It is a gear evaluation of the Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent for 2023.
I’ve spent 1000’s of nights sleeping in a tent through the years and have used and reviewed many tents. Not too long ago, I took the brand new Zpacks Duplex Zip into the backcountry to check this tent out. The addition of zips to the already succesful and standard Duplex elevated the attraction of this tent to backpackers and thru-hikers who often expertise dangerous climate.
The Zpacks Duplex Zip is among the finest ultralight backpacking tents for 2023. In case you are fascinated about an ultralight 2-person tent that could be very waterproof and well-designed, the Zpacks Duplex Zip could possibly be the tent for you.
Hold studying to seek out out extra.
In-Depth Overview: Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent 2023
Zpacks Duplex Zip Trekking Pole Tent
Weight: 20.4 oz / 577 grams
Execs:
> Ultralight
> Waterproof and seam sealed
> Good in dangerous climate
> Small pack measurement
> Good inner dimensions for two individuals
Cons:
> Not low cost
The ZPacks Duplex Tent has been round for a couple of years and has cemented itself as top-of-the-line ultralight thru-hiking tents. The addition of zips on the vestibule has improved the stormproofing of the tent which provides it extra attraction for these tenting in dangerous climate.
Like all Zpacks Tents, it’s made with Dyneema (Cuben Fiber) which isn’t solely light-weight however robust and has the added benefit of not sagging when it’s moist like nylon tents. The latest addition of the zips makes this tent superior in dangerous climate.
Once I examined this tent I favored the best way the underside of the zips are hooked up to the tent pegs through a wire and hooks system. This nicely thought out design isn’t seen on too many different tents and means that you can hold the tent pitched solidly when the zips are closed, open, or with just one facet of the vestibule open. It additionally permits the zips to be simply zipped all the best way to the underside with out issue. Whereas it’s fiddly to make use of the very first time, it’s a easy function like this that units this tent other than many others within the discipline.
The Zpacks Duplex Zip tent is it’s a non-freestanding tent and desires trekking poles or poles from Zpacks that aren’t included in both the load or price of the tent 2.5 oz (71 grams).
I used to be in a position to simply arrange this tent with 6 ultralight tent stakes, however 8 tent stakes will make the tent extra bombproof in windy climate.
The interior dimension of the Duplex is adequate for 2 backpackers to sleep comfortably. However your backpack and kit will must be saved within the vestibule space. There are handly inner storage pockets which can be nice in your cellphone, PLB, and headlamp.
The Zip model is barely about $50 dearer and 1.4 oz / 38 grams heavier than the non-zip model, however for my part, it’s a a lot better choice. The one caveat can be in case you have been climbing in areas that have been dry more often than not with solely occasional rain. PCT thru-hike can be a superb instance of when the non-zip model can be higher as there can be a couple of days of rain on the path.
General, the Zpacks Duplex Zip is a well-designed ultralight 2-person tent that’s finest suited to ultra-lightweight Via Hikers or backpackers wanting the perfect and lightest tent in the marketplace. The zips on the vestibule provide superior waterproof ranges from this already bombproof tent.
Materials
The Zpacks Duplex is made with Dyneema, formally generally known as Cuban Fiber. This tent additionally makes use of a light-weight bug mesh and comes with high quality waterproof zippers. And when not in use it suits into a pleasant sized Dyneema Stuff Sack. Every little thing about this tent is about being as light-weight as doable.
The primary materials is .55 oz / sq. yard Dyneema which is identical specs as all of the Zpacks Tents. The material could be very skinny and nearly see-through. It’s fully waterproof with a hydrostatic head rated at 15000 mm. That implies that regardless of how heavy the rain, you’ll keep dry.
The ground materials is the marginally heavier weight 1 oz / sq. yard Dyneema. The heavier-weight materials is somewhat thicker and well-suited to the ground. Rated at 20000 mm hydrostatic head it’s so waterproof that the load of you and your gear within the tent is not going to enable any water to penetrate via the fabric. Most ultralight tents made with different supplies can’t make this declare.
Typically, something above 10000 mm hydrostatic head is not going to enable water to penetrate via the fabric even when your complete weight is on it. In different phrases, this tent ground will hold you dry, even if you’re camped in a puddle of water. However please strive not to do that.
Footprint
Zpacks declare you don’t want a footprint with this tent, Whereas that’s true, many will need an additional layer of safety when tenting on rocky floor or locations just like the desert with plenty of sharp crops.
The Zpacks Duplex Zip doesn’t include a footprint and until you might be constantly tenting on rocky or spikey floor, it isn’t wanted. The ground of the tent is made with sturdy, waterproof, and seam-sealed Dyneema. When utilizing an ultralight tent like this most individuals can be higher served through the use of some type of footprint to guard the ground of the tent.
Most hikers and backpackers use the constructing materials Tyvek. It is among the higher choices and is well-known and well-used throughout the backpacking group. Except utilizing this tent in areas with a superb floor floor then higher to make use of a footprint comparable to this.
Weight
The Zpacks Duplex Zip is actually a really light-weight tent. It is available in at 20.4 oz / 577 grams is spectacular. The Zip model of this tent is 1.9 oz / 52 grams heavier than the best-in-class Duplex that comes with out zips. These weights don’t embody the load of tent pegs and trekking poles.
Packed Dimension
The Zpacks Duplex pack all the way down to a formidable measurement of 5.6L. It suits properly right into a Dyneema stuff sack. What I actually like concerning the stuff sack is the dimensions, it’s beneficiant sufficient that you just don’t really feel you want a number of makes an attempt to roll the tent or fold it into some good form to make it match. It’s going to match into the stuff sack simply regardless of the way you stuff it in.
Having a stuff sack with a beneficiant quantity of room inside makes it so easy to pack the tent.
Inside Dimension
For a 2-person tent, the Zpacks Duplex Zip is sufficiently big for 2 individuals to suit inside, nonetheless, there’s little room for anything apart from your sleeping pads and sleeping luggage. The dual vestibules are sufficiently big for gear storage outdoors the internal tent.
Whereas there’s sufficient room for 2 individuals, this makes a really spacious one-person tent for these wanting additional room.
I think that most individuals wanting to purchase this tent can be solo hikers who need a bit extra room than the typical 1-person tent. And for that, this tent is the proper ultralight tent.
I’ve met many solo hikers through the years who love to make use of a two-person tent due to the additional house (myself included). It might even be nice for individuals who go solo backpacking and climbing with the canine or for {couples} who don’t thoughts a little bit of a good match to maintain their weight down as little as doable. If you need extra room, go for the Zpacks Triplex.
Sturdiness
The Zpacks Duplex Zip is primarily designed for use by ultralight backpackers and Bikepackers who need to shave as a lot weight as doable with out sacrificing security. And for that, this tent excels.
Zpacks states that they’re designed for use for one thru-hike however I do know many who’ve used the identical Zpacks tent for 3 thru-hikes. So the query is, how exhausting are you in your gear?
The character of the tent permits it for use for round 200-500 nights earlier than it’s going to begin to present indicators of being worn out. For many tents, both ultralight or not, I are inclined to get round 500-1000 night time use earlier than they’ve too many holes, damaged zips, delamination of the seams, and have in any other case seen their finest days. I think 300-400 nights can be thought of honest use for this tent.
Climate Safety
The Dyneema cloth of the Zpacks Duplex is waterproof and windproof. Due to the seam sealing the fabric is not going to leak and are very waterproof. One other benefit of Dyneema is the truth that it is not going to sag when moist. It is a frequent function of most tents however not this one. When you set it up, it stays arrange.
As there’s a first rate quantity of air flow there can typically be a difficulty that water can splash into the tent from the mesh close to the sides of the tent. This happens with many tents and can normally solely occur in very heavy rain when puddles happen. This may be prevented by tenting on grassed areas, pine needles, or one thing else that can restrict the quantity of floor splash.
Air flow – inside condensation
As it’s a single-layer building the difficulty of condensation can turn out to be a difficulty. To fight that, there’s a good of air flow on this tent. When it’s chilly and windy, the air flow will guarantee a not-so-pleasant quantity of chilly wind will enter the tent. In hotter climate, this air flow is way appreciated.
Vestibule
There are two vestibules on this tent. Each should not outsized however sufficiently big to go away your backpack and footwear outdoors the tent at night time. There’s a full size waterproof zip to shut the vestibule with nicely designed hooks on the backside that ensures the zips might be absolutely closed with out including additional rigidity on the zips.
When it’s windy and wet the zips forestall all of the water from coming into the tent.
Setup and Ease of Use
For anybody who has arrange a trekking pole tent, it’s a easy course of that could be very fast. For individuals who are organising a trekking pole tent for the primary time, it’s higher to do that at dwelling earlier than heading out on the path. Whereas easy, it’s higher beneath a managed setting than on the facet of a mountain, in robust wind and heavy rain.
Peg out the 4 corners of the tent, then add the trekking poles (adjusted to a top of 120cm) to both facet of the tent at their designated space. Elevate the poles and the tent is about. Set the facet anchors for added safety within the wind and regulate the facet flaps to swimsuit. Simple peasy.
There’s a slightly cool hook system that locks the decrease finish of the zips in place which reduces stress and rigidity on the zips. This function will certainly enhance the lifetime of the zips.
Tent Stakes
The Zpacks Duplex doesn’t come normal with tent pegs. You could use your personal or get them organized individually. Zpacks shares among the finest ultralight tent pegs in the marketplace. You will want no less than 6 tent stakes however 8 stakes can be a greater choice, particularly when it’s windy. Zpacks Tent Stakes can be found and there are a number of selections which can be all light-weight and top quality.
Trekking Poles
As it is a trekking pole tent you’ll need 2 trekking poles to arrange this tent. The best top for the trekking poles needs to be round 48 inches / 122 cm. So guarantee that you’ve got poles that may be set to that top. Some fixed-length ultralight poles comparable to these utilized by extremely path runners might not work however nearly all adjustable backpacking trekking poles will work completely with this tent. The ultralight Zpacks Trekking Poles will work nicely with this tent. Or you need to use the Zpacks Tent poles in case you don’t like to make use of trekking poles.
Worth and Worth
Let me make a few issues clear with regards to the worth of this tent. It’s not low cost. However in recent times, the worth of all high-quality tents has elevated considerably. Whereas the worth can be out of lots of people’s price range, for anybody wanting one of many lightest 2-person tents on the earth that is nonetheless the best choice on the market. A lot so, that that is the present tent I take advantage of on my journeys in the meanwhile and it’s the present Editors Alternative because the finest ultralight 2-person tent narrowly beating the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Unbound 2P Tent.
Zpacks Duplex vs The Duplex Common
The Zpacks Duplex Zip is the perfect at school in the meanwhile for ultralight backpacking tents for two individuals. The traditional Duplex is lighter and for hikers that spend their time in locations with little rain, it’s positively a greater choice. The truth is, the non-zip model is best in your Pacific Crest Path Gear Listing than the zip model for my part.
There may be little on the market to compete with regards to measurement and weight. For these wanting a light-weight 2-person tent with a bit of additional room so that you don’t really feel you might be claustrophobic inside then there are a few different choices. Take a look at the hyperlink under to have a look at all the perfect tents in the marketplace in 2023.
Conclusion
The Zpacks Duplex Zip is among the finest 2-person ultralight tents for 2023. However it’s best suited as an ultralight 2-person tent for individuals who need a good stormproof choice. For these backpacking in usually good climate, the non-zip model is best and may prevent somewhat little bit of weight. Solo hikers will get pleasure from a bit of additional room and gained’t really feel cramped contained in the tent. And {couples} will nonetheless have sufficient room contained in the tent too.
General, that is the finest ultralight 2-person tent in 2023.
Continuously Requested Questions
The Zpacks Duplex is among the finest 2-person Ultralight backpacking tents in the marketplace. The brand new zip model brings higher storm safety when the climate turns dangerous. These waterproof zips add about 2 ounces in weight however when in dangerous climate it’s actually value it.
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The writer, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small unbiased adventurer and out of doors gear tester who owns and runs BikeHikeSafari.com.
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The writer, Brad McCartney is a really skilled triple crown thru-hiker, adventurer, and bike tourer having spent 1000s of nights sleeping in a tent and sleeping bag (Learn About Brad from BikeHikeSafari). He was a supervisor of an out of doors retail retailer and could be very skilled in what’s essential when utilizing and testing gear for evaluations like this.
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