Zpacks

Name

Zpacks

Legal name

Zpacks Corp

Website

https://zpacks.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2004

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Zpacks is a bootstrapped, founder-led direct-to-consumer brand designing and selling ultralight backpacking gear — Dyneema shelters, carbon-frame packs, quilts, and apparel — primarily for thru-hikers and ultralight enthusiasts on major long-distance trails.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Ultralight Backpacking Gear

NAICS

Apparel Accessories and Other Apparel Manufacturing (31599), Luggage and Leather Goods Retailers (458320), Clothing and Clothing Accessories Retailers (458110)

SIC

Apparel & Other Finishd Prods Of Fabrics & Similar Matl (2300), Retail-Apparel & Accessory Stores (5600)

akta.pro primary industry

Camping, Hiking & Backpacking Gear Retail (CRAMAMAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Backpacks, Bags & Load-Carriage Retail (CRAMAMAI), Outdoor Travel Gear (Duffels, Packs, Dry Bags) Retail (CRAMAAAI), Backpacks & Travel Bags (CRAAAJAB), Sports, Outdoor & Adventure Packs Manufacturing (Backpacks/Duffels) (IMAOAHAE), Outerwear & Cold-Weather Apparel Manufacturers (CRAAAAAI)

Keywords

• Ultralight backpacking gear
• Outdoor shelters
• Lightweight backpacks
• Down sleeping bags
• Hiking apparel

Headquarters

HQ city

Melbourne

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Direct E-commerce Product Sales: Zpacks generates revenue through direct-to-consumer sales via their e-commerce website. They sell ultralight shelters, backpacks, sleeping bags, clothing, and accessories at price points ranging from $0.50 (replacement parts) to $949 (Pivot Trio Tent). The company ships internationally with free US shipping on orders over $250.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels2 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Zpacks designs, manufactures, and sells ultralight backpacking gear directly to consumers through its e-commerce store. Its product portfolio includes Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) shelters and tarps, Ultra-fabric framed and frameless backpacks, down quilts and sleeping bags, waterproof breathable rain apparel, hiking clothing, and trail accessories. The company specializes in thru-hiker and long-distance backpacker use cases, with an emphasis on minimizing pack weight while preserving durability.

Product overview

Zpacks is an ultralight outdoor gear manufacturer offering a comprehensive portfolio of shelters, backpacks, sleeping bags, clothing, and accessories. The core product line centers on Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) and Ultra fabric-based shelters including the Duplex series (Classic, Lite, Pro), Plex Solo series (Classic, Pro), Altaplex series (Classic, Pro), Pivot series (Solo, Duo, Trio), Triplex Pro, and Hexamid tents, along with flat tarps. Backpack offerings feature the Arc Haul Ultra and Arc Zip Ultra framed packs with carbon fiber Arc Frame technology, and the Nero series (Classic, Pro) frameless packs. Sleeping solutions include Solo Quilts, Classic Sleeping Bags, Zip Around Sleeping Bags, Mummy Sleeping Bags, Summer Quilt/Winter Liner, and Twin Quilt. Clothing encompasses Vertice rain gear (jackets, pants, kilts), down jackets, wind shells, hiking pants, merino wool sun hoodies, Octa fleece layers, and camp shoes. Accessories include trekking poles, tent stakes, tent poles, dry bags, sleeping pads, camp pillows, and hygiene products. The company emphasizes ultralight weight through advanced materials like Dyneema (15x stronger than steel) and Ultra fabrics, targeting thru-hikers and long-distance backpackers who prioritize weight reduction without sacrificing durability or performance.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Duplex Classic Tent Two-person ultralight tent made with Dyneema Composite Fabric, designed for thru-hikers and long-distance backpackers.
• Duplex Pro Tent Premium two-person DCF shelter with zippered storm doors, double-L zippers, and magnet toggles for enhanced weather protection.
• Duplex Lite Tent Lightest fully enclosed two-person tent in the world, designed for ultralight enthusiasts.
• Plex Solo Classic Tent Lightest full-featured one-person DCF tent in the world, targeted at solo weight-conscious hikers.
• Plex Solo Pro Tent One-person ultralight DCF shelter with zippered storm doors, peak vent, and magnetic toggles.
• Altaplex Classic Tent Larger single-pole DCF shelter with more interior space and height for taller hikers or those wanting extra room.
• Altaplex Pro Tent Premium larger single-pole DCF shelter with full weather protection features.
• Hexamid Tent Floorless screen perimeter DCF shelter updated for the 20th anniversary, for hikers who prefer sleeping under the stars with optional bathtub groundsheet.
• Pivot Solo Tent Single-person DCF shelter with L-shaped zippers and generous head and foot room, set up with trekking poles.
• Pivot Duo Tent Lightest and roomiest full-featured two-person DCF tent, accommodating two wide long sleeping pads with symmetrical layout.
• Pivot Trio Tent Three-person DCF tent with L-shaped zippers and generous headroom, designed for hikers with children or pets.
• Triplex Pro Tent Three-person DCF shelter with zippered storm doors and magnet toggles.
• Flat Tarps Minimalist ultralight flat tarps available in 7'x9', 8.5'x10', and 10'x13' sizes for shelter or sleeping under.
• Hexamid Pocket Tarp Lightest shaped DCF tarp with doors for ultralight minimalist adventures or emergency storm shelter.
• Duplex Freestanding Flex Kit Conversion kit using lightweight carbon fiber or aluminum Flex poles to transform a Duplex tent into a freestanding shelter.
• Arc Haul Ultra 60L Backpack Framed ultralight backpack with curved carbon fiber Arc Frame, patented adjustable torso height, and Ultra 100X material for long-distance thru-hiking.
• Arc Zip Ultra 62L Backpack Framed ultralight backpack with front zip panel for quick gear access, curved carbon fiber Arc Frame, and breathable air gap back panel.
• Nero Classic Backpack Frameless ultralight backpack made with Ultra 100X fabric and waterproof taped seams, close to the original Zpacks design.
• Nero Pro Backpack Advanced frameless ultralight backpack with Ultra TenX fabric and full set of Stretch-Mesh pockets for high-use storage.
• Bagger Ultra 25L Backpack Compact ultralight travel backpack sized to fit under airplane seats, suitable for day hikes and overnighters.
• Women's Backpacks Full lineup of ultralight backpacks in 40L, 50L, 60L, and 70L capacities with Arc Frame and interchangeable components, in women's-specific sizing.
• Solo Quilt Minimalist down quilt with adjustable strap, available in 10F, 20F, and 30F temperature ratings for ultralight sleep systems.
• Classic Sleeping Bag Award-winning sleeping bag combining down quilt and traditional sleeping bag features, with 3/4 length zipper.
• Zip Around Sleeping Bag Sleeping bag with full-length wrap-around side zipper and draft tube, can be zipped together with another Zip Around bag.
• Mummy Sleeping Bag Hooded mummy-style sleeping bag with full-length 2-way zipper and integrated draft tube.
• Summer Quilt / Winter Liner Versatile quilt functioning as a summer sleeping bag or a winter liner, available in 30F and 40F temperature ratings.
• Twin Quilt Reversible two-person quilt for sharing warmth, rated to 20F with ethically sourced water-resistant goose down.
• Men's Vertice Rain Jacket Ultralight waterproof breathable men's rain jacket using proprietary Vertice fabric.
• Women's Vertice Rain Jacket Women's version of the ultralight waterproof breathable rain jacket using proprietary Vertice fabric.
• Vertice Rain Pants Ultralight waterproof breathable rain pants using proprietary Vertice fabric.
• Vertice Rain Kilt Lightweight rain kilt providing waist-to-knee protection with superior ventilation for warm weather.
• DCF Rain Kilt Dyneema Composite Fabric rain kilt with zipper for extra ventilation.
• Zpacks Down Jacket Ultralight insulated down jacket balancing warmth and weight for cold nights in the backcountry.
• Zpacks Travel & Trail Hiking Pants Technical hiking pants built with Japanese Toray Dot Air fabric for all-day comfort and quick drying.
• Convertible Travel & Trail Hiking Pants Convertible version of Travel & Trail pants with zip-off legs for versatility across conditions.
• Trail Cool Sun Hoody UPF 40+ ultralight sun protection hoody with breathable fabric for hot weather.
• Mirage Merino Sun Hoody Merino wool sun hoody developed on the Continental Divide Trail with quarter-zip and thumb holes for sun protection.
• Octa Fleece Hoody Advanced Octa fleece pullover or full-zip hoody with exceptional warmth-to-weight ratio for layering.
• Ventum Wind Shell Jacket Ultralight wind shell weighing under 2 ounces with best warmth-to-weight ratio in the product line.
• Zpacks Ultralight Camp Shoes Lightweight collapsible and packable camp shoes with 4mm foam sole for protection around camp.
• Zpacks Deluxe Camp Shoes Closed-heel camp shoes with 5mm foam sole for extra comfort and protection around camp; includes optional insole.
• Ultralight Sleeping Pads Lightweight sleeping pads for backpacking sleep systems.
• Zpacks Inflatable Pillow Ultralight inflatable pillow with crescent shape suited for back and side sleepers.
• Zpacks Minimalist Trekking Pole Ultralight trekking pole weighing just 4.9oz for shelter setup and hiking support.
• Zpacks Titanium Trail Pen Ultralight titanium pen for writing in wet conditions, includes keyring and ink refill cartridges.
• Carbon Fiber Tent Stakes Ultralight carbon fiber tent stakes with best holding power to weight ratio, can pass through airport security.
• Carbon Fiber Tent Poles Ultralight carbon fiber tent poles available in 32, 48, 52, and 58 inch sizes for various tent setups.
• Dry Bags Waterproof roll-top dry bags for protecting gear from water damage on trail.

Quantifiable outcome

• Plex Solo Classic at 12.3 oz is claimed as the lightest full-featured one-person tent in the world
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature6 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Glacial GearminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZpacks partnered with Glacial Gear to create the Zpacks x Glacial Gear Wool Trail Rag, an ultralight 100% merino wool trail rag made from 180 gsm Hydro-Duct Merino Wool with odor-fighting properties and a pack loop.
• TownShirt CominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZpacks collaborated with TownShirt Co to create a modern minimalist button-up hiking shirt featuring premium finish, UPF 40+ rating, and hyper-breathable stretch 100% polyester fabric suitable for boardroom to backcountry.
• VaucluseminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZpacks collaborated with Vaucluse to create the Zpacks x Vaucluse Ventilation Frame, a custom airflow frame system that creates a gap between the user and pack for improved cooling and ventilation. Features universal attachment system compatible with Nero series and most other backpacks.
• Evolved Supply CominorStrategic or Co-development PartnerZpacks partnered with Evolved Supply Co to develop the Mirage Merino Sun Hoody, engineered over 3,000 miles on the Continental Divide Trail and tested in the Alps. Features quarter-zip design, unique hood, and thumb holes for sun protection.
• Appalachian Trail ConservancyminorOthersNon-profit organization protecting the Appalachian Trail. Zpacks donates 3% of all profits to this organization as part of their giving back program.
• Pacific Crest Trail AssociationminorOthersNon-profit organization protecting and preserving the Pacific Crest Trail. Zpacks donates 3% of all profits as part of their trail conservation commitment.
• Continental Divide CoalitionminorOthersOrganization working to complete, protect, and promote the Continental Divide Trail. One of Zpacks' giving back partners receiving 3% of profits.
• Arizona TrailminorOthersArizona Trail Association working to develop and maintain the Arizona Trail. Zpacks gives back 3% of profits to this organization.

Scale indicators3 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Tarptent: Specialist maker of ultralight single- and double-wall shelters aimed at thru-hikers and ultralight enthusiasts, overlapping directly with Zpacks' shelter line.
• Hyperlite Mountain Gear: The closest direct competitor to Zpacks — also a Maine-based, DTC, founder-led ultralight brand specializing in Dyneema Composite Fabric shelters, backpacks, and accessories targeted at thru-hikers.
• Enlightened Equipment: Cottage down quilt and ultralight gear maker popular with thru-hikers, directly comparable to Zpacks' Solo Quilt, Classic Sleeping Bag, and broader ultralight sleep system.
• Mountain Laurel Designs: Boutique ultralight cottage manufacturer of shelters, quilts, and backpacks favored by long-distance hikers, comparable in niche positioning and weight focus to Zpacks.
• Gossamer Gear: Long-standing ultralight backpacking brand offering lightweight shelters (The One, The Two), backpacks (Gorilla, Mariposa), and sleeping pads, competing with Zpacks for the sub-10 lb base weight thru-hiker.
• Six Moon Designs: Ultralight shelter and backpack maker serving thru-hikers and backpackers with DCF and silnylon tents, directly comparable to Zpacks' shelter and pack assortment.

Broad incumbents

• Big Agnes: Established tent and sleeping bag brand with a growing ultralight sub-line (Copper Spur HV UL, Tiger Wall UL); overlaps with Zpacks' shelter and sleep categories but at broader price points and retail distribution.
• NEMO Equipment: Larger outdoor brand offering ultralight tents (Hornet, Dragonfly), sleeping bags/quilts, and pads, competing with Zpacks on weight and thru-hiker appeal while selling through broader retail channels.
• Osprey Packs: Major backpack manufacturer with ultralight models (Exos, Levity) that compete with Zpacks' Nero and Arc Haul Ultra packs, though at higher distribution scale and broader feature sets.

Emerging players

• Durston Gear: Designer-led ultralight shelter and pack brand (X-Mid, Kakwa) gaining popularity among thru-hikers, competing head-to-head with Zpacks' Duplex/Hexamid lineup.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@zpacks
• Facebookfacebook.com/ZPacks
• Instagraminstagram.com/zpacks
• Xx.com/ZPacksLLC
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/zpacks-corporation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Zpacks