ZPacks Duplex 3,000+ Mile Review

** Stuff/Gear I Mention in this Video **
Zpacks Duplex Tent - zpacks.com/products/duplex-te...
Post PCT Gear List - • Post PCT Thru-Hike Gea...
Pre PCT Thru-Hike Gear List - • PCT Thru-Hike Gear Lis...
2018 PCT Thru-Hike Series - • PCT 2018 Thru-Hike: Ep...
DISCLOSURE:
I have no contractual agreement with Zpacks and only give reviews on gear I myself would use or feel would benefit my viewers to know more about. This is NOT a Paid Review, nor did I receive the product in TRADE for a review. I am self-employed and do not receive further compensation from Zpacks for this gear review.
** WAYS TO SUPPORT THIS CHANNEL **
Patreon: / darwinonthetrail
(Help Support my 2019 AZT Thru with a pledge as low as a $1/month)
Visit our Etsy Shop! - www.etsy.com/shop/TravelandTrail
** Gear Used to Shoot this Video! **
- Cameras -
Canon M50 - amzn.to/2NWhTkn
Canon EOS 77D - amzn.to/2zf5OQ9
- Lense -
Canon EF 24mm IS USM - amzn.to/2zeJuWU
- Sound -
TakStar Shotgun Mic - amzn.to/2kMsAnM
- TriPod -
Targus 360 Trigger Tripod - amzn.to/2kMsU5Y
-----Intro By: Kat Pendergast-----
superk.at
------ Music By: Mike Boren -------
DISCLAIMER: This video and description contains affiliate links, which means that if you click on one of the product links, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps support the channel and allows us to continue to make videos like this. Thank you for the support!
Contact information:
Website: www.darwinonthetrail.com
Instagram: Darwin_Onthetrail
facebook: darwinonthetrail

[@conradgautreaux6144]

Thanks for the review on the duplex. Been trying to decide on a tent. This will help. Also enjoyed your PCT hike. Thanks again.

[@djsomers100]

Have a Triplex now and it is wonderful. Might be a duplex in my future for solo hiking but use the Triplex both for solo and hiking with my wife. Great gear. Great review.

[@sanshaj]

Thanks for including the metric weights!

[@STinGa157]

Darwin ... looking forward to your trip on the BRP. My family and I just finished our third car camping trip going south to north. We had a great time, as it always is. Thanks for the review on your tent.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Best review of the Duplex I've seen. Thanks Darwin!

[@kellycarlen9605]

Great review. Some reviews are more product descriptions. I can look the specs up. I like that you told us what you think about it. That’s a review!

[@lukasholecek5911]

Now this is what I call a review! When someone packs it out of the box and says it has no negatives, I'm like "Sure...." But when you say it is perfect after 3000 miles I'm like "How do I get this baby to Europe without the enormous duty fee?" 😃... including metric weights was a nice detail I appreciate 🙂

[@lauraseys9078]

I think I paid 150 in import fees. So it kind of sucked but unless you can convince someone coming to Europe from America I'm afraid you'll have to ask if it's worth the extra money

[@tracyl2009]

I am so happy I decided to put some of my 2019 PCT prep savings in to buying the duplex. Just received it not too long ago and although I haven't had the opportunity to test it out camping just yet, I have set it up numerous times and am extremely happy with the way it sets up and feels inside. I am only 5 ft tall so it is even roomier for me, woohoo! I did a lot of research beforehand and think I made the correct choice for my through hike next year. Thanks for all the info you share with us Darwin. It is very much appreciated!!!

[@kampersadventures958]

I went back and forth, and back and forth again before I finally decided that okay....this is an incredible tent and worth the money. After buying and retuning a Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 (because it came with two small holes in the rain fly; right out of the bag) and a Marmot Tungsten UL 2, just to heavy for a big thru hike, I am ready to pull the trigger on this amazing tent. Your review and the review of several other KZbinr's that completed their thru-hike and still loved it, I cant wait until I get it.

[@rkaz]

I love my camo Duplex, an absolutely stellar one-person tent. I had one corner come un-staked by a gust of wind during a storm, but that was the result of using a mini ground hog in soft (wet) soil. Keep up the great videos.

[@captaincoyote1792]

Great video, Darwin. I may have just been convinced to pull the trigger on this tent. Especially impressive are all those miles WITHOUT a ground cloth! That alone sold me.....and at only 20cents a mile. Keep on keepin’ on, amigo.....second star to the right!

[@davidoakes7782]

It’s great to hear yours is holding up so well. I just got a Plexamid last week and I’m absolutely loving it so far! My only concern was durability. I’m hoping I can get a couple thru-hikes out of her.

[@waynefamilyvideos]

Love the review of the Duplex!! I have the Triplex and I LOVE it so far. Love the size and weight. Easy to set up. It does not have the option of the free standing tent piles though. My only incident I’ve had is one night I set it up on a great looking camp spot only to find out later there was a glass shard buried just barely under the top layer of soil and it found its way into my tent floor. Left a three inch gash in the floor. The great thing is I had some repair tape and it fixed so easily and securely that I have no doubts that if anything were to happen like that again it would not be a big deal. Repairs the tent like new. Fully sealed and waterproof. The tape sticks to it amazingly well.

[@markschiltz8954]

Buy once, cry once! I absolutely love my camo duplex. Was an expensive pill to swallow but worth it! Great review man!

[@WillN2Go1]

The close ups on the seams is really useful information. Thanks for that. I recently did a bunch of camping switching between a DIY rainfly and a BigAgnes FlyCreek UL2 which is a frame tent. I prefer the set up with the hiking poles. It's not easier, it doesn't give you the instant volume like the poles do, but once you get your set-up down, it's more versatile, more stable in high winds. The big difference between my rain fly and the ZPacks, is I basically end up with two wedges, the ZPacks has a lot more volume. What I also like about the ZPacks is the bathtub bottom seems to be up off the ground, until you're in it. Unless it's raining the most tenacious pack-up issue with a tent is ground moisture and mud. I would also describe the Cuben Fber as Hydrophobic: meaning it's not only waterproof, water beads up on it. A shake and Cuben Fiber is almost dry. That's a real plus. Your mileage stat is interesting but.... nights in the tent would be a better number... However, my experience with (cheap) plastic tarps, is that a couple of factors are more significant. 1. UV. Overtime UV light really attacks cheap plastic. Cuben Fiber being a laminated material probably has UV inhibitors. It seems like it's held up great. (It's like when I kept reading about vegans not having heart attacks or strokes, Okay, then what do vegans die of? Otherwise there would be 140 year vegans. So how does Cuben Fiber wear out? I think from your experience Darwin, buying this tent is not the way to find out. ) 2. Wind. Wind is where the cheap tarps and good tents really get wear and tear. Driving cross country with one of those cheap blue tarps wrapping a mattress on the top of the pick-up shell: the edges were shredded where constant wind whipped it around. Granted cheap blue tarps aren't Cuben Fiber, they provide some idea of how tent materials wear out. The other factors would be sharp rock, twig damage--seems to be better than excellent. I can't believe you inspected every square inch of ground every time you set up your tent. How well do the zippers hold up? The guy lines info is interesting. I've decided that I don't like fussing with hardware widgets, instead I just do wraps and knots....but the adjusters right on the Z-Packs tent appear to be a very smart solution. Thanks for the review. And.... my BigAgnes is about 15 years old and has held up really well. The zipper always catches the flap in the same place. I would never buy it again. It has an opening on one end. The two mesh sides and openings of the Z Packs and the newer Big Agnes, is the difference between tent as cave and tent not blocking the view.

[@anthonyhodge8642]

I used the Duplex on my hike of the AT. It earned its keep quite well.. Being a small person, not only did I have room for myself, I also stored my backpack inside with me. This year was on record, as being the wettest in many years. I stayed both warm and dry. As I have gained a hiking partner. I have upgraded to the triplex. Camo, because the wall is a bit thicker and my lady enjoys her privacy. Those extra ounces really won't matter much!

[@greygardens81]

People who complain about a $600 tent should ask themselves how much it would cost to stay in a hotel for 3000 miles of hiking. $600 starts looking pretty reasonable! ;)

[@newlife155]

And I would say that 3000 miles was maybe 100 nights,, or 6 bucks a night ,so far.

[@greygardens81]

@@canaripaille2048 k

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Now Now Boys... No need to bicker! Hike On, Darwin

[@teatowel11]

jj solar obviously a tent is not comparable to a hotel but it’s a good point about cost per use. He has spent months in that tent, he has definitely gotten more value out of it than most people that by a $50 tent and use it 5 times haha. If it costs you $5 per use and every time you use it you are glad you have it over a cheaper option, I think that’s money well spent.

[@homelessmillionaire1]

A hotel and a tent is not an intelligent comparison. Maybe a tent and a tarp or a hotel and Airbnb. But a hotel is a (multi) million dollar building with a very wide variety of accommodations and amenities.

[@SinchuwusOutside]

Thanks Darwin! I just purchased the duplex. This was very helpful in what I can expect from this.

[@RICHat22]

You sold me on the Duplex earlier this year (along with 20* EE quilt). Got the Camo to stealth and LOVE it. Spent a few nights in it including a couple rainy ones. My Alpine Carbon poles work great. Carry a piece of Tyvek to protect the floor in places I go. Mine was already set up to flex if I decide later. Thanks and hike/bike on. :)

[@theheathenhiker7631]

Thank you for this! Your review was pretty much exactly what I expected it to be. Now I just need to fork out the money for the camo version!

[@joeycross4525]

great review. Answered any questions I had about this tent. Thank You!

[@bretthikez6567]

I have the .74 spruce duplex..its a perfect tent for ALMOST every season...i change out tents when forecast calls for snow...other than that it's a sweet piece of gear..i don't use a ground sheet and never got any leakage..great vid dude..im gonna try a diagonal lay next trip also..

[@Sharpiesailor31]

It’s a great tent. I just did a nine day back country hike in Glacier NP using the tent solo and it performed very well.

[@CommanderXED]

I've had a duplex Flex for three months now and love it. It has handled New Mexico's high winds and Monsoon season with no issues at all.

[@crazywisdom2]

I'm thinking about buying the Free Duo Tent. Still Loving your tent ?

[@user-ym6lc7pk1e]

Great tent - has been using mine in Camo this past season. Camo is very stealthy. In the forest step back 50 yards or so and you can’t even see it anymore. I also put a ridgeline to be able to hang my light and some damp cloth overnight while I’m sleeping. Has been worrying about floor getting punctures or rips and has stayed in some very challenging places, but it seems to be extra durable. This also gives me peace of mind that my sleeping pad won’t get punctured either, being protected by the floor. Price is huge, so I hope it will last many years in the future and there won’t be any material degradation that will affect its waterproofing or puncture resistance.

[@EyesWideOOpened]

Hi, Zach Ratzlaff is my ZPACK Guy. My first born, in whom I am very proud. Nice ZPACK tent, I want one.

[@bikingviking6688]

Looking forward to seeing your tour on the Blue Ridge Parkway

[@danielboos9302]

Totally agree for the most part. I got my duplex three years ago and it broke on me once in a heavy storm in scotland. I contacted Joe from ZPacks and was able to send the tent to their factory for a free (!) repair. I just had to pay for shipping (30$ from Switzerland to the US) and even got a voucher from ZPacks for those 30$. So, as long as you don't lose it or destroy it completely, nobody cares if the warranty is still valid, not even the ZPack-Guys =) Hike on, I'd love to see your tent in many more hiking/travelling vids.... Cheers!

[@JerryBertelsen]

Thanks for the review. As always, it was well done.

[@SpiritedTherapy]

Mine is coming on thursday! Got it in the burnt orange color😊 Cant wait to take it out on the trail!!

[@davidcolinstillman5585]

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT ! THANK YOU! BE SAFE! HAVE FUN! GOD BLESS YOU BOTH ALWAYS ! ENJOYED!

[@Silkstep]

Great review. Thanks for sharing your long term experience. I only have several hundred miles on my Duplex over the last couple years. I did get the Flex poles, and in fact, the video here on KZbin where Joe Valesko is showing how to set the tent up using them is actually my tent. He used it for the demo before shipping it to me. They work great on rocky balds and gravel beaches along rivers we have here in Missouri. I absolutely love mine, and you are right. The only downside is the price. But my Grandpa told me: "If you buy quality, you only cry once." ;)

[@crazywisdom2]

whats your thoughts on the NEW free standing tent ?

[@YilgarnRallye]

yup and boom.......its up ready to move in.................love my Duplex 100% agree with all your comments

[@jamesongiamo4932]

Great review. Thank you for your feedback. Update: Z packs now has a 2-year limited warranty

[@ZZ_90]

Great review my friend! Up in the air between this one of the Triplex for a hike with my fiancé on the JMT. Just wanted to see what your thoughts are on which one would be the better fit for that trip? Thanks again my friend! Cheers!

[@syahrulsamsuddin3730]

Thanks for the comprehensive review.

[@icaughtyoubasstard4877]

Really nice review! Esp with all those miles on it. Very durable and simple.

[@TDSudduth]

Nice presentation, Darwin. Good to know your tent has held up well. After Dixie showed pinholes in hers (sparks?), I was worried that mine might not last as long as I wanted. But now am feeling reassured.

[@Shrouded_reaper]

Definitely from sparks

[@johnnyonthetrail629]

I’ve been back and forth between this tent or the Altraplex.... great video brother :)

[@mtadams2009]

Nice to see, it seems for some other hikers when it hits the 2,500 mile mark they are getting pin holes. It seems they are made for one through hike, after that who knows. Looks like a nice tent and well worth the money.

[@helpfulcommenter]

Darwin- all the things you said about the Duplex here - lightweight, roomy, simplistic - you need to get a hold of, use, and review the new X-Mid 2P Pro - it's the X-Mid but in DCF! It's 20 oz.... It only takes 4 stakes.... you need to check it out dude

[@vinnieboy66]

Darwin. Great review. However it thought it was interesting that you use Miles as your metric for how durable it is. It would seem that Days or times that it was set up and taken down would be a better metric as this seems to be where there would be wear and tear. While miles is a little more subjective as you may do 25 miles per day and another person may do 15 so the other person doing the same course would take longer and have many more nights use on the tent and probably more wear and tear. Seriously not giving you a hard time just thought a different metric could be helpful for people trying to understand durability. Thanks for all your hard work putting these reviews and videos together. So very helpful.

[@billseay6399]

Hey I understand the change thanks

[@petersilie2432]

Great review!

[@mawacal]

I have the camouflage duplex. It's my favorite tent. On the AT in 2017 it held up in some pretty bad weather conditions. My first night a thunderstorm rolled in 50 mph winds blew for a couple hours. I was waiting for the tent to blow apart but it held up great no damage to the tent at all. I'm sold!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I've had mine in some pretty Harsh Winds & never had a problem with it. As long as it's pitched right, it's Amazing in any condition. Hike On, Darwin

[@RICHat22]

I spent one night in a storm in my camo. I was impressed. I stayed awake half the night worrying about tears. But all was great in the morning

[@firefighter2699]

Jared Bryan thanks. I was heavily considering spending less and getting the lunar duo, looks like I’ll be saving for the duplex

[@veroniquediallo6055]

@@JaredBryan Good to know- Thanks.

[@MountainMan_NZ]

Darwin, thanks to you (well id kinda chosen this tent from my research but your review was the nail in the coffin) I just bought the duplex. I'm super amped. I'm from new Zealand so it's a long way to send a 1100$nz tent but I am gunna put it to good use backpack hunting for elk on public wilderness land in idaho in September 2020. Mad respect to you hikers that smash the miles out in the high country. Have you done the new Zealand southern alps yet. (I actually don't expect you to reply you must get a mil of these comments)

[@davidsawmandave8731]

Yeah I would like to buy one of these tents the $600 freaks me out a little bit but I appreciate the review and it's helped me make my mind up and not feel so bad when I swiped the credit card

[@francisdufour6487]

Just a heads up, they changed the mesh recently so that’s why you have a 2oz difference between your older model and the Zpacks website!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Great to Know! Thanks Francis! Hike On, Darwin

[@ButeoAlbonotatus]

It would've been nice to see Darwin's procedures for staking out and setting up the tent and suggestions for how he sets up in different conditions. Maybe a future video? Good review, though!

[@cgriggsiv]

Right now I'm at work so I shall be watching this later on tonight

[@roncummins348]

I have setup my Duplex 20+ times in the last year and I haven't had any issues with it yet. If its windy and cold, I lower my hiking poles so the vestibule/doors sit lower to the ground but still allows ventilation. I use a stick on the side of the tent (head end) to hold up the tent line higher off the ground so I have more head room in the tent (if that makes sense). The only downside to the tent is that the tent allows allot of moon light through the tent, so if you are like me and don't like allot of light coming through the tent when sleeping, then place your footprint over the tent (if not windy) for a darker tent inside. Overall, best tent I have used in the last 5 yrs of hiking.

[@teatowel11]

It is a sexy tent. I’m tempted by the free standing option. I use a tarp set up now which is way cheaper, lighter and I do like but sometimes you need something you don’t have to tie off to a tree. The price is just too much at the moment.

[@JohnnyontheTrail]

Great review man.

[@kevinwilson7575]

Love the new intro!

[@KrazyKrzysztof]

I'd love to get the big agnes tiger wall right now. I have an older version which I enjoy.

[@affalaffaa]

Impressive tent. If I didn't already own a Hilleburg I would be tempted, depending on shipping costs.

[@Mastinox803]

The Achilles heal of durability in the tent is the zipper slider. On the CDT and PCT I had them wear out and I had to replace them. Each duplex lasted about 3-4k miles.

[@AWalkOnDirt]

Yeah, I am doing the PCT in 2O24 and all fails of the tent deal with the zipper. This is such a concern that so am thinking of the getting a Big Agnes which in my mind is like a tank.

[@raptorsan85]

Realize you're not a spokesman but, damn what a sell. I won't be getting one unless I get more serious but, if I do you've sold me on this. One of your best videos actually.

[@petersherman2552]

I've just bought a 2nd one, and it's actually very good value. Because of the price I looked into buying the materials and sewing one up for myself. ripstopbytheroll.com/collections/dyneema-composite-fabric. At least $450 US$, not counting special cutters (dyneema is tough stuff). I don't think it's going to get any cheaper. Zpacks will be buying by the roll of course, much cheaper per length, than by the half yard, but they still have to pay someone to sew and tape it together. Get the camo if you splurge, it's only 30 grams extra and the moon lights up the olive drab like a lantern. having the right light gear will make it easy to get serious.

[@13squier]

Great review Darwin! Every time I pack up my wet silnylon Lunar Solo I am one day closer to pulling the trigger on the Duplex. I have come to hate silnylon for it's stretchy, spongy properties.

[@Shrouded_reaper]

Yeah me too

[@finnblu3002]

Thanks D Always a great upload of interesting information Curious ... red beard’s latest vid and a set up prior to anticipated wind and rainstorm reflected a much higher bathtub arrangement and seemed limited to one and some gear?

[@jackcrackerman]

I think the biggest thing with the zpacks duplex that I find compared to some of the other tension tents is the tub, that's a great tub. I use a Six Moons Skyscape Trekker for my ultra light setup and I've yet to put it through a storm, I worry the tub isn't deep enough and I might get water just from the sides.

[@thuthiehiker]

Great review. I’m guessing you took extra special care when using your tent for the price you paid. My feeling is if you don’t care care of it, it won’t hold up. 😉 good to know it held up well without a footprint. That says a lot.

[@justrusty]

I finally figured out the best way for me to pitch the tent, at least if the ground is soft enough to sink my poles into. I simply set my pole heights to (as I recall - don't quote me on this) 135 cm, sink one into the ground, then four boot lengths away sink the other. Then drape the tent over the poles, stake the guylines and I'm done. Much easier for me than the method they show in their website's video.

[@DorrejNitsua]

Thanks! Good info👍🏽👍🏽

[@anitavaughn1968]

You have taken good care of it.

[@billseay6399]

Sounds good to me thanks enjoy all the videos. Stuck on my six moons lunar solo

[@nathanrieck2112]

Bill Seay I like mine a lot but I decided to get something else for the PCT this coming year. It’s a large one man tent. I think they advertise it as a 1.5 man tent. I picked up a big Agnes fly creek 1 platinum. I like the larger size of the lunar solo but I like the option of just setting up the bug mesh on the fly creek. I also really like the smaller packed size of the fly creek. The pack I’m planning on taking on the PCT is small (gossamer gear kumo 36) so the packed size did mater to me, otherwise I would have just kept the lunar solo....

[@dhonwellons4636]

Bill Seay---I also own the SMD Lunar Solo and like it a lot. I made the switch from a perfectly good Lunar Solo to the Duplex. The reasons, the Duplex is more airy, has more room, is lighter and packs smaller. There is no reason I can think of to use the Lunar Solo over the Duplex. Yes, $600 is a tough one.

[@billseay6399]

@@nathanrieck2112 hey thanks I'll keep in mind

[@billseay6399]

@@dhonwellons4636 thanks for the information

[@irenehodupski5712]

Thanks for sharing Hi from NJ

[@billkennedy8379]

Always enjoy your videos. Just had to point out that in referring to the Zpacks tent as "simplistic," you probably meant "simple." Not the same :)

[@randysmith6493]

ZPacks Duplex is about $4.00 a night for doing the PCT, and if you care for tent like you mean to keep it along time, it should last just fine. I am surprised that you did not use some drop cloth, something I had always done with my other tents. Have fun on your bike trip.

[@richardabazley]

It does have the reputation as a cold tent though doesn't it ? I realise the breeziness is great for condensation but it doesn't stop much wind. I'm looking for something that gives more protection from blowing sand and wind for my thruhike of the CDT next year. Very thorough review as normal though Darwin.

[@tonysilverfox2828]

Thanks for the review Darwin, Does it get much condensation on the inside in rainy conditions, also in heavy rain do get an water splashing up under fly into the bathtub?

[@k2thah286]

FYI, the pocket placement on my 2018 is just behind the mesh doors instead of the head/foot walls.

[@cjt5mith]

Great review. I've been looking at this one for a while but like you, the price has put me off. I know you've only just recently tried it, but how do your first impressions of the Plexamid one-person tent compare?

[@ventzpetkov]

Darwin - If you buy the tent with the Citi Double Points credit card (free/no yearly cost), you get a 3-year warranty on the tent! Same for all other equipment - they add +2 years on any manufacturer warranty. They are extremely good/quick at refunding on the warranty too - they will give you the full original cost back as a check or statement credit. Personally, I refuse to buy anything anymore without the card. I've also used the warranty multiple times and it really does work as advertised.

[@Reese842]

A weak point for me in my duplex is the mesh bugnet. It started to separate from the zipper which required some sewing on my part. Wasn't a huge deal, just something that happened.

[@MarkFugel]

well...it's kinda late for me...since i just bought the "heavier" color and it came yesterday. When i picked it up from the post office, i swore there was an empty box since it was soooo light. But when i opened the box...it was there! Can't wait to get it out there. I am worried about laying it down on rocks or sticks or briars...but it seems you had no problems in all your miles. I am having withdrawals from your PCT videos. I attempted to do the Art Loeb Trail last week in Pisgah National Forest...had a bad knee and had to change things to just day hikes around the Blue Ridge Parkway. Saw lots of bikers...but be careful. Totally beautiful place! Views were spectacular. Enjoy! Thanks again for the review. Any advice on how to best store your duplex?

[@deathcar]

Great review, one thing I wanted to ask, do you sleep on a neo-air type mattress or a Z-lite? The reason I ask is that the inflatable mattress raises both your head and your feet a few inches closer to the angled tent wall which kind of squeezes us taller folks. At 6'3" I was pretty tight in a solong6 sleeping on a neo-air...I hated getting my toe box wet.

[@gregseymour2941]

Thanks Darwin. The Duplex is now in the running for my next long trail. Have you ever had to contact customer service? I often see complaints about poor support especially on the trail.

[@juliefrechette7562]

It seems like a great tent.... that would cost sooo much in canadian dollards....thanks for the review!

[@ruthc124]

That's what a tent review audiences always expected to be

[@kevinwatterton9739]

Darwin, I’m a budget guy and have been struggling trying to decide between 2 tents, the Duplex of course or the little more affordable “The Two” by Gossamer Gear. Not sure if you’ve had any dealings with or know anyone who has any experience with Gossamer Gear tents? Thanks for the great videos & taking us on your hikes, always enjoy checking them out!

[@MADHippiesLife]

Thanks for the review! How roomy was it for you and Snuggles + gear? We're ready to pull the plug but wondering if the Triplex is the way to go. Two of us, our packs, double quilt and a Chihuahua heading out on the CT in 2019.

[@boqu9532]

Thanks👍

[@supersport3714]

I love the weight of this tent however it’s a cold setup for me temps on the AT can be in the 40’s even in summer and colder yet earlier or later in the season. This tent is always shown with the doors open, when I go to my tent I want to close the doors unless it’s 90 degrees out. I would need to carry a heavier sleeping system to make up for that, which defeats the purpose. In sunlight you need to wear sunglasses the tent seems to intensify the sun, in hard rain plan on getting wet from condensation plus rain comes thru and under the doors. When it’s cold the air blows thru and under the doors. You can’t batten the hatch down… The floor is amazing I watched a stream run under it if not for the other issue I think it would have been dry. I would pay twice as much for this tent if it functioned better and stayed below or around 2 lbs. I used mine twice on my thru hike and then purchased another brand of tent. 😢This $750 tent sits on my shelf.

[@resaharrison8346]

I just got mine and have been out twice in it. Love it. I was wondering since your a tall guy, what height do you set your poles at? Centimeter wise, what marks do you use?

[@nomad8279]

Hello from Canada, thank you for all the great videos and the extremely useful reviews. I noticed that you used your hiking poles (when they weren't broken) with your Duplex on the PCT and you used the Zpacks poles in this video. I was wondering at what height do you set your poles? Zpacks recommends 48 inches however I have read many reviews that recommend the poles be set at 45 inches as this takes some of the stress off the netting when closing the zippers. I will need to use tent poles so I am debating if I should buy 45 and 48 inch poles. Thanks again for the great advice.

[@typpiet5140]

The best is buying poles that can be adjusted to any length. My experience is that on uneven terrain, sometimes one pole has te be just a bit shorter than the other.

[@innadikoun6737]

Hi Darwin, thanks for a nice review. I have a few questions: i am considering between Zpacks Duplex and HMG Dirigo 2, can you maybe tell me the major difference? Both seem to be pretty similar ultralight tents. Another question: what poles do you use? And how do you upgrade it (what exactly have you bought additionally)? Thank you very much for your answer.

[@diegoornelas3394]

Nice review

[@ollie4dad]

I bet Zpak weighs the tent without the repair kit and trail grit. Great review.

[@MagooHikes]

Considering you have 3000 miles with this tent. You must be NASCAR pit stop efficient on setting it up. I would love to see a demonstration video.

[@petersherman2552]

You can also hook back the bottom corner of the doors to help ventilation and prevent splash. The roll up toggle is on the underside of the door so as to double purpose for that. Bigfoot does a demo video of how I set mine up. It's really quick and easy. Although he miss speaks or confuses carbon fiber and titanium, must have been having a bad day. You peg one side door with it's 2 pegs, then peg the opposite side pole, then the rest. Perfect pitch every time. Darwin, I hope it is not considered bad manners posting someone else on your blog, but since he's already done it you're unlikely to.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hIXMd4Wid8-qmbs

[@crazywisdom2]

@@petersherman2552 So I am considering getting this tent. I think my only question is; Can you set the trekking pole up slightly to the left or right and out just a bit, as opposed to being straight vertical to allow for a little more door entry space ? thanks.

[@petersherman2552]

@@crazywisdom2 yes but beyond about a handspan you start to get a few creases

[@1Deejay7]

Lmao, i can just hear some pneumatic wrenches goin on in the background with him setting it up 😂

[@wmbiisurgeon9087]

This is a great review. Really informative and changed my mind.

[@wmlnperu]

I love and baby my Duplex. How can this tent or any tent like it be used w/o a ground cloth and not get holes? I know this DCF material is tough, but what about sharp rocks that you can't move away or some unseen stick or piece of glass etc... ? Maybe I am paranoid, but I just don't want to deal with holes. I'd like to leave my g.c. behind if it really isn't needed. I enjoy your videos and have learned a lot from your commentaries.

[@JohnSmith-wo2zj]

Love your reviews dude. Considering ZPacks Duplex and Gossamer Gear "The Two." GG is roughly half the ZPacks price @ $311 but is backordered, arriving at some unspecified spring date. Weighing whether to roll the dice on the GG for the peace of mind of having it in time vs just go ZPacks. Did you ever consider the GG sir?

[@Genetk44]

Hey Darwin..just found your channel..,awesome stuff! Have you done any videos on footwear/gear?

[@MorrisonScotch]

I like the classic canvas tent design style it's very functional. I would like to find this material and make my own custom tent. How does this material handle accidents with pokey items and such?

[@normanmitchell9536]

For the amount of hiking and Biking you do , I wonder how many nights you have spent in that tent ? Factor in the weight, size , set up and break down time I would bet $600 is a fair deal . Great review 👍

[@tcdgac9883]

Can you do a video on best inflatable sleeping pad in your opinion.

[@amnioticfluid]

Thanks for the video. I am curious how or what is the level of your after care of your gear? How much time do you put in to take care of it. Have you always been comfortable (I personally want to just rest a day or two and feel really lazy about taking care of my gears)?

[@oferbechor1579]

THANK YOU

[@311i5c]

Hey Darwin, thanks for your review. Quick question, do you thin, you could fit 2 people and a medium size dog in this tent?