Should you’re out there for an ultralight backpacking tent, there’s little doubt you’ve seen the Zpacks Duplex pop up on lists of the finest tents for backpacking, typically being upheld because the gold normal of ultralight shelters.
And this status 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 John Muir Path thru-hikers who actually put gear by means of the wringer.
After I hiked the JMT, my previous 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. After I bought dwelling 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 in regards to the dimension of a 20F sleeping bag, the Duplex is a few third of the load of freestanding ultralight tents just like the Huge Agnes Copper Spur or NEMO Hornet.
Plus, should you’re like me and backpack with trekking poles, the Basic Zpacks Tents require no tent poles. As a substitute you employ trekking poles, man line rigidity, and stakes to set it up. Not having to hold tent poles frees up important room and weight in your pack.
Ultralight backpacking gear typically 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 believe this may very well 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 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 straightforward to share this tent with one other individual.
A important element of the Zpacks Duplex tent design is its 8-inch deep bathtub flooring. Its main function is to protect you from rainwater splashing into your tent. This is useful should you get caught in a rainstorm the place water begins to pool up round your tent (extra on climate efficiency beneath).
Above the bath flooring is a piece of advantageous mesh netting that connects to the partitions of the tent. This serves a twin function: insect safety and airflow. The mesh doorways additionally 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 difficulty, which I skilled on an Olympic Nationwide Park backpacking journey. Nonetheless, the design of the tent ensures that any water from condensation runs down the facet of the partitions and onto the bottom fairly 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 guaranteeing a fantastic evening’s sleep within the backcountry. I’ll go extra in-depth about every element of the design beneath.
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Completely different Zpacks Tent Sizes
Zpacks has three sizes of ultralight shelters obtainable – I sometimes use the Triplex (3P) which comfortably matches me and my accomplice Ryan, plus our canine Charlie and Gumbo.
The Duplex (2P) is their hottest dimension which inserts two individuals comfortably and appears like a palace should you’re sleeping solo.
The tents are precisely the identical aside from their flooring dimension and weight.
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
- Value: $599
- Weight: 18.5 oz
- Flooring dimension: 90×45 in.
- Flooring space: 28 SF
- Trekking poles wanted: 2
- Stakes wanted: 8
- Value: $669
- Weight: 21.6 oz
- Flooring dimension: 90×60 in.
- Flooring space: 37.5 SF
- Trekking poles wanted: 2
- Stakes wanted: 8-12
- Value: $769
For simplicity, I’ll be referencing the Duplex specs for the remainder of this weblog submit.
Weight and Packed Dimension
Little question the standout function of the Zpacks Duplex is the load and dimension – instantly lightening your load vs. your conventional freestanding backpacking tents. That is very true should you sometimes hike with trekking poles, since you employ your trekking poles rather than conventional tent poles.
While you set your backpack down after an extended 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 deal with holding your pack gentle with out compromising the important attributes of a dependable shelter.
The Duplex packs right down to in regards to 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 while you’re packing up camp.
Supplies and Sturdiness
On the earth of ultralight gear, sturdiness is usually a legitimate concern, and the Zpacks Duplex doesn’t disappoint on this respect. The Zpacks Duplex tent is constructed nearly fully from Dyneema Composite Cloth (DCF), which is famend for its excessive strength-to-weight ratio, making it a superb alternative for ultralight outside gear.
This makes the Zpacks tents extraordinarily resilient to the damage and tear of rugged outside adventures, from sharp rocks and sticks on the bottom to harsh climate circumstances and canine’ nails. Actually, I’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. 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, remember to clear the realm of sticks, rocks, and different issues that would puncture the tent.
The zippers and mesh within the Duplex are product of sturdy but gentle supplies, guaranteeing that the tent’s weight stays minimal with out sacrificing needed performance. Now as a result of the mesh is so gentle, you’ll need to be cautious when zipping and unzipping the tent to stop any snags.
The fabric can also be naturally waterproof, that means the Duplex doesn’t require any further coating or seam tape to protect you from the weather. You additionally don’t want an extra rain fly! This contributes additional to the general light-weight nature of the tent.
The one draw back of Dyneema cloth is that it’s a bit clear. It’s not fully see by means of, however you may 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, Dust, or Spruce Inexperienced colours are product of a barely heavier Dyneema cloth, so they’re much less see-through and provide extra privateness.
Inside House and Peak
Ultralight tents have gained a status for being cramped, typically feeling extra like 1.5-person shelters fairly than a real two-person setup. The Duplex, nevertheless, bucks this development.
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 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 major distinction in total consolation, enabling you to sit down up absolutely with out brushing in opposition to the tent ceiling. For reference, my accomplice Ryan is 6’0″ tall and feels he has loads of headroom when he’s hanging out within the Zpacks tent.
Observe: Should you’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 corresponding to many single-person free standing tents (or in lots of circumstances, weighs even much less), I’d suggest it at the same time as a solo backpacker so you may actually unfold out and in addition hold 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 normally want to take the Zpack Triplex over the Duplex once we go backpacking. We now have two canine, and the 3-person provides us an extra 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 holding my cellphone and headlamp on this pocket so that they’re simpler to maintain observe of at evening.
The situation of the pockets are okay. I’d want the pocket to be nearer to my head, and I additionally want there have been 4 whole pockets as an alternative of two. One pocket per individual is sufficient for the small necessities, however I discover the dearth of further pockets makes it more durable 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 arduous to quietly get out and in of at evening, particularly if I used to be sharing the tent with one other individual. I 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 holding our gear separate.
The zippered door is a half-moon/rainbow form. Whereas the door fully unzips on each side, it will probably really feel like a decent squeeze to get in/out of the tent because of the trekking pole within the heart. Should you’re somebody with restricted mobility, this may very well be particularly difficult as you must crouch fairly low to get into the tent.
Additionally, when absolutely unzipped, the mesh spills onto the ground of the tent or the skin, the place it’s straightforward for the door to get soiled or by chance 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.
Vestibules
The Zpacks Duplex tent comes geared up with two vestibules, situated 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 space for storing whereas sustaining a streamlined, safe design.
The vestibules are 24″ deep, so that they aren’t enormous, however they’re large enough to retailer your backpack with gear you aren’t utilizing and your climbing boots inside.
A singular side of those vestibules is that every one is cut up down the center, successfully creating two storm doorways on either side of the Duplex. This design not solely enhances accessibility but in addition contributes to efficient air flow throughout the tent.
The storms doorways don’t have zippers. As a substitute 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 just a little getting used to when getting out and in of the tent in the midst of the evening, however when you get the dangle of it, it’s very straightforward.
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 scale back condensation, it’s finest to sleep with one or each of the vestibule doorways pulled again if the climate permits. This additionally creates a neater exit if you want to 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 unhealthy climate. I bought caught in a three-day torrential downpour within the Boundary Waters and couldn’t consider 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 aren’t any tent poles, there’s nothing that may actually buckle underneath 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 circumstances. In windy circumstances, 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 cloth utilized in its building is inherently waterproof, offering glorious safety in opposition to rain. The 8-inch deep bathtub flooring additional ensures that no groundwater seeps into the tent, holding you dry even in heavy rain.
Moreover, the vestibules on both facet of the tent provide 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 part stayed dry there as nicely.
How To Set Up the Zpacks Duplex
Establishing the Zpacks Duplex tent could appear just a little daunting at first because of its non-freestanding design, however when you get the dangle of it, it’s really fairly simple. I extremely suggest watching some movies and setting it up at dwelling earlier than you’re 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 present campsite in a flat, debris-free space to arrange your tent. This is not going to solely provide you with a cushty sleeping floor but in addition defend the Dyneema cloth from potential harm.
In windy circumstances, 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.
Observe: 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 finest leads to additional wet circumstances, strive to decide on a camp spot on leaves or pine needles. For extra ideas, learn my submit on find out how to choose a campsite.
2. Lay Out the Tent
Unpack the tent and unfold it out in your chosen web site. Ensure 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 whilst 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 essential to get the best 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 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 (any adjustable top trekking poles work) for assist as an alternative of conventional tent poles. Alter your trekking poles to round 48 inches (122 cm) and insert them into the pockets situated 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 actually rocky, it’s possible you’ll not have the ability to drive the stakes within the floor. This will make establishing the tent tough. As a substitute, you must wrap your man traces round large rocks or timber to create sufficient rigidity to get the tent to face correctly and be secure.
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 appears odd, nevertheless it’ll be the right top while you get your stuff arrange inside.
6. Alter As Wanted
Stroll across the tent to make sure it’s arrange appropriately. The Dyneema cloth 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.
Keep in mind, follow makes excellent! Attempt establishing the Zpacks Duplex at dwelling just a few instances earlier than you head out in your journey. This manner, you’ll be a professional by the point you want to set it up on the path.
Should you’re intimidated by the thought of a non-freestanding tent, Zpacks additionally sells a Duplex Freestanding Flex Equipment which rework the DUplex right into a a freestanding tent with tent poles.
Zpacks Duplex – Remaining Ideas
Regardless of the place I’m backpacking the Zpacks is now my tent of alternative. It’s very gentle, 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 presently utilizing. It additionally frees up house in your pack for the reason that tent is so compact when saved. This may even 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). Should you’re a solo backpacker, the Duplex will really feel like a palace whereas nonetheless weighing lower than nearly all of 1P tents!
When you’ve got canine or you’re 2 individuals who take pleasure in spreading out extra, than the Triplex is the best alternative. It solely weighs 3 ounces greater than the Duplex for lots of further house.
You possibly can take a look at the total lineup of Zpacks tents and equipment on the Zpacks web site.
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