The Pros & Cons of the Most Ultralight Backpacking Tents on the Market | Zpacks Plex Solo & Duplex

Reviewing and comparing 2 of backpacking's most ultralight tents. The Zpacks Plex Solo and the Zpacks Duplex.
GEAR used in this video:
Zpacks Duplex - bit.ly/3KsDLgl
Zpacks Plex Solo - bit.ly/3wVhoMH
Backpack -
Sleeping Pad - bit.ly/3KV1xDK
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[@chriseidam7319]

I hate it when cats get under my tent. They are so lumpy. It's hard to get a good night's sleep.

[@rachelmaher8406]

😂

[@WL7NI]

I got the optional free standing kit for the Duplex. It comes in handy for sure and makes the tent “moveable” as you mentioned. I love the Duplex, tons of room to keep all my gear dry.

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

I saved for my Duplex. Bought it last year and love it! Thanks for the comparison video Taylor!! 😃👍

[@pungo147]

I used the Duplex during my 2021 AT thru hike. IMO it definitely earned its reputation as one of the best ultra-light tents on the market for long-distance backpacking. As much as I love this tent, I ordered the Durston Xmid Pro 2 to use on my 2023 PCT thru-hike. The Durston has a unique offset floor design which gives the overall structure of the tent more stability in strong windy conditions. This is definitely a tent worth checking out.

[@areharald]

Thanks!

[@kathycasey9153]

Great review Taylor. Different tents for different hikes is the best way to look at it. I hike in the Spring and Fall. I have found my old trusty Big Agnes Fly Creek 2 serves me well. Im never out for more than a week.

[@dmunman]

Love experienced people giving honest reviews.

[@jasonsadler7020]

Great review and I love the content you have been putting out lately. I have both the duplex and altaplex and I agree with all of your comments. Looking forward to your review of the new HMG backpack.

[@markcummings6856]

The Best impromptu review of two tents on KZbin. Well done!

[@randywineke5416]

Great video and information, thanks for sharing. Thanks for pro and cons on the tents. Stay safe and HIKE ON!!!!

[@mrlee5004]

Great video, I’ve been wanting the duplex and this helps!

[@willisrcorson7353]

Very well thought out information to help see the benefit of what I will consider for a future hiking trip.

[@frolege1]

Very good review and insight … thanks Taylor

[@dentonfabrics]

Good job, very professional! Can’t believe how much tents cost nowadays. Keep hiking!!

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Thank you for great information.

[@suecox8355]

Thanks Taylor!🦋❤️

[@Papershields001]

I started using my Alta Plex tarp this summer and to me it really solves the issues of the plex solo. It feels much more spacious and with no inner it isn’t claustrophobic and doesn’t sweat badly at all. The only drawback in my mind is that you need a longer pole to put it up.

[@walkietalkietraveller2932]

a job well done. thanks for the useful comparison. happy travels :)

[@Ottawa9one9]

Nice comparison. I'd love a Zpacks tent, especialy the Altaplex, but I can't get past the mesh door design. I like regular designs that can hang and half open to limit mosquitos and blackflies entering the tent while setting up the pad, quilt and everything. That half moon would let in way to many bugs.

[@hoser7706]

Specific and more importantly, real, relevent, all from experience. Great review, thanks!

[@TXMEDRGR]

Your timing is impeccable.

[@michael_budda]

Great overview of both tents! Would these be good for cold weather too? Or is this more a 2,3 season tent??

[@djw8504]

I love your videos!! 😁👍👍

[@EspenFrafalne]

I got the Spruce Green Duplex (with a bit thicker/tougher fabric), and really like it - except that it is a bit drafty when its cold, and i think maybe id prefer the smaller footprint of the Plex Solo. I really like ultralight gear, but i also like some luxury items (especially cinema glasses), so i decided to buy a 20kg weighted vest, to get my body accustomed to carrying heavier loads. I dont think i will be hiking with a 20kg backpack any time soon, but it will make my backpack feel a lot more comfortable, and give me the strength to hike longer distances with a backpack. I also really like the type of exercise im getting with that vest, and the fact that i dont have to hike as far to get a decent exercise..! It even inspired me to buy some dumbbells and a pull up bar, and as i already had a hydraulic rower and an exercise bike, i feel like my small home gym finally has enough equipment to motivate me to exercise 👍

[@GaerHampton]

I bought my Duplex about a month before they started raising the price (first to $650, then to $700). I'm not looking forward to the day that I finally wear it out as I'm probably going to buy another one to replace it. I'm really very happy with it!

[@garybolenable]

I have the Duplex. I really love the space and the weight for a 2p tent is amazing. It can be a bit difficult to set up in tight spaces though. I thought about getting the Plex Solo or the Altaplex, but unless I was covering a lot of miles each day and just getting in my tent to crash for the night, I'd rather have the space that the duplex offers. The few extra ounces are totally worth it to me.

[@patriciamoscato6586]

Very thorough taylor

[@EsterStPaul]

excellent report

[@daviddavis2597]

Gooood morning from central Florida! Hope everyone has a great day!

[@Dante07cid]

Always enjoy gear reviews. I’m an old guy and don’t mind sacrificing a little bit of weight for simplicity and comfort. I have both XMid 1 solid and 2P regular. Simple, 4 stakes and I bought both for price of either one of these. Just can’t justify price of DCF tents and condensation is terrible in Midwest.

[@texmexia49]

How funny, I have both of these same tents too and love them. Ready to go, with company or without .😂

[@kenmachine9951]

Thank you 👍 Ken NC

[@Josephhikes]

Always interesting

[@memathews]

Good review, Taylor. You related the size in relation to yourself, but how tall are you doing we can imagine or own got? For instance, I'm 6'3", but I'm long in the legs and carry a size Medium pack.

[@hoser7706]

Shopping these tents now. Great info! For reference how tall are you? 5’9” or 10? Thx

[@EndOfTrail]

Off topic - Wondering where you got the cool thermometer you have hanging on your pack.

[@MrMorton]

Great comparison video. These are really light weight tents but the cost seems so prohibitive.

[@michael_budda]

@S. M. I get that people want to save weight on a thru hike, that makes sense. I think most people acquire that gear slowly over years of going backpacking and do it when they can afford it (hopefully 😆). Will saving 1lbs make or break your hike? I doubt it, but over the course of years upgrading all your equipment to save 5, 10 or 15bs, that would make a difference. Especially with elevation changes. Overall, people just have to enjoy the hike, if I want to go out and have 30lbs on my back and I don't mind it and I have fun, that's all that matters. If someone wants to spend extra $$ and have only 15lbs on their back and they have fun then that's good too..whatever it takes to get people outside and enjoying life. 💯

[@michael_budda]

@S. M. Cheers 🍻 Keep enjoying it! 💯💯

[@XA1985]

Do u need a Zpacks trekking pole to set up the plex tent or can u use a regular trekking pole,

[@shoresy6183]

I have the Altaplex that is the best qualities of the two. It's higher and longer than the Plex Solo. It's like a 1.5 person tent.

[@justcallmemario3013]

Is the difference in transparency that different between blue and white? Thanks! :)

[@CharmingGecko]

I can watch gear reviews all day. That's how Darwin rode the algorithm. I hope to see more reviews in he future.

[@cybersecurity_7704]

great video

[@TheForester71]

Nice Crocs 😎

[@1DrBar]

The price tag is no problem for me, but I find the stated weight disingenuous, because it does not factor in the weight of the hiking poles. I don't use hiking poles, but I believe that there are lightweight poles of the right size available as an option. My other negative is that I've now seen two tarptents and one dyneema tarp destroyed by wind. I guess that is not a problem on the AT until one gets above the treeline, but still I factor that in. I'm considering buying the duplex. The double mesh is a fantasctic thing where I am in the hot muggy heat of summer, and appreciate your review.

[@davidw.pursley6474]

I’m curious your thoughts on free standing tents vs tension tents on exposed areas (above tree line). Cheers from Norway. 🇳🇴

[@CBne1997]

@S. M. pyramid or “mid’s” are very strong in the wind, and because of the steep walls, she’d snow well.

[@friarrodneyburnap8680]

So what do you think about going many days with out needing to to resupply? I think this would be the record to brake....

[@everyoneknowsadave3580]

Just a quick tip …. While these tents are awesome keep them well away from any fires… the DCF material being so thin is much less resilient to tiny hot ash particles falling on it than say Sil Nylon …. My friends on ‘Husband Wife Outdoor Life’ had this happen on their Z packs Triplex resulting in tiny pin holes in the fabric. I seem to remember ‘Dixie’ also had something similar happen to her Duplex as well…. mind you she did kinda abuse it using it as a ground sheet sometimes so it could have been that as well 😂

[@greg.jacobs]

Good review of the Zpacks side by side, after much thought I went with the Durston X mid pro,the off set pole setup and basic setup with 4 stakes makes it a better option for myself. I think though, for an ultra lite solo trip on the PCT I would consider taking the Plex solo just for the lite weight and packability.

[@chriseidam7319]

I have been going back and forth between the Tarptent Dipole II and the X-Mid Pro 2. I am 6 ft tall and like to sleep with my arms above my head. I also use a 4-in pad that is 78 inches long. Right now, my main solo and duo tent is a Lanshan ll, and though I love the tent, it's a little bit too short for me. My concern about the X-Mid Pro 2 is that with two people in it, one person has an acutely-sloped wall in their face and another person has an acutely-pitched wall near their feet. You are bound to hit a wall and get your sleep system wet. Diagonal sleeping doesn't appear that good because the long diagonal is between the two tent walls that pitch acutely. But it sure is light for the amount of space you get. The Dipole ll solves all of the issues I suspect I would have with the X-Men Pro and my Lanshan ll. It's much wider than either of those tents, and the foot and head walls are vertical, not sloped. I won't have a problem fitting in their lengthwise, and I would fit well with my wife in there when she goes along on trips. It has fantastic ventilation. The penalties are the complicated set-up and that it weighs six ounces more than the Pro ll. It also costs a lot more. So in your case, are you 6 ft or taller? Do you find you have enough room in the X-Men Pro 2 if you are at least 6 ft tall? What about diagonally? Thanks.

[@greg.jacobs]

@@chriseidam7319 I’m 5’10” and have no issues fitting in the xmid. For others who are over 6’ there might be some issues as you mentioned.

[@chriseidam7319]

@@greg.jacobs Thanks Greg. May you have many excellent adventures in your Pro 2.

[@uptrail7169]

So far I really like my Duplex

[@susietopspin]

I love my Duplex but struggle with the condensation. I tend to sleep heavy breathing which is much of the problem but I still love it for weight, ease of setup and size. Happy trails. 🤘🏻🥾⛰️

[@MrNoRegrets]

Awesome video! Are you still using power director to edit your videos?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

No, I use my computer to edit them when I'm home

[@MrNoRegrets]

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Thank you!!

[@DanielOutdoors]

I had tried the dyneema tents once before it became a hype. I was long distance hiking in Norway back in 2013. The weather was pretty shifty, so about 80 km in at Finse Mountains, I got stuck in a storm. It was snowing, pretty stormy winds, and mist sorrounded the whole place. I had to take shelter. Saddly the dyneema wasent aerodynamically (basically almost none are), and it became basically a sail. The mist also made the tent super wet. I almost got hypothermia inside that tent, and had to gather my strenght to hike bavk to the nearest cabin wich i used as an emergency shelter. After that episode I swear to god, im not touching a Dyneema tent again! It almost killed me.

[@DanielOutdoors]

@S. M. Exactly, Cuban fiber or Dyneema was designed for use in Sails, for boats

[@hikerJohn]

My 2019 Duplex with extra large stakes is 24 oz but maybe I rounded up a half oz and I carry two extra stakes.

[@solitudebychoice]

I hate this price tag, but… Exactly what I thought that duplex way more worthy! Thank you!

[@erikstrausmann6428]

Buy an USGI Poncho, raincover with Multiuse. That ist UL😎

[@skiranutube]

I'm curious to know what stakes you use with them, and for the AT?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I just have a bag of mixed tent stakes from over the years. Most came from the zpacks website

[@samsmith8870]

I would imagine the duplex would have much better ventilation though right?

[@JosephMcCanne]

I’ve been looking at the Plex Solo. How tall are you, if you don’t mind me asking? Just trying to get a feel of the space vs height.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

5'8''

[@sirsir108]

How do you think the floors would hold up to dogs sleeping inside I've been wanting to get a Duplex and it worries me a bit that my dog could ruin the flooring maybe I'm just being a worry wort since you hear of plenty of people mentioning skipping a groundsheet and being fine I just like to really baby and take care of expensive gear. But I would like to get another lightweight option for when I don't feel like using a tarp

[@MikeycatOutdoors]

Keep the dogs at home or get a canvas tarp if you want to have a floor left. 😉

[@notyouraccount9742]

I’ve had a dog in a DCF tent with DCF floor with zero problems. Not sure why mike is trying to scare you.

[@MikeycatOutdoors]

@@notyouraccount9742 cause I'm a cat person. 🐈 😉

[@MikeycatOutdoors]

@@notyouraccount9742 but on a serious side, if its a larger dog or its nails are sharper than average, DCF isn't the best fabric for puncture resistance. Everyone's experiences may vary. At worst case, bring a custom cut piece of tyvek as a floor liner.

[@sirsir108]

UPDATE: I've been using an altaplex groundsheet with my tarp and for the last year with my dog to test the thicker dcf as a floor and it's fine so far through 700ish miles around 40 nights or so if I had to guess so I'm guessing the zpacks floor would hold up well against the "clickers"

[@rdrobertssr]

How about budget gear for the occasional backpacker? Just a thought.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Yeah I do splurge on the quality gear just because of how often I hike

[@moyashisoba]

May I ask how tall you are? I'm thinking about getting a Plex Solo but I'm not sure about the height. (Maybe you said it in the video and I missed it. If so, I'm sorry.)

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I'm 5'8''

[@moyashisoba]

@@TaylortheNahamshaHiker Thank you so much! Exactly my height 😀

[@jimhenderson387]

Informative video, though I really wish you had included the Big Agnes tent too. Oh well. Do another video on the BA!

[@barbarahultman5450]

For the length of the tents, can i ask how tall you are?

[@alicialuongo5360]

Yes was wondering the same thing , I’m 5’9” so wanted to know how much room I’d have sitting up

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

5'8''

[@friarrodneyburnap8680]

Would you ever do a bicycle tour?

[@discoveringincolor8572]

Nice Crocks!

[@drytool]

How did you get that Valley Girl accent? Did you used to live in California?

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I've only ever lived in New England. Valley girl accent is a new one

[@kennethstarr5545]

Actually, I have carbon fiber poles for my Duplex that Zpaks makes

[@jasonburke3620]

You should try the X-mid Pro. Having experience with both brands.... My opinion is the X-mid pro blows Z-packs away.

[@codyhikes4054]

The bun issue 😂

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

I had big buns!

[@Dr.Schlitz]

I’ve never had any significant amount of condensation in a double wall tent.

[@lakorai2]

Now time to get an X-Mid 2p Pro. Far superior shelter to the Zpacks

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Yeahhhh. I don't need to spend another $700 for a third UL tent

[@spectrum10]

I know Grandma Gatewood's tent was a shower curtain.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

Yes

[@FranklinHicks-qs4gs]

Trail name Dimples

[@oak664]

Durston X mid 1p pro 16oz needs two poles

[@DGameFinishr]

did she cut her hair? 😯

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

yes

[@stuartsteele9984]

Without a zippered, mosquito meshed hooded vent it is not surprising that you have that amount of condensation. Additionally, without a waterproofed zippered entry/exit you can expect wind driven rain to enter your shelter. Zpacks fails to make tents that fit the definition of a usable shelter.

[@TaylortheNahamshaHiker]

How much experience do you have with zpacks tents? I've found mine to be very usable

[@stuartsteele9984]

I make tents. I recently completed a 4.05 ounce Dyneema, glued construction diamond shaped floorless tent, 4.0 feet x 8.5 feet x 3.32 feet high. It is perhaps the lightest tent in the world, with a waterproof entry/exit zipper and a zippered, mosquito meshed hooded vent. Unlike the majority of tents sold throughout the world my tents have a loop at the peak of the tent for hanging from above by about 8 different methods or an interior pole. Do you enjoy suffering with your entry/exit pole - poor design, as well as the lack of an entry/exit waterproof zipper and vent which had both been available on your tent you would not be suffering the condensation you complained about and you would have far greater control of your interior temperature, both heat and cooling. Homemade Wanderlust has a KZbin video showing wind driven rain penetrating her Zpacks "tent." I don't consider it a tent for the reasons submitted in my previous comment.

[@ULperformance]

@S. M. You’re pleased with your so called tent. Why would you have an interest in owning one of the worlds’ lightest tents? My next tent is a two person tent, also Dyneema, 5.0 feet at its width and 4.42 feet width at its length X 8.5 feet in length X 3.74 feet high. I expect it to weigh a bit over 6 ounces. It will be have a loop at its peak for hanging from above or a center pole. The five foot width of this tent is greater than the well known Durston tent, making it a true two person tent. The value of a floorless tent is that the owner decides what type and how much area is provided for a ground sheet or no ground sheet as well the savings in weight and volume carried as well the reduction in size and weight of the backpack necessary to store the tent and reduced/no need area ground sheet. And you are not stuck with a fixed area for vestibule(s) and sleeping area.

[@kennethstarr5545]

I’m as old as dirt if 3 years ago is years ago

[@OutdoorsWithJohnUSA]

Taylor, I finally bought the duplex and have only used it three times. my favorite feature is how lite it is. I am concerned about using it for winter camping with condensation. I have been using my Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 2 Tent, which weighs 3.7 lbs. I have done a fair amount of winter backpacking and have dialed in my gear to be comfortable overnight in 0℉ temperature. I am a subscriber and have been following you since Frozen highlighted your channel. I am looking forward to seeing you get out backpacking in the frozen Whites. If you're interested, I have some videos where I backpacked the Whites in winter. I'll leave a link to one of them below a video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/maqce6uVjq-mpbs

[@kevindecoteau3186]

That's intense, not a teepee!

[@eduardosturla]

Buy a Dan Durston XMid, if you can find them. Last tent you'll ever own!

[@Chac500]

Every gear you're reviewing is very expensive. I love your videos but I can't afford anything from your reviews 😆🤕😢

[@NaturalPsycle]

Let's get back to nature with gear no one can afford.

[@todd1hd]

Actually 1,000's of people can afford high end gear

[@masterofnone11]

Ultralight is a youtubet fad in my opinion and if you get caught in the cold good luck.

[@Blackline9114]

Outrageously over priced. Same options on other brands at half the price. These tents are status symbols only in my opinion.

[@TruckManThings]

short hair looks great :o