Zpacks Duplex Tent Review

You’ll need a reliable tent if you skip a luxurious vacation in favor. Whether it’s your second or an update, buying a tent is a thrilling and monumental experience, regardless of your expertise. It’s crucial because you need space for your loved ones, supplies, and harm-free security.

A reliable tent is the only thing that needs to be added to your vacation to some exotic locale this year. And besides, your tent is your home, and you can’t just pick one up at the mall and wing it. 

Consider not just the tent’s dimensions, weight, and carrying capacity but also your plans for it and your budget. Read on to find out what the Zpacks Duplex tent review has in store for those who need a simple, all-purpose shelter.

Zpack Duplex Tent: Take your camping experiences to new heights 

Based on my extensive research, I am pleased to share the Zpacks Duplex review because it is one of the market’s most lightweight tents. It was designed specifically with true hikers and other hassle-free travelers in mind.

The total weight of the tent, fly, connected and non-removable insect netting, and tub floor is 1 pound, 5.2 ounces. The Zpacks Duplex Tent can be redesigned to be more robust in heavy winds.

This tent won’t cave no matter how hard you blow it about or how much snow falls (up to five inches). I like how much room there is in this shelter. The Zpack Duplex Tent is ultralight for one person, luxurious and convenient for two provided.

Features: Zpacks Duplex Review

Weight

At just 19 ounces, the Zpacks Duplex is one of the lightest two-person tents on the market. It is made from high-quality Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), which is incredibly lightweight and durable.

Size

Despite its ultralight weight, the Zpacks Duplex still provides ample space for two people. The tent has a spacious interior that measures 90 inches long by 45 inches wide, and it has a peak height of 48 inches.

Design

The Zpacks Duplex is a single-wall tent that features a two-door, two-vestibule design. This allows for easy entry and exit, as well as ample storage space for gear. The tent also has a bathtub-style floor that helps keep water out.

Setup

The Zpacks Duplex is easy to set up and takes only a few minutes. The tent comes with two trekking pole holders that allow you to use your trekking poles as the tent poles, which saves weight and eliminates the need to carry extra poles.

Ventilation

The Zpacks Duplex has excellent ventilation thanks to its two large mesh doors and two mesh vents at the peak of the tent. This helps prevent condensation buildup and keeps the interior of the tent cool and comfortable.

Durability

Despite its lightweight design, the Zpacks Duplex is incredibly durable thanks to its high-quality DCF material. It is also designed to withstand harsh weather conditions, including heavy rain and strong winds.

Price

The Zpacks Duplex is not the cheapest backpacking tent on the market, but its high-quality materials and lightweight design make it well worth the price for serious backpackers and thru-hikers. You can buy the Zpacks Duplex here 

Specifications of Zpacks Duplex Tent 

The Zpacks Duplex Tent is a highly regarded ultralight shelter designed for backpackers seeking a combination of weight savings and durability. Below are the specifications and key features of the Duplex Tent.

• Capacity: 2 people
• Weight: 20 oz (approximately 577 g) without stakes and trekking poles
• Packed Size: 6″ diameter x 12″ tall (15 cm x 30 cm)
• Floor Dimensions: 100″ x 53″ (254 cm x 135 cm)
• Peak Height: 48″ (122 cm)
• Floor Area: 28.1 sq ft (2.6 sq m)
• Vestibule Depth: 24″ (61 cm) on each side
• Material: Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF)
• Setup: Requires 2 trekking poles or optional 48″ tent poles (not included)
• Stakes Required: 8 stakes recommended for a taut pitch (not included)

What I liked about the Zpacks Duplex Tent

• Easy to stow away, it weighs next to nothing. The Duplex may be quickly and easily folded or rolled into a tiny, portable bundle.
• It takes a few minutes to put up, and only six to eight stakes are needed for a tight pitch.
• With the Zpacks Duplex Tent, you may expand your storage options thanks to the Duplex’s two inner pockets, one on each side of the door. In addition to holding your phone or flashlight, you can store other small items.
• The Dynema material is not only ultra-lightweight but also sturdy, naturally waterproof, remarkably compact, and has an excellent non-slip surface.
• The mesh screen walls provide further protection from intrusion, enhanced ventilation, and the option to sleep with a view of the great sky.
• Lastly, who could disagree with the advantages of having double doors?

What I did not like about the Zpacks Duplex Tent

• The price of the Zpacks Duplex Tent is quite high, or I’d say it serves the quality accordingly. But it will not be a viable option for everyone. 
• Condensation may accumulate inside the Duplex on chilly, damp nights, making it unpleasant to rub against as you try to warm up.
• Trying to set up the Zpacks Duplex Tent, like other single-wall shelters, may seem simple at first, but it will take some experience to get it right. Which also means spending a lot of time putting it upon arrival. 

Setting up the Zpacks Duplex

Setting up the Zpacks Duplex Tent is a straightforward process that can be completed in just a few minutes with some practice. Here are the steps to set up the tent:

1. Find a flat, clear area where you want to pitch the tent. Clear away any rocks, sticks, or debris that could damage the tent or make the ground uncomfortable to sleep on.
2. Unpack the tent and lay it out flat on the ground with the bathtub floor facing down.
3. Insert the tent stakes into the ground at the corners of the tent. Use a rock or other hard object to help push the stakes into the ground if the soil is hard.
4. Raise the trekking poles to the appropriate height for your desired setup. The height of the trekking poles will depend on your personal preference and the conditions you are camping in.
5. Attach the guylines to the trekking poles using the included clips or cordage.
6. Pull the tent body up over the trekking poles and attach it to the guylines.
7. Adjust the tension of the guylines to ensure that the tent is taut and not sagging.
8. Use the included stakes and guylines to secure the tent and make any necessary adjustments to the tension of the guylines.
9. Enjoy your Zpacks Duplex Tent!

Does it justify the cost to buy the Zpacks Duplex Tent ?!

If you want to utilize it often, then yes. I found this to be accurate, making the Zpacks Duplex Tent a fantastic buy because of the following reasons: 

• Comfort: If the storm doors are closed, there is enough space in the vestibules to store a couple’s worth of luggage or even two people!
• Setup: After some initial trial and error, it’s simple to set up. A winning layout can also be achieved by following only six guylines. Your first few tries at pitching this Duplex may not be flawless if you have never done it before, but it takes a few weeks to get it exactly right. Even read: How to set up a camping tent
• Longevity: You may subject this tent to gale-force winds, heavy rain, and snow and it will remain standing.
• Weather Resistance: The tub floor is designed to effectively divert any water that may otherwise pool during a rainstorm. When exposed to air and sunlight, it dries rapidly. 
• Ventilation: A combination of the two huge mesh sides, the mesh above the tub bottom, and the four doors provide excellent cross ventilation. You can control the airflow and temperature by opening or closing the doors. You might expect condensation if your campsite is located in a low region near water. It sleeps chilly in the shoulder seasons because of the abundance of mesh and the low weight of the materials used.
• Durability: this lightweight tent holds up surprisingly well. No matter how rough or heavy the usage, you can reuse it for a long time.

Competitor Tents

Tent Name	Price	Weight	Material
Zpacks Duplex	$649	19 oz (540 g)	0.51 oz/sqyd DCF
Tarptent Double Rainbow	$369	40 oz (1134 g)	Silnylon
Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2	$349.95	2 lb (907 g)	Silicone-treated ripstop nylon
NEMO Hornet 2P	$369.95	2 lb 5 oz (1049 g)	Sil/PU-coated nylon
MSR Hubba Hubba NX	$449.95	3 lb 14 oz (1750 g)	20D ripstop nylon

• Tarptent Double Rainbow: The Tarptent Double Rainbow is a lightweight backpacking tent that offers two doors and vestibules for easy entry and exit, as well as ample storage space. It is made from silnylon, which is durable and provides good protection from the elements. However, it is heavier than the Zpacks Duplex and some other options.
• Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2: The Big Agnes Fly Creek HV UL2 is a lightweight backpacking tent that is designed for two people. It has one door and one vestibule, which provides some storage space but may not be as convenient as having two. It is made from silicone-treated ripstop nylon, which is durable and provides good protection from the elements. However, it is heavier than some other options on this list.
• NEMO Hornet 2P: The NEMO Hornet 2P is a lightweight backpacking tent that is designed for two people. It has two doors and two vestibules, which provides ample space for both occupants as well as storage for gear. It is made from a combination of sil/PU-coated nylon, which is lightweight and provides good protection from the elements. However, it is slightly heavier than the Zpacks Duplex and some other options.
• MSR Hubba Hubba NX: The MSR Hubba Hubba NX is a lightweight backpacking tent that is designed for two people. It has two doors and two vestibules, which provides ample space for both occupants as well as storage for gear. It is made from 20D ripstop nylon, which is lightweight and durable. However, it is heavier than some other options on this list. It also has a more traditional tent pole design, which may be less appealing to those who prefer to use trekking poles.

As you can see, the Zpacks Duplex is the most expensive and also the lightest option on this list. However, the other tents offer more interior space and are made from different materials, which may affect their durability and waterproofness. Ultimately, the best tent for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Zpacks Duplex Review: Final Thoughts

Ultimately, my Zpacks Duplex tent review proves why I recommend this tent as the best lightweight two-person shelter while every inch counts. It’s watertight, windproof, and bugproof, plus it has a pleasant sidewall. 

Although costly, it is well worth it due to its high-quality materials and bespoke design. Everyone who tried this tent rapidly loved it due to its many useful features and minimal downsides. Now it is your turn to have the best camping experience with this amazing lightweight tent!

You can also read: How to Camp in your Backyard: A Step-by-step Guide