The Path Less Traveled #076: Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent, Ultralight 2-Person
Andrew D 04.17.23
Zpacks has released the Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent and the ultralight community goes wild. This tent is the ’92 NBA Finals – Chicago Bulls vs. Portland Trail Blazers – of tents because the Zpacks Duplex Zip Tent just stacks wins. Zpacks is playing the role of Jordan over here and laying down 35 points in the first half of the 2023 year.
Wanna snuggle in for the night and read about more tents? Check these out:
Zpacks was founded in 2005 by Triple-crowner Joe Valesko, the company is based in West Melbourne, Florida. Zpacks was born out of Joe’s passion for backpacking and his desire to create the lightest, most durable gear possible.
The company has become well known for its innovative designs, which have helped to revolutionize the ultralight backpacking industry. Zpacks has developed a wide range of products, from tents and shelters to sleeping bags and backpacks. The company is also known for its custom gear options, which allow customers to design their own gear to meet their specific needs.
Zpacks has become a favorite among thru-hikers, with its lightweight gear helping to reduce the burden of long-distance hikes. The company is also committed to sustainability, using recycled materials and offering repair services for its products. Zpacks is a leader in the ultralight backpacking industry, and its products are widely used and highly respected by thru-hikers.
Last year when I saw Zpacks at Damascus Trail Days, Zpacks’s vendor tent was poppin’, helping hikers choose some ultralight gear, repair snagged bags, and even help stitch up other brands’ bags to keep people moving. They’re good people.
Did I tell you this tent was Made in the USA?
577 Grams. ([20.4 ounces] includes guy lines, sewn in linelocs, taped seams, and a stuff sack. A piece of repair tape and two spare zipper sliders are included with each tent.) Zpacks new Duplex Zip Tent fights with the top tents by remaining under 600grams while having double doors, double vestibules, and a tall bathtub floor to keep you and your companion warm and dry across the mountain ranges.
5.6L Pack Space. For Americans, that’s 340 cubic inches – Roughly the same as the displacement from the famous LT1 engine! This pack takes up 6″ diameter by 12″ long amount of space. Remember, this is a two person tent. This size allows you to pack it vertically in your backpack, or cram it at the bottom of your pack in the supplied stuff sack.
28 Sqft. Floor Space. – This is as much floor space as your friend Stephen’s apartment in downtown Manhattan, but you get to pick your view and neighbors! The floor measures 45 inches wide by 90 inches long. This gives you and your dog, lover, best friend 22.5 inches each, with a bit of space at your feet to keep some doodads.
With a peak height of 48″, you won’t be worrying about getting your head or back of your puffer wet from condensation when waking up in the morning to go pee.
Ventilation? Plenty. Magnetic toggles hold the doors open for a full breeze on clear night skies. Peak vents at both ends allow a breeze to keep air moving, even if the rain is pounding down on you in the Great Smoky Mountains.
Zpacks is a good brand in my mind. I’ve heard their bags can be a touch too light and need mending during a thru-hike, but these are the understood compromises of being ultralight. The Duplex Zip Tent pushes their well established Duplex design to more comfortable places with added YKK zippers and optimization of seam placement.
Don’t forget, with me saying this is the ’92 Jordan of tents, it still has strong competition. 1992 was the year where Magic Johnson, Barkley, Malone, Ewing, Pippen and other top players were also on the court. Zpacks has stiff competition with the Durston X-Mid Pro 2, Hyperlight Mountain Gear UNBOUND 2P and even the slightly heavier and less expensive options like Gossamer Gear’s The Two.
It is truly a great time to be a hiker!
Now hold up. You’re telling me that spending seven hundo on a dyneema tent is a good idea? If you’re in the market for it, yes. If you’re rice aversive, you should still consider Dyneema tents because they offer superior protection from the elements and are much lighter and more durable than traditional tents.
Dyneema tents are also more resistant to UV rays, wind, and water, making them a great choice for long-term camping trips. The initial cost may be higher than traditional tents, but the long-term savings in terms of durability and protection make them a great investment.
This tent weighs less than two full isobutane camp canisters and can fit you and the golden doodle you decided would be a great hiking partner for months on end. With Zpacks using 1.0 oz DCF for the floor, and .55 OR .75 oz DCF for the canopy, you know materials were prioritized for not only weight, but durability.
Note: I always put specs at the bottom because I know you guys are smart and know how to find basic info on your own.
All info found from Zpacks.com
Weight:
The total weight displayed near the ‘add to cart’ button includes guy lines, sewn in linelocs, taped seams, and a stuff sack. A piece of repair tape and two spare zipper sliders are included with each tent. Your choice of canopy material will change the total weight.
*8x Stakes are required but are not included. We have a variety of Ultralight Stakes to choose from.
Exterior Dimensions:
Interior Dimensions:
Packed Dimensions:
Construction:
Check Out Zpacks at their Official Site and on various social media:
