When you’re out there for an ultralight backpacking tent, there’s little question you’ve seen the Zpacks Duplex pop up on “better of” gear lists (ours included), usually being upheld because the gold normal of ultralight shelters.
And this popularity is not any coincidence. The Zpacks Duplex tent has earned its place within the ultralight highlight by persistently proving itself within the backcountry – it’s additionally a favourite of PCT and JMT thru-hikers who actually put gear by the wringer.
In reality, again in 2014, when Kristen (BFT’s Founder) hiked the JMT, her tent weighed over 5 kilos (!!!) After seeing so many light-weight shelters on her journey, she swore to by no means carry such a heavy tent once more. When she acquired house she bought the Zpacks Triplex (3-person model), and it’s grow to be her go-to tent for backpacking.
Curious, I made a decision to attempt the Zpacks myself. Given I’m sometimes solo in my tent and I don’t have any pets, I figured the Duplex (2-person model) can be lots spacious.
Weighing a mere 18.5 oz (excluding stakes) and packing all the way down to in regards to the dimension of a 20F sleeping bag, the Duplex is a couple of third of the load of freestanding ultralight tents just like the Massive Agnes Copper Spur or NEMO Hornet.
Plus, for those who’re like me and backpack with trekking poles, the Duplex requires no tent poles, utilizing trekking poles, man line pressure, and stakes to arrange. Not having to hold tent poles frees up room and weight in your pack (however for those who want, you should purchase Zpacks tent poles individually).
Ultralight backpacking gear usually comes with the stigma of cramped areas, delicate materials, and minimized consolation. However I’ve realized that the Zpacks Duplex tent defies this stereotype, merging minimal weight with sturdiness and beneficiant house.
Between the 2 of us, Kristen and I’ve collectively used our Zpacks tents on the rocky terrain within the Japanese Sierra to the wet shores of Minnesota’s Boundary Waters to the canyons of Havasu Falls, and I now see what the hype is all about.
I’m excited to share extra about why I believe this might be the last word addition to your backpacking gear record — keep tuned as I delve deeper into what makes the Zpacks Duplex a standout within the realm of ultralight backpacking gear.
ZPacks Duplex Tent
at a look
- Weight: 18.5 oz (excluding stakes, utilizing trekking poles for assist)
- Fashion: Single wall, tarp (non-freestanding)
- Capacities: Plex 1P, Duplex 2P, Triplex 3P
- Peak Peak: 48 inches
- Flooring Measurement: 90 x 45 inches
- Stakes Wanted: 8 (we suggest these)
- # of Doorways: 2
- Optionally available footprint: Zpacks
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
ZPacks Duplex Assessment Breakdown
Accessible Sizes
Zpacks has three sizes of ultralight shelters obtainable – Kristen makes use of the Triplex (3P) which comfortably matches her and my accomplice Ryan, plus their canines Charlie and Gumbo.
I exploit the Duplex (2P), their hottest dimension which inserts two folks comfortably and appears like a palace for those who’re sleeping solo.
Right here’s how the three sizes evaluate:
- Weight: 13.9 oz
- Flooring dimension: 90×28 in.
- Flooring space: 20.6 SF
- Trekking poled wanted: 1
- Stakes wanted: 6
- Worth: $599
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Flooring dimension: 90×45 in.
- Flooring space: 28 SF
- Trekking poles wanted: 2
- Stakes wanted: 8
- Worth: $669
- Weight: 21.6 oz
- Flooring dimension: 90×60 in.
- Flooring space: 37.5 SF
- Trekking poles wanted: 2
- Stakes wanted: 8-12
- Worth: $769
For simplicity, we’ll be referencing the Duplex specs for the remainder of this weblog put up.
Weight and Packed Measurement
Little question the standout characteristic of the Zpacks Duplex is the load and dimension – instantly lightening your load vs. your conventional freestanding backpacking tents.
Once you set your backpack down after an extended day on the path and unfurl the Zpacks Duplex, you’ll instantly discover its feather-light weight, a mere 18.5 ounces (with out stakes). This tent is designed with a meticulous give attention to retaining your pack gentle with out compromising the important attributes of a dependable shelter.
The Duplex packs all the way down to in regards to the dimension of a giant soccer or a 20F sleeping bag. The stuff sack is deliberately outsized, which makes it very easy to suit the tent again into the sack whenever you’re packing up camp.
I had no points packing this tent in my backpack – it simply shaved 2lbs off my base weight in comparison with my earlier freestanding backpacking tent.
Materials and Sturdiness
On this planet of ultralight gear, sturdiness is commonly a legitimate concern, and the Zpacks Duplex doesn’t disappoint on this respect.
The Zpacks Duplex tent is constructed virtually completely from Dyneema Composite Material (DCF), which is famend for its excessive strength-to-weight ratio, making it a wonderful alternative for ultralight outside gear.
This makes the Duplex extraordinarily resilient to the wear and tear and tear of rugged outside adventures, from sharp rocks and sticks on the bottom to harsh climate circumstances and canines’ nails. In reality, we’ve discovered the Zpacks to be extra sturdy than well-liked, but heavier freestanding tents.
The ground of the tent is additional thick and I’ve by no means wanted a floor sheet. Neither has Kristen, and she or he’s used the Zpacks tent within the Excessive Sierra the place the terrain may be very rocky. With that mentioned, for longevity’s sake, you should definitely clear the realm of sticks, rocks, and different issues that would puncture the tent.
The fabric can be naturally waterproof, which means the Duplex doesn’t require any extra coating or seam tape to defend you from the weather. This contributes additional to the general light-weight nature of the tent.
The one draw back of Dyneema material is that it’s pretty see-through, so for those who’re somebody who values privateness in your shelter (i.e. you need to nap bare or get busy through the day in a crowded campground), this may not be the tent for you.
After I was backpacking in Havasu Falls, our campsite was alongside the primary campground path (which could be fairly busy), and it made altering garments a bit little bit of a stealth mission at occasions.
The zippers and mesh within the Duplex are manufactured from sturdy but gentle supplies, making certain that the tent’s weight stays minimal with out sacrificing needed performance.
Tent Design
Total the Zpacks Duplex has a streamlined design that’s properly thought out and fine-tuned.
A important part of the Zpacks Duplex tent design is its 8-inch deep bathtub ground. Its main function is to defend you from rainwater splashing into your tent. This is useful for those who get caught in a rainstorm the place water begins to pool up round your tent.
Above the tub ground is a bit of superb mesh netting that connects to the partitions of the tent. This serves a twin function: insect safety and airflow.
As a single-walled tent, condensation could be a problem however this mesh part helps to stop condensation build-up inside.
There are two doorways and two vestibules, making this a straightforward tent to share.
So, whereas the Zpacks Duplex may be ultra-lightweight, it doesn’t compromise on offering full safety from the weather or making certain an important evening’s sleep within the backcountry. I’ll go extra in-depth about every part of the design under.
Inside Area and Peak
Most ultralight tents have gained a popularity for being cramped, usually feeling extra like 1.5-person shelters relatively than a real two-person setup. The Duplex, nonetheless, bucks this pattern.
The ground measures 90 x 45 inches and in contrast to many tents that slim on the foot field, the Duplex maintains an oblong form.
Observe: When you’re tall, the Zpacks DupleXL provides 96 x 44 inches of ground house. With an 8 ft. ground size, it’s good for hikers as much as 7’0″.
My Mother and I shared the Duplex on our backpacking journey to Havasu Falls and I used to be stunned how roomy it felt inside. We simply match two sleeping pads with loads of room to spare. It by no means as soon as felt cramped inside and we had no points bumping into one another.
Moreover, the Duplex has a peak peak of 48 inches. This added headroom makes a big distinction in total consolation, enabling you to take a seat up absolutely with out brushing in opposition to the tent ceiling. For reference, Kristen’s accomplice Ryan is 6’0″ tall and feels he has loads of headroom when he’s hanging out within the Zpack tent.
Due to how light-weight the Duplex is, I’d suggest it at the same time as a solo backpacker so you possibly can actually unfold out and in addition maintain your gear contained in the tent as an alternative of within the vestibule.
Inside Pockets
There are two inside mesh pockets within the Duplex, one by every door. One pocket has additional restore tape for the shelter, which we suggest leaving in for emergency restore. I like retaining my cellphone and headlamp on this pocket so it’s simpler to maintain observe of at evening.
Personally, I would favor the pockets to be on the head or the foot of the tent as an alternative of by the doorways, however it’s not an excessive amount of of an inconvenience.
Doorways
There are two mesh doorways on both aspect of the Duplex so you may get out and in of the tent with out disturbing your accomplice. The doorways are actually certainly one of my least favourite options of the Zpacks Duplex.
The zippered door is in a half-moon/rainbow form and appears like a decent squeeze to get in/out of the tent (particularly with the trekking pole within the heart).
When you’re somebody with restricted mobility, this might be particularly difficult as you must crouch fairly low to get into the tent. And even after an extended day of climbing, I discovered it difficult to maneuver across the heart pole to get into the tent.
When absolutely unzipped, the mesh spills onto the ground of the tent or the skin, the place it’s simple for the door to get soiled or by accident stepped on. I’d say that the mesh is essentially the most delicate a part of this (and most different) tents, so that you need to watch out to not snag it when going out and in.
That mentioned, I believe the advantages of this tent far outweigh the design of the doorways.
Vestibules
The Zpacks Duplex tent comes geared up with two vestibules, positioned on both aspect of the tent. These vestibules join with a metallic hook to the primary man line that runs from the peaks of the tent, offering additional cupboard space whereas sustaining a streamlined, safe design.
A singular facet of those vestibules is that every one is break up down the center, successfully creating two vestibule doorways on all sides of the Duplex. This design not solely enhances accessibility but additionally contributes to efficient air flow inside the tent.
Moreover, the vestibules characteristic a toggle located about midway as much as safe the doorways and stop them from flapping within the wind.
I personally want to maintain my gear contained in the tent each time doable (vs. within the vestibules), which is why I really like having the Duplex as a (sometimes) solo backpacker.
Both or each doorways could be conveniently rolled up and secured to the tent with a toggle, permitting you to take pleasure in an open-air expertise whereas nonetheless being sheltered from the weather. That is superior for stargazing, afternoon naps, or watching the solar come up within the morning.
It’s beneficial that you simply sleep with a minimum of one of many vestibule doorways rolled up (when climate permits) at evening to create higher airflow and scale back condensation.
After I was backpacking in Havasupai, the climate was actually gentle at evening so we slept with 3 of the 4 vestibule doorways rolled up for higher airflow and a better exit if we wanted to make use of the toilet at evening.
The vestibules join with a metallic hook to the primary man line that runs from the peaks of the tent, offering additional cupboard space whereas sustaining a streamlined, safe design.
Observe: Not a fan of the metallic hook closure? In 2023, Zpacks launched the Duplex Zip tent with zippered vestibule doorways, peak vents, and magnetic door toggles.
Wind and Climate Safety
The Zpacks tent holds up exceptionally (and admittedly surprisingly) properly in unhealthy climate. Kristen acquired caught in a three-day torrential downpour within the Boundary Waters and couldn’t imagine that they stayed dry.
She was additionally shocked at how sturdy the tent was when the wind actually began to howl. As a result of there are not any tent poles, there’s nothing that may actually buckle beneath intense wind.
The tent’s design incorporates strategically positioned guy-out factors and a sturdy ridgeline that enhances its wind resistance, permitting it to carry up remarkably properly in windy circumstances. In windy circumstances, only for a bit added insurance coverage, it’s a good suggestion to put rocks on prime of your stakes to assist anchor them into the bottom.
The Dyneema material utilized in its development is inherently waterproof, offering wonderful safety in opposition to rain. The 8-inch deep bathtub ground additional ensures that no groundwater seeps into the tent, retaining you dry even in heavy rain.
Moreover, the vestibules on both aspect of the tent supply an additional layer of safety, shielding the inside from wind and rain, whereas additionally offering house to stow gear out of the weather.
Tip: If it’s windy and also you’re organising the Duplex solo, I like to recommend placing your backpack in the course of the tent to carry the tent in place whilst you stake out the corners.
How To Set Up the Zpacks Duplex
Establishing the Zpacks Duplex tent could appear a bit daunting at first on account of its non-freestanding design, however when you get the dangle of it, it’s truly fairly easy. I extremely suggest watching some movies and setting it up at house earlier than you’re taking it out on the path so that you’re conversant in the method.
Right here’s a step-by-step information that will help you out:
1. Choose Your Website
Select an current campsite in a flat, debris-free space to arrange your tent. This won’t solely offer you a cushty sleeping floor but additionally shield the Dyneema material from potential harm.
In windy circumstances, orient the top of your tent with the overlapping storm doorways upwind. The Zpacks labels on the corners point out the upwind finish of the tent.
Observe: Splash-up can happen when camped on hard-packed surfaces throughout heavy rain. The tall “bathtub” ground and overhanging cover assist to maintain mud and water from splashing up into your tent, however for greatest ends in additional wet circumstances, attempt to decide on a camp spot on leaves or pine needles.
2. Lay Out the Tent
Unpack the tent and unfold it out in your chosen web site. Be certain that the doorways are zipped closed.
3. Stake the Corners
Start by staking out the 4 corners of the tent at a couple of 45-degree angle (straight out). It’s necessary to get the proper pressure – not too tight, not too free. The fabric must be taught, however with sufficient give to permit for the insertion of the trekking poles.
*I noticed after organising the tent that I may have shortened the guylines, creating much less of a tripping hazard and including additional stability.
4. Insert Trekking Poles
The Duplex makes use of your trekking poles for assist as an alternative of conventional tent poles. Modify your trekking poles to round 48 inches (122 cm) and insert them into the grommets positioned on the peak of every door. You’ll need to angle the poles so they’re bracing in opposition to the strain of the tent.
5. Stake Out the Doorways
As soon as the trekking poles are securely in place, pull the doorways out and stake them. The tent ought to now be standing by itself.
If the bottom is absolutely rocky, it’s possible you’ll not be capable of drive the stakes within the floor. This will make organising the tent difficult. As an alternative, you must wrap your man strains round massive rocks or bushes to create sufficient pressure to get the tent to face correctly and be steady.
Observe: The corners of the tent must be about 6-8 inches (18cm) off the bottom when the tent is ready up. I do know it seems to be odd, however it’ll be the right peak whenever you get your stuff arrange inside.
6. Modify As Wanted
Stroll across the tent to make sure it’s arrange appropriately. The Dyneema material must be tight, and the tent ought to have a pleasant, streamlined form. Modify and tighen up the guylines as wanted to attain this.
7. Set Up the Vestibules
Lastly, stake out the 2 vestibules and shut or roll up the doorways.
Bear in mind, follow makes good! Attempt organising the Zpacks Duplex at house a number of occasions earlier than you head out in your journey. This manner, you’ll be a professional by the point you have to set it up on the path.
Zpacks Duplex – Closing Ideas
After utilizing a freestanding backpacking tent for years, I used to be able to improve to one thing actually ultralight as a result of as somebody who usually backpacks solo, heavy gear provides up shortly.
The Zpacks Duplex not solely reduce by base weight by over 2lbs, however it additionally freed up house by not needing to hold tent poles. There’s ample room for two folks within the Duplex and it doesn’t really feel cramped. However for those who’re a solo backpacker, the Duplex is a palace whereas nonetheless weighing lower than the vast majority of 1P tents!
The Triplex weighs lower than most 2-person tents, so for those who backpack with a accomplice or a pet, I’d suggest the improve to the bigger dimension for additional house.
Have any questions on our Zpacks Duplex Assessment? Depart a remark under!
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