
Zpacks – Quite Possibly the Best Tent Ever
Zpacks makes exceptional gear, and their Solplex (1 person) and Duplex (2 person) tents are great examples of that. Made with waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric, and weighing close to nothing, these tents are something to be excited about.
During a recent summer, some friends of mine and I hiked the John Muir Trail during the only continuously wet 23 days I have ever heard of in the Sierra Nevada mountains. It was not what we were expecting! We were rained on daily, but there was great comfort in knowing that I would be warm and dry once I pitched my Solplex. It not only kept out the rain, but because Dyneema Composite Fabric (formerly Cuben Fiber) doesn’t stretch, the tent stayed taught and didn’t sag.
Staying dry is just one reason I chose to bring the Zpacks Solplex on my hike. The other was weight. The total weight for the Zpacks Solplex tent, including the doors, floor, screen, taped seams, and sewn in linelocs is 15.5 ounces (439 grams). Not even a pound! For the ultralight hiker or someone who just wants to get their pack weight down, this may be the way to go. Plus, you can pitch it with your trekking poles or purchase freestanding tent poles.
If you are looking for a 2 person tent the Duplex is a fantastic choice. The Zpacks website really sums it up. “The Duplex Tent is the sweet spot when it comes to size, weight, and features. It has ample space for one person plus gear to spread out, or it can fit a partner. It has two doors, so you get ventilation, views, and vestibule space on both sides of the tent, plus you don’t have to climb over your partner to get out. Plex tents have a solid sewn in bathtub floor, a tall entryway, and storm doors for 360° rain protection and vestibule space. They are made from ultralight Dyneema Composite Fabric and set up with trekking poles. They are also available as tarps without the screen or floor. Linelocs and cord are cut and attached for you. All Zpacks shelters have waterproof taped seams. No seam sealing necessary.”
The total weight for the packed Duplex tent is 21.0 ounces (595 grams). This includes lines, line locks, and stuff sack!
Definitely check out all that Zpacks has to offer. They manufacture a wide variety of hiking gear including backpacks, rain gear, sleeping bags: the list goes on. I’m a huge fan and customer!
The opinions expressed in the article are mine alone. I was not given any items to review. I purchased all items myself at retail value.