Zpacks Duplex Ultralight Tent Overview – Bearfoot Idea

In the event 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, usually 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 persistently proving itself within the backcountry – it’s additionally a favourite of PCT and John Muir Path thru-hikers who actually put gear by 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 obtained 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 usually 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 couple of third of the burden of freestanding ultralight tents just like the Huge Agnes Copper Spur or NEMO Hornet.

Plus, for those who’re like me and backpack with trekking poles, the Traditional Zpacks Tents require no tent poles. As an alternative you utilize trekking poles, man line pressure, 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 evaluation I share extra about why I feel this might 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.

This put up could include affiliate hyperlinks.

ZPacks Duplex Tent Overview

Execs

Cons

The Zpacks Duplex is a single-walled tent with a streamlined design that’s effectively thought out and fine-tuned. There are two doorways and two vestibules – which I take into account a should for any backpacking tent, because it makes it straightforward to share this tent with one other particular person.

A essential 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 is useful for those who 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 fantastic mesh netting that connects to the partitions of the tent. This serves a twin function: insect safety and airflow. The mesh doorways additionally assist you to stargaze from mattress at evening when you have the vestibule doorways rolled again.

As a single-walled tent, condensation may be a problem, 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 aspect of the partitions and onto the bottom fairly than contained in the tent.

Whereas the Zpacks Duplex may be ultra-lightweight, it doesn’t compromise on offering full safety from the weather or making certain an amazing evening’s sleep within the backcountry. I’ll go extra in-depth about every part of the design beneath.

Totally different Zpacks Tent Sizes

Zpacks has three sizes of ultralight shelters accessible – I usually use the Triplex (3P) which comfortably suits me and my accomplice Ryan, plus our canine Charlie and Gumbo.

The Duplex (2P) is their hottest dimension which inserts two folks comfortably and looks like a palace for those who’re sleeping solo.

The tents are precisely the identical aside from their flooring dimension and weight.

Right here’s how the three sizes examine:

For simplicity, I’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 burden and dimension – instantly lightening your load vs. your conventional freestanding backpacking tents. That is very true for those who usually hike with trekking poles, since you utilize your trekking poles rather than conventional tent poles.

Whenever you set your backpack down after an extended day on the path and decide 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 preserving 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 if you’re packing up camp.

Supplies and Sturdiness

On this planet of ultralight gear, sturdiness is commonly a sound concern, and the Zpacks Duplex doesn’t disappoint on this respect. The Zpacks Duplex tent is constructed virtually fully from Dyneema Composite Material (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 Zpacks tents 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. In reality, I’ve discovered the Zpacks to be extra sturdy than fashionable, 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 could be very rocky. With that mentioned, for longevity’s sake, you should definitely 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 mild supplies, making certain that the tent’s weight stays minimal with out sacrificing needed performance. Now as a result of the mesh is so mild, you’ll wish to be cautious when zipping and unzipping the tent to forestall any snags.

The fabric can also 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 cloth is that it’s a bit clear. It’s not utterly see by, however you possibly can see the define of individuals inside. If I’m arrange on a well-liked path, it is a minor annoyance if I’m attempting to vary my garments, however in any other case, it isn’t a giant deal for me.

If it is a concern for you, the Burnt Orange, Filth, 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 Top

Ultralight tents have gained a repute for being cramped, usually 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 slim 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 mentioned, “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 big distinction in general consolation, enabling you to take a seat up absolutely with out brushing towards 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.

Notice: In the event you’re additional tall, the Zpacks DupleXL gives 96 x 44 inches of flooring house. With an 8 ft. flooring size, it’s good for hikers as much as 7’0″.

As a result of because the weight of the Duplex is akin to many single-person free standing tents (or in lots of instances, weighs even much less), I’d suggest it at the same time as a solo backpacker so you possibly can actually unfold out and likewise hold your gear contained in the tent as a substitute of within the vestibule.

Whereas the Duplex is extra roomy than many different 2-person tents, Ryan and I often desire to take the Zpack Triplex over the Duplex after we go backpacking. We now have two canine, and the 3-person provides 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 preserving my cellphone and headlamp on this pocket so that they’re simpler to maintain monitor of at evening.

The situation of the pockets are okay. I’d desire the pocket to be nearer to my head, and I additionally want there have been 4 whole pockets as a substitute 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 laborious to quietly get out and in of at evening, particularly if I used to be sharing the tent with one other particular person. I like that Zpacks Duplex and the Triplex tents have two huge mesh doorways on either side. Ryan and I every have our personal entry and exit, in addition to a vestibule for preserving our gear separate.

The zippered door is a half-moon/rainbow form. Whereas the door utterly unzips on each side, it could actually really feel like a decent squeeze to get in/out of the tent because of the trekking pole within the middle. In the event you’re somebody with restricted mobility, this might be particularly difficult as it’s a must to 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 accident stepped on. I’d say that the mesh is probably the most delicate a part of this (and most different) tents, so that you wish to watch out to not snag it when going out and in.

Vestibules

The Zpacks Duplex tent comes outfitted with two vestibules, situated on both aspect of the tent. The vestibule (storm) doorways join with a metallic 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, so that they aren’t large, however they’re sufficiently big to retailer your backpack with gear you aren’t utilizing and your mountain climbing boots inside.

A singular side 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 in addition 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 metallic hook on the backside which is secured in place with stakes and guylines. In comparison with a zipper, it takes a bit of 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 straightforward.

Moreover, the vestibules characteristic a toggle located about midway up the tent partitions to safe the doorways within the open place and stop them from flapping within the wind. Both or each doorways may be conveniently rolled up and secured to the tent with the toggles, permitting you to get pleasure from 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 better exit if you’ll want to use the lavatory at evening.

Wind and Climate Safety

So long as you set it up correctly, the Zpacks tent holds up exceptionally effectively in unhealthy climate. I obtained 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 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 effectively in windy situations. In windy situations, you’ll wish to be sure your whole 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 towards rain. The 8-inch deep bathtub flooring additional ensures that no groundwater seeps into the tent, preserving you dry even in heavy rain.

Moreover, the vestibules on both aspect 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 all the things stayed dry there as effectively.

How To Set Up the Zpacks Duplex

Establishing the Zpacks Duplex tent could appear a bit of daunting at first attributable to its non-freestanding design, however when you get the grasp of it, it’s really fairly simple. I extremely suggest watching some movies and setting it up at dwelling earlier than you are taking it out on the path so that you’re accustomed to 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 in addition shield the Dyneema cloth 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.

Notice: 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 situations, strive to decide on a camp spot on leaves or pine needles. For extra ideas, learn my put up on methods to choose a campsite.

2. Lay Out the Tent

Unpack the tent and unfold it out in your chosen web site. Make certain the doorways are zipped closed.

3. Stake the Corners

Start by staking out the 4 corners of the tent at a couple of 45-degree angle (straight out). It’s vital to get the fitting pressure – not too tight, not too free. The fabric ought to 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 a substitute of conventional tent poles. Modify your trekking poles to round 48 inches (122 cm) and insert them into the pockets situated on the peak of every door. You’ll wish 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 basically rocky, it’s possible you’ll not have the ability to drive the stakes within the floor. This may make establishing the tent tough. As an alternative, it’s a must to wrap your man traces round huge rocks or timber to create sufficient pressure to get the tent to face correctly and be steady.

Notice: The corners of the tent ought to be about 6-8 inches (18cm) off the bottom when the tent is about up. I do know it seems odd, however it’ll be the right peak if you get your stuff arrange inside.

6. Modify As Wanted

Stroll across the tent to make sure it’s arrange appropriately. The Dyneema cloth ought to be tight, and the tent ought to have a pleasant, streamlined form. Modify and tighten up the guylines as wanted to realize this.

7. Set Up the Vestibules

Lastly, stake out the 2 vestibules and shut or roll up the doorways.

Keep in mind, follow makes good! Attempt establishing the Zpacks Duplex at dwelling a number of occasions earlier than you head out in your journey. This manner, you’ll be a professional by the point you’ll want to set it up on the path.

In the event you’re intimidated by the concept of a non-freestanding tent, Zpacks additionally sells a Duplex Freestanding Flex Package which remodel the DUplex right into a a freestanding tent with tent poles.

Zpacks Duplex – Closing Ideas

Irrespective 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 severe about slicing 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 present utilizing. It additionally frees up house in your pack because the tent is so compact when saved. This may even assist you to use a smaller backpack.

The Duplex has ample room for two folks, and it doesn’t really feel cramped (so long as you don’t have canine). In the event 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 get pleasure from spreading out extra, than the Triplex is the fitting selection. It solely weighs 3 ounces greater than the Duplex for lots of further house.

You possibly can try the complete lineup of Zpacks tents and equipment on the Zpacks web site.

Save this put up to Pinterest

Have any questions on our Zpacks Duplex Overview? Depart a remark beneath!