Typically, I review my gear after having used it for a long period of time. In the case of my new rain gear, however, I’ll make an exception. I recently returned from an amazing 12 day backpacking trip through the Sierra Nevada range, and during that trip I wore the ZPacks Waterproof Breathable (WPB) Cuben jacket far more than I’d expected it to be necessary. Since the experience is fresh in my mind, I thought I’d pump out a quick ‘short-term’ review.

ZPacks LLC carries an assortment of shelters for the ultralight backpacker that will accommodate ground & hammock dwellers.

Zpacks LLC offers an assortment of ultralight backpacks. The Arc, Blast & Zero comes in a variety of sizes with many options to choose from. For new or veteran backpackers. Zpacks LLC packs are durable & one of the lightest packs on the market.

ZPacks offers solo & a twin sized quilts with 900 fill power down in their lineup of ultralight sleeping bags.

Jesse Blough reviews the Zpacks Zero backpack

*Picture above taken at Crater Lake, Oregon.

While hiking sections of the PCT and adjoining trails late last summer, I saw more thru-hikers carrying and using Zpacks gear than any other cottage manufacturer (except maybe Dirty Girl Gaiters). That alone should be a testament to the quality and workmanship that Joe Valesko and his band of elves puts into every item that leaves their workshop; if that’s not enough, here’s my own experience: