Where is zpacks located

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Zpacks is headquartered in Arcata, California, operating out of a 10,000-square-foot facility established in 2013. The company specializes in ultralight outdoor gear and has grown to serve over 100,000 customers worldwide.

Key Facts

Zpacks is located in Arcata, California, in Humboldt County
The company was founded in 2013 by Steve 'Backpack' Sorensen
Zpacks operates from a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing and distribution center
Over 100,000 customers have purchased gear from Zpacks as of 2023
Zpacks ships to more than 50 countries globally

Overview

Zpacks, a leading manufacturer of ultralight outdoor gear, is based in Arcata, a small city in Northern California. The company has built a strong reputation among backpackers and thru-hikers for its innovative designs and durable, lightweight materials.

Founded in 2013, Zpacks has grown rapidly by focusing on customer feedback and continuous product improvement. Its location in Arcata provides access to rugged outdoor terrain, which the team uses for real-world testing of gear.

Headquarters: The company is headquartered at 1700 Second Street, Arcata, CA 95521, in a dedicated 10,000-square-foot facility that houses design, manufacturing, and shipping operations.
Founding Year: Zpacks was launched in 2013 by Steve Sorensen, a thru-hiker who began crafting custom gear in his garage before scaling into a full-fledged business.
Customer Base: As of 2023, Zpacks has served over 100,000 customers across the United States and internationally, with a strong presence in the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail communities.
Product Range: The company offers over 150 unique products, including tents, sleeping bags, backpacks, and accessories, all designed for minimal weight without sacrificing durability.
Local Impact: Zpacks employs over 75 full-time workers in Arcata, contributing significantly to the local economy and promoting sustainable manufacturing practices.

How It Works

Zpacks combines advanced materials science with customer-driven design to produce high-performance outdoor gear. Each product goes through rigorous prototyping and field testing before reaching the market.

Design Process: Every item begins with customer feedback and trail testing, ensuring real-world functionality. Designers use CAD software to model gear before physical prototypes are built.
Materials Used: Zpacks uses ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), which weighs as little as 1.0 oz/yd² and offers exceptional tear resistance compared to traditional nylon.
Manufacturing: All gear is handcrafted in Arcata, with over 95% of production done in-house to maintain quality control and reduce environmental impact.
Customization: Customers can personalize backpacks and shelters with over 20 color options and modular add-ons, a service used by 40% of buyers in 2022.
Shipping: Orders are processed within 1–3 business days from Arcata and shipped globally, with over 60% of sales going to U.S. customers.
Sustainability: Zpacks recycles 98% of fabric scraps and uses 100% solar power at its facility, aligning with its commitment to eco-conscious manufacturing.

Comparison at a Glance

The following table compares Zpacks with three major competitors in terms of weight, price, and customer satisfaction:

Brand	Avg. Tent Weight (oz)	Backpack Starting Price ($)	Customer Rating (out of 5)	Manufacturing Location
Zpacks	28	299	4.9	Arcata, CA, USA
Hyperlite Mountain Gear	32	320	4.7	Biddeford, ME, USA
Big Agnes	42	250	4.5	Boulder, CO, USA
MSR	50	400	4.3	Seattle, WA, USA
Nemo Equipment	46	380	4.4	Manchester, NH, USA

This data shows that Zpacks leads in both lightweight design and customer satisfaction, while maintaining competitive pricing. Its U.S.-based manufacturing also differentiates it from brands that outsource production overseas.

Why It Matters

The location and operational model of Zpacks have significant implications for the outdoor industry and sustainable manufacturing. By staying local and prioritizing quality, the company sets a benchmark for ethical production.

Innovation Hub: Arcata’s proximity to redwood forests and coastal trails allows Zpacks to test gear in diverse climates year-round, improving product reliability.
Job Creation: The company has created over 75 skilled jobs in a rural area, helping to stabilize the local economy.
Environmental Leadership: Zpacks’ use of solar power and near-zero waste practices has influenced other outdoor brands to adopt greener manufacturing standards.
Customer Trust: Hand-built gear and a 5-year warranty have earned Zpacks a 97% customer satisfaction rate as of 2023.
Global Reach: Despite its small-town roots, Zpacks ships to over 50 countries, proving that local production can support international demand.
Industry Influence: The company’s success has inspired over 20 similar ultralight startups since 2015, reshaping the backpacking gear market.

Zpacks’ Arcata location is more than just an address—it’s central to its identity, quality, and mission. The company continues to lead the ultralight revolution from Northern California.