For those who’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), typically being upheld because the gold normal of ultralight shelters.
And this repute is not any coincidence. The Zpacks Duplex tent has earned its place within the ultralight highlight by constantly proving itself within the backcountry – it’s additionally a favourite of PCT and JMT thru-hikers who actually put gear by way of the wringer.
The truth is, 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 received 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 a lot spacious.
Weighing a mere 18.5 oz (excluding stakes) and packing right down to concerning the measurement of a 20F sleeping bag, the Duplex is a few third of the load of freestanding ultralight tents just like the Massive Agnes Copper Spur or NEMO Hornet.
Plus, if you happen to’re like me and backpack with trekking poles, the Duplex requires no tent poles, utilizing trekking poles, man line rigidity, and stakes to arrange. Not having to hold tent poles frees up room and weight in your pack (however if you happen to want, you should buy Zpacks tent poles individually).
Ultralight backpacking gear typically 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 area.
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 feel this could possibly be the final word addition to your backpacking gear listing — 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 Top: 48 inches
- Flooring Measurement: 90 x 45 inches
- Stakes Wanted: 8 (we advocate these)
- # of Doorways: 2
- Elective footprint: Zpacks
What We Like
What We Don’t Like
ZPacks Duplex Assessment Breakdown
Accessible Sizes
Zpacks has three sizes of ultralight shelters accessible – Kristen makes use of the Triplex (3P) which comfortably suits her and my companion Ryan, plus their canine Charlie and Gumbo.
I take advantage of the Duplex (2P), their hottest measurement which inserts two folks comfortably and seems like a palace if you happen to’re sleeping solo.
Right here’s how the three sizes examine:
- Weight: 13.9 oz
- Flooring measurement: 90×28 in.
- Flooring space: 20.6 SF
- Trekking poled wanted: 1
- Stakes wanted: 6
- Worth: $599
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Flooring measurement: 90×45 in.
- Flooring space: 28 SF
- Trekking poles wanted: 2
- Stakes wanted: 8
- Worth: $669
- Weight: 21.6 oz
- Flooring measurement: 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 doubt the standout characteristic of the Zpacks Duplex is the load and measurement – 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 deal with holding your pack mild with out compromising the important attributes of a dependable shelter.
The Duplex packs right down to concerning the measurement 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 Cloth (DCF), which is famend for its excessive strength-to-weight ratio, making it a superb selection for ultralight out of doors gear.
This makes the Duplex extraordinarily resilient to the damage 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, we’ve discovered the Zpacks to be extra sturdy than common, but heavier freestanding tents.
The ground of the tent is further 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’ll want to clear the realm of sticks, rocks, and different issues that might puncture the tent.
The fabric can be naturally waterproof, which means the Duplex doesn’t require any extra coating or seam tape to protect 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 if you happen to’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 won’t be the tent for you.
After I was backpacking in Havasu Falls, our campsite was alongside the primary campground path (which may be fairly busy), and it made altering garments just a little little bit of a stealth mission at occasions.
The zippers and mesh within the Duplex are product of sturdy but mild supplies, guaranteeing that the tent’s weight stays minimal with out sacrificing crucial performance.
Tent Design
Total the Zpacks Duplex has a streamlined design that’s nicely thought out and fine-tuned.
A essential part of the Zpacks Duplex tent design is its 8-inch deep bathtub ground. Its major function is to protect you from rainwater splashing into your tent. This turns out to be useful if you happen to get caught in a rainstorm the place water begins to pool up round your tent.
Above the tub ground is a piece of high quality 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 may be a problem however this mesh part helps to forestall condensation build-up inside.
There are two doorways and two vestibules, making this a simple tent to share.
So, whereas the Zpacks Duplex may be ultra-lightweight, it doesn’t compromise on offering full safety from the weather or guaranteeing a fantastic night time’s sleep within the backcountry. I’ll go extra in-depth about every part of the design under.
Inside House and Top
Most ultralight tents have gained a repute for being cramped, typically feeling extra like 1.5-person shelters moderately than a real two-person setup. The Duplex, nevertheless, bucks this development.
The ground measures 90 x 45 inches and in contrast to many tents that slender on the foot field, the Duplex maintains an oblong form.
Word: For those who’re tall, the Zpacks DupleXL provides 96 x 44 inches of ground area. 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 shocked 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 top of 48 inches. This added headroom makes a big distinction in general consolation, enabling you to sit down up totally with out brushing in opposition to the tent ceiling. For reference, Kristen’s companion 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 advocate it whilst a solo backpacker so you may actually unfold out and likewise hold your gear contained in the tent as a substitute of within the vestibule.
Inside Pockets
There are two inside mesh pockets within the Duplex, one by every door. One pocket has further restore tape for the shelter, which we advocate leaving in for emergency restore. I like holding my cellphone and headlamp on this pocket so it’s simpler to maintain monitor of at night time.
Personally, I would like the pockets to be on the head or the foot of the tent as a substitute of by the doorways, but it surely’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 companion. The doorways are actually one in all my least favourite options of the Zpacks Duplex.
The zippered door is in a half-moon/rainbow form and seems like a good squeeze to get in/out of the tent (particularly with the trekking pole within the heart).
For those who’re somebody with restricted mobility, this could possibly be particularly difficult as it’s a must to crouch fairly low to get into the tent. And even after an extended day of mountaineering, I discovered it tough to maneuver across the heart pole to get into the tent.
When totally unzipped, the mesh spills onto the ground of the tent or the surface, the place it’s straightforward 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.
That mentioned, I feel 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 steel hook to the primary man line that runs from the peaks of the tent, offering further cupboard space whereas sustaining a streamlined, safe design.
A novel facet of those vestibules is that every one is break up down the center, successfully creating two vestibule doorways on both sides of the Duplex. This design not solely enhances accessibility but in addition contributes to efficient air flow throughout the tent.
Moreover, the vestibules characteristic a toggle located about midway as much as safe the doorways and forestall them from flapping within the wind.
I personally want to maintain my gear contained in the tent every time attainable (vs. within the vestibules), which is why I like having the Duplex as a (sometimes) solo backpacker.
Both or each doorways may 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 not less than one of many vestibule doorways rolled up (when climate permits) at night time to create higher airflow and cut back condensation.
After I was backpacking in Havasupai, the climate was actually gentle at night time so we slept with 3 of the 4 vestibule doorways rolled up for higher airflow and a neater exit if we wanted to make use of the lavatory at night time.
The vestibules join with a steel hook to the primary man line that runs from the peaks of the tent, offering further cupboard space whereas sustaining a streamlined, safe design.
Word: 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
The Zpacks tent holds up exceptionally (and albeit surprisingly) nicely in unhealthy climate. Kristen received 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 aren’t 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, only for just a little added insurance coverage, it’s a good suggestion to put rocks on high of your stakes to assist anchor them into the bottom.
The Dyneema material utilized in its building is inherently waterproof, offering glorious safety in opposition to rain. The 8-inch deep bathtub ground additional ensures that no groundwater seeps into the tent, holding 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 area to stow gear out of the weather.
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 whilst you stake out the corners.
How To Set Up the Zpacks Duplex
Organising the Zpacks Duplex tent could appear just a little daunting at first resulting from its non-freestanding design, however when you get the dangle of it, it’s really fairly simple. I extremely advocate watching some movies and setting it up at house earlier than you are taking it out on the path so that you’re accustomed to the method.
Right here’s a step-by-step information that can assist you out:
1. Choose Your Web site
Select an present campsite in a flat, debris-free space to arrange your tent. This won’t solely offer you a cushty sleeping floor but in addition shield the Dyneema material from potential harm.
In windy situations, orient the tip of your tent with the overlapping storm doorways upwind. The Zpacks labels on the corners point out the upwind finish of the tent.
Word: 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 leads to further wet situations, 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 sure the doorways are zipped closed.
3. Stake the Corners
Start by staking out the 4 corners of the tent at a few 45-degree angle (straight out). It’s vital to get the best rigidity – 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 establishing the tent that I might have shortened the guylines, creating much less of a tripping hazard and including further stability.
4. Insert Trekking Poles
The Duplex makes use of your trekking poles for assist as a substitute of conventional tent poles. Regulate 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 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, it’s possible you’ll not have the ability to drive the stakes within the floor. This could make establishing the tent tough. As an alternative, it’s a must to wrap your man strains round massive rocks or bushes to create sufficient rigidity to get the tent to face correctly and be secure.
Word: 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 appears odd, but it surely’ll be the proper top whenever you get your stuff arrange inside.
6. Regulate As Wanted
Stroll across the tent to make sure it’s arrange accurately. The Dyneema material must be tight, and the tent ought to have a pleasant, streamlined form. Regulate 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.
Keep in mind, apply makes good! Attempt establishing the Zpacks Duplex at house a number of occasions earlier than you head out in your journey. This fashion, 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 really ultralight as a result of as somebody who typically backpacks solo, heavy gear provides up rapidly.
The Zpacks Duplex not solely reduce by base weight by over 2lbs, but it surely additionally freed up area 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 if you happen to’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 if you happen to backpack with a companion or a pet, I’d advocate the improve to the bigger measurement for further area.
Have any questions on our Zpacks Duplex Assessment? Depart a remark under!
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