John Z on Making Gear, Not Filtering Water, and 50-Mile Days

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, we are joined by thru-hiker, gear maker, YouTuber, musician, and dare I say philosopher, John Z. John Z has hiked it all, including the triple crown trails, the Arizona Trail, Colorado Trail- in 10 days, setting the unsupported FKT on the way, which was a side trip during his PCT thru-hike- the Great Divide Trail, Pacific Northwest Trail, the Death Valley Loop, amongst others. He gives us an overview of these trips, the inspiration behind starting Pa'Lante Packs and now Meadow Physics Gear, why he doesn't hike with a water filter or satellite communicator, his tendency toward being a "water princess," the time he barked at a cow and the cow fought back, his run-ins with an angry black bear and a mountain lion, and much more.

We wrap the show by unveiling our adult film star names, the triple crown of campaign promises 2.0, and Chuance leaves us a mailbag.

Gossamer Gear: Use code “SNUGGLEBUG” for 20% off shelters at gossamergear.com. 

PATH Projects: Use code “THETREK10”  for 10% off at pathprojects.com/thetrek.

Katabatic Gear: Use code “BPR15” for 15% off at katabaticgear.com.

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Interview with John Z

• Meadow Physics
• John's Youtube
• John's Instagram

Time stamps & Questions

00:02:40 - Reminders: Join us for a live show in Denver on December 7! Support us on Patreon for exclusive bonus content!

00:05:18 - Introducing John Z

00:06:22 - What’s your background in the outdoors?

00:08:15 - If you had to pick only bikepacking or backpacking forever, which would it be?

00:09:50 - What led you to long distance backpacking?

00:11:29 - Did you start off ultralight?

00:14:15 - How did you transition from bikepacking?

00:16:04 - What was your biggest gear mistake early on?

00:18:20 - Tell us about making gear

00:21:54 - What were the vibes like in the desert on the PCT?

00:23:35 - How do you get trail beta?

00:25:07 - In what area do you think there’s the most room for improvement in gear?

00:27:03 - Tell us about the shelter you designed

00:30:00 - Tell us about your recent engagement

00:34:45 - How do you juggle a relationship with hiking?

00:36:35 - What’s the longest food carry you’ve done?

00:38:40 - Aside from light gear, what goes into long mileage days?

00:40:20 - What kind of food do you pack?

00:44:15 - Discussion about the Colorado Trail FKT

00:47:10 - What other FKTs have you attempted?

00:49:48 - Tell us the cow story

00:52:55 - Tell us the bear story

00:54:00 - Tell us the mountain lion story

00:56:40 - Tell us about your Alaska trip

00:58:50 - Why don’t you like to use a water filter?

01:00:30 - Discussion about tea

01:02:10 - What’s something you’ve gone on a deep dive on recently?

01:04:20 - What podcasts do you listen to while hiking?

01:06:04 - What don’t you like about the AT?

01:08:20 - What’s in your pack for a thru-hike?

01:11:35 - What do you do for bug protection?

01:14:00 - How do you pack your pack?

01:17:09 - Do you ever use a pack with a frame system?

01:17:55 - Tell us about the Death Valley Loop

01:20:20 - Are you more drawn to trails or routes?

01:21:20 - Do you think about your legacy?

01:22:17 - Is there any competition in route making?

01:23:00 - Tell us about the Great Divide Trai