Zpacks Solplex Tent | Setup and Initial Impression

[@cevalkyrie]

Thanks for the great video review on the Solplex. There are quite a few reviews on the Duplex already, which is very similar except for extra width, an extra door, and it uses 2 48" poles. I also went with the Solplex and can't wait to use it this season. After 2 test setups, I'm very happy with it as my new solo shelter. Big like for a clean and simple review.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Cheers man! I picked up a duplex first with the flex pole option. Did not particularly care for it. I was looking for a single person tent and the duplex would've been more than roomy but thought hell why not try out the Solplex. Glad I did. I prefer the compactness of it. Best of luck with the tent. Thanks for watching!

[@cevalkyrie]

Just got permits going NOBO from Onion Valley to Happy Isles on the JMT this August with it. Can't wait to put some real miles on the new gear. Hike on!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Adam Edmondson awesome Adam! Jmt looks incredible. That will be a great time. Enjoy!

[@billleblanc819]

Good presentation Chris!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Bill LeBlanc thanks bill. Appreciate it!

[@decentdiversions]

Nice walkthrough! I sleep under a polycryo tarp but sometimes wish I had a single walled shelter like the Solplex. Just subscribed to yr channel. Looking forward to diving in.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

I've considered going the tarp route for so long but I just can't justify the lack of bug netting up where I hike. Mosquito and black flies are common but my major concern are the ever booming tick population. I felt like this was a nice compromise. Thanks for subbing, hope you enjoy!

[@michaelfabian2401]

Excellent video man, love the gear reviews =)

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Michael, I love making them! Thanks for watching!

[@joshdavidson9844]

Great quality video and great review man. I'm not a fan of non freestanding tents but you did a great job with the vid

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

thanks josh! Since filming this Zpacks now actually offers this with a free standing add on. Maybe worth checking out

[@TubaSolotheHiker]

Absolutely beautiful! Good stuff!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Tuba Solo the Hiker thanks for watching sir!

[@Oldsparkey]

Thank's for the video , I was looking for an independent review on the Zpacks Solplex tent. Especially about the amount of head and foot room inside for a 6-1 foot person using it. I hammock camp 95% of the time but do need a tent now and then and am always looking / considering to upgrade.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Chuck Littleton it's a pretty cool little tent. As it stands now it will be coming with as my shelter for my AT thru hike attempt. I think it'll work out well. Thanks for watching!

[@redfishunion7203]

They brought back the Altaplex, but it would be sweet if they brought the Solplex back as a Solplex XL with a 60” front pole, 48” rear pole with 48” wide by 96” long floor.

[@David__U]

I'm curious to hear more about the switch from duplex to solplex. I thought the difference in weight was relatively minor, especially considering the amount of extra space you get (for your backpack, or even a friend!) ...not counting the extra poles to make the duplex free-standing. Was that it though - the weight...and price...differences? Or are there other differences I'm not aware of. Thanks!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Hi Dave. I actually thought the duplex was a nice tent. I purchased it with the free standing pole upgrade. The total came out to around $730. The intention was to get an ultralight tent that I would mainly use on solo trips but would also suffice for two when necessary. I thought the trekking pole setup of the duplex was relatively easy enough, in fact, its nearly identical to the Solplex setup. However, a main selling point for me was the flex pole set up and I was a little underwhelmed with it (I prefer a free standing tent for my goto hiking area: The White Mountains of NH). I have a Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 that is kind of my holy grail as far as two person tents go. It is an idiot proof, extremely quick, and easy setup at a reasonable weight (roughly around 3lb 8oz trail weight). I can set that tent up fully in about a minute and a half. I was really hoping for that type of ease with the duplex pole option and it just wasn't there IMO. While it was not super difficult to set the duplex up with the free standing poles it felt like a little more of a finnicky system to me. It did not feel as stable as I am used to with the Copper Spur. I genuinely thought I was nuts. Everyone loves the duplex! I decided to go back the next day and set the tent up again but was coming to the same conclusion. Now I could have kept the duplex in theory, but I probably would not have used the free standing option at all. I did not think the weight savings to cost ratio was worth it over the Copper Spur (especially when I split the Spur weight with someone else if hiking together). So in short I was just a little let down by the flex pole option. The cost was also a factor. I couldn't justify keeping it not being happy with the free standing option at that price. The Solplex I got from their bargin bin, and it should more than suffice for my needs as a solo hiker while I have the Copper Spur for partner trips. Hope this helps clarify!

[@David__U]

Ah, got it. Now I'm going to have to look into the copper spur...and the zpacks bargain bin!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+David U I picked up a heavily used one recently at rei garage sale for $60. Possibly deal of a lifetime haha. Zpacks bargain bin is pretty legit. When I picked up the solplex they had some duplex tents in there for $525. Def worth a look!

[@johnbell6718]

Hey man! Awesome video very informative and not too long. I do have a question if you don't mind. I'm planning my first thru-hike and I am looking into the solplex, but i use a Nemo 3 inch inflatable pad and have heard that i may have an issue with my sleeping bag, on the foot end, touching the tent wall above it. if you could answer that would be great! Thanks

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

It is more than probable that the sleeping bag will rub on the tent wall. I also had that happen to me using a thermarest neo air xlite. However I never had any major issue with it. If condensation was a big issue I would throw my rain jacket or pack cover over the foot area and was good to go!

[@jmanracing1]

Thank you so much man! Glad to hear it

[@handicamper101]

great vid. i really like this tent. new sub here

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Handi! Appreciate it! it is a pretty sweet tent

[@kennethjones9324]

nice video

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks for watching buddy dude!

[@dankappus7004]

What does this item weigh?

[@erikadumaine3418]

hey chris - two questions: 1. curious about packing it up. is it a stuff-like material? 2. have you ever camped with this on hard surfaces? would it be impossible to setup on a hard surface? (considering it not being free standing...)

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Erika Dumaine it is an easily stuffable material. I have had no issue getting it back into the included stuff sack. I have not camped with this one on hard surfaces personally but have with other non freestanding tents and it can be a challenge to get setup right. Have to get a little creative using rocks to hold lines down or wedge stakes in between things. Where there is a will there is a way!

[@wiadv]

Nice video, it sounded like the tub was real crunchy when you were moving around in it. As a person that moves a lot through the night I think that would bug me a bit.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Steve A it was a little crunchy for sure. The mic I use on the GoPro is pretty hot too and picks up stuff like that real well. I've heard that the cuben material becomes less crunchy with use. Hoping it's true. I had a similar experience with a tyvek ground sheet that was really loud. It did get better. We shall see!

[@nickdean4864]

Hey, Chris. Thank you for the video, brother. Have you experimented with the height and angle of the poles to increase the width of the floor yet? If so, how did it go?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Nick Dean I feel like setting up the poles to height specified gets the best results. You can raise it higher or lower but I think the specified height will give best results!

[@nickdean4864]

Roger that. A couple more questions for you: 1) How has it held up during your thru? Has that been with or without a ground sheet? 2) Ever keep your gear inside with you? I'm only 5'8 so a good bit shorter and would want everything but shoes to stay inside.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Nick Dean has held up real well. Two tiny holes on the door. Both my own doing. Easy repair with cuben repair tape. Kept all my gear inside usually except shoes and pack but had a lot interesting way of storing said pack which I plan on making a detailed review video of the solplex when I return!

[@nickdean4864]

Awesome! Thanks so much for the feedback, man. Can't wait to see that video and some post hike reviews. Hope you are safe and loving it out there!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Nick Dean it's been an amazing experience!

[@deankrakelphoto]

Hi. Good review of the Soloplex. I've used mine a couple of seasons and am going to get the new flex. Was really looking forward to seeing you shut the doors and make it weather tight. Sometimes I get it perfect and sometimes not so perfect. Sometimes it seals up well but sometimes there are gaps that I can't close no matter how hard I tug. It has something to do with how it's pitched...I think. But I damn sure try and pitch it the same every time. Have you experienced that or are you the master of the Soloplex? Thanks for your videos!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Hi Dean, I think I know what you mean. I had a similar issue a few times when I first started setting it up. But mainly where the two doors closed. If you are referring to gaps between the ground and the door I believe that is by design. The doors typically sit fairly high (maybe a few inches) above the ground. I have found that you can combat that a little but by lowering the front trekking pole but never found myself really doing so. I have used the tent quiet extensively since (AT thru hike) and I can tell you it certainly becomes much easier to setup the more you do it. I had it down to science by about the second week on trail. I did a follow up video to it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6CsYqSYid-Db5o

[@deankrakelphoto]

Thanks Chris. Liked the newest video on the Soloplex. Gap between tent and ground, no worries. Gaps in the door closure is what I was writing about. You must have had a bunch of rain on the AT so I'm guessing the gap wasn't an issue.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

All sorts of rain! Yup no issue with the gap. Once you get a little more handy at setting it up I was able to get it so the gap would never occur. It will come in time. Just practice as much as you can with setting it up and I think you will be good to go!

[@muripat]

Is it required to have hiking poles with you? I mean, there is no pole in the delivery? How would you rate the material robustness if you would use the tent for 3 months every day? Btw: great video and great explanation!

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+muripat technically hiking poles aren't required but some type of pole is. Zpacks sells carbon tent poles that can be used and you could in theory use properly sized sticks you find in the woods. I used the tent almost everyday for about 6 months and it held up extremely well. Follow up video can be found here kzbin.info/www/bejne/o6CsYqSYid-Db5o hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@muripat]

ChrisGoesOutdoors ok thank you! 👍

[@DarxusC]

Weight including everything but stakes (note included) is 15.5 ounces (439 grams).

[@pgreenx]

Nice - just ordered one but I think the headroom will not be enough with an inflatable pad. We'll see

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

It wasn't an issue for me at 6ft tall. Hope it works out for you!

[@pgreenx]

ChrisGoesOutdoors I’m in it now and pleasantly surprised and agree. Nice review.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Nice! Hope it works out for ya. Big fan of mine still!

[@ShawnCiotti]

Good vid, Dude. I have the Six Moon Designs Skyscape and love it. In that setup, it seems like the SMD tent of mine is a little wider inside. I can put stuff next to me. I only use it in the winter though. I typically hammock camp but I was thinking about going back to tenting. Every time I go through the procedures with my hammock setup, I remind myself how the freakin setup with these structure-less tents is so light and easy to put together. Quick question though: do you use the zlite as your only pad? You're a big dude. Is that comfortable enough for you? No inflatables?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

It may not look like it in the video but there is a little bit of room to keep stuff next to you in the tent. Its definitely nothing huge but can def leave some things next to you. I feel you on the ease of setup, thats why I never got into hammock camping. I just imagine its nothing but tinkering. I am ALL about the no fuss setup haha. I occasionally use the zlite as my only pad but I also have an REI Flash inflatable that I take out if I don't have the zlite with me. Depends how i feel. I find both comfortable!

[@Oldsparkey]

You can not beat the Zpacks merchandise it is top quality. I use a Six Moons Lunar Solo when I use a tent , 95% of the time it is a hammock that I prefer. Either a Warbonnet Blackbird or a Clark Tropical. I can have the hammock up easier and quicker then my tent any day. I have put up a tent in some really unusual areas and in some really bad weather more times then i care to think about. Like anything after you hang a hammock several times it just comes naturally and quickly. The main advantages for me is that I am up off the ground with total body support and no bending over or crawling in or out. Plus no need for a flat spot or dry ground.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Chuck Littleton the zpacks stuff really is great quality. I haven't made the investment into the hammocking side of things. I've always thought of it as for people who like to tinker with things (all just assumption of course) I am allllll about the no fuss setups haha. Hoping one day I can catch a really good used setup on sale for Super cheap to give hammocking a shot. Thanks for watching!

[@ShawnCiotti]

95% of the time, I'm hanging too. Just like anything, your sleep system is a tool - use the appropriate tool to match the conditions. I agree with you, Chuck, on the flat spot/dry ground pluses of hammock camping, but the tinkering is annoying. No matter who you are/how long you have been hanging, there is always adjustments. Increase height on one side; level off the tarp; readjust the underquilt; guy out the side at a different angle; etc. Also, I HATE HATE HATE the sway of the hammock. Yes, i have it tied out to limit sway, but every time a rotate in my hammock, i gotta deal with sway. That being said, I have had the best sleep ever in the woods in my hammock, but also the worst night ever as well. To date, the ONLY method to comfortably side-sleep.

[@Oldsparkey]

CrisGoesCamping do yourself a favor and before you do anything with hammocks pick up a copy of The Ultimate Hang an Illustrated Guide to Hammock Camping by Derek Hansen. His book is full of information and well worth reading before you set up a hammock. I'm 73 and have been in hammocks since I was 12 and I learned things from his book.

[@mainebob6363]

Great review. There are a lot of videos on the duplex but not very much info on the soloplex. This was very helpful. Are there any way to run a line inside the tent to hang something i.e. wet socks. i read one review that there were loops sewn on the sides of the tent for this purpose but have not been able to confirm. Thanks. Looking forward to your a.t. adventure.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Thanks Bob! Oddly enough I was wondering the same thing but did not see anywhere to run a line. It is extra odd because zpacks sells stick on loops and cord and I just purchased some to literally do EXACTLY what you are asking haha. I will keep you posted how it works for me when i get a chance to install it!

[@kat3rinaaa72]

ChrisGoesOutdoors Do you have an update on this? I'm debating between this tent and the Tarptent Notch.

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Kat3rinaaa no follow up yet. Will be heading out to the AT this weekend so should have some update over the next few weeks!

[@kat3rinaaa72]

ChrisGoesOutdoors Have fun! I look forward to more videos. :)

[@postjam]

where do you put your pack when you sleep? if you leave it outside, what about rain? any theft concerns?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+robert paulson the vestibule area when the door is closed it down low enough that it is covered. I also have the zpacks rain kit I could put on the ground to place it on. The pack can also fit pretty comfortable at the bottom of the tent where my feet are too!

[@kallesalminen9675]

How tall are you? Would there be enough room for 185cm tall person using 1,4cm foam pad? Sleeping bag end bumping into the tent walls?

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Im 6ft so just around your height. And used an inflatable pad as well. I did have issues with my sleeping bag rubbing against the walls. I did a post Appalachian trail review of this on my channel. I actually talk about it in that video.

[@diannegoudin2986]

So my trekking poles is Black Diamond and it has two parts to adjust its length. How do I measure the 122cm and 81cm? I'm kinda getting confused...

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

Hi Dianne, on my black diamond poles there are markings up and down each of the two adjustable pieces of the pole. There is a little cut out section where each pole locks into place that you can line up the markings to the right size. So for the front pole for instance at 120cm you want to make sure that both adjustable pieces are at the 120cm marking and then lock them into place. Mine do not go down to 80 so I just make an educated guess. If for some reason your poles do not have markings you could use a tape measure and use say a sharpie marker or something to mark off where you need to set the poles to get the proper height. Hope that make sense and hope it helps!

[@timandrew1091]

nice

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Tim Andrew thanks for watching Tim!

[@greghill582]

great vid per usual.... d shaped nub....

[@ChrisGoesOutdoors]

+Greg Hill gigiddy!