'd say I have at least 1500 miles on it. I also have a Duplex that I've had for 3 or 4 years now. I won't be getting anything to replace those until they fail which I don't see happening for a long time now. Can't say enough about Z-Packs gear.
I was super excited to see this video. I was dead set on getting the Durston Xmid Pro 2 (or Plus) until I saw an a video about the offset duo. And now I'm not sure. I'm leaning toward the offset, but it may just come down to cost. It's just for me and the dog usually, but I'm 6 feet tall and like to keep my gear inside the tent. I can't wait to see more reviews of the offset. Thanks for putting this interview together. So interesting!
I was torn between the two as well, but the X-Mid doesn't sell tents with a DCF floor. So I went with the Offset Duo. Just used it for 20 nights on the Colorado Trail and I must say, the tent is freaking awesome. Incorporates all the lessons learned from both Durston and Zpacks, and has more features than the X-Mid (that's why I love capitalism). I'm 6'4" and the room inside the duo is unreal. I had to pitch it in a few tight places, no issues. Such a good, light, roomy, ALL DCF tent.
1) Great interview! 2) Mateo has some energy, for sure! 😀 3) Always had great customer service from Z Packs AND great products. That is all-Yard Dart out.
In the future, you'll carry around a little cube the size of a Bic lighter and place it on the ground after activating it. It will form a force field that can be tinted, mirrored to disappear in it's surroundings or be completely clear with customizable climate control.
Sounds like Leomunds Tiny Hut, it’s a D&D thing
😆@@okidokiyogi1
You can hike here in North Florida earlier than December… it starts getting better in October for sure. Now, I tried a very short 6 mile backpacking trip with a 30 pound pack in early August on the Florida Trail as a novice. It was the first time and the last time I will ever do that again that’s for sure, and I had a tick where the sun don’t shine to show for it. You can hike in Florida in the summer, but it’s limited to shady parks during the morning for 2-4 mile treks
I agree, I’m from Tallahassee Florida and I’m thinking that it wld be ok to go even as early as the end of this month. I may be wishful thinking, but I’m so rdy to get bck on the trail! Stay safe!😅
Would this condensation issue be why some go the hammock route rather than tent? I have wondered if setting up a tarp over a tent would help the situation. If you haven’t already read between the lines, I’m brand new at this hiking but averaging 10 miles a day and I haven’t bought a sleep system yet because of this getting wet issue. I definitely don’t like the idea of laying in a bathtub full of water. I’d rather be in a hammock. Here you fight the whole thru hike to keep your sleep system dry to keep you safe and warm and it gets soaked from condensation dripping all over it. I don’t get it. I definitely doing want to get hyperthermia while in this kind of situation either.
I want to do the AT next year but this subject really has me bothered and I have watched endless videos trying to figure this out.
in my experience condensation is only an issue if you accidentally touch the inside of the tent. it's not like the entire inside of the tent is getting dripped on. you should remain dry inside as long as you dont touch the sides
Excellent talk. Justin, Matheo, zpacks - love you!
Great video, man. Lots of good tips. But we have to admit.... it's an interesting dynamic that ultra light backpackers swear that what they are doing is totally great, while at the same time being unwilling to admit that going ultralight is an INHERENTLY MORE DANGEROUS camping backpacking trip than...... it would be to go PREPARED;-- with more gear, and more stuff, and more FORETHOUGHT. A lot can go wrong on ANY camping trip, and especially in a backpacking adventure. Everybody knows it IS a goal to have more ultralight gear, but keep in mind that.... the COST OF BEING WRONG about something on an extended camping adventure just MIGHT be something important that YOU left behind.
I'd like to see zpacks' take on a running vest suspension.
would love more running vest backpack options
What are you using now for a running vest?
@@hikerJohn Normally an Orange Mud Adventure 20 but for fastpacking a Nashville Packs Cutaway.
I've been told it's in active development!
Wow, such and engaging interview. I figured I wouldn't stay with until the end, given the level of detail about tent materials, which I didn't think would hold my interest. But I was wrong :) On to the Dan Durston one!
Offset Trio! This is exciting!!
I’m new to hiking gear.
Zpack is mentioned more often than TNFace in all of the videos I’ve seen on YT.
So Zpack for sure does a great job as a company.
Cottage gear is where it’s at
So interesting !!! I love that Zpacks is agile with product updates ....I love Zpacks product.....However, in Europe, it is quite difficult to find Zpacks products... I think it would be a necessary move to open an online store for us in Europe as well.
Be nice to see version number for revolutions of the products eg v1.01 etc so you know what one you buying specially when buying from importers in other countries or secondhand you know what your getting
Awesome!
Helpful stream to see how industry works from inside perspective. Wish companies were more open about their decision making process.
rockin the airpods max. nice.
Mateo - what issue of The Great Outdoors mag is on your wall - and why?
They are completion certificates from the 2014 and 2019 TGO Challenges. A true Scottish adventure.
Hello from Florida!! I am a proud owner of an XMid 1p and rdy to get out and wrestle an alligator! Lol!! 😎 Go Noles!!😅👏
“stealing” tent design is like apple calling a brick a “revolutionary” design. 😂
Why not purposely draw condensation to some sort of surface passively that collects it into a bottle
Let people figure things out for themselves, it takes time to find out what you like and what works for you, backpacking I supposed to be fun.
How about one of those PC fans that are pretty quiet? Rig one up somehow to a battery.
As someone who works at an outdoor store, I see Hyperlites come back. We rarely have them in store and people buy on reputation, not much research. And I have to explain that these packs are different and can't carry more than X comfortably. They just see that they must be ultralight and don't think about what it means. It takes time, research, and being honest with yourself and your backpacking goals. However, I would LOVE if we carried your umbrellas. Best thing since sliced bread.
Air BnZ
A true ultra lighter would shave the dome
So why can he say Melbourne (Florida) correctly yet any American talking about Melbourne Australia says “Melborrrrn?”
Please add time stamps so I can get straight to the interview.
Sorry, but I do not care about how someone does their no2 in the forest but I do want to hear your guests.
Thank you for your hard work.
those who can do, those who cant talk endlessly about gear ad nauseam.
Thanks, what a cool dude.