Zpacks Plexamid Full Review - Is it the best solo tent?

[@FrozensAdventures]

What do you think of the Zpacks Plexamid?

[@one2869]

I prefer the duplex as stated in another comment below but I still believe it is a great tent and worth it for the right people.

[@wio2189]

Not enough weight saved over the Duplex I already have. I was also worried about the struts. Decided to go with the Hexamid solo tent (tarp with mesh as a floor) for the PCT, fingers crossed it works out. Also got the MLD DCF superlight bivy for cowboy camping and to boost temperature a bit. Thanks for the video!

[@SalmondOutdoors]

I've never tried the Plexamid, but the altiplex I have is rad 👌🏼

[@DaveOffGrid]

Hey Frozen! Wondering why you chose this over the altaplex? Is it lighter? I prob won't own a Zpacks tent for some time. Makes sense b/c you're a thru hiker but I'm a weekend warrior so can't justify the price. I use the Lanshan Pro 1 and while about 12 ozs heavier, the cost is close to 5x less as well. Love my tent!

[@FrozensAdventures]

My trekking pole wouldn't accommodate the altaplex and I'm not very tall so didn't need the extra sitting height. Weight isn't a big concern for me but it is just a smidge heavier.

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

I used this tent for the last 750 miles of my SOBO AT Thru Hike and absolutely loved it. A con for sure is packing it up. My tent originally came with carbo fiber stays in the peak. My first camping trip after I completed the thru hike they broke and punctured the DCF. ZPacks immediately replaced them and they broke again. They then sent me the titanium ones which I do not like. As far as condensation, I have never had an issue at all. I have had the tent in 45mph sustained winds with gusts to 60mph and it performed like a champ. I love this tent and would buy it again. I own a Duplex as well and used it for 1400 miles on the AT. I use it when I hike with my dog. Great review on the tent! Happy Hiking!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Do you prefer the Duplex over the Plexamid?

[@cottontalesfromthetrail5474]

@@FrozensAdventures overall I like the Duplex the best. You get a much bigger space and the dual doors are a huge difference maker. The Duplex is an easier set up, takes less stakes, you have better ventilation and with two doors you have better views. The con of the Duplex for me is the footprint is really big and it takes up a lot of space in my pack. Your gear views are always spot on!

[@oned6264]

Still searching for a practical tent for me. I was interested in the Pleximid but I will take your adivise and pass on it as I’m 6’2” tall. Excellent review. Thank you!

[@propertyventuresinc.859]

I used the Plexamid to thru-hike the Long Trail last September. Love the weight, the size & footprint for tight quarters. I'm 5'11' & had no issues.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Any condensation tips?

[@propertyventuresinc.859]

Leave at least 1 door open

[@FrozensAdventures]

Haha yes that's what I've been doing. Trying to be meanwhile of the wind.

[@althompson3085]

Have a Duplex, and love the light weight and space. Followed your trek on the AT about two years ago. Hiked 1155 miles of the AT this year...running i to Freshground twice this year. I'm 73 years old and a fan of yours.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks!

[@scottpope9105]

I've been using the Plexamid for about 900 miles of backpacking this year (Colorado Trail, Ozark Highlands Trail, and sections of the North Country Trail) and it has worked great for me. I am 5'5", so leg room isn't much of an issue for me. Condensation has been a nuisance occasionally, but I knew that going in. I'm willing to put up with that for a sub 1 pound tent. I was worried that it might be fussy to set up, but after a few pitches it is easier and quicker to set up than the Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 that I used on the Appalachian Trail. I think your review is spot on.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks man!

[@bukketkid2567]

I got mine used, no stuff sack but it came with the tent pole (bonus since I use this tent for kayak camping). I use a ground sheet with mine, as it helps to keep sand off the tent on those moist mornings, plus keeps the tent pole from sinking really deep in said sand.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Do you use rubber tips to achieve that?

[@aurtisanminer2827]

I bought one from my friend. He used it on his entire PCT through hike. I found a few pin holes that I repaired with dcf tape. The area around the top that surrounds the titanium rods was looking thin where the material was stressed the most. I just taped over it all in case any thing could let water in. I used it in the rain since and stayed dry. When I first went to bed I kept getting drops of water falling on my phone screen. I didnt see any wet spots on the tent above me, though. Turned out the bill of my soaking wet baseball cap was letting water run down it and drip off the end where my phone was. Lol. I get most condensation on dry nights above my head and feet. Those areas are closest to my body and my head and feet release a lot of water vapor naturally. I use those extra guy points to raise the walls away from my head and feet as much as possible and that helps a bit. It also helps keep me from rubbing against the walls.

[@davidson_oldbull_sectionhiker]

You always produce good reviews frozen. Thanks to you I switched to a hammock from a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo..

[@FrozensAdventures]

Good to hear!

[@garycort7997]

Good review. Economically presented. I am 6’1” and went with the duplex and agree with your assessment - I could not operate in the plex without getting wet routinely.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@iamloved223]

I ended up going with the Altaplex. I'm only 5'0" so it's like a palace! Way more than enough room for me and I almost stand up straight in the middle. So far for short trips I just bring a short piece of pvc pipe as a pole jack.

[@FrozensAdventures]

A subscriber sent an altaplex for me to take a look at and I was swimming in the tent too lol

[@Wondering_Fireball]

Frozen, I recommended to Zpacks that they add peak vents to prevent some of the condensation. No response from them. I have the Altaplex. Love the tent but am looking at getting the Durston X mid 2P pro. It’s also DCF the poles are not centered on the door and it has vents to minimize the condensation. The X mid pro 2P tent is not available to order until late Feb.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Going to be a hard sale to them since it probably would be pretty hard to still use a trekking pole without ripping the bug netting. Maybe with a velcro toggle or something. Agree with you though.

[@LWilli5]

I have a Lunar Solo. It’s a great less-expensive option, but you have to deal with downsides of nylon.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Heard great things about that tent.

[@one2869]

I was one on the fence between this and the duplex but after watching many reviews and friends personal experiences with either, I quickly decided on the duplex. Only downside to it (which really isn't a big issue) is the amount of space needed to set the duplex up. It's been an awesome tent for me. When my wife and I go together, it saves that much more space only having to take one tent. We are both so used to the duplex that i bought my wife a separate one for times we are in 2 different locations. I've never had any problems with zpacks customer service. They've been awesome any time I needed them.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I think the Duplex is the way to go if you don't care about the footprint space.

[@stephenhiker9807]

I love my Lightheart Gear Duo. I'd suggest Lightheart Gear...Personally have always had a great experience with Zpacks. I'd always recommend getting a bigger tent. Zpacks is an excellent company and an og

[@FrozensAdventures]

They make or at least used to have a pretty good rain jacket. I heard they changed the fabrics though.

[@theyetti8811]

I have added an extra hook and cord so I can have both door closed but at different angels creating good airflow when in rain .

[@FrozensAdventures]

Very cool!

[@johnmuir8474]

I got oex bobcat. It's 1.9kg. I have bought mosquito net that is 190g to cut weight. It's incredible weight. I'm tempted by one on eBay. But it might make it harder to leave when wild camping due to value.

[@papertiger795]

I just pulled the trigger and placed my Plexamid order last Sunday. I think it'll seem palatial compared to my current tent, the REI flash air 1. Thanks for the review!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Enjoy, remember about the very slightly angling the door wall forward just a tiny tiny bit.

[@KN4OKadventures]

I bought the Duplex 2 years ago and my favorite tent. The other ones are on stand by for a friend lol

[@FrozensAdventures]

Still holding up well?

[@davidsawmandave8731]

I have the plex also , in camo , still using the old carbon rods , yes condensation is an issue , hawk has a good hack using 2 clothes pins to extend the brow in mild rain (not blowing) works ok , I do like my tent , I just shove it in my pack , taking care not to break the carbon roof rods , wish they still carried the cammo DCF

[@FrozensAdventures]

I'm not a big camo guy but I do love camo on DCF tents. Gives it a less eye sore look at camp.

[@KuntryRD]

I have had mine for the past year, & I love it. It stands up to wind and heavy rain well. In Dolly Sods, the wind tends to minimize the condensation, but I do have a microfiber cloth that I use to mop it down. I use the same method that you use to set mine up perfectly. I have used that method for years on my SixMoonDesigns Lunar solo. It assures an almost perfect and quick set up every time.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks for sharing!

[@uptrail7169]

Nice! I like how you can stretch out inside the tent. We bought a tent to test for a future long hike.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Very cool!

[@iPlod]

Very nicely done! I don't expect to ever have a tent like this, because (1) I'm a bit tall for this particular one, and (2) I just don't expect to drop so much money on a tent. But the review is still useful and I thank you for posting it. Regarding packing, as a friend recently reminded me, "There's a reason it's called a 'stuff sack.'"

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@tdeen752]

Great video, per usual. You would think all manufacturers make set up videos for each of their tents. The margin for human error is huge, and it seems like there are unique discrepancies from one brand to the other.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Zpacks have a setup video but I found it not as helpful as learning it yourself.

[@SmilesforMiles7]

Very thorough and informative video as usual! Thank you! I still will stick with my Big Agnes Tigerwall UL 2p tent that I used on my ‘21 AT thru hike, but I always like learning about other gear.👍

[@FrozensAdventures]

Good choice! My buddy "Nope" used that tent.

[@camodad199]

I just bought a Big Agnes tiger wall ul2 that I'm going to be testing soon

[@FrozensAdventures]

My buddy had that on the AT and enjoyed it.

[@nikosgardenreserve3184]

I just upgraded from the Duplex to the DupleXL! (im 6'3"), the little riser rods are a very sweet feature! and same overall size, just the interior space is bigger and a small weight penalty. but the riser rods really do make a difference, the bathtub floor can hook onto the lower end of the riser rod; pulling the floor all the way out and nice and taught! Slept with my dog down to 24f the other night near the foothills trial, close to sloan bridge. A ton of condensation but it all ran out the venting as designed! I carry those really thin sponge/rag type things, works very well for soaking up water/cleaning off things.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Light load towels?

[@nikosgardenreserve3184]

@@FrozensAdventures nah, i use them as well. These also go by the name "swedish dishcloth"; i got it off amazon. Its basically an 1/8th" thin sponge. it holds a good bit of water and wrings out easy. weighs nothing when dry, maybe a 6x6 square. ton of other uses. cheap enough to try out, if its not to your liking, use em in the kitchen haha.

[@geraldhenrickson7472]

Very nice review. Concise and to the point. Thanks

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks for watching!

[@MichaelTangorre]

Good, fair review. Nice job, Frozen. Thanks!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thank you too!

[@BearTrekAdventures]

Nice review 👍. You always do a very thorough job with gear reviews.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I appreciate that!

[@All_Things_Out_Doors]

Honestly when I have seen it, I like it. I just cant part with the $$ to get one. I feel like it would be a waist since I am 85% hammock. The Lanshan 1 pro works for me as far as length and height (at 6ft tall), its more than enough. Plus if it sits for a year, it doesn't hurt the ROI very much. That being said I really am jealous of anyone owning anything by Zpacks. A great company. Such a detailed review, still the best in the biz. Well done! Merry Christmas!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks man and Merry Christmas to you as well my friend. As always judge the yearly cost of backpacking gear, how much are you going to use a product and only by when the $ amount reaches a threshold for use.

[@JohnPetrie]

"Click the thumbs down button TWICE!" bwahaha. Merry Christmas Frozen!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Merry Christmas to you too buddy!

[@garylabella3080]

Great, calm, succinct comment. I have 3 hammocks, with the last being the Camellian, which I love. BUT... I've been entertaining the idea of the Duplex... because hammocking in the northeast is simply 2lbs, too heavy. What's your thinking about switching to a tent? Mama Gecko

[@FrozensAdventures]

I wouldn't call it switching to a tent more just having the ability to use both. I try to use the tent and the hammock 50/50

[@db.mc2]

Thanks Jason👊👍

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks for the comment!

[@fivehorizons5295]

Great review Frozen! I love my Plexamid. Setting it up right did take some practice but it’s worth it. Using 2 hands to zipper it closed is not that much of an inconvenience when you consider that it only weighs 1 LB. I used to take my 8x10 sil nylon tarp that weighs 1 LB but I enjoy the bug protection from the Plexamid better. (Even though it’s less room than the tarp) I’m doing a thru hike of the Quehanna trail here in PA in the spring and I’m definitely using my Plexamid!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Quehanna is nice! I'd go the opposite was that I did if you can. I believe I went counter clockwise.

[@otismckenzie1]

Excellent video as usual. Perhaps I missed it, but I’m curious why you moved away from the hammock?

[@FrozensAdventures]

I didn't, just using both now. Getting some experience in a tent for the PCT in a couple years.

[@markvorhees6898]

I use a Nemo blaze 2P love this tent

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thanks for watching

[@northtexashiker]

I have the same tent but removed the titanium rods because I didn't like packing it up with them in it. In my opinion you don't need these at all.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Does the top flap around or is it pretty solid?

[@northtexashiker]

@@FrozensAdventures if you stake it out nice n tight its fine

[@bahamajim1998]

Great review

[@FrozensAdventures]

Thank you

[@outcastsix7021]

I’ve contemplating this tent coming from a Duplex to save weight… I’m 5’10” so still unresolved being on the border. I don’t want to touch either feet or head and get soaked from condensation. I guess the Altaplex is an option but not a fan of the trekking pole extension.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I wouldn't do it for the weight savings. 4 ounces get's you a lot more room, easier packing, better ventilation.

[@TheBonswah]

Nice review! I just dont agree with the statement that Zpacks is not to blame for the broken hook. They used it in the tent and at some point in product development they chose the supplier of this hook. (side note: this could just be my screen but it seems like your camera is compensating the exposure all the time. Might be old news because you may have mentioned this before)

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yea I don't know what the deal is with that. It's really annoying focus is fine but it's struggling with the lighting in dark areas. Can't identify if it's a lense, lighting, or camera issue.

[@FrozensAdventures]

As far as the hook I believe dutchware gear makes those and Dutch himself has said sometimes there's a bad batch and it gets air bubbles or has sharp edges.

[@TheBonswah]

@@FrozensAdventures thanks for the follow up! Air bubbles in metal parts can be a huge pain in the butt and diffucult to prevent, especially with parts so small that get to endure high stress.

[@shaneshelton2375]

Frozen, my wife and I are doing an 8 day backpacking trip in the smoky mountains? Any advice on keeping our headlamps charged up? We have plenty of ankers but watch movies at night in our tent. I use a black diamond and she used nitecore both are rechargeable

[@FrozensAdventures]

Just keep em on the low setting. I rarely bump mine up at camp. Just something that takes some getting used to.

[@shaneshelton2375]

@@FrozensAdventures thanks man! We've got waist deep snow on the AT in the park so I just had to switch my permit this weekend from double spring gap to a lower elevation site.

[@Gokumitsu9000]

the price is the only thing holding me back :/ but my dan durston Xmid 1p has been great to me!

[@FrozensAdventures]

Yea DCF prices are crazy

[@joshomalley4852]

Any winter hikes planned?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Not sure yet. Got a big renovation project going on at the house right now. I at least want to get out behind the house and do some camping next weekend with my dog if it's not too cold for him.

[@wio2189]

Zpacks customer service took an average of 3 days to reply to my e-mails when my Arc Haul failed three times on the AT. Maybe they fixed it? I also suspect it heavily depends if you need assistance during thru hiking season, especially the beginning (March to June).

[@FrozensAdventures]

I talked to the rep in depth and he ended up figuring out it was me. But yes he says thru hiking season is especially hard on zpacks and other cottage vendors. During the off seasons usually it's pretty quick. They have processes in place to speed things up too during high volume times. Still gotta balance replies and making gear.

[@wio2189]

@@FrozensAdventures Sounds like you have done more than your due diligence on the matter. Interesting.... Not going to lie, I was pretty sour having to wait for their replies, especially when losing signal between trail towns. I still love their tents but would never get a backpack from them again. And I have really come to appreciate being able to call someone and figuring out where a package can be sent to. Imagine them sending you an e-mail saying they will send out a replacement and where to send it. You ask back, well, how long do you take to send it approximately, I am moving aroung here....that's already a week passed without a backpack. They advertise to thru hikers and they hence should have a phone number for support imo. Thanks for the content and reply WIO AT Class 2018

[@gentryaustin]

The perfect tent for SHORT KINGS 👑

[@FrozensAdventures]

Short people unite!

[@ChristopherMarshburn]

The weight difference between the Plexamid and Duplex is a mere 4 oz. The price difference is $75 (not that much when you are already investing this much for a tent). The footprints aren’t that much different in reality. Considering all the negatives mentioned in the review why anyone would pick the Plexamid over a Duplex mystifies me. Because it makes you feel more like an real ultralight backpacker? I’ve owned my Duplex since 2016 (camo!) and it’s one of my favorite pieces of gear.

[@davidoakes7782]

I bought a Plexamid for the PCT and really enjoyed it. However, I recently bought a duplex to bring my girlfriend along on some of my trips, and I love it so much more. I’m selling my Plexamid and using the duplex for all of my solo trips now. For me, the extra space negates the small weight difference.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Plexamid only uses 1 trekking pole and I know some hikers have transitioned to hiking only 1 with pole. Plexamid isn't a bad tent I personally would prefer a u Duplex I think but everyone has their own needs in gear.

[@mattparker9986]

Are you done with hammocks?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Nope

[@treb3811]

I have a feeling that this is the best, until the x-mid pro finally drops.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I'm excited for that xmid pro. 14 ounces yea?

[@ACPanzer]

@@FrozensAdventures When is that to be available?

[@FrozensAdventures]

Haven't seen a definitive drop date for it yet.

[@ryanlilly9290]

@@FrozensAdventures I think Dan said under 24 ounces, but it's a 2p and he has said in other comments that they are coming in much less than 24. I assume that he intends to outshine the Duplex, so my guess is 19-22. But, it also only needs 4 stakes.

[@FrozensAdventures]

Oh I saw a Reddit thread about a 1P tent maybe I'm getting mixed up with models.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

I don’t mean to be a party pooper but i miss the hammock camping outdoor adventures guy😃.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I try and alternate between the 2. I can't bring the hammock on the PCT as much as I want to. Though it's possible it's very limiting. Just collecting the tent experience. With the neo tensor pad I am able to sleep on the ground. I didn't get a good night's rest in a tent before which is the main reason I switched to a hammock.

[@notquiteultralight1701]

@@FrozensAdventures no… i know. One probably wouldn’t be able to hammock until about kings canyon I would presume. I mean you can in the san bernardinos which is where my backpacking career began. I started out with a SUPER heavy texsport 3 person dome tent with fiberglass poles. I then “upgraded” to a much lighter 3 person aframe tent from montgomery wards to a walrus rocket! Then eventually to chouinard equipment megamid which was great in the snow as well! I’m dating myself here😁. Anyway. Great to geek out with someone about old tents👍🏼. Fun stuff. Take care Jason.

[@FrozensAdventures]

I may try a tarp out soon!!! Thanks for the comment buddy!

[@johnmuir8474]

Goo

[@deerless999]

Frozen, can you suspend it between two trees..?. Asking for a friend. 😳

[@FrozensAdventures]

Definitely not gonna work lol