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For those who’re available in the market for an ultralight backpacking tent, there’s little question you’ve seen the Zpacks Duplex pop up on lists of the greatest tents for backpacking, usually being upheld because the gold normal of ultralight shelters.
And this popularity isn’t 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 John Muir Path thru-hikers who actually put gear by way of the wringer.
Once I hiked the JMT, my outdated tent weighed over 5 kilos (!!!) After seeing so many light-weight shelters on my journey, I swore to by no means carry such a heavy tent once more. Once I bought residence she bought the Zpacks Triplex (3-person model), and it’s develop into my go-to tent for backpacking.
The Zpacks has since develop into a favourite of a number of BFT Contributors. BFT Contributor Courtney Stephenson sometimes backpacks solo and makes use of the Duplex (2-person model) for additional house.
Weighing a mere 18.5 oz (excluding stakes) and packing right down to concerning the dimension of a 20F sleeping bag, the Duplex is a few third of the burden of freestanding ultralight tents just like the Massive Agnes Copper Spur or NEMO Hornet.
Plus, in the event you’re like me and backpack with trekking poles, the Basic Zpacks Tents require no tent poles. As an alternative you employ trekking poles, man line rigidity, and stakes to set it up. Not having to hold tent poles frees up vital room and weight in your pack.
Ultralight backpacking gear usually comes with the stigma of cramped areas, delicate materials, and minimized consolation. However I’ve the Zpacks Duplex tent defies this stereotype, merging minimal weight with sturdiness and beneficiant house.
On this Zpacks tent overview I share extra about why I feel this might be the final word addition to your backpacking gear checklist — keep tuned as I delve deeper into what makes the Zpacks Duplex a standout within the realm of ultralight backpacking gear.
ZPacks Duplex Tent Overview
Key Options
The place to purchase
Execs
Cons
The Zpacks Duplex is a single-walled tent with a streamlined design that’s nicely thought out and fine-tuned. There are two doorways and two vestibules – which I contemplate a should for any backpacking tent, because it makes it simple to share this tent with one other particular person.
A vital part of the Zpacks Duplex tent design is its 8-inch deep bathtub flooring. Its main function is to defend you from rainwater splashing into your tent. This turns out to be useful in the event you get caught in a rainstorm the place water begins to pool up round your tent (extra on climate efficiency beneath).
Above the tub flooring is a bit of wonderful mesh netting that connects to the partitions of the tent. This serves a twin function: insect safety and airflow. The mesh doorways additionally will let you stargaze from mattress at evening in case you have the vestibule doorways rolled again.
As a single-walled tent, condensation could be a problem, which I skilled on an Olympic Nationwide Park backpacking journey. Nevertheless, the design of the tent ensures that any water from condensation runs down the facet of the partitions and onto the bottom somewhat than contained in the tent.
Whereas the Zpacks Duplex could be ultra-lightweight, it doesn’t compromise on offering full safety from the weather or making certain an awesome evening’s sleep within the backcountry. I’ll go extra in-depth about every part of the design beneath.
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Totally different Zpacks Tent Sizes
Zpacks has three sizes of ultralight shelters obtainable – I sometimes use the Triplex (3P) which comfortably suits me and my associate Ryan, plus our canine Charlie and Gumbo.
The Duplex (2P) is their hottest dimension which inserts two individuals comfortably and appears like a palace in the event you’re sleeping solo.
The tents are precisely the identical aside from their flooring dimension and weight.
Right here’s how the three sizes examine:
- Weight: 13.9 oz
- Ground dimension: 90×28 in.
- Ground space: 20.6 SF
- Trekking poled wanted: 1
- Stakes wanted: 6
- Worth: $599
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Ground dimension: 90×45 in.
- Ground space: 28 SF
- Trekking poles wanted: 2
- Stakes wanted: 8
- Worth: $669
- Weight: 21.6 oz
- Ground dimension: 90×60 in.
- Ground space: 37.5 SF
- Trekking poles wanted: 2
- Stakes wanted: 8-12
- Worth: $769
For simplicity, I’ll be referencing the Duplex specs for the remainder of this weblog publish.
Weight and Packed Measurement
Little doubt the standout function of the Zpacks Duplex is the burden and dimension – instantly lightening your load vs. your conventional freestanding backpacking tents. That is very true in the event you sometimes hike with trekking poles, since you employ your trekking poles instead of conventional tent poles.
Once you set your backpack down after a protracted day on the path and choose up 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 mild with out compromising the important attributes of a dependable shelter.
The Duplex packs right down to concerning the dimension of a soccer or a 20F sleeping bag, and it simply shaved 2lbs off my base weight in comparison with my earlier freestanding backpacking tent. The stuff sack is deliberately outsized, which makes it very easy to suit the tent again into the sack once you’re packing up camp.
Supplies and Sturdiness
On the 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 nearly completely from Dyneema Composite Material (DCF), which is famend for its excessive strength-to-weight ratio, making it a wonderful selection for ultralight out of doors gear.
This makes the Zpacks tents extraordinarily resilient to the wear and tear and tear of rugged out of doors adventures, from sharp rocks and sticks on the bottom to harsh climate situations and canine’ nails. The truth is, I’ve discovered the Zpacks to be extra sturdy than widespread, but heavier freestanding tents.
The ground of the tent is additional thick, and I’ve by no means wanted a floor sheet. I’ve used the Zpacks tent within the Excessive Sierra the place the terrain may be very rocky. With that stated, for longevity’s sake, make sure you clear the realm of sticks, rocks, and different issues that might puncture the tent.
The zippers and mesh within the Duplex are product of sturdy but mild supplies, making certain that the tent’s weight stays minimal with out sacrificing mandatory performance. Now as a result of the mesh is so mild, you’ll need to be cautious when zipping and unzipping the tent to forestall any snags.
The fabric can be naturally waterproof, that means the Duplex doesn’t require any further coating or seam tape to defend you from the weather. You additionally don’t want a further rain fly! This contributes additional to the general light-weight nature of the tent.
The one draw back of Dyneema material is that it’s a bit clear. It’s not fully see by way of, however you’ll be able to see the define of individuals inside. If I’m arrange on a preferred path, this can be a minor annoyance if I’m attempting to alter my garments, however in any other case, it isn’t an enormous deal for me.
If this can be a concern for you, the Burnt Orange, Filth, or Spruce Inexperienced colours are product of a barely heavier Dyneema material, so they’re much less see-through and supply extra privateness.
Inside House and Peak
Ultralight tents have gained a popularity for being cramped, usually feeling extra like 1.5-person shelters somewhat than a real two-person setup. The Duplex, nevertheless, bucks this pattern.
The Duplex flooring measures 90 x 45 inches and in contrast to many tents that slender on the foot field, the Duplex maintains an oblong form.
BFT Contributor Courtney and her mother shared the Duplex on their backpacking journey to Havasu Falls. She stated, “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 major distinction in total consolation, enabling you to sit down up totally with out brushing towards the tent ceiling. For reference, my associate Ryan is 6’0″ tall and feels he has loads of headroom when he’s hanging out within the Zpacks tent.
Be aware: For those who’re additional tall, the Zpacks DupleXL gives 96 x 44 inches of flooring house. With an 8 ft. flooring size, it’s excellent for hikers as much as 7’0″.
As a result of for the reason that weight of the Duplex is similar to many single-person free standing tents (or in lots of circumstances, weighs even much less), I’d advocate it at the same time as a solo backpacker so you’ll be able to actually unfold out and in addition preserve your gear contained in the tent as an alternative of within the vestibule.
Whereas the Duplex is extra roomy than many different 2-person tents, Ryan and I often want to take the Zpack Triplex over the Duplex after we go backpacking. We have now two canine, and the 3-person offers us a further 15″ throughout to unfold out.
Inside Pockets
There are two inside mesh pockets within the Duplex, one beneath the center of every door. One pocket has additional restore tape for the shelter, which I like to recommend leaving in for emergency restore. I like retaining my telephone and headlamp on this pocket in order that they’re simpler to maintain observe of at evening.
The placement of the pockets are okay. I’d want the pocket to be nearer to my head, and I additionally want there have been 4 complete pockets as an alternative of two. One pocket per particular person is sufficient for the small necessities, however I discover the shortage of further pockets makes it tougher to maintain issues organized within the tent.
Doorways
My earlier ultralight backpacking tent solely had one door on the head of the tent. It was so onerous to quietly get out and in of at evening, particularly if I used to be sharing the tent with one other particular person. I really like that Zpacks Duplex and the Triplex tents have two large mesh doorways on either side. Ryan and I every have our personal entry and exit, in addition to a vestibule for retaining our gear separate.
The zippered door is a half-moon/rainbow form. Whereas the door fully unzips on each side, it may really feel like a good squeeze to get in/out of the tent as a result of trekking pole within the heart. For those who’re somebody with restricted mobility, this might be particularly difficult as it’s important to crouch fairly low to get into the tent.
Additionally, when totally 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 unintentionally stepped on. I’d say that the mesh is probably 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.
Vestibules
The Zpacks Duplex tent comes outfitted with two vestibules, positioned on both facet of the tent. The vestibule (storm) doorways join with a steel hook to the primary man line that runs from the peaks of the tent, offering additional cupboard space whereas sustaining a streamlined, safe design.
The vestibules are 24″ deep, in order that they aren’t large, however they’re sufficiently big to retailer your backpack with gear you aren’t utilizing and your mountaineering boots inside.
A singular facet of those vestibules is that every one is break up down the center, successfully creating two storm doorways on either side of the Duplex. This design not solely enhances accessibility but additionally contributes to efficient air flow inside the tent.
The storms doorways don’t have zippers. As an alternative the 2 sides maintain along with a toggle and a steel hook on the backside which is secured in place with stakes and guylines. In comparison with a zipper, it takes slightly getting used to when getting out and in of the tent in the midst of the evening, however when you get the grasp of it, it’s very simple.
Moreover, the vestibules function a toggle located about midway up the tent partitions to safe the doorways within the open place and forestall them from flapping within the wind. Both or each doorways could be conveniently rolled up and secured to the tent with the toggles, 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.
To cut back condensation, it’s greatest to sleep with one or each of the vestibule doorways pulled again if the climate permits. This additionally creates a neater exit if that you must use the toilet at evening.
Choose vestibules with a zippered opening?
Not a fan of the steel hook closure? In 2023, Zpacks launched the Duplex Zip tent with zippered vestibule doorways, peak vents, and magnetic door toggles.
Wind and Climate Safety
So long as you set it up correctly, the Zpacks tent holds up exceptionally nicely in dangerous climate. I bought caught in a three-day torrential downpour within the Boundary Waters and couldn’t imagine that we stayed dry.
I used to be 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 below 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 nicely in windy situations. In windy situations, you’ll need to be sure that your entire guylines are staked securely into the bottom, as that’s what creates the construction for the tent.
The Dyneema material utilized in its building is inherently waterproof, offering glorious safety towards rain. The 8-inch deep bathtub flooring additional ensures that no groundwater seeps into the tent, retaining you dry even in heavy rain.
Moreover, the vestibules on both facet 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.
Within the Boundary Waters, we saved our packs within the vestibules and every thing stayed dry there as nicely.
How To Set Up the Zpacks Duplex
Establishing the Zpacks Duplex tent could appear slightly daunting at first attributable to its non-freestanding design, however when you get the grasp of it, it’s truly fairly easy. I extremely advocate watching some movies and setting it up at residence earlier than you are taking it out on the path so that you’re conversant in the method.
Right here’s step-by-step directions for establishing your Zpacks tent:
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 snug sleeping floor but additionally defend the Dyneema material from potential harm.
In windy situations, 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.
Be aware: Whereas I’ve by no means skilled this, splash-up can happen when camped on hard-packed surfaces throughout heavy rain. The tall “bathtub” flooring and overhanging tent partitions assist to maintain mud and water from splashing up into your tent, however for greatest ends in additional wet situations, attempt to decide on a camp spot on leaves or pine needles. For extra suggestions, learn my publish on the way to choose a campsite.
2. Lay Out the Tent
Unpack the tent and unfold it out in your chosen website. Be certain that the doorways are zipped closed.
Tip: If it’s windy and also you’re establishing the Duplex solo, I like to recommend placing your backpack in the midst of the tent to carry the tent in place when you stake out the corners.
3. Stake the Corners
Start by staking out the 4 corners of the tent at a few 45-degree angle (straight out). It’s necessary to get the correct rigidity – not too tight, not too unfastened. The fabric must be taught, however with sufficient give to permit for the insertion of the trekking poles.
*On this photograph, BFT Contributor Courney might 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 (any adjustable peak trekking poles work) for help as an alternative of conventional tent poles. Alter your trekking poles to round 48 inches (122 cm) and insert them into the pockets positioned on the peak of every door. You’ll need to angle the poles so they’re bracing towards the stress 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 admittedly rocky, you could not have the ability to drive the stakes within the floor. This may make establishing the tent tough. As an alternative, it’s important to wrap your man traces round large rocks or bushes to create sufficient rigidity to get the tent to face correctly and be steady.
Be aware: The corners of the tent must be about 6-8 inches (18cm) off the bottom when the tent is about up. I do know it seems to be odd, nevertheless it’ll be the right peak once you get your stuff arrange inside.
6. Alter 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. Alter and tighten 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, observe makes excellent! Attempt establishing the Zpacks Duplex at residence a couple of instances earlier than you head out in your journey. This fashion, you’ll be a professional by the point that you must set it up on the path.
For those who’re intimidated by the concept of a non-freestanding tent, Zpacks additionally sells a Duplex Freestanding Flex Equipment which remodel the DUplex right into a a freestanding tent with tent poles.
Zpacks Duplex – Ultimate Ideas
Regardless of the place I’m backpacking the Zpacks is now my tent of selection. It’s very mild, impressively sturdy, and extra spacious than comparable freestanding tents.
In case your’e critical about reducing weight out of your backpacking pack, the Zpacks Duplex can scale back your load greater than 2 kilos relying on what tent you’re at the moment utilizing. It additionally frees up house in your pack for the reason that tent is so compact when saved. This may even will let you use a smaller backpack.
The Duplex has ample room for two individuals, and it doesn’t really feel cramped (so long as you don’t have canine). For those who’re a solo backpacker, the Duplex will really feel like a palace whereas nonetheless weighing lower than nearly all of 1P tents!
When you have canine or you’re 2 individuals who take pleasure in spreading out extra, than the Triplex is the correct selection. It solely weighs 3 ounces greater than the Duplex for lots of further house.
You’ll be able to try the total lineup of Zpacks tents and equipment on the Zpacks web site.
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