In 2004 when Zpacks founder Joe Valesko was setting out to thru-hike the Appalachian Trail, he couldn't find any gear options that met his needs. They were all too bulky, heavy, and full of unnecessary features. He knew there had to be a better way and he was determined to solve his own problem.
Sitting down at a sewing machine in his apartment, Joe began designing and producing his first pieces of gear. He would soon test and refine his gear over the course of his AT hike. Encouraged by other hikers who were envious of Joe's base weight, he decided to start selling his designs online and producing them at night and on weekends. And with that, Zpacks began from this obsession!
