It is a gear evaluation of the Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent for 2023.
The Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent is among the greatest ultralight backpacking tents for 2023. Just lately, I took the brand new Zpacks Duplex Zip into the backcountry to check it out. The addition of zips to the already succesful and fashionable Duplex elevated the enchantment of this tent to backpackers and thru-hikers who frequently expertise unhealthy climate.
In case you are enthusiastic about an ultralight 2-person tent that could be very waterproof and well-designed, the Zpacks Duplex Zip might be the tent for you.
Preserve studying to seek out out extra.
How We Examined
The Zpacks Duplex Zip used on this evaluation has been extensively evaluated and researched by the professional writer who has a few years of expertise in Via-Mountain climbing, Backpacking, and Mountain climbing. The tent was provided by Zpacks and examined in each cool and heat climate together with throughout rain. The analysis, testing, and expertise of the writer have mixed to offer this evaluation of the Zpacks Duplex Zip in 2023. Learn the Assessment Coverage for additional particulars.
In-Depth Assessment: Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent 2023
Zpacks Duplex Zip Trekking Pole Tent
Weight: 20.4 oz / 577 grams
Professionals:
> Ultralight
> Waterproof and seam sealed
> Good in unhealthy climate
> Small pack measurement
> Good inside dimensions for two individuals
Cons:
> Not low cost
The ZPacks Duplex Tent has been round for just a few 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 enchantment for these tenting in unhealthy climate.
Like all Zpacks Tents, it’s made with Dyneema (Cuben Fiber) which isn’t solely light-weight however sturdy and has the added benefit of not sagging when it’s moist like nylon tents. The current addition of the zips makes this tent superior in unhealthy climate.
Once I examined this tent I favored the best way the underside of the zips are connected to the tent pegs through a twine and hooks system. This effectively thought out design is just not seen on too many different tents and lets you preserve the tent pitched solidly when the zips are closed, open, or with just one aspect 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 aside from 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 burden or value of the tent 2.5 oz (71 grams).
I used to be capable of 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 enough for 2 backpackers to sleep comfortably. However your backpack and kit will have to be saved within the vestibule space. There are handly inside storage pockets which can be nice to your cellphone, PLB, and headlamp.
The Zip model is just about $50 dearer and 1.4 oz / 38 grams heavier than the non-zip model, however in my view, it’s a significantly better possibility. The one caveat can be for those who had been mountaineering in areas that had 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 might be just a few days of rain on the path.
General, the Zpacks Duplex Zip is a well-designed ultralight 2-person tent that’s greatest 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 often 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. The whole lot about this tent is about being as light-weight as attainable.
The principle materials is .55 oz / sq. yard Dyneema which is identical specs as all of the Zpacks Tents. The material could be very skinny and virtually see-through. It’s utterly waterproof with a hydrostatic head rated at 15000 mm. That signifies that irrespective 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 burden of you and your gear within the tent won’t enable any water to penetrate by means of the fabric. Most ultralight tents made with different supplies can not make this declare.
Typically, something above 10000 mm hydrostatic head won’t enable water to penetrate by means of the fabric even when your entire weight is on it. In different phrases, this tent flooring will preserve 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 a number of sharp crops.
The Zpacks Duplex Zip doesn’t include a footprint and until you might be persistently tenting on rocky or spikey floor, it’s not wanted. The ground of the tent is made with sturdy, waterproof, and seam-sealed Dyneema. When utilizing an ultralight tent like this most individuals might be higher served by utilizing 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 inside the backpacking group. Except utilizing this tent in areas with a superb floor floor then higher to make use of a footprint akin to this.
Weight
The Zpacks Duplex Zip is definitely 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 embrace the burden of tent pegs and trekking poles.
Packed Measurement
The Zpacks Duplex pack right down to a formidable measurement of 5.6L. It suits properly right into a Dyneema stuff sack. What I actually like in regards to the stuff sack is the dimensions, it’s beneficiant sufficient that you simply don’t really feel you want a number of makes an attempt to roll the tent or fold it into some excellent form to make it match. It’ll match into the stuff sack simply irrespective 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 Measurement
For a 2-person tent, the Zpacks Duplex Zip is large enough for 2 individuals to suit inside, nonetheless, there’s little room for the rest aside from your sleeping pads and sleeping luggage. The dual vestibules are large enough for gear storage exterior the inside tent.
Whereas there’s sufficient room for 2 individuals, this makes a really spacious one-person tent for these wanting additional room.
I believe that most individuals wanting to purchase this tent might be solo hikers who need a bit extra room than the common 1-person tent. And for that, this tent is the right ultralight tent.
I’ve met many solo hikers over time who love to make use of a two-person tent due to the additional house (myself included). It might even be nice for many who go solo backpacking and mountaineering 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 attainable. If you’d like extra room, go for the Zpacks Triplex.
Sturdiness
The Zpacks Duplex Zip is primarily designed for use by ultralight backpackers and Bikepackers who wish to shave as a lot weight as attainable 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 likely 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 greatest days. I believe 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. Because of the seam sealing the fabric won’t leak and are very waterproof. One other benefit of Dyneema is the truth that it won’t 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 problem 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 may restrict the quantity of floor splash.
Air flow – inside condensation
As it’s a single-layer building the difficulty of condensation can develop into a problem. 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 far appreciated.
Vestibule
There are two vestibules on this tent. Each should not outsized however large enough to depart your backpack and footwear exterior the tent at night time. There’s a full size waterproof zip to shut the vestibule with effectively designed hooks on the backside that ensures the zips will be absolutely closed with out including additional rigidity on the zips.
When it’s windy and wet the zips stop 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 many 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 below a managed setting than on the aspect of a mountain, in sturdy 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 aspect of the tent at their designated space. Elevate the poles and the tent is ready. Set the aspect anchors for added safety within the wind and alter the aspect flaps to go well with. Straightforward peasy.
There’s a somewhat 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 improve the lifetime of the zips.
Tent Stakes
The Zpacks Duplex doesn’t come normal with tent pegs. You will need to use your personal or get them organized individually. Zpacks shares among the greatest ultralight tent pegs in the marketplace. You’ll need at the least 6 tent stakes however 8 stakes might be a greater possibility, particularly when it’s windy. Zpacks Tent Stakes can be found and there are a number of decisions 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 perfect top for the trekking poles ought to be round 48 inches / 122 cm. So guarantee that you’ve poles that may be set to that top. Some fixed-length ultralight poles akin to these utilized by extremely path runners might not work however virtually all adjustable backpacking trekking poles will work completely with this tent. The ultralight Zpacks Trekking Poles will work effectively with this tent. Or you need to use the Zpacks Tent poles for those who don’t like to make use of trekking poles.
Worth and Worth
Let me make a few issues clear in the case of 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 might be out of lots of people’s funds, 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 Selection because the greatest 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 conventional Duplex is lighter and for hikers that spend their time in locations with little rain, it’s undoubtedly a greater possibility. In reality, the non-zip model is best to your Pacific Crest Path Gear Record than the zip model in my view.
There may be little on the market to compete in the case of 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. Try the hyperlink beneath to take a look at all the perfect tents in the marketplace in 2023.
Conclusion
The Zpacks Duplex Zip is among the greatest 2-person ultralight tents for 2023. However it’s best suited as an ultralight 2-person tent for many who need a good stormproof possibility. For these backpacking in typically good climate, the non-zip model is best and may prevent somewhat little bit of weight. Solo hikers will take pleasure in 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 greatest ultralight 2-person tent in 2023.
Often Requested Questions
Is the Zpacks Duplex Zip higher than the common Duplex?
The Zpacks Duplex is among the greatest 2-person Ultralight backpacking tents in the marketplace. The brand new zip model brings higher storm safety when the climate turns unhealthy. These waterproof zips add about 2 ounces in weight however when in unhealthy climate it’s definitely value it.
BikeHikeSafari Gear Assessment Course of
The writer, Brad McCartney from BikeHikeSafari is a small impartial 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 opinions like this.
BikeHikeSafari won’t ever obtain any cash for opinions and they don’t settle for sponsored opinions on this web site. All of the feedback in regards to the gear opinions are from the writer based mostly on his years of expertise. Hope this impartial evaluation was useful for you.
