ZPacks Duplex Zip Review

[@xmetal280]

I just bought a competitor to this, don't need a Duplex, have no intention of getting one, but watched the whole video anyways because I can never get enough of looking at the details of ultralight gear. 😆

[@dgrant8205]

I own this tent. Just used it 3/23/2024 here in the Aspen, Colorado area at 6,500 feet in driving rain / snow conditions, ending in a hard freeze by the morning. This video is spot on regarding the adaptation of tent pitch technique in Alpine areas. 1/ The height of the poles is critical to the geometry. If they are slightly too high, the vestibule and side vent height is also too high. In the same sense, if you want the vestibule & perimeter closer to the ground to block heavy winds and driving rain, lower the poles a bit. 2/ You need beefy stakes if you expect wind load - basically all the time in the Rockies. Go ahead and pre-guyline all of the extra attachment points and bring extra stakes 3/ Be *very* careful about moisture dripping into the tent from the side vents while you sleep. I'm 6", and in my zero F bag the bag was touching the tent roof at both my head and my feet -- fortunately, I was using a Rab down bag with a waterproof pertex fabric, but if you don't have a water resistant bag on a multi-day trip in the rain, you have a huge problem. *Note* -> While sleeping, you can easily bulge the side vents right into the drip line of the tent - just happened to me! Just by wriggling about in my sleep. I think it is very important to bring waterproof stuff sacks for your loose clothing that you use for a pillow or which you store by your head. All these problems are workable - I'll keep using the tent for the weight savings.

[@evacoutdoors5867]

Not sure why anyone would want a door that falls on the floor, that’s what always put me off the duplex. Tarptent and Durston got it right. You always do great reviews.

[@gnohn9366]

Nice comprehensive review. Thank you.

[@0045dmoore]

Thank you so much for making this review, it was super helpful! I am considering upgrading to a DupleXL Zipper, but I am still on the fence with that. I am open for any suggestions, tips ext... Again, thank you for taking the time to make an post your review. Cheers!

[@777lifeisgood]

I have a DupleXL zipper less and love it. Thought about getting a new one with zippers but zipper less works just fine for now

[@0045dmoore]

@777justtryingtolive I went with the Original Duplex. Loving it!

[@vancey6072]

Why would you want the inner mesh removed from the peak vents? A night in a misquito-infested area will change your mind. 😂

[@peterc5167]

Interesting to see the duplex zip critically reviewed. I have had the standard duplex for many years and have found it able to withstand really stormy conditions, it’s just important to ensure that it is well pegged and the fabric is not rubbing against a rock as abrasion resistance is poor. The nature of dynema is that its not flexible, so unlike woven fabrics which are stretchy and flap less, dynema tends to flap and be noisy- like sleeping inside a crisp packet! But for me, the plus’s of dynema more than make up for this, it’s 100% waterproof, amazingly light, strong, easily patched in case of puncture, no water absorption. Not attracted by the zip version as it is not flexible to open only half of the door using the middle toggle which greatly improves ventilation, even during rain. Typically I camp with one door flap fully open and the door at the other end half open using the mid toggle to enable a through draft which eliminates any serious condensation. Even during heavy rain, its usually possible to have both doors secured as far as the middle toggle and still have no rain spray and good ventilation. Need to pitch with the zpack label side upwind so that rain is not driven inside the overlapping toggle doors. For me, its a great as a one person tent with a huge amount of space, particularly good for long tours where you maybe stuck inside during prolonged heavy rain. Have just bought an altaplex to shave some weight for a trip where I will not be camping every night and expect the weather to be better. Hopefully it’s going to be ok.

[@pilgrimtiger2023]

Great review. Thanks for your efforts

[@summittaedae2323]

I’d love this tent. But I think it would be in a toxic relationship with Scottish weather. Summer was a Wednesday last year.

[@peterjohnson6273]

Thanks Ryan,

[@OutdoorUkraine]

Please, add millimeters and grams to your next reviews. At least on the screen.

[@MrWeltteam]

How can a modern industrial nation like the USA use such an ancient system? It has always been incomprehensible ...

[@summittaedae2323]

@@MrWeltteamcan’t change to metric or it’ll confuse everyone. Meanwhile changing genders is a doddle 🤣

[@PrybarCommando]

Thanks Brent!

[@KrizAkoni]

Nice overview… I always liked my Duplex. 🤓

[@ropersix]

Love the Scarpa Ribelle Run. A very underrated trail shoe (in the US anyway).

[@mars_hikes967]

AFAF: Does anyone know what hat Mr Jordan himself is wearing? I bet it is also something particularly lightweight and maybe even washable. With normal trucker hats you can't do that. With Sunday Afternoons it's partially possible but if you trow them in the dryer their nylon shrinks even with the most moderate settings (wich you don't find on trail anyways).

[@josiebones1]

I "m absolutely fascinated by people that hate the rainbow inner door and call it a deal breaker. Yes everything has it's trade offs but the advantages of a wide open entry way far outweigh the minuscule amount of effort needed to direct the mesh inside of the tent instead of the outside. It takes up almost no space next to the doorway. The horror. The cost of Dyneema or using #3 zippers (especially if you use the tent in the desert) are areas of concern, but tent doors on the floor? Such a non issue.

[@AK-xu5sj]

I like the see through design that give creepers and bears a chance to preview their victims.

[@wolfeadventures]

On my Altaplex - the foot and head ends have tape running across the panels in various angles. Does this mean I can put more pressure on those guidelines without fear of panel distortion?

[@MrTitanTopper]

Have been considering this for an attempt of an AT Thru-hike. Considering ground conditions of the AT, would a footprint ground sheet be necessary at all? I’m thinking not and certainly would prefer not to add any additional weight.

[@peteperez5455]

Is that a McHale pack in the vestibule?

[@YiPyCh69]

Can you tell me which hat you are wearing? It's so cool

[@rschreck876]

I don’t get the “deal with the condensation issues” while paying $700 for a tent. Don’t know why no one has made a DCF double wall shelter yet.

[@robgrubb420]

sweet

[@journeymantraveller3338]

Magnetic closures are a huge deal breaker for me. Had my compass depoled by a gear magnet and I cannot afford to allow this happen again in the wild. Toggle works fine and is more resistant to open in wind. Also #5 zips for a few grams and the win.

[@jeffreyarmbruster4670]

Add a #5 zipper, designers! Yes, I understand it adds weight and perhaps sewing issues (?). But I hate #3 zippers. Big fail point.

[@gregvanpaassen]

Yes, this'd be a great summertime beach tent apart from the dicky zips issue. Not stable enough for back-country/sub-alpine here in NZ where wind is a given, sometimes from several directions in quick succession. And this tent requires too many stakes compared to other modern alternatives.

[@MrWeltteam]

Could you give a few examples?

[@dcaudwell]

@@gregvanpaassen The OG non-zip Duplex has completed hundreds of Te Araroa thru-hikes plus innumerable other long trails around the world. It’s not a tent for a windy exposed ridge or for blizzards but, with a modicum of skill and experience, this is a proven tent in a wide range of conditions world-wide.

[@Andy-ku3jy]

@@gregvanpaassen yes but tis very light and on a long thru hike that counts.