Z-Packs “Zilch”

Very nice! I like the balance of simplicity, light weight, and function. Joe Valesko has created another winner.

With a pack body only 5" deep, I do not think you can put a sleeping pad inside and have any room for much gear that is that same thickness, namely stuffed sleeping bags. Thoughts?

I think much will depend on the gear we have — a pack this small and light won't work for all occasions.

This pack 'should' work for an overnight or perhaps even a weekender in temperate climes.

I would slip in two 3/8" blue foam pads plus a 3/4 self-inflating pad. These will take up one inch or so together.

Next, I will shove my down sleeping bag to the bottom. I would not use a stuff sack as the resulting "bread loaf" does not translate to efficient packing. Better to just let the bag conform to the insides of the pack — self compressing as you load up more stuff.

The rest of the pack will be filled up with sleep wear, one insulation layer, food, and misc. gear (small cookpot with stove inside, etc.).

Finally, I like to hang my tent on the outside — so I would add two bottom compression straps to the pack. Also on the outside will be two bladders in the side pockets (one fitted with hydration tube), and a rain jacket in the outside front pocket.

A 1/8" thinlight pad works too, but that is roughing it a bit ;).

Ben, I think I should hire you as my official spokesperson!

Hi Joe:

Your packs speak for themselves. :)

I (and others) have been pressuring Brian of ULA to come up with a UL panel-loading pack — apparently to no success — or at least not yet.

Perhaps you might be interested in this challenge as well?

Email me what you want and I can think about it :)

Another new item that I have been working on- shoulder pouches. Thoughts?

Yeah, Like 'em. Great idea. Nice implementation. Good job!

>Another new item that I have been working on- shoulder pouches. Thoughts?

I’ve been using a simBLISSity UnSlack Pack shoulder pack. I keep my camera in there as well as a few snacks. I like it a lot, so I think it’s a good idea (along with belt-pouches).

Nice looking puches Josh, and most importantly very light :D

Glad to see folks appreciating z-packs!

hey Joe,
do you have a pic of your padded hip belt pocket on a pack? I am trying to get an idea of its size. I would like to hold a digital camera and some gu's on my Golite Jam2. Would this pouch be appropriote? Thanks

Hi Jon, I actually dunked my digital camera into the Florida Everglades wilderness waterway last week. I've ordered a new waterproof one to replace it, and I'll be sure to put some "worn" pictures of the belt pouches on the site as soon as it arrives :).

The pouches are made to slide onto a webbing belt up to 2" wide. I'm not sure if the hip belt wings on the GoLite Jam would get in the way or not, you would have to try it out or make a call since you have the pack.

I do offer a full refund including shipping fees if any piece of gear does not work out right, so feel free to try things.

New pictures up finally.