Good feedback and reviews. Also...regarding the sliding issues...I use a non skid shelf liner to lay on underneath my sleeping pad. It works great and an added bonus if you toss and turn a lot during the night it cuts down on the crinkle noise that the pad against the floor can cause and disturb your camping friends!
Thanks for the honest feedback on the Duplex. Pretty much every video I see about the Duplex is giving rave reviews of how wonderful it is, and I have only seen a couple people point out the not so great things about it. Yours is the first video I have actually seen where somebody has given up the Duplex to go with another tent. I had a Duplex on my AT thru hike in 2016, and I love it, but I also had a few issues with it. Most notably, the condensation inside the tent got pretty bad. I'm looking forward to a review of the new tent.
Paul Wetzel absolutely. Sadly I think people feel like zpacks is kind of an untouchable entity and if they say they didn’t like a curtain feature, even if they admit it’s a great product as I do as well, they are afraid they will be chastised lol. I just wanted to share my experience and hope it helped others :). It was a great shelter and hard to sell but it just wasn’t for me
@@AhonuiOutdoors I think that people also may want to make themselves feel better about spending $600 on a tent. There have been times when I may have talked too kindly about an expensive product I purchased for too much money. It was probably because I didn't want to admit that it may not have been a great purchase.
The "everyone loves the perfect, almighty zpacks duplex, which must never be criticized" factor reminds me of the cult obsession with Brooks leather bicycle saddles amongst the bicycle touring community. Just because something is a unique design, very expensive, and works well for most people, doesn't mean it's always better than other, cheaper products. Thank you for giving us something to think about before making the $600 plunge into zpacks.
went from my duplex to BA tiger wall for all the same reasons, I wish they made the rainfly in DCF. would be great idea for a cottage company to offer DCF rainflys for all the most popular tents.
Oh they do, it’s called a carbon, and it’s 1,100 and made of the thinnest dcf on the market 🤣. But im with you. Gotta love dcf for it’s water resistance. They damn sure got that part right. And no sagging
Very thorough, thank you! I just bought the duplex and I'll be sure to look out for the things you mentioned. I'm glad you decided to keep making videos!
Kim McGill enjoy the duplex. It’s a great shelter. Just don’t sleep with anything near your face....... lol. I am glad I decided to as well. Can’t wait for the new trail videos!
Thanks I use a tent as refuge. I have been through 60 mile an hour winds and when rain and snow are involved you really fall in love with the tent when you get through it with no problems.
Ryan Albright I can imagine. I have only been through light rain and wind with this one so far but it held up great. Having used it for 5 night so far what has really made me happy is all the room while doing camp chores. This thing is like a mansion compared to my duplex lol. So much head room
Great video! I just bought the BA solely on its weight and interior space for me and my dog. You've given me so much more info than I had before. Now I feel REALLY good about this purchase. I just subscribed to your channel so I look forward to more. Thanks!
I really enjoyed your detailed analysis of both tents. The details you put forth gave us tent owners lots of things to think about. I look forward to your future report on the UL2 after it has survived several hours of rain in a major storm. Thanks a million!! =)
I'm glad that you posted this. One problem that a hiker had with the tiger tent between the terminus and 109, with all the wind a guy line broke, apart from that she was very happy with it. I'm 60. My friends mom did the pct in the mid '80s. No ultralight, cell phones or gps. Talk about a strong and brave woman. So far I have leaned more to reliability and practicality than weight although at my age weight is important. Thanks for sharing. I think you made a good choice.
Yeah the guys are very thin for sure. When u added my adjusters I changed the line as well. I believe it will hold better now. Anyone who completed the trail pre gps is nuts haha. Not just because of the gps because that also means trail conditions were intense (no real pcta to keep it maintained) trail towns were minimal, resupply points were further apart, no trail angels or trail magic. People didn’t pick up smelly hikers as often. lol. We have it easy compared to back then. It’s till not easy of corse haha but we have a lot more support and information these days to help us. I’m a much bigger fan of getting my load smaller and closer to my back than I am worried about weight. I try to keep it light but I’m not “worried” about it if you know what I mean. I mainly mention the weights for those who are interested :)
First thing... this is a cracking video. You speak very well, very clear, you're not full of yourself and you're open minded and humble. Fantastic. My only minor issue is that the BA has an HH of 1200 which I can assure you that at least here in the UK it quite literally doesn't even qualify (legally) as waterproof. The bare minimum is 1500 and I hardly ever seen any tent with less than 2000. Most are 3000-5000. High end ones are much more of course. Consider, though, that Zpacks's fly is either 15,000 or 20,000 depending on the thickness. So while I really appreciate all your wise comments (they made me think a lot since I'm considering either the Duplex or the Hilleberg Enan) you really can't compare them on the sole merit of the non-floating bottom or the larger vestibule when one is bomb proof and the other, at least here in England, can't even be sold as anything other than 1-season (summer only) tent.
BravingTheOutDoors thank you for the kind words, always good to hear that I am coming across the way I enters too in these videos. I’m for sure no expert. As far as the BA, I can assure you that this tent is waterproof. HH rating or not. I’ve spent many nights in hard rain and hail in this thing since I uploaded this video. Now that being said lol, it in no way holds up to Dyneema when it comes to its ability to shed water. Which I did mention in the video as my biggest hesitation for switching. The material BA and most manufactures use on these shelters are only poly coated. Meaning the fabric can and for sure will absorb water. However as long as it’s well seam sealed the water will not come through. Dyneema is naturally waterproof and does not need any sort of coating. Not only will water not come through dyneema, it won’t absorb water at all either. Just shake that sucker off and the water goes flying. Can’t beat that for even a second. But when the only thing a shelter has going for it (for my particular style) is it’s fabric, lacking in design for comfort and it cost $600. It leaves to much to be desired. Plus as with any single wall tent, condensation is so nuts inside that thing that even though I didn’t get wet from rain I couldn’t stay dry inside from so much build up inside the tent. Aaallllll that being said, I’m working on making a dyneema groundsheet and rainfly for this shelter to get the best of both worlds. So if your interested in that stick around! Lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors That's great to hear but I've learned the hard way - there is rain and then there is rain. I completely believe you of course but I had the mountain equipment hammer head 3 which I was assured is bomb proof water proof. Maybe it is in some countries but it sure is not in the lake district (wettest place in the world excluding monsoon season in the east) where rain drops are the size of shotgun bullets. That was a trip ruined and a lesson learned. Very difficult for me to trust tents now. After that I just bought the Hilleberg Staika which is as bomb proof as it gets but hardly light weight and costs a fortune. I just can't seem to decide whether to give Zpacks a try or go for the Enan. The prospect of dyneema getting dry quickly is quite appealing. Kerlon takes hours to dry. And don't worry... I've subscribed. Cheers.
BravingTheOutDoors in the world of backpacking we for sure get wrapped up in weight over function. I must say that I would not recommended this tent for anyone under the conditions you described lol. Or any other lightweight backpacking tent for that matter. Dyneema is definitely the name of the game for water proof ability but it sounds to me like in your case you’ll have to sacrifice weight to get something that can truly stand up to some brutal forces.
I appreciate the honest feedback about both tents and they way you listed pros and cons. Are you planning to do a longer term review or a update on if you're still happy with this tent?
Zach Locks for sure. I have sadly neglected my backpacking and this channel for the better part of 6 months due to my business unexpectedly taking off. I plan to get back out there and post more video for those who are still interested after such a long absence haha
@@AhonuiOutdoors sounds good. I was on the fence about sticking with a freestanding tent or to try out the trekking pole kind and you helped sway me back to freestanding
I just bought the Tiger Wall 2 after much deliberation and consideration of other lightweight tents. This reinforces my choice while giving a sobering review of its limitations. Thank you!
The problem I had with my BA came in a real downpour and despite staking it very well I got wet when the two walls touched. Whew! The duplex resolved that problem and I sold my BA. Strange how preferences are so different for each of us. Good review.
Perry Rush yeah I can definitely see this being an issue. But with my adjustable guyline modification, I can pull my flu so tight I didn’t have this problem and I have spend more nights in the rain with this tent than not haha. Colorado was a rainy place lol
Hello my hiking friend, it is good to see another one of your videos. Looks like you made a good decision regarding your new Big Agnes tent. Have fun with your Son on your upcoming backpacking trip. Be safe out there. 🤗
I had the same problem with my Zpacks Plexamid. Crazy condensation and the toe box of my sleeping bag always being wet from touching the walls. Had to wrap the toe box in a raincoat or garbage bag.
Those steep sidewalls are nice. That's what I'm looking for in my next tent. Also a current Duplex owner. Looking for something with better clearance for the face and feet. If BA comes out with more DCF I'll be looking at them and the DCF Tarptents. I hope they become less expensive over time. Best of luck with the new tent. Thanks for the look.
Adam Holbrook agreed. If they come out with a suitable dcf I may be out a pretty penny lol. But for now I’ll just modify this one ;) thanks for reaching out. Good luck with your tent search
Steven Ascherl I’m sure that particular issue doesn’t bother thousands of people who use the duplex. Just combined with the other reasons I switched it was definitely on the list for the switch haha
Interesting outlook.. I've thought about getting a Duplex tent, even though I use a hammock system.. If nothing else but to cut weight! But listening to this video, I will stick with a free-standing tent if I go back to that from time to time.Thanks fir the info, Hoobilly...
Hoobilly Indiana's The Video Stump glad I could give you some insight. The duplex would definitely help you cut weight from your hammock but for the rare occasions being used it would be a good chunk of change haha
I listened to you very carefully here, and you did a great job explaining differences. I think that a tent that does not behave as a shelter ie you stay dry, and out of the wind, is NOT worth a nickel. I don't care if it costs $10,000.00. Your new tent looks awesome to me. By the way I lived 6 months straight in a walmart tent with a $5.00 tarp over it. Dry as a bug in torential downpours. And I carried something far heavier then that for over 1,000 miles. Not a setup for the AT I suppose. Your discussion of how you may modify this tent and the reasons, was educational. Thanks.
use what works for you right? haha. I agree. There are areas I am not willing to sacrifice when it comes to my shelter. In 20 degrees I cant have my quilt getting wet lol. Im not UL by any stretch nor do I really care to be. But I will drop weight where I can as long as it doesnt mean sacrificing stability.
Thanks for you video. I am considering buying a new tent now that I've retired. Because of back problems I'm looking to lower the weight of my backpacking setup as much as practical (and comfortable). Since I will probably be using trekking poles more often the additional weight to the Duplex setup is not that great of a concern. However, you brought up other areas to consider as well. So I made some spreadsheets to help weigh the options (pun not intended) comparing the Duplex, Tiger Wall, and Copper Spur. Tents have sure come a long way from my canvas pup tent I started with some 50+ years ago. Thanks again for your video. Oh, for the Duplex floating floor I think putting a marble in each corner on the inside tying onto it from the outside may help secure the floor while being removable for resale.
theslowwalker I can for sure understand your concern. A lot of hints to think about when buying a new tent: and you will definitely not ever have to go back to canvas haha. Although a good waxes canvas is sure sturdy! The marble idea would definitely be an option for people not worried about weight. When you are talking about a duplex, the main reason it doesn’t have guy ours on the floor is to keep it a 21oz tent. So for someone like you or I that would be a great solution that I did not think of. Although the a frame and single wall thing definitely will get me every time. Especially now that I’ve used my mansion in California, Colorado and Texas. I don’t think I could ever go back! Lol good luck with your search!
Great review man! The "non-stake-abilty" of the floor is something I never even thought of!!! The ability of the wind blowing the tent floor up has never happened to me but I can TOTALLY see that happening!!! I too place items from my pack in the corners to keep it from blowing but you're right about a huge gust having the ability to fling those items right up! From now on, I'm definitely going to pay attention to the winds direction and place my sleeping pad on the leading edge and hope the wind doesn't lift my ass up!!! 🤣 Again, thanks for the video!!!
RESTLESS OUTDOORS haha thanks man. Yeah I’m sure this was an incredible fluke, but mixed with the other personal issues I had with the duplex design, it was just a final nail situation haha. I do miss dyneema though. I will be excited to make my new fly for this tiger wall!
This is the first of your videos that I've watched and I like what I'm hearing so I subscribed. Even though you've said it wasn't a real review because you haven't actually used the tent in wet, rainy, windy conditions yet you did describe the problems that you have with a single wall tent and the possible problems that you see in the future with the tie outs in this tent. It gives us a lot to think about when purchasing a tent for a long distance hike. I've only section hiked and have the BA UL1P. Bought that because of price and weight (just over 2 lbs.) and I, personally don't need all the extra room that a 2 person tent has (although the headroom alone is a big selling point to me - or would be for a longer distance hike). I'll come back later when you've totally tested this tent out. Thanks for the info. Enjoy your hike with your son this weekend.
Thank you for checking out my video. Im glad you liked this one and felt it was worthy of a subscription. I plan on bringing some pretty awesome stuff to the channel soon both from on and off the trail. That doesnt sound like a bad set up at all. I like the extra room personally. I like to drag all my crap in with me at night haha. Plus when my son goes with me we both fit quite well. Until he outgrows me that is haha. He is very excited for next weekend. I will be uploading a video of that trip for sure!
@@AhonuiOutdoors My pleasure. Thanks for posting them. I travel alone, always, so no need for a 2 person. I also have room for my gear (really only backpack and camera gear) inside my tent. I left my boots and poles in the vestibule. I like that area, too and you don't get that with a single walled tent. Plus, it helps that I'm not claustrophobic as I think, most people are. The tighter the space I'm sleeping in the more comfortable I am. Weird but true. I don't move around a lot (side sleeper) when I'm sleeping. Eager to see how your trip goes. Have a safe time and Happy Easter. Per comment below I am comparing specs (weight, space, price) on the Copper Spur, Fly Creek, and Tiger Wall. May change to a 2p if I do a longer distance hike because of the higher chance of bad weather (I was section hiking, flip-flopping, and had my car within a 40 - 50 mile radius so I actually got off trail at one point due to bad weather and slept in the car for a couple of rainy days. Continuous rain has always done me in even when car camping). A larger tent with more room may help with that if I decide to do a LASH.
Perfect video! Thank you! I have had my Tigerwall Ul2 for a year now and LOVE it. But I have been going back and forth about investing in the Tigerwall Dyneema or Zpacks to shave some ounces. This video helped me realize it just wouldn't be worth it. Thanks again!
im very glad you found this video helpful. I do not want to sway anyone away from a shelter that they may love but I definitely want to give my opinion after having put over 150 miles on the duplex. Just as some added resource for people before they make a decision, no matter which way they decide to go :). However, I would definitly wait on the BA Carbon series. I do believe they have much more work and research to do before they are ready to work with Dyneema haha.
Amazing honest review. No shilling, he even says framed tent instead of reciting brand of his tent. For a new customer finding video like this is great(I am not new and I am using Chinese options, but people tent to shove too much money on crap items)
Vidmantas Aurelijus Bielskus thank you. I try to be as non bias towards any one piece of gear as I can while still explaining my personal opinion on how specific gear works for me. I just want stuff that works for my style. And of other people have a style like me, maybe it will work for them too :)
Awesome comparison. I bought a Duplex because that’s what all the cool kids are doing but I’ve encountered many of the things you mentioned. I’m not sure I’m ready to switch but I appreciate the thoughtful reasons you did.
Andy Beecham the duplex definitely has its appeal and demands your attention lol. Many many people are happy with their plex tents and for good reason. But after using this ba for about 10 nights on trail, I’m incredibly happy with my decision to switch.
I went back and forth between the Duplex and the Tiger Wall UL2 Platinum for months. You made me feel much better about my decision to purchase the BA. I haven’t taken it out for a “test drive” yet, but I know I’ll prefer a freestanding tent. Thanks!
NaLona Brato glad I helped ease your mind haha. I haven’t slept in it yet but i have set it up a dozen times and I love it so far. I very much love the extra room and my door not being obstructed by the pole
Bart Owen lol thank you for the effort to express your feelings towards my video lol. I’m glad you liked it. I just finished my guy out modifications today. Now I have to figure out how to somehow make that into an interesting video pol
So I bought the TW UL2 when it first came out. I have been using it for a little over a year. What you said hit the nail on the head. My biggest issue with the tent are the guy lines on the footprint are longer that the lines on the tent body. This makes the footprint not as taunt as I personally like. Second, is the guy lines for the corners on the foot-end of the rainfly also don't match up perfectly to the tent body to provide the correct gap between the mesh and the fly when wet and starts to droop. My solution is to simply carry 2 more stakes to stake down the foot-end fly corners independently. Yes, it's more weight but I don't like to modify the tent and it gives you the opportunity to really get a better pitch when on uneven ground and/or if the soil get too saturated. Also, if it is not rainy and happens to be windy it gives me the option to utilize other tie-out points. Or if i need hang something from a tree or any other unforeseen circumstance.
Lipscomb Connor sounds like you’ve got your setup down to a science :). I myself love to modify and have already done so haha. I’ll let you guys know how it works
Mr. A: Thank you so much about your testimonial on your Duplex. I was considering taking that leap to a Duplex, but may now look at a 1 person freestanding tent instead. I love my REI Quarter Dome 2, but with the foot print I am at 3 lbs. Ouch. Keep up the good work.
Jeffrey Rule the duplex is still a great option just not for everyone. No one piece of gear will ever be perfect for every single user out there. I do think some people for left it is ok for a good piece of gear to not work for some people but still be a GOOD piece of gear you know? Lol I had a buddy using the NEMO hornet 1p on the pct. he liked the tent but the 1p thing was a little much for him ahah he would have gone with the 2p had his not been free lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors good luck. DCF is fun to work with. Just make sure you reinforce the obvious places with and extra piece on the opposite side and stitch through all layers and seam seal those reinforced points. All the rest of working with DCF is just cutting and taping (use a cutting board with sharp rotary blade unless you have a hot knife) good luck and enjoy :-)
Hangs4Fun - Big Agnes has a line. They’re a joke though because they decided to use insanely thin dyneema. If they would have used the same thickness at Zpacks and other makers, I’d have already bought one.
Really good review, you brought up points I wouldn’t have thought of, such as the free floating floor and strong wind blowing around gear inside. Good job, subscribed~
Goat Locker _ Hike, Bike & Dive thank you. Like I say, as far as the floor, that is probably so unlikely and I was probably incredibly unlucky but after all the other things that I didn’t like about the design, that was kinda just the last straw haha
Thank you for such a well thought out review. Wish other posters offering opinions and reviews would put the same amount of time and effort into their reviews or just not post at all and clog up YT with their "I love my tent. I like it much better than x model" without supporting their data
Dale Trayner lol I’m glad I could help. I spent a really long time researching and testing my equipment and I felt it fair to share the info with all of you. Maybe it could save you guys some hassle or even just give your some info about a popular shelter that no one else seams to give. Even if that info doesn’t steer you away from the duplex because it won’t bother you, you at least know about it before buying it. My intention is to give my experience, not steer anyone to or away from a curtain product. So I’m glad you found the info useful.
It's refreshing to see someone explain why they went from a Duplex to a silnylon tent. Most go to a dyneema tent and never look back. Great explanations. I agree with a lot of what you say. I just received the Dan Durston Xmid which, in my opinion, is the best trekking pole supported tent design out there. I mostly hammock camp though. I really like my hammock setup and silpoly tarp. Silpoly is superior to silnylon - it doesn't sag
Jay S it’s true. It was a touch decision as I love dyneema but there are other comforts I loved more haha. I wish they made my tent out of syl poly if they aren’t going to use a solid dyneema
@@AhonuiOutdoors Yes, silpoly would make it an even more excellent lightweight freestanding tent. I like hammocking too much to use tents on a regular basis. I have a tent for areas where a hammock can't be used. Ya, I should get a dyneema tarp for my hammock. Even better than silpoly
Jay S they are expensive but it would be worth it I can assure you lol. Nothing like just shaking the water off and stuffing the tarp away with no worries. Of corse drying it is still beneficial but it’s not a Dyer need. I tend to hike a lot of places where I can’t hang a hammock. Plus I don’t really like the idea of having to have 2 quilts in the cold. (Everything has its ups and downs) that’s why I don’t understand all the people saying “you should do this or you have to do this” those fraises shouldn’t even exist in the backpacking community lol. It’s just to personal for such things
@@AhonuiOutdoors Ya, I am thinking about buying the Dan Durston Xmid DCF version when it comes out. It's supposed to be lighter and more roomy than the plexamid. Plus it is easier to setup
Very nice video and analysis. Love my Zpacks tents still and just distribute gear to deal with the free floating floor issue but understand the concern. Lots of great information to think about. Thank you!
Dave Somers for sure. The duplex is a very well built shelter. If it were only the floor issue I would still have it. Combined with the condensation problem (of all single walls not just a duplex specific problem) and the other wants I had from a shelter that it couldn’t provide, it just ended up not being for me. There is a reason there are thousands of the duplex out there and it’s not all just because of a name. Though that is a factor lol
Great points man! Too bad the duplex didn't work out for you though. I thought about buying one too eventually but haven't yet. I do like this tiger wall tent, very well thought out! I personally love one man free standing double wall dome style tents too! Weight is not that big of issue to me either when it comes to my tent everything else i try to go as lightweight as i can. My all time favorite tent is a u.s military low profile free standing dome tent by ORC called the ICS (Improved Combat Shelter). It is in acu camo which may be a problem for some people but it is an amazing little tent! 4 season aswell and 110% waterproof if there is such a thing lol. Performs beautifully in all weather conditions! Super durable and super fast and easy tent setup. Weight is a bit much for some at 5lb but packs fairly small and for a 4 season tent thats not too bad in my opinion. Can get the weight even lower to about 4.75lb. with lighter weight tent stakes and removal of a few repair kit items. I own two of these tents and would recommend them to anyone!! This tent does it all and will last for years!! Price ranges on ebay new are around $100-$200 give or take. They sold originally on orc's website for $399 so they are not cheaply made by an means. Hike on!!
Question about your experience with the ICS. I've done a few field exercises with the Navy Seabees and we used something called the TCOP, which was a one-man dome tent. I think made by Eureka? It was a real POS and leaked terrible bad. Then again, just about any tent would leak at Camp Shelby Mississippi where the rain never seems to stop. I hope the ICS was better than the TCOP.
Interesting. Currently $300 new on Amazon, with lots of cheaper used options. Looks strong, like it would last you through a war ... which is what it was designed to do ;-). But half the space for twice the weight of the duplex or tiger wall, unfortunately.
Definitely something to be said for poles. My son and I are currently attempting the Pct again as we speak. Just made it to idylwild. We’re carrying the copper spur ul2 full free standing and I don’t think I’ll ever go back lol
Thanks for making this video and sharing your views. I have several free standing backpacking tents and had been considering the zpack tents and others like it. I can see you have good clear logic and reasoning . I think I will continue on with free standing tents and stand clear of the duplex style tents. Thanks again.
I’m glad you found my onsite useful. My intention is never to turn anyone away from a tent they may love, just to give my experience so people can make their choice with insights from all angles you know. This stuff isn’t cheep
@@AhonuiOutdoors you got that right. The best value tent I've found so far is the hyke&byke zion 2p and with a $20 discount code comes out to $80. They even include the footprint , gear loft and a lifetime guarantee. Also since I was in the air Force I got hooked with expert voice and get excellent discounts on gear and tents at on a average of 35 to 40% off. My lightest tent so far is the nemo hornet 2p.
I love BA tents. I've had a Copper Spur on my wishlist for quite a while now. I'll have to take a look at the Tiger wall. Awesome review and it solidified my leaning towards a free/semi free standing tent.
Joe Shawcroft thank you I’m glad you found this video helpful. The copper spur is for sure an awesome option as well. I just didn’t quite need the full free standing tent personally. Although, if my wife starts coming with my son and I I may look at the viper spur ul3 for all of us since my wife and I can split the load.
I can do that. I wasnt sure if anyone would be interested in a new review on that one just yet with the mileage it has on it. Once the hiking season is over this year (I should have over 500 miles on it by then) I will do a 500 mile review of my pack.
Very good review. I have the copper spur and never wanted a dyneema tent to save weight. I do have a Hyper light dyneema tarp and a sea to summit light weight tarp. I prefer the sea to summit because it blocks the sun for shade and is also super light. Plus it was way cheaper.
Thank you, There are so many great options with gear and combinations of gear to taylor fit our individual needs and wants on the trail. It makes the whole process that much better knowing we have so many amazing options :O
Perry Kerr very nice. The adjustments sure make it easy to set up and keep tight. I also found in crazy heavy rain you can tighten even more if you have the slack, once the rain soles in a bit to your rain fly, and it makes the fly super taught you keep any condensation off of tour bug net. Though there’s a really generous gap already so I haven’t run into a condensation issue even once with this tent yet.
Thank you, I will be uploading a video of that endeavor :). I will be trying to bring many of the "real life" reviews to the channel as I gain more experience with my gear :)
I'm interested in seeing how you do the adjusters on the Tigerwall....as it's my only concern with this tent, that's been holding me off from buying it...
Awesome first impression .. definitely the choice I would make if I had to pick one of the 2 .. at least the floor won't attack your son on his first backpacking adventure 😁
I hope you’ll be making a video of your Easter trip with your son. Will your son be in the BA tent with you or does he have his own tent? I’m currently in debate with myself whether to get 2 seperate tents for me and my son for our trip in July or just the one & share.
Miss Lux 4X4 I will for sure be making a video of that trip :). For now we will be sharing this tent. Down the line if he gets more into backpacking I’ll get him his own.
I purchased the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 tent. Look close to this one in your video. I seen your clip about you guy line modifications and like it. I plan to do the same. Just curious, my tent has adjustable tentioners. Maybe that's new to this model compared to yours. So maybe I don't need them... Well, for the rain fly any way. I plan to do it for the tent and your double hook door hooks to, which I though was a great idea as I didn't like how the tent vestibule doors work. Come out to the Tetons, and I'll show you around. Thanks.
For sure. I have the copper spur ul3 and it’s a free standing tent so it has 4 pole corners. Which means they have tensioners on all corners like you were saying so I didn’t have to modify that one accept for the doors. I looooove that door modification lol.
The TW UL2 is now available in dyneema! One minor issue, It will set you back $1000 at REI. I also own a TW UL2 (not dyneema), and I just ordered a footprint, primarily for easier set up. The floor is definitely very thin on this tent. Recommend a footprint of some kind, Tyvek, Polycrow, something to help protect your $400 investment. I have to say, I prefer a free standing tent (I also own a BA Rattlesnake 2) but the weight reduction of the TW is significant over the rattlesnake. I'm hoping the footprint makes setup a bit easier, and helps keep the floor taught, particularly at the bottom where the center pole tends to elongate the tent causing the sides (at the bottom) to pull in.
I’m glad to hear that and hope it was helpful to you. I got a lot of backlash on this one for saying anything negative about the duplex haha. Great shelter, just not for me.
I have the tiger wall. My feet usually get wet, it’s very humid where I am. I plan on adding the tensioners on the foot by the time I take it out next.
bavarian11788 this is the first I’m hearing of that particular situation. This is why I’m really enjoying the RUclips thing. I get to hear from so many people who have used the stuff I’m playing with. Lucky for my I will be installing all my new guy outs with tensioners today before I ever take it out for the first time haha. Hope it works out for you to add them as wel
I actually thought about that too because it has guy outs on the floor and is double wall. Fixed two big issues I had with the duplex. I just picked up a durston xmid 2p v2 and man, it’s freakin awesome. My son and I will be taking it with us for our Pct thru hike in 23!
Thank you. I'm planning an AT thru hike in 2021 and I'm in the market for a tent. This "first look" was a very helpful comparison between the dyneema and traditional nylon tents.
John I’ll be honest with you man. It doesn’t matter what tent you have. You set it up in the rain. The inside is getting wet. And I can speak from experience using a single wall tent on many rainy nights. However. Some tent manufacturers are making their tents almost like tarps that you set up first and then hang the inter tent after your all nice and tucked out of the rain. Which I think hyperlite mnt fear has done and that’s really cool. Now all that being said. I have the ground sheet that is made for this tent meaning I can set up the fly and ground sheet without the inner tent, and the other day i successfully set the fly up and hen got inside it and set up the inner tent. Can’t wait to try that one in a real life situation haha I’ll keep you guys updated on that crazy endeavor lol
albert thank you. Of course. I don’t want to bash any company or oversell another. I would just like to share my experiences and show what I’ve done to adjust along the way :)
Very good video of the tent and the reasons why you switched. I was seriously looking at the Zpacks Duplex but the weight difference is not that great to this one. I'll look more into this tent before deciding. John
There are definitely a lot of great options out there, both single and double wall. Trekking pole and framed. SO so many great pieces of gear for us to fine tune our style with. Its the beauty of the internet. We get to watch everyone else play with stuff before we buy it haha.
Great review, never been a single wall set up myself, just cuz the condensation issues. I would take a little extra weight for comfort and stability. This was first time watching, and earned a subscribe just for your insight and views of the things that matter. Im a bike packer and still appreciate keeping the weight down as a whole.
Colin Crow agreed. I like the idea of single wall and I’m a HUGE fan of dyneema as a material. But over all I’m just a big guy. I needed a little more room without worry that I was going to touch my down quilt on the wall and soak it in condensation. I haven’t been on trial in over a year now but I still do not regret my shelter change decision and can’t wait to get out there again.
J Mal fly creek was the single, end style entry and the copper spur is a free standing (more pole sections and takes up more pack space) plus was 50 bucks more lol
I've used a Duplex since 2014 in the Wyoming and Montana Rockies, three season. I'm sold. I've been backpacking since 1957, and I've tried tube tents, A frame tents, Oval Intention, VE-24, VE-25, Black Diamond Betamid and then Betalite, Marmot Taku, Marmot Burrow, Divine Light, TarpTent Contour, Go-Lite tarp setup, and several more. I have a Duplex for 1 person and a Triplex for 2 person, and I no longer shop for tents. These are perfect for me.
Exactly the reason so many tents exist. What works for you failed for me. This does not by any means say that the tent is "bad" or is "flawed", simply because it did not work for me. There are thousands of these tents out there with thousands of happy users and they are quite well constructed from a great material. I was not necessarily an unhappy user, so much as there were things I wanted, and didnt want, from my shelter that made the duplex a poor fit for me personaly.
Just wondering is the duplex big enough for two or due you need the larger size. For some reason tent companies seem to say the tent is made for two when its really for one comfortably. I have a BA three person tent and its fine for me and my daughter but not really three people. Thanks
Scott Gibson I think generally you are going to find that a two person tent is going to be more for one full size human and their gear. This rings true for the duplex as well. I wouldn’t have minded sharing it with my 7 year old son. With my wife it would have been tight and we would have to keep all of our gear in the vestibules. So yeah you can fit two full people in it but it’d you want the comfort I would spring for he triplex personally
I did the exact same thing. My Tri plex sets on a shelf. Wish I could sell. My partner and I share the extra weight of the Tiger wall 3-p. The wet foot box issue- we had this problem with the Tigerwall as well, I think next time I will leave the foot box in my dry bag that should solve that issue if I don’t kick it off during the night. I have used the Tigerwall 1000 miles and have been through all weather situations and stayed dry as long as your bag doesn’t touch the wall. Don’t skimp on the footprint to save weight. You’ll appreciate in a storm Cons on Zpacks- extreme glare, condensation, splash, radiates heat in the sun, cost. Pros weight only
Lol I’m glad to hear I wasn’t the only one with these issues. Never had the problem with my tiger wall. I not only have the footprint but bought the bike packing footprint that extends into the vestibules to keep your gear off the wet dirt lol. I have since picked up the durston xmid 2p v2 and that’s what my done and I will be using this year for our Pct thru hike.
This was a really excellent video. I have a MSR Hubba 1 which I love, but admittedly, I'd like more room and less weight. I've really been eyeing both the Pleximid and Duplex, but you highlighted and reminded me of the things I love about a freestanding tent.
rkatrails the duplex for sure has its place and is a great tent for thousands of people out there. Just wasn’t for me. That’s the glory of all the different options out there :)
Just a thought, if you don’t want the floor to free float , can’t you use some Zpacks loops with Dyneema patches ?they sell them for custom diy. Put them on the corners of the floor ,reach under the tent sides and use 4 ti shepherd stakes to stake it down. Very light, very strong , very easy. I know it is only one of your gripes. But it seems an easy fix .
Danny Slaughter I did mention adding guy outs to the floor in this video and that I didn’t want to modify it in any way in case I did end up wanting to sell it for the various other reasons that this tent didn’t work out for me
Hey. I don’t use this tent anymore but only because I gave in and went full free standing. Its worth the few extra oz for me lol. But honestly I spent more nights in the rain in this tent than any I’ve owned and it held up great. It is a sil nylon fabric so it does absorb water and weight when wet so you definitely have to dry it out well, but this is common amongst a lot of popular brands. Only reason I could see it leaking is if they possibly had poorly taped seems from a lot of use (starting to fail), or something like that. But that’s a problem with any well used shelter. So long story short, I love this tent. I still have it and I would still definitely recommend it if your going with a semi free standing. I personally moved to the copper spur UL1 for by myself, and UL2 for when my son is with me.
Love the talk about the tent. I was between this and a few others. I ended up going with the Fly creek UL2 HV for the slightly less weight factor. But I agree with you, Free standing is where its at.
Jonathan Isak very nice. I looked at the fly creeks as well. I prefer the double door and vestibule thing for when I actually have a second person with gear with me. Just a little easier to maneuver and more coverage for gear outside the mesh. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these lines of shelter honestly. I’ve spend 5 nights in this one now and it’s like a mansion lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors makes more sense for a two person with the double door and vestibules. I use mine as a large single or share it with my husky who is my only hiking buddy typically. Agreed that there entire line is awesome. might consider the tiger wall if the wife decided to want to start coming out with me.
Jonathan Isak I wish my dog would hike with me haha. I know he would stay with me hiking I don’t trust him not to run off at night or destroy me tent if he slept inside it with me lol
I've owned the Fly Creek UL2 for a few years and I am looking at this tent because I hate climbing out of the entrance. A side entry is so much easier to navigate.I like to store my gear in either the vestibule or inside my tent.Storing it in the Fly creek Vestibule is a pain because you have to climb over it to get out. I know it's heavier but it's so much more convenient.
Im glad I could help. I hope I just rang clear hesitations you were already having and didnt sway you against something you wanted. I definitely never want that to be the case from any of my videos :)
I too was hesitating on the Duplex, and now I too know it’s not for me. Thanks for the review! This seals it for me! I’ll stick with my MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 even tho it weighs 3lbs 14oz. The things you don’t like in the experience, I don’t like them either! I don’t think I’d like Zpacks, despite the weight savings.
JMG 1249 the weight savings are nice and the pack size is decent but really it’s that waterproof dyneema that makes the duplex awesome. I am working on remedying that for this tiger wall ;). Glad I was able to give you some insite before you bought one :).
I debated back and forth for two years as I knew I was going to have to change out from my 4 1/2 pound Kelty 3 person. I ended up ordering the Zpacks triplex as I usually hike and camp with my wife so I need the extra space. I like the “waterproof” aspect of CF, but time will tell on the floating floor. I do like the possible increase in durability with dyneema. Great video, thank you.
For sure. Individual issues can all be resolved. But given all the issues combined, I didn’t feel paying the asking price for the tent was worth it to have to modify so much, add extra weight to fix issues, and have issues I can’t fix like condensation soaking my gear. They have since made an xl version that would probably suit me better as a taller hiker and not leave me touching the walls, but I just found better options for me. I actually picked up a durston xmid 2p v2 and it solved all the problems I had with the duplex, the sagging issue I had with the tiger wall, and was half the price. So I think I’ve found my sweet spot.
So where exactly did you add your adjustable guy lines? I made 10 up (I had 10 small adjuster clips) and wondered how many I actually need. Thanks Maybe a short video showing the tent set up with the additional lines?
jldrdotcom I’ve got a video about the guylines coming out next Thursday. I made some for the toe end of the tent that has to be staked and the same two spots on the fly plus new guys for the vestibule doors.
I have the tiger wall 3 (use it for 2 persons). So far it is great. My biggest problem is the fabric always getting stuck in the zippers. Also it is harder to set up or take down a double wall in the rain without getting water inside.
You know that is one key point I forgot to mention in this video was that zipper sticking. I plan on making a dyneema fly for this tent and forgoing the zippers lol. I dont find it any more difficult to set up or take down in the rain. 1 or 2 walls both suck in that situation lol. Never really understood that particular "argument" for single wall tents. I can attest to many nights setting up a duplex in the rain that SUCKED lol. But it wasnt the tents fault. Funny enough, I have the ground sheet made for this tent so it is capable of being pitched fly only. I was able to set up the ground sheet and the fly fully staked out and then pitch the tent while underneath the fly. Of course you would still be wet from having been in the rain but now your floor is only wet because you are and not from being rained on haha. Well see if i can pull of the same maneuver under fire!
@@AhonuiOutdoors Rain is no fun no matter what. I guess I should try it fly first and see if I can manage it. My other tent is a lightheart gear solong 6 and I find it easier to manage in the rain.
Interesting.. Have been looking at the duplex for quite a while. It not being freestanding* is a big reason I haven't got it. Good point on the condensation issue. Definetly interested in this tent.
I would hate to sway you from the duplex. It really is a great shelter. But there are definitely a lot of factors to consider and this is just what I have found to be the case for me. Can’t wait to use the big Agnes :)
@@AhonuiOutdoors Your choice IS a mansion by comparison. When you want a castle, try Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack - Ultralight Bike-Packing Tent, 2 Person, Gray/Orange www.amazon.com/dp/B07MR56P23/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rfY0Cb0ENME66 - making sure to include Mtn Glo LED lighting ... no need to search for headlamp in the dark!
Great looking tent for sure! I personally just didnt need a true free standing tent nor did I really want to add a whole extra pound on top of the tiger wall. I am however looking into different free standing UL3's for when my wife and son both want to go. Best part is my wife and I can split the weight haha.
I've always felt that one of the drawbacks to the duplex is it has to be staked down. I hike into the mountains where the ground is far from soft. Making it difficult to stake out a tent. This is where free standing is a must. The BA is a good looking tent.
That is definitely the biggest draw back to a non free standing tent. I had to use rocks to hold my tent up on one particulate night. It can be done it’s just not always the easiest or most enjoyable. Especially in the rain lol. I’m happy with it so far. Can’t wait to take it out next week
It looks like the Tiger Wall is definitely not fully free standing all on its own, but having that internal structure seems like it would help a lot if you needed to tie it down using rocks instead of stakes, when compared to a trekking-pole tent.
Darth KEK I did actually try them. Sent them back within the first hour of receiving them. All the other issues I had with the tent were personal issues that others may not experience. But as fit the flex pole option, those are just a joke. You still have to stake it out otherwise the slightest breeze just folds the tent in half. Ant you can’t get a taut pitch without still using vertical poles because the flex poles just bend and won’t ever let the dyneema pull tight. The flex poles take a solid tent and turn it into junk. I would never tell someone to avoid the duplex because it could work great for them but my personal advice would defiantly be to avoid those flex poles, they are a terrible idea lol
@Ahoniu Outdoors I am poised to purchase either the Nemo Dagger3 or the BA Tiger Wall UL3. Question, how does the BA perform in the rain? Also how do you find the semi free standing set up? I really want to go with the BA as it drops a lot of weight from my Mutha Hubba. This more so a comment rather than a question. Just recently I use my mutha hubba on a 2 night 3 day outing. Personally I found it better to stake out the tent fly independently from the tent body and ground sheet. Rather than combine it with the tent and footprint.
I can’t speak for the Nemo however I have heard the fly sags more than the big Agnes’s. I can say that I have personally spent numerous nights in heavy rain and hail and never got a drop inside and it took the hail fabulously, which I was worried about haha. I don’t see a need in carrying that many stakes, just more stuff to carry and have to remember not to leave at camp. Easier just to stake it all out together, so with these adjustable guy lines I can both do that, and gain a very taught pitch on almost any surface that I would deal “sleepable” lol
Dude that was so spot on !!! And, you touched on just a few of the issues of the zpack tents!! The materials are awesome. The design is flawed. The copper spur and tiger wall are great tents but do have minor issues. Overall, my pick over zpack no doubt. Tigerwall carbon is nice !!! But who's the idiot that made the price up??!! Seriously, a grand for a tent!?!?!? For approximately 4oz less???!!!! Must have been smoking that legal stuff??!!!!. But I've BA tents that are approximately 20 some odd years and yet still going. Laminate peeling like dandruff in my oldest Seed house 2 but keeps me and my best bud ( Traky my dog ) dry and out of the wind. One day I'll get soaked in it but that'll be a another story. Glad you made those points clear for others to consider 😊😉😋 great job!!
Traky boy thank you :). Glad to hear their gear will last! And I agree about the carbon. Plus.. who in their department decided on the fabric thickness??? Lol
I can relate . Until the price of higher durability dyneema comes down . I’m sticking with the MSR / big Agnes style tent . Uk is wet and windy and is hard on gear how ever careful you are .
Ahonui Outdoors it’s the same issue for ultralight backpacks really . I want to support micro businesses making innovative ultralight products from cutting edge materials but due to purchase costs , durability and how much weight they can safely carry without wearing them out excessively and quickly a lot of us have to make weight compromises due to initial purchase cost and how long realistically the backpack will last . One RUclips channel was suggesting maybe one or two seasons max out of a high end backpack and I need way more use out of a big purchase than that . I want to cut weight on the big three (sleeping system , backpack , tent ) and my cook kit but durability is just as much a high criteria as weight - especially if a product is designed for thru hiking in the yosemite but may not be up to the constant rain , cold and dirt of the uk winter . I can count the nights on one hand this summer where I could use my tent without the rainfly . 🙄
No one can really say for sure how long a “high end” Dyneema pack will last because they haven’t been around long enough to test them. People just like to throw random things out as fact due to their own opinion. I love my Dyneema pack and have over 500 miles on it with no ware, just sweat stains. The durability of the pack isn’t entirely reliant on its material, but it’s over craftsmanship as well. We can not say for sure how long they will last until they have truly had a chance to stand the test of time.
I'm not shure if I should buy the B. A. Solo Trail UL 1 which I ordered. I really do like the roomy space & light weight, but the tent floor is quite loose and flatters which could be an issue. I'm wondering if this problem is solved with pegs? Or is it a typical problem for B. A. tents? What is your experience? Many greetings 🌏
I haven’t had any personal experience with that tent but I can say I personally won’t ever buy a shelter that doesn’t have guy outs on the body floor, again.
My triplex in .74 with 2 mini grounhogs for the doors and 6 blue zpacks stakes for the rest and a polycyro weighs 28.47oz. I dont know how your smaller duplex weighs more, maybe they changed versions? I like how the new hyperlight gear tent stakes out the floor. That is annoying about zpacks tents but usually im so tired I just pass out. Its worse with 2 people fighting with the floating floor. I am curious to get a couple of night sleeps on the uberlight pad
Duane Hundley my duplex in the .74 started at 22oz (zpacks states 21), my carbon tent poles were 5.5oz and my 8 mini groundhogs are 4oz. Adds up quick lol. I definitely had hyperlite envy on trail (at least due to the floor guy outs) I’m excited to test out the evermore as well.
Thank you 😊 for the feedback about the duplex. I had the same problem with the foot box. I was on the pct 2019 & had the same problems as you. Both with tent & missing family. Doing smaller miles & thinking of doing sections on AZT for 2020. How about you?
I have no doubts if my wife had been there I would have made it. I want to do larger sections, possibly the Washington section next summer. I will complete the trail even if it’s pieces at a time lol. My business had kind of taken off much faster than I anticipated so it’s holding most of my attention when I’m not homeschooling my son. But I’ll get back out there some time.
Thanks for your video. Seems as though reviews on REI are mixed, some love it and some say its not so good. For those complaining about the cost of a Zpack product please remember one is made in the USA and one is made in a foreign country for next to nothing. You can pick this tent up now at REI for about 300.00. Thanks
Scott Gibson a lot of folks that dislike the tent I think are expecting too much for the level of shelter that it is. However, I have no serious complaints. They need adjustable guy outs and they need to fix the dang zipper flap but other than that it’s solid. Also the zpacks products are dyneema. That material is worth every penny spent. It’s the design of the duplex that I didn’t care for.
@@AhonuiOutdoors I think you did a great job with your review and I appreciate your effort. I have had many tents over my 40 plus years of backpacking and I have yet to find the perfect tent. Now that I am older and my knees and back are not what they used to be weight has become much more important. I own a BA tent and its been a good tent. Not perfect but all and all its served me well. The people complaining about the cost of Zpacks does bother me as its made here of expensive materials. I own some Western Mt sleeping bags and those too were expensive, again made in the USA. The gear today is so much better than the good old days, lighter, cheaper. One question can two average size adults fit in this tent? Take care enjoy your hikes. Thanks
Scott Gibson I agree. I have never had a problem paying for quality products. The price sure wasn’t my issue with zpacks. Quality and design are definitely two opposite issues. Something can have a poor design and be quality built, if that makes sense haha. Two adults can fit quit comfortably in the tiger wall with two large sleeping pads. When I take this thing on solo trips it’s like a mansion I ca fit myself and all of my gear very easily. And if it had rained during the day the vestibules are quite large so I can fit all my wet gear out there to keep it outside my shelter. Which also makes great slack for both of your gear if you have two people. All and all for price, weight, size and functionality. I’d for sure recommend the tiger wall
@@AhonuiOutdoors Thanks for getting back to me so soon. Its tax free weekend in Ma today and REI has it on sale for 300.00 . Its a good deal. Again thanks
@@AhonuiOutdoors Hi, you did a great review of this tent and I did purchase it last year on sale for 300.00 from REI and it was tax free week in my home state so it was a great deal. I agree your review of the guide line, I too plan on making some changes. The ones you came up with on another one of your videos. That video was really helpful thanks. I backpack about every other weekend in the White Mountains of NH and the weather can be crazy. Its held up great. For me the one big issue and its not terrible but it is an issue is the zippers on the rain fly snag very easily. I wish thy were like the zippers on the tent which work great. The material is just so thin the zippers snag. The issue is much worst when the fly is wet from rain. I am very careful but I can see others having issues. I hiked out the other day with a young couple who loved their Duplex and it made me want to give it try. I am older, well into my 60s so the money is not such a big deal, so I am going to give it a try. The main reason for this is I need to cut weight as my body is not young anymore and I love to backpack. If I don't like it I will give it to my daughter or sell it. The gear today is so much lighter its a great time to be a backpacker. I don't miss my old gear one bit. I hope you are doing well and thanks for all of your efforts. Take care
Like most things, I see fads take over in backpacking and everyone jumps to what is "in" and, to be in the "in" crowd, you have to get the latest and greatest. This case being the duplex. You can't be an elite, ultralight backpacker without a duplex. You've arrived with the duplex. Same thing happened with firearms. Everyone had a quad rail. You weren't tacti-cool if you didn't have a quad rail. Now no one has a quad-rail (they're sharp, fat and uncomfortable) and looking back it's like, 'what were we thinking?'. Thanks for being willing to buck the trend when it you found out it didn't work for you. I'm not saying the duplex doesn't have its good qualities, but people shouldn't feel like they need it to be a great backpacker or have a great time on the trail. First, get what you can afford, then, find out what works for you and get that. Don't jump on trends. I started out with heavy, cheap, military surplus. Still have some. But cut my weight where I could with what i could.
eric matthews not going to lie man. I have more guns than I can count. But you lost me with quad rail? Lol I’m. It sure what that is but from the sounds of it I believe I dodged that proverbial bullet haha. Yeah the duplex had great qualities just not where I wanted them lol.
I’m in my sixties and petite. I just can’t carry that much weight. Either my pack is light or I just won’t be able to go. I bought a Pleximid so I could go. So far I have only set it up in my yard, but immediately noticed the lack of wind protection. I’m going to give it a go, but I really wish I could carry a heavier tent that I could seal up completely against wind and rain. I can’t imagine being able to sleep and stay warm with strong winds rushing thru, especially in the cold mountains where I camp. I haven’t read many comments about the lack of wind protection in the duplex and plexamid, but would be interested to hear positives or otherwise.
There for sure is nothing more "wrong" with the plex series thents any more than there is anything wrong with every tent, know what I mean. I think so many people forget just how personal backpacking is. You have to get what works for you. My suggestion for your wind situation (if your using a trekking pole) is try lowing the pole just a little bit to get your side walls slightly closer to the ground. It takes some practice to get it right but it will help cut down on some of the wind coming up underneath the side walls. It wont fix your problem completely but it could help. Let me know if you try that and if it works out for you :).
Hello roommate , I say roommate because obviously it’s big enough for two so I’ll just leave my tent at home in June... 😂. Great reasoning for the tent and I’m looking forward to seeing your mods!
Hey thanks a ton for the video! I've got a tiger wall UL3 and I'm also planning on reworking the guylines - those precuts are just useless. Any chance you could post a new video of the guylines, along with any other mods you've made, once they're done? Cheers, Dylan
Dylan Raye-Leonard I’m really excited about it man. Not only is it so much easier to set up and fully adjustable, by being able to pull its own tight this sucker is like a bomb shelter in the wind.
@@AhonuiOutdoors That's awesome, it'll be cool to see how much of an overhaul you go for! The main problems I've had are with short guylines not working on uneven ground, and even on flat surfaces, the short lines pulling the fly too close to the ground and limiting ventilation (which, without ceiling vents, has been leaving me wet from clouds forming in the tent on humid/rainy nights). I'm for sure gonna add a longer guyline+tensioner at the center head end of the fly and at the tip of both vestibules to fix that. I've also been trying to figure out better ways to keep the footbox and fly from touching - there's three connection points that all have to be tensioned, and I wanna find a way to do that without needing three different guylines on each corner! I've considered using two hooked into a single stake - one on the bottom corner of the footbox, and one on the rainfly corner - and then using a short length to hook the top of the footbox to the rainfly, sort of like this: ruclips.net/video/-dZLTnUyIBk/видео.html. Then if the rainfly sags, the top of the footbox sags too and (hopefully) there's no contact. Quick q: Were you able to find the same guylines that the tent came with in bulk? I talked to the company back in December and they only had stuff that was several times thicker.
Dylan Raye-Leonard one main reason I made the change was so I can stake out my ground sheet before ever setting up my tent which you couldn’t do before because the stakes would be to far away almost every time for the rain fly to grab with the pre cut lines.so now that the lines are longer and adjustable they can reach out there further and grab those stakes. Which both allows it to get further from the tent wall and be adjusted to the height and tension you want. So it’s like a super fix to a bunch of issues all at once haha. I used line lock 3s which use a 2mm guyline. So I bought the 2mm yellow zline that was on my duplex and replaced the original guys with that. I have personally seen that thin guy snap in high winds so I didn’t trust it under real tension with tensioners anyway. I also found that being able to stretch it properly at the corners that I can remove all the accessory guy outs that are on the fly because you can better control the pitch at the bottom. This all works in my backyard but we’ll see how it holds up on the Pct next week lol
Good feedback and reviews.
Also...regarding the sliding issues...I use a non skid shelf liner to lay on underneath my sleeping pad. It works great and an added bonus if you toss and turn a lot during the night it cuts down on the crinkle noise that the pad against the floor can cause and disturb your camping friends!
The nonskid shelf liner is a great idea. How big of a piece do you use?
@@lindaoverkamp4305 they come in rolls, I use a strip that is almost as long as my sleeping pad. Or you could use 3 smaller ones. Good luck👍🏼
Thanks for the honest feedback on the Duplex. Pretty much every video I see about the Duplex is giving rave reviews of how wonderful it is, and I have only seen a couple people point out the not so great things about it. Yours is the first video I have actually seen where somebody has given up the Duplex to go with another tent.
I had a Duplex on my AT thru hike in 2016, and I love it, but I also had a few issues with it. Most notably, the condensation inside the tent got pretty bad. I'm looking forward to a review of the new tent.
Paul Wetzel absolutely. Sadly I think people feel like zpacks is kind of an untouchable entity and if they say they didn’t like a curtain feature, even if they admit it’s a great product as I do as well, they are afraid they will be chastised lol. I just wanted to share my experience and hope it helped others :). It was a great shelter and hard to sell but it just wasn’t for me
@@AhonuiOutdoors I think that people also may want to make themselves feel better about spending $600 on a tent. There have been times when I may have talked too kindly about an expensive product I purchased for too much money. It was probably because I didn't want to admit that it may not have been a great purchase.
Lol I do believe this could account for a lot of the situation as well haha
Paul Wetzel Loved it but it got you wet. Hmm
The "everyone loves the perfect, almighty zpacks duplex, which must never be criticized" factor reminds me of the cult obsession with Brooks leather bicycle saddles amongst the bicycle touring community. Just because something is a unique design, very expensive, and works well for most people, doesn't mean it's always better than other, cheaper products. Thank you for giving us something to think about before making the $600 plunge into zpacks.
went from my duplex to BA tiger wall for all the same reasons, I wish they made the rainfly in DCF.
would be great idea for a cottage company to offer DCF rainflys for all the most popular tents.
Oh they do, it’s called a carbon, and it’s 1,100 and made of the thinnest dcf on the market 🤣. But im with you. Gotta love dcf for it’s water resistance. They damn sure got that part right. And no sagging
Very thorough, thank you! I just bought the duplex and I'll be sure to look out for the things you mentioned. I'm glad you decided to keep making videos!
Kim McGill enjoy the duplex. It’s a great shelter. Just don’t sleep with anything near your face....... lol. I am glad I decided to as well. Can’t wait for the new trail videos!
That was good. I enjoyed seeing another perspective. I'll be saving this to look at again when I purchase my next tent.
Im glad you were able to find some value in the video :)
Thanks I use a tent as refuge. I have been through 60 mile an hour winds and when rain and snow are involved you really fall in love with the tent when you get through it with no problems.
Ryan Albright I can imagine. I have only been through light rain and wind with this one so far but it held up great. Having used it for 5 night so far what has really made me happy is all the room while doing camp chores. This thing is like a mansion compared to my duplex lol. So much head room
Great video! I just bought the BA solely on its weight and interior space for me and my dog. You've given me so much more info than I had before. Now I feel REALLY good about this purchase. I just subscribed to your channel so I look forward to more. Thanks!
Awesome! I’m glad you found the info so helpful. I hope you enjoy your new tent!
I really enjoyed your detailed analysis of both tents. The details you put forth gave us tent owners lots of things to think about. I look forward to your future report on the UL2 after it has survived several hours of rain in a major storm. Thanks a million!! =)
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the comparison. I too will be anxious to see how it performs in adverse conditions.
I'm glad that you posted this. One problem that a hiker had with the tiger tent between the terminus and 109, with all the wind a guy line broke, apart from that she was very happy with it. I'm 60. My friends mom did the pct in the mid '80s. No ultralight, cell phones or gps. Talk about a strong and brave woman. So far I have leaned more to reliability and practicality than weight although at my age weight is important. Thanks for sharing. I think you made a good choice.
Yeah the guys are very thin for sure. When u added my adjusters I changed the line as well. I believe it will hold better now. Anyone who completed the trail pre gps is nuts haha. Not just because of the gps because that also means trail conditions were intense (no real pcta to keep it maintained) trail towns were minimal, resupply points were further apart, no trail angels or trail magic. People didn’t pick up smelly hikers as often. lol. We have it easy compared to back then. It’s till not easy of corse haha but we have a lot more support and information these days to help us. I’m a much bigger fan of getting my load smaller and closer to my back than I am worried about weight. I try to keep it light but I’m not “worried” about it if you know what I mean. I mainly mention the weights for those who are interested :)
First thing... this is a cracking video. You speak very well, very clear, you're not full of yourself and you're open minded and humble.
Fantastic.
My only minor issue is that the BA has an HH of 1200 which I can assure you that at least here in the UK it quite literally doesn't even qualify (legally) as waterproof. The bare minimum is 1500 and I hardly ever seen any tent with less than 2000. Most are 3000-5000.
High end ones are much more of course.
Consider, though, that Zpacks's fly is either 15,000 or 20,000 depending on the thickness.
So while I really appreciate all your wise comments (they made me think a lot since I'm considering either the Duplex or the Hilleberg Enan) you really can't compare them on the sole merit of the non-floating bottom or the larger vestibule when one is bomb proof and the other, at least here in England, can't even be sold as anything other than 1-season (summer only) tent.
BravingTheOutDoors thank you for the kind words, always good to hear that I am coming across the way I enters too in these videos. I’m for sure no expert. As far as the BA, I can assure you that this tent is waterproof. HH rating or not. I’ve spent many nights in hard rain and hail in this thing since I uploaded this video. Now that being said lol, it in no way holds up to Dyneema when it comes to its ability to shed water. Which I did mention in the video as my biggest hesitation for switching. The material BA and most manufactures use on these shelters are only poly coated. Meaning the fabric can and for sure will absorb water. However as long as it’s well seam sealed the water will not come through. Dyneema is naturally waterproof and does not need any sort of coating. Not only will water not come through dyneema, it won’t absorb water at all either. Just shake that sucker off and the water goes flying. Can’t beat that for even a second. But when the only thing a shelter has going for it (for my particular style) is it’s fabric, lacking in design for comfort and it cost $600. It leaves to much to be desired. Plus as with any single wall tent, condensation is so nuts inside that thing that even though I didn’t get wet from rain I couldn’t stay dry inside from so much build up inside the tent. Aaallllll that being said, I’m working on making a dyneema groundsheet and rainfly for this shelter to get the best of both worlds. So if your interested in that stick around! Lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors That's great to hear but I've learned the hard way - there is rain and then there is rain.
I completely believe you of course but I had the mountain equipment hammer head 3 which I was assured is bomb proof water proof.
Maybe it is in some countries but it sure is not in the lake district (wettest place in the world excluding monsoon season in the east) where rain drops are the size of shotgun bullets.
That was a trip ruined and a lesson learned.
Very difficult for me to trust tents now.
After that I just bought the Hilleberg Staika which is as bomb proof as it gets but hardly light weight and costs a fortune.
I just can't seem to decide whether to give Zpacks a try or go for the Enan.
The prospect of dyneema getting dry quickly is quite appealing. Kerlon takes hours to dry.
And don't worry... I've subscribed.
Cheers.
BravingTheOutDoors in the world of backpacking we for sure get wrapped up in weight over function. I must say that I would not recommended this tent for anyone under the conditions you described lol. Or any other lightweight backpacking tent for that matter. Dyneema is definitely the name of the game for water proof ability but it sounds to me like in your case you’ll have to sacrifice weight to get something that can truly stand up to some brutal forces.
I appreciate the honest feedback about both tents and they way you listed pros and cons. Are you planning to do a longer term review or a update on if you're still happy with this tent?
Zach Locks for sure. I have sadly neglected my backpacking and this channel for the better part of 6 months due to my business unexpectedly taking off. I plan to get back out there and post more video for those who are still interested after such a long absence haha
@@AhonuiOutdoors sounds good. I was on the fence about sticking with a freestanding tent or to try out the trekking pole kind and you helped sway me back to freestanding
I just bought the Tiger Wall 2 after much deliberation and consideration of other lightweight tents. This reinforces my choice while giving a sobering review of its limitations. Thank you!
The problem I had with my BA came in a real downpour and despite staking it very well I got wet when the two walls touched. Whew! The duplex resolved that problem and I sold my BA. Strange how preferences are so different for each of us. Good review.
Perry Rush yeah I can definitely see this being an issue. But with my adjustable guyline modification, I can pull my flu so tight I didn’t have this problem and I have spend more nights in the rain with this tent than not haha. Colorado was a rainy place lol
Hello my hiking friend, it is good to see another one of your videos. Looks like you made a good decision regarding your new Big Agnes tent. Have fun with your Son on your upcoming backpacking trip. Be safe out there. 🤗
Ronald Rose thank you and I agree. Will do! He’s very excited and wishes it was this weekend haha
I had the same problem with my Zpacks Plexamid. Crazy condensation and the toe box of my sleeping bag always being wet from touching the walls. Had to wrap the toe box in a raincoat or garbage bag.
For sure. I just feel like for that money, you shouldn’t be getting wet. Condensation or otherwise, you know?
Those steep sidewalls are nice. That's what I'm looking for in my next tent. Also a current Duplex owner. Looking for something with better clearance for the face and feet. If BA comes out with more DCF I'll be looking at them and the DCF Tarptents. I hope they become less expensive over time. Best of luck with the new tent. Thanks for the look.
Adam Holbrook agreed. If they come out with a suitable dcf I may be out a pretty penny lol. But for now I’ll just modify this one ;) thanks for reaching out. Good luck with your tent search
Great review. Hadn't thought about the potential problems with the floating floor of the ZPacks tent. Thanks.
Steven Ascherl I’m sure that particular issue doesn’t bother thousands of people who use the duplex. Just combined with the other reasons I switched it was definitely on the list for the switch haha
Interesting outlook.. I've thought about getting a Duplex tent, even though I use a hammock system.. If nothing else but to cut weight! But listening to this video, I will stick with a free-standing tent if I go back to that from time to time.Thanks fir the info, Hoobilly...
Hoobilly Indiana's The Video Stump glad I could give you some insight. The duplex would definitely help you cut weight from your hammock but for the rare occasions being used it would be a good chunk of change haha
I listened to you very carefully here, and you did a great job explaining differences. I think that a tent that does not behave as a shelter ie you stay dry, and out of the wind, is NOT worth a nickel. I don't care if it costs $10,000.00. Your new tent looks awesome to me. By the way I lived 6 months straight in a walmart tent with a $5.00 tarp over it. Dry as a bug in torential downpours. And I carried something far heavier then that for over 1,000 miles. Not a setup for the AT I suppose. Your discussion of how you may modify this tent and the reasons, was educational. Thanks.
use what works for you right? haha. I agree. There are areas I am not willing to sacrifice when it comes to my shelter. In 20 degrees I cant have my quilt getting wet lol. Im not UL by any stretch nor do I really care to be. But I will drop weight where I can as long as it doesnt mean sacrificing stability.
Thanks for you video. I am considering buying a new tent now that I've retired. Because of back problems I'm looking to lower the weight of my backpacking setup as much as practical (and comfortable). Since I will probably be using trekking poles more often the additional weight to the Duplex setup is not that great of a concern. However, you brought up other areas to consider as well. So I made some spreadsheets to help weigh the options (pun not intended) comparing the Duplex, Tiger Wall, and Copper Spur. Tents have sure come a long way from my canvas pup tent I started with some 50+ years ago. Thanks again for your video. Oh, for the Duplex floating floor I think putting a marble in each corner on the inside tying onto it from the outside may help secure the floor while being removable for resale.
theslowwalker I can for sure understand your concern. A lot of hints to think about when buying a new tent: and you will definitely not ever have to go back to canvas haha. Although a good waxes canvas is sure sturdy! The marble idea would definitely be an option for people not worried about weight. When you are talking about a duplex, the main reason it doesn’t have guy ours on the floor is to keep it a 21oz tent. So for someone like you or I that would be a great solution that I did not think of. Although the a frame and single wall thing definitely will get me every time. Especially now that I’ve used my mansion in California, Colorado and Texas. I don’t think I could ever go back! Lol good luck with your search!
Great review man! The "non-stake-abilty" of the floor is something I never even thought of!!! The ability of the wind blowing the tent floor up has never happened to me but I can TOTALLY see that happening!!! I too place items from my pack in the corners to keep it from blowing but you're right about a huge gust having the ability to fling those items right up! From now on, I'm definitely going to pay attention to the winds direction and place my sleeping pad on the leading edge and hope the wind doesn't lift my ass up!!! 🤣 Again, thanks for the video!!!
RESTLESS OUTDOORS haha thanks man. Yeah I’m sure this was an incredible fluke, but mixed with the other personal issues I had with the duplex design, it was just a final nail situation haha. I do miss dyneema though. I will be excited to make my new fly for this tiger wall!
This is the first of your videos that I've watched and I like what I'm hearing so I subscribed. Even though you've said it wasn't a real review because you haven't actually used the tent in wet, rainy, windy conditions yet you did describe the problems that you have with a single wall tent and the possible problems that you see in the future with the tie outs in this tent. It gives us a lot to think about when purchasing a tent for a long distance hike. I've only section hiked and have the BA UL1P. Bought that because of price and weight (just over 2 lbs.) and I, personally don't need all the extra room that a 2 person tent has (although the headroom alone is a big selling point to me - or would be for a longer distance hike). I'll come back later when you've totally tested this tent out. Thanks for the info. Enjoy your hike with your son this weekend.
Thank you for checking out my video. Im glad you liked this one and felt it was worthy of a subscription. I plan on bringing some pretty awesome stuff to the channel soon both from on and off the trail. That doesnt sound like a bad set up at all. I like the extra room personally. I like to drag all my crap in with me at night haha. Plus when my son goes with me we both fit quite well. Until he outgrows me that is haha. He is very excited for next weekend. I will be uploading a video of that trip for sure!
@@AhonuiOutdoors My pleasure. Thanks for posting them. I travel alone, always, so no need for a 2 person. I also have room for my gear (really only backpack and camera gear) inside my tent. I left my boots and poles in the vestibule. I like that area, too and you don't get that with a single walled tent. Plus, it helps that I'm not claustrophobic as I think, most people are. The tighter the space I'm sleeping in the more comfortable I am. Weird but true. I don't move around a lot (side sleeper) when I'm sleeping. Eager to see how your trip goes. Have a safe time and Happy Easter. Per comment below I am comparing specs (weight, space, price) on the Copper Spur, Fly Creek, and Tiger Wall. May change to a 2p if I do a longer distance hike because of the higher chance of bad weather (I was section hiking, flip-flopping, and had my car within a 40 - 50 mile radius so I actually got off trail at one point due to bad weather and slept in the car for a couple of rainy days. Continuous rain has always done me in even when car camping). A larger tent with more room may help with that if I decide to do a LASH.
Perfect video! Thank you! I have had my Tigerwall Ul2 for a year now and LOVE it. But I have been going back and forth about investing in the Tigerwall Dyneema or Zpacks to shave some ounces. This video helped me realize it just wouldn't be worth it. Thanks again!
im very glad you found this video helpful. I do not want to sway anyone away from a shelter that they may love but I definitely want to give my opinion after having put over 150 miles on the duplex. Just as some added resource for people before they make a decision, no matter which way they decide to go :). However, I would definitly wait on the BA Carbon series. I do believe they have much more work and research to do before they are ready to work with Dyneema haha.
@@AhonuiOutdoors Agreed, I just got excited! I am not very kind to my gear. Having to babysit my tent would result in lots of frustration hah!
I got rid of my solplex for the same reason; foot box of sleeping bag kept wetting out on tent wall
pgreenx I feel like it happens more than people will admit lol
Ahonui Outdoors no one ever talks about it. Thanks and good luck on the hike
Amazing honest review. No shilling, he even says framed tent instead of reciting brand of his tent. For a new customer finding video like this is great(I am not new and I am using Chinese options, but people tent to shove too much money on crap items)
Vidmantas Aurelijus Bielskus thank you. I try to be as non bias towards any one piece of gear as I can while still explaining my personal opinion on how specific gear works for me. I just want stuff that works for my style. And of other people have a style like me, maybe it will work for them too :)
Awesome comparison. I bought a Duplex because that’s what all the cool kids are doing but I’ve encountered many of the things you mentioned. I’m not sure I’m ready to switch but I appreciate the thoughtful reasons you did.
Andy Beecham the duplex definitely has its appeal and demands your attention lol. Many many people are happy with their plex tents and for good reason. But after using this ba for about 10 nights on trail, I’m incredibly happy with my decision to switch.
Yep, I've got a Big Agnes UL 2 . Can not wait to get it out this summer! 😁👍🏕.
Im very excited to put it to use!
I went back and forth between the Duplex and the Tiger Wall UL2 Platinum for months. You made me feel much better about my decision to purchase the BA. I haven’t taken it out for a “test drive” yet, but I know I’ll prefer a freestanding tent. Thanks!
NaLona Brato glad I helped ease your mind haha. I haven’t slept in it yet but i have set it up a dozen times and I love it so far. I very much love the extra room and my door not being obstructed by the pole
Ahonui Outdoors k
Awesome practical insights.. just what we need to hear before dropping the big $'s on a zpacks tent.
For sure. It can be a great shelter. It really all just depends on your wants and needs. Was t a fit for me haha
You make some excellent points that I have not heard anywhere else! I'm sorry I'm only able to give this video one thumbs up... good job!
Bart Owen lol thank you for the effort to express your feelings towards my video lol. I’m glad you liked it. I just finished my guy out modifications today. Now I have to figure out how to somehow make that into an interesting video pol
So I bought the TW UL2 when it first came out. I have been using it for a little over a year. What you said hit the nail on the head. My biggest issue with the tent are the guy lines on the footprint are longer that the lines on the tent body. This makes the footprint not as taunt as I personally like. Second, is the guy lines for the corners on the foot-end of the rainfly also don't match up perfectly to the tent body to provide the correct gap between the mesh and the fly when wet and starts to droop. My solution is to simply carry 2 more stakes to stake down the foot-end fly corners independently. Yes, it's more weight but I don't like to modify the tent and it gives you the opportunity to really get a better pitch when on uneven ground and/or if the soil get too saturated. Also, if it is not rainy and happens to be windy it gives me the option to utilize other tie-out points. Or if i need hang something from a tree or any other unforeseen circumstance.
Lipscomb Connor sounds like you’ve got your setup down to a science :). I myself love to modify and have already done so haha. I’ll let you guys know how it works
@@AhonuiOutdoors Please do. Also, if you're into the cowboy camping thing, try the FastFly setup with just the rainfly + footprint.👌
Mr. A: Thank you so much about your testimonial on your Duplex. I was considering taking that leap to a Duplex, but may now look at a 1 person freestanding tent instead. I love my REI Quarter Dome 2, but with the foot print I am at 3 lbs. Ouch. Keep up the good work.
Jeffrey Rule the duplex is still a great option just not for everyone. No one piece of gear will ever be perfect for every single user out there. I do think some people for left it is ok for a good piece of gear to not work for some people but still be a GOOD piece of gear you know? Lol I had a buddy using the NEMO hornet 1p on the pct. he liked the tent but the 1p thing was a little much for him ahah he would have gone with the 2p had his not been free lol
Some one should start making dyneema rain flies for some of these more popular tents :-)
Hangs4Fun I plan to make my own for this one. I even have the dyneema already I just haven’t done it yet lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors good luck. DCF is fun to work with. Just make sure you reinforce the obvious places with and extra piece on the opposite side and stitch through all layers and seam seal those reinforced points. All the rest of working with DCF is just cutting and taping (use a cutting board with sharp rotary blade unless you have a hot knife) good luck and enjoy :-)
Hangs4Fun - Big Agnes has a line. They’re a joke though because they decided to use insanely thin dyneema. If they would have used the same thickness at Zpacks and other makers, I’d have already bought one.
SlyGuy yeah it’s called the carbon. And I agree completely on all accounts
@@BacktotheOutdoors thanks. I guess one could always order the same thickness DCF and use the existing rain-fly as a template
Really good review, you brought up points I wouldn’t have thought of, such as the free floating floor and strong wind blowing around gear inside. Good job, subscribed~
Goat Locker _ Hike, Bike & Dive thank you. Like I say, as far as the floor, that is probably so unlikely and I was probably incredibly unlucky but after all the other things that I didn’t like about the design, that was kinda just the last straw haha
Thank you for such a well thought out review. Wish other posters offering opinions and reviews would put the same amount of time and effort into their reviews or just not post at all and clog up YT with their "I love my tent. I like it much better than x model" without supporting their data
Dale Trayner lol I’m glad I could help. I spent a really long time researching and testing my equipment and I felt it fair to share the info with all of you. Maybe it could save you guys some hassle or even just give your some info about a popular shelter that no one else seams to give. Even if that info doesn’t steer you away from the duplex because it won’t bother you, you at least know about it before buying it. My intention is to give my experience, not steer anyone to or away from a curtain product. So I’m glad you found the info useful.
Also. Good to see you posting. Be sure to update us on the Easter camp out with your son.
John Eason definitely. He will be making his RUclips debut on Thursday showing off his gear
It's refreshing to see someone explain why they went from a Duplex to a silnylon tent. Most go to a dyneema tent and never look back. Great explanations. I agree with a lot of what you say. I just received the Dan Durston Xmid which, in my opinion, is the best trekking pole supported tent design out there.
I mostly hammock camp though. I really like my hammock setup and silpoly tarp. Silpoly is superior to silnylon - it doesn't sag
Jay S it’s true. It was a touch decision as I love dyneema but there are other comforts I loved more haha. I wish they made my tent out of syl poly if they aren’t going to use a solid dyneema
@@AhonuiOutdoors Yes, silpoly would make it an even more excellent lightweight freestanding tent. I like hammocking too much to use tents on a regular basis. I have a tent for areas where a hammock can't be used.
Ya, I should get a dyneema tarp for my hammock. Even better than silpoly
Jay S they are expensive but it would be worth it I can assure you lol. Nothing like just shaking the water off and stuffing the tarp away with no worries. Of corse drying it is still beneficial but it’s not a Dyer need. I tend to hike a lot of places where I can’t hang a hammock. Plus I don’t really like the idea of having to have 2 quilts in the cold. (Everything has its ups and downs) that’s why I don’t understand all the people saying “you should do this or you have to do this” those fraises shouldn’t even exist in the backpacking community lol. It’s just to personal for such things
@@AhonuiOutdoors Ya, I am thinking about buying the Dan Durston Xmid DCF version when it comes out. It's supposed to be lighter and more roomy than the plexamid. Plus it is easier to setup
Best video on tents I have seen so far.
Very nice video and analysis. Love my Zpacks tents still and just distribute gear to deal with the free floating floor issue but understand the concern. Lots of great information to think about. Thank you!
Dave Somers for sure. The duplex is a very well built shelter. If it were only the floor issue I would still have it. Combined with the condensation problem (of all single walls not just a duplex specific problem) and the other wants I had from a shelter that it couldn’t provide, it just ended up not being for me. There is a reason there are thousands of the duplex out there and it’s not all just because of a name. Though that is a factor lol
Great points man! Too bad the duplex didn't work out for you though. I thought about buying one too eventually but haven't yet. I do like this tiger wall tent, very well thought out! I personally love one man free standing double wall dome style tents too! Weight is not that big of issue to me either when it comes to my tent everything else i try to go as lightweight as i can. My all time favorite tent is a u.s military low profile free standing dome tent by ORC called the ICS (Improved Combat Shelter). It is in acu camo which may be a problem for some people but it is an amazing little tent! 4 season aswell and 110% waterproof if there is such a thing lol. Performs beautifully in all weather conditions! Super durable and super fast and easy tent setup. Weight is a bit much for some at 5lb but packs fairly small and for a 4 season tent thats not too bad in my opinion. Can get the weight even lower to about 4.75lb. with lighter weight tent stakes and removal of a few repair kit items. I own two of these tents and would recommend them to anyone!! This tent does it all and will last for years!! Price ranges on ebay new are around $100-$200 give or take. They sold originally on orc's website for $399 so they are not cheaply made by an means. Hike on!!
Question about your experience with the ICS. I've done a few field exercises with the Navy Seabees and we used something called the TCOP, which was a one-man dome tent. I think made by Eureka? It was a real POS and leaked terrible bad. Then again, just about any tent would leak at Camp Shelby Mississippi where the rain never seems to stop. I hope the ICS was better than the TCOP.
Interesting. Currently $300 new on Amazon, with lots of cheaper used options. Looks strong, like it would last you through a war ... which is what it was designed to do ;-). But half the space for twice the weight of the duplex or tiger wall, unfortunately.
Love to hear the counterpoints to single wall, floating floor tents with a trekking pole in the middle of the doors. Good job!
Thank you, all shelters have their ups and downs for sure. Just gotta find what works best for us right? Lol
Agree. Took my Duplex on the JMT and other local trips. I decided yesterday that I’m going back to my OG Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
Definitely something to be said for poles. My son and I are currently attempting the Pct again as we speak. Just made it to idylwild. We’re carrying the copper spur ul2 full free standing and I don’t think I’ll ever go back lol
Thanks for making this video and sharing your views. I have several free standing backpacking tents and had been considering the zpack tents and others like it. I can see you have good clear logic and reasoning . I think I will continue on with free standing tents and stand clear of the duplex style tents. Thanks again.
I’m glad you found my onsite useful. My intention is never to turn anyone away from a tent they may love, just to give my experience so people can make their choice with insights from all angles you know. This stuff isn’t cheep
@@AhonuiOutdoors you got that right. The best value tent I've found so far is the hyke&byke zion 2p and with a $20 discount code comes out to $80. They even include the footprint , gear loft and a lifetime guarantee. Also since I was in the air Force I got hooked with expert voice and get excellent discounts on gear and tents at on a average of 35 to 40% off. My lightest tent so far is the nemo hornet 2p.
I love BA tents. I've had a Copper Spur on my wishlist for quite a while now. I'll have to take a look at the Tiger wall. Awesome review and it solidified my leaning towards a free/semi free standing tent.
Joe Shawcroft thank you I’m glad you found this video helpful. The copper spur is for sure an awesome option as well. I just didn’t quite need the full free standing tent personally. Although, if my wife starts coming with my son and I I may look at the viper spur ul3 for all of us since my wife and I can split the load.
Wish you would update your review of your Lite AF pack.
I can do that. I wasnt sure if anyone would be interested in a new review on that one just yet with the mileage it has on it. Once the hiking season is over this year (I should have over 500 miles on it by then) I will do a 500 mile review of my pack.
Very good review. I have the copper spur and never wanted a dyneema tent to save weight. I do have a Hyper light dyneema tarp and a sea to summit light weight tarp. I prefer the sea to summit because it blocks the sun for shade and is also super light. Plus it was way cheaper.
Thank you, There are so many great options with gear and combinations of gear to taylor fit our individual needs and wants on the trail. It makes the whole process that much better knowing we have so many amazing options :O
I’ve done the upgrades You have mentioned and they work great. I’ve also put adjusters on my ground sheet tie outs to keep it tight.
Perry Kerr very nice. The adjustments sure make it easy to set up and keep tight. I also found in crazy heavy rain you can tighten even more if you have the slack, once the rain soles in a bit to your rain fly, and it makes the fly super taught you keep any condensation off of tour bug net. Though there’s a really generous gap already so I haven’t run into a condensation issue even once with this tent yet.
Excellent review, and I especially like your 'real life' weight comparison. 👍
Oh, I hope you have a fantastic time with your son. 🏕. Happy Easter 🐇🐣!
Thank you, I will be uploading a video of that endeavor :). I will be trying to bring many of the "real life" reviews to the channel as I gain more experience with my gear :)
I'm interested in seeing how you do the adjusters on the Tigerwall....as it's my only concern with this tent, that's been holding me off from buying it...
Awesome first impression .. definitely the choice I would make if I had to pick one of the 2 .. at least the floor won't attack your son on his first backpacking adventure 😁
HAHA luckily had he been there he would have held the rest of the floor down. But im glad he will not be under such pressure on his first trip lol
I hope you’ll be making a video of your Easter trip with your son. Will your son be in the BA tent with you or does he have his own tent? I’m currently in debate with myself whether to get 2 seperate tents for me and my son for our trip in July or just the one & share.
Miss Lux 4X4 I will for sure be making a video of that trip :). For now we will be sharing this tent. Down the line if he gets more into backpacking I’ll get him his own.
I am also taking my son on his first backpacking trip over Easter weekend. That's awesome! Where are you guys going?
Brandon Lenenski nice! That’s funny haha. We’ll be hiking the C-4 nature trail in east Texas
@@AhonuiOutdoors We are going to do the Butterfield hiking trail out of Devil's Den State Park in NW Arkansas.
Very cool, I hope it is everything you hope it to be!
Thankx bro. These considerations are professional and derived from field experience. 👍👍
Glad tobhelp
Great run down. I just bought the Tiger Wall 2 platinum. Can't wait to get it out on the trail!
Brian Zeller nice! I like the high walls on the recluse tiger wall. Can’t wait to get out there either. Couple more days!
I purchased the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 tent. Look close to this one in your video. I seen your clip about you guy line modifications and like it. I plan to do the same. Just curious, my tent has adjustable tentioners. Maybe that's new to this model compared to yours. So maybe I don't need them... Well, for the rain fly any way. I plan to do it for the tent and your double hook door hooks to, which I though was a great idea as I didn't like how the tent vestibule doors work. Come out to the Tetons, and I'll show you around. Thanks.
For sure. I have the copper spur ul3 and it’s a free standing tent so it has 4 pole corners. Which means they have tensioners on all corners like you were saying so I didn’t have to modify that one accept for the doors. I looooove that door modification lol.
The TW UL2 is now available in dyneema! One minor issue, It will set you back $1000 at REI. I also own a TW UL2 (not dyneema), and I just ordered a footprint, primarily for easier set up. The floor is definitely very thin on this tent. Recommend a footprint of some kind, Tyvek, Polycrow, something to help protect your $400 investment. I have to say, I prefer a free standing tent (I also own a BA Rattlesnake 2) but the weight reduction of the TW is significant over the rattlesnake. I'm hoping the footprint makes setup a bit easier, and helps keep the floor taught, particularly at the bottom where the center pole tends to elongate the tent causing the sides (at the bottom) to pull in.
Great review, you talked me out of the duplex and into making my marmot 3p work. Free standing is the way to go I think.
Free standing for sure has its ups and downs. As far as the duplex goes, I think your choice has more ups than downs lol.
This was a really good review. Best I've seen actually.
I’m glad to hear that and hope it was helpful to you. I got a lot of backlash on this one for saying anything negative about the duplex haha. Great shelter, just not for me.
Great job. I look forward to hearing how the Easter hike went and how the tent performed on the trail.
Thank you. I am too haha especially with my new guyline modifications!
I have the tiger wall. My feet usually get wet, it’s very humid where I am. I plan on adding the tensioners on the foot by the time I take it out next.
bavarian11788 this is the first I’m hearing of that particular situation. This is why I’m really enjoying the RUclips thing. I get to hear from so many people who have used the stuff I’m playing with. Lucky for my I will be installing all my new guy outs with tensioners today before I ever take it out for the first time haha. Hope it works out for you to add them as wel
Just purchased a Lanshan 2. Great price and functionality. Seems popular in Europe will give this a try .
I actually thought about that too because it has guy outs on the floor and is double wall. Fixed two big issues I had with the duplex. I just picked up a durston xmid 2p v2 and man, it’s freakin awesome. My son and I will be taking it with us for our Pct thru hike in 23!
Thank you. I'm planning an AT thru hike in 2021 and I'm in the market for a tent. This "first look" was a very helpful comparison between the dyneema and traditional nylon tents.
Star Mountain Outdoors & Bushcraft no problem. I’m glad you found it informative. Good luck on your thru hike prep
Good analyses . . . How do you set up this tent in the rain without the inside getting soaked seeing that the fly is separate?
John I’ll be honest with you man. It doesn’t matter what tent you have. You set it up in the rain. The inside is getting wet. And I can speak from experience using a single wall tent on many rainy nights. However. Some tent manufacturers are making their tents almost like tarps that you set up first and then hang the inter tent after your all nice and tucked out of the rain. Which I think hyperlite mnt fear has done and that’s really cool. Now all that being said. I have the ground sheet that is made for this tent meaning I can set up the fly and ground sheet without the inner tent, and the other day i successfully set the fly up and hen got inside it and set up the inner tent. Can’t wait to try that one in a real life situation haha I’ll keep you guys updated on that crazy endeavor lol
Thanks. Very complete analysis. Very good and helpful. Too many are just sales pitches.
albert thank you. Of course. I don’t want to bash any company or oversell another. I would just like to share my experiences and show what I’ve done to adjust along the way :)
Very good video of the tent and the reasons why you switched. I was seriously looking at the Zpacks Duplex but the weight difference is not that great to this one. I'll look more into this tent before deciding. John
There are definitely a lot of great options out there, both single and double wall. Trekking pole and framed. SO so many great pieces of gear for us to fine tune our style with. Its the beauty of the internet. We get to watch everyone else play with stuff before we buy it haha.
Great review, never been a single wall set up myself, just cuz the condensation issues. I would take a little extra weight for comfort and stability. This was first time watching, and earned a subscribe just for your insight and views of the things that matter. Im a bike packer and still appreciate keeping the weight down as a whole.
Colin Crow agreed. I like the idea of single wall and I’m a HUGE fan of dyneema as a material. But over all I’m just a big guy. I needed a little more room without worry that I was going to touch my down quilt on the wall and soak it in condensation. I haven’t been on trial in over a year now but I still do not regret my shelter change decision and can’t wait to get out there again.
Can't wait to see the customisations you're making, as I'm looking at BA tents for next summer. Hope to see a new vid soon. Keep up the good work!
J Mal thank you. I’m going to be doing a dyneema ground sheet first. Cheaper haha then I’ve got a fly in mind. Many many more videos to come :)
@@AhonuiOutdoors I'm also interested to know why Tiger Wall and not Fly Creek or Copper Spur. AFAIK they are all in the same weight range +- 200g/7oz
J Mal fly creek was the single, end style entry and the copper spur is a free standing (more pole sections and takes up more pack space) plus was 50 bucks more lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors Makes sense. Thanks for reply.
J Mal no problem
Great thoughtful review. Tents are about compromise, there is no perfect tent.
Agreed. There is no perfect tent, but there is a perfect tent for you.
i went from a ba scout to this tent. the scout is lite but the t wall is great in all ways. I love it.
I've used a Duplex since 2014 in the Wyoming and Montana Rockies, three season. I'm sold. I've been backpacking since 1957, and I've tried tube tents, A frame tents, Oval Intention, VE-24, VE-25, Black Diamond Betamid and then Betalite, Marmot Taku, Marmot Burrow, Divine Light, TarpTent Contour, Go-Lite tarp setup, and several more. I have a Duplex for 1 person and a Triplex for 2 person, and I no longer shop for tents. These are perfect for me.
Exactly the reason so many tents exist. What works for you failed for me. This does not by any means say that the tent is "bad" or is "flawed", simply because it did not work for me. There are thousands of these tents out there with thousands of happy users and they are quite well constructed from a great material. I was not necessarily an unhappy user, so much as there were things I wanted, and didnt want, from my shelter that made the duplex a poor fit for me personaly.
Just wondering is the duplex big enough for two or due you need the larger size. For some reason tent companies seem to say the tent is made for two when its really for one comfortably. I have a BA three person tent and its fine for me and my daughter but not really three people. Thanks
Scott Gibson I think generally you are going to find that a two person tent is going to be more for one full size human and their gear. This rings true for the duplex as well. I wouldn’t have minded sharing it with my 7 year old son. With my wife it would have been tight and we would have to keep all of our gear in the vestibules. So yeah you can fit two full people in it but it’d you want the comfort I would spring for he triplex personally
@@AhonuiOutdoors Thanks for the information, its its greatly appreciated. Enjoy that ultra light tent.
Scott Gibson no problem, thank you
I did the exact same thing. My Tri plex sets on a shelf. Wish I could sell. My partner and I share the extra weight of the Tiger wall 3-p. The wet foot box issue- we had this problem with the Tigerwall as well, I think next time I will leave the foot box in my dry bag that should solve that issue if I don’t kick it off during the night. I have used the Tigerwall 1000 miles and have been through all weather situations and stayed dry as long as your bag doesn’t touch the wall. Don’t skimp on the footprint to save weight. You’ll appreciate in a storm
Cons on Zpacks- extreme glare, condensation, splash, radiates heat in the sun, cost. Pros weight only
Lol I’m glad to hear I wasn’t the only one with these issues. Never had the problem with my tiger wall. I not only have the footprint but bought the bike packing footprint that extends into the vestibules to keep your gear off the wet dirt lol. I have since picked up the durston xmid 2p v2 and that’s what my done and I will be using this year for our Pct thru hike.
Really good tech advice. You are good at what you do.
This was a really excellent video. I have a MSR Hubba 1 which I love, but admittedly, I'd like more room and less weight. I've really been eyeing both the Pleximid and Duplex, but you highlighted and reminded me of the things I love about a freestanding tent.
rkatrails the duplex for sure has its place and is a great tent for thousands of people out there. Just wasn’t for me. That’s the glory of all the different options out there :)
Just a thought, if you don’t want the floor to free float , can’t you use some Zpacks loops with Dyneema patches ?they sell them for custom diy. Put them on the corners of the floor ,reach under the tent sides and use 4 ti shepherd stakes to stake it down. Very light, very strong , very easy. I know it is only one of your gripes. But it seems an easy fix .
Danny Slaughter I did mention adding guy outs to the floor in this video and that I didn’t want to modify it in any way in case I did end up wanting to sell it for the various other reasons that this tent didn’t work out for me
I’m sorry, I did not catch that. Thank you for the insightful video.
Danny Slaughter no worries. 16 min talking RUclips videos are hard to follow 😂
Looking forward to the review of the BA once you get to try it out
Jodi J me too! Haha. It’s almost ready
I realize this is an older video but are you still using this tent? Im currently looking at it? Rei's reviews are showing that it leaks a good bit.
Hey. I don’t use this tent anymore but only because I gave in and went full free standing. Its worth the few extra oz for me lol. But honestly I spent more nights in the rain in this tent than any I’ve owned and it held up great. It is a sil nylon fabric so it does absorb water and weight when wet so you definitely have to dry it out well, but this is common amongst a lot of popular brands. Only reason I could see it leaking is if they possibly had poorly taped seems from a lot of use (starting to fail), or something like that. But that’s a problem with any well used shelter. So long story short, I love this tent. I still have it and I would still definitely recommend it if your going with a semi free standing. I personally moved to the copper spur UL1 for by myself, and UL2 for when my son is with me.
Love the talk about the tent. I was between this and a few others. I ended up going with the Fly creek UL2 HV for the slightly less weight factor. But I agree with you, Free standing is where its at.
Jonathan Isak very nice. I looked at the fly creeks as well. I prefer the double door and vestibule thing for when I actually have a second person with gear with me. Just a little easier to maneuver and more coverage for gear outside the mesh. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these lines of shelter honestly. I’ve spend 5 nights in this one now and it’s like a mansion lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors makes more sense for a two person with the double door and vestibules. I use mine as a large single or share it with my husky who is my only hiking buddy typically. Agreed that there entire line is awesome. might consider the tiger wall if the wife decided to want to start coming out with me.
Jonathan Isak I wish my dog would hike with me haha. I know he would stay with me hiking I don’t trust him not to run off at night or destroy me tent if he slept inside it with me lol
I've owned the Fly Creek UL2 for a few years and I am looking at this tent because I hate climbing out of the entrance. A side entry is so much easier to navigate.I like to store my gear in either the vestibule or inside my tent.Storing it in the Fly creek Vestibule is a pain because you have to climb over it to get out. I know it's heavier but it's so much more convenient.
Shannon Andrea I am right there with you on all accounts lol
Thx for your review. I was hesitating on the duplex and now i know it's not for me.
Im glad I could help. I hope I just rang clear hesitations you were already having and didnt sway you against something you wanted. I definitely never want that to be the case from any of my videos :)
I too was hesitating on the Duplex, and now I too know it’s not for me. Thanks for the review! This seals it for me! I’ll stick with my MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 even tho it weighs 3lbs 14oz. The things you don’t like in the experience, I don’t like them either! I don’t think I’d like Zpacks, despite the weight savings.
JMG 1249 the weight savings are nice and the pack size is decent but really it’s that waterproof dyneema that makes the duplex awesome. I am working on remedying that for this tiger wall ;). Glad I was able to give you some insite before you bought one :).
I debated back and forth for two years as I knew I was going to have to change out from my 4 1/2 pound Kelty 3 person. I ended up ordering the Zpacks triplex as I usually hike and camp with my wife so I need the extra space. I like the “waterproof” aspect of CF, but time will tell on the floating floor. I do like the possible increase in durability with dyneema. Great video, thank you.
It’s so easy to sort the floating floor. Just attach sticky tie downs to the corners and issue resolved.
As for sliding - that can happen with any tent - use a gossamer mat and you won’t slip.
For sure. Individual issues can all be resolved. But given all the issues combined, I didn’t feel paying the asking price for the tent was worth it to have to modify so much, add extra weight to fix issues, and have issues I can’t fix like condensation soaking my gear. They have since made an xl version that would probably suit me better as a taller hiker and not leave me touching the walls, but I just found better options for me. I actually picked up a durston xmid 2p v2 and it solved all the problems I had with the duplex, the sagging issue I had with the tiger wall, and was half the price. So I think I’ve found my sweet spot.
So where exactly did you add your adjustable guy lines? I made 10 up (I had 10 small adjuster clips) and wondered how many I actually need. Thanks Maybe a short video showing the tent set up with the additional lines?
jldrdotcom I’ve got a video about the guylines coming out next Thursday. I made some for the toe end of the tent that has to be staked and the same two spots on the fly plus new guys for the vestibule doors.
I have the tiger wall 3 (use it for 2 persons). So far it is great. My biggest problem is the fabric always getting stuck in the zippers. Also it is harder to set up or take down a double wall in the rain without getting water inside.
You know that is one key point I forgot to mention in this video was that zipper sticking. I plan on making a dyneema fly for this tent and forgoing the zippers lol. I dont find it any more difficult to set up or take down in the rain. 1 or 2 walls both suck in that situation lol. Never really understood that particular "argument" for single wall tents. I can attest to many nights setting up a duplex in the rain that SUCKED lol. But it wasnt the tents fault. Funny enough, I have the ground sheet made for this tent so it is capable of being pitched fly only. I was able to set up the ground sheet and the fly fully staked out and then pitch the tent while underneath the fly. Of course you would still be wet from having been in the rain but now your floor is only wet because you are and not from being rained on haha. Well see if i can pull of the same maneuver under fire!
@@AhonuiOutdoors Rain is no fun no matter what. I guess I should try it fly first and see if I can manage it. My other tent is a lightheart gear solong 6 and I find it easier to manage in the rain.
Interesting.. Have been looking at the duplex for quite a while. It not being freestanding* is a big reason I haven't got it. Good point on the condensation issue. Definetly interested in this tent.
I would hate to sway you from the duplex. It really is a great shelter. But there are definitely a lot of factors to consider and this is just what I have found to be the case for me. Can’t wait to use the big Agnes :)
I couldn't agree MORE, on each of your "annoyances", plus the whole $$ issue! Great video!
James Johnson thank you. I’m quite happy with my decision. Especially after having a chance to use my new shelter on trail. It’s like a mansion!
@@AhonuiOutdoors also, great "trade-off analysis" on each weight issue. Adjustable guys are crucial in the wind, too.
James Johnson agreed. I made new guy lines a couple weeks back. They work very very well. I was even able to set up on a wooden platform haha
@@AhonuiOutdoors Your choice IS a mansion by comparison. When you want a castle, try Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack - Ultralight Bike-Packing Tent, 2 Person, Gray/Orange www.amazon.com/dp/B07MR56P23/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rfY0Cb0ENME66 - making sure to include Mtn Glo LED lighting ... no need to search for headlamp in the dark!
Great looking tent for sure! I personally just didnt need a true free standing tent nor did I really want to add a whole extra pound on top of the tiger wall. I am however looking into different free standing UL3's for when my wife and son both want to go. Best part is my wife and I can split the weight haha.
I've always felt that one of the drawbacks to the duplex is it has to be staked down. I hike into the mountains where the ground is far from soft. Making it difficult to stake out a tent. This is where free standing is a must. The BA is a good looking tent.
That is definitely the biggest draw back to a non free standing tent. I had to use rocks to hold my tent up on one particulate night. It can be done it’s just not always the easiest or most enjoyable. Especially in the rain lol. I’m happy with it so far. Can’t wait to take it out next week
It looks like the Tiger Wall is definitely not fully free standing all on its own, but having that internal structure seems like it would help a lot if you needed to tie it down using rocks instead of stakes, when compared to a trekking-pole tent.
I thought Zpacks sold poles to make the Duplex freestanding... did you try them?
Darth KEK I did actually try them. Sent them back within the first hour of receiving them. All the other issues I had with the tent were personal issues that others may not experience. But as fit the flex pole option, those are just a joke. You still have to stake it out otherwise the slightest breeze just folds the tent in half. Ant you can’t get a taut pitch without still using vertical poles because the flex poles just bend and won’t ever let the dyneema pull tight. The flex poles take a solid tent and turn it into junk. I would never tell someone to avoid the duplex because it could work great for them but my personal advice would defiantly be to avoid those flex poles, they are a terrible idea lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors useful info
@Ahoniu Outdoors I am poised to purchase either the Nemo Dagger3 or the BA Tiger Wall UL3. Question, how does the BA perform in the rain? Also how do you find the semi free standing set up? I really want to go with the BA as it drops a lot of weight from my Mutha Hubba.
This more so a comment rather than a question. Just recently I use my mutha hubba on a 2 night 3 day outing. Personally I found it better to stake out the tent fly independently from the tent body and ground sheet. Rather than combine it with the tent and footprint.
I can’t speak for the Nemo however I have heard the fly sags more than the big Agnes’s. I can say that I have personally spent numerous nights in heavy rain and hail and never got a drop inside and it took the hail fabulously, which I was worried about haha. I don’t see a need in carrying that many stakes, just more stuff to carry and have to remember not to leave at camp. Easier just to stake it all out together, so with these adjustable guy lines I can both do that, and gain a very taught pitch on almost any surface that I would deal “sleepable” lol
Dude that was so spot on !!!
And, you touched on just a few of the issues of the zpack tents!! The materials are awesome. The design is flawed.
The copper spur and tiger wall are great tents but do have minor issues. Overall, my pick over zpack no doubt. Tigerwall carbon is nice !!! But who's the idiot that made the price up??!!
Seriously, a grand for a tent!?!?!? For approximately 4oz less???!!!! Must have been smoking that legal stuff??!!!!. But I've BA tents that are approximately 20 some odd years and yet still going. Laminate peeling like dandruff in my oldest Seed house 2 but keeps me and my best bud ( Traky my dog ) dry and out of the wind. One day I'll get soaked in it but that'll be a another story. Glad you made those points clear for others to consider 😊😉😋 great job!!
Traky boy thank you :). Glad to hear their gear will last! And I agree about the carbon. Plus.. who in their department decided on the fabric thickness??? Lol
I can relate . Until the price of higher durability dyneema comes down . I’m sticking with the MSR / big Agnes style tent . Uk is wet and windy and is hard on gear how ever careful you are .
I keep hearing that, I gotta make my way out to the backcountry of the UK. You guys must be beasts out that way! Lol
Ahonui Outdoors it’s the same issue for ultralight backpacks really . I want to support micro businesses making innovative ultralight products from cutting edge materials but due to purchase costs , durability and how much weight they can safely carry without wearing them out excessively and quickly a lot of us have to make weight compromises due to initial purchase cost and how long realistically the backpack will last . One RUclips channel was suggesting maybe one or two seasons max out of a high end backpack and I need way more use out of a big purchase than that . I want to cut weight on the big three (sleeping system , backpack , tent ) and my cook kit but durability is just as much a high criteria as weight - especially if a product is designed for thru hiking in the yosemite but may not be up to the constant rain , cold and dirt of the uk winter . I can count the nights on one hand this summer where I could use my tent without the rainfly . 🙄
No one can really say for sure how long a “high end” Dyneema pack will last because they haven’t been around long enough to test them. People just like to throw random things out as fact due to their own opinion. I love my Dyneema pack and have over 500 miles on it with no ware, just sweat stains. The durability of the pack isn’t entirely reliant on its material, but it’s over craftsmanship as well. We can not say for sure how long they will last until they have truly had a chance to stand the test of time.
I'm not shure if I should buy the B. A. Solo Trail UL 1 which I ordered. I really do like the roomy space & light weight, but the tent floor is quite loose and flatters which could be an issue. I'm wondering if this problem is solved with pegs? Or is it a typical problem for B. A. tents? What is your experience? Many greetings 🌏
I haven’t had any personal experience with that tent but I can say I personally won’t ever buy a shelter that doesn’t have guy outs on the body floor, again.
My triplex in .74 with 2 mini grounhogs for the doors and 6 blue zpacks stakes for the rest and a polycyro weighs 28.47oz. I dont know how your smaller duplex weighs more, maybe they changed versions? I like how the new hyperlight gear tent stakes out the floor. That is annoying about zpacks tents but usually im so tired I just pass out. Its worse with 2 people fighting with the floating floor. I am curious to get a couple of night sleeps on the uberlight pad
Duane Hundley my duplex in the .74 started at 22oz (zpacks states 21), my carbon tent poles were 5.5oz and my 8 mini groundhogs are 4oz. Adds up quick lol. I definitely had hyperlite envy on trail (at least due to the floor guy outs) I’m excited to test out the evermore as well.
Thank you 😊 for the feedback about the duplex. I had the same problem with the foot box.
I was on the pct 2019 & had the same problems as you. Both with tent & missing family.
Doing smaller miles & thinking of doing sections on AZT for 2020.
How about you?
I have no doubts if my wife had been there I would have made it. I want to do larger sections, possibly the Washington section next summer. I will complete the trail even if it’s pieces at a time lol. My business had kind of taken off much faster than I anticipated so it’s holding most of my attention when I’m not homeschooling my son. But I’ll get back out there some time.
I appreciate your honest review,,,, I’m subscribing.... Thanks great Video
C.S. Lee no problem. Thank you. By sharing our real experiences maybe we can save someone else the same frustrations we experience lol
Thanks for your video. Seems as though reviews on REI are mixed, some love it and some say its not so good. For those complaining about the cost of a Zpack product please remember one is made in the USA and one is made in a foreign country for next to nothing. You can pick this tent up now at REI for about 300.00. Thanks
Scott Gibson a lot of folks that dislike the tent I think are expecting too much for the level of shelter that it is. However, I have no serious complaints. They need adjustable guy outs and they need to fix the dang zipper flap but other than that it’s solid. Also the zpacks products are dyneema. That material is worth every penny spent. It’s the design of the duplex that I didn’t care for.
@@AhonuiOutdoors I think you did a great job with your review and I appreciate your effort. I have had many tents over my 40 plus years of backpacking and I have yet to find the perfect tent. Now that I am older and my knees and back are not what they used to be weight has become much more important. I own a BA tent and its been a good tent. Not perfect but all and all its served me well. The people complaining about the cost of Zpacks does bother me as its made here of expensive materials. I own some Western Mt sleeping bags and those too were expensive, again made in the USA. The gear today is so much better than the good old days, lighter, cheaper. One question can two average size adults fit in this tent? Take care enjoy your hikes. Thanks
Scott Gibson I agree. I have never had a problem paying for quality products. The price sure wasn’t my issue with zpacks. Quality and design are definitely two opposite issues. Something can have a poor design and be quality built, if that makes sense haha. Two adults can fit quit comfortably in the tiger wall with two large sleeping pads. When I take this thing on solo trips it’s like a mansion I ca fit myself and all of my gear very easily. And if it had rained during the day the vestibules are quite large so I can fit all my wet gear out there to keep it outside my shelter. Which also makes great slack for both of your gear if you have two people. All and all for price, weight, size and functionality. I’d for sure recommend the tiger wall
@@AhonuiOutdoors Thanks for getting back to me so soon. Its tax free weekend in Ma today and REI has it on sale for 300.00 . Its a good deal. Again thanks
@@AhonuiOutdoors Hi, you did a great review of this tent and I did purchase it last year on sale for 300.00 from REI and it was tax free week in my home state so it was a great deal. I agree your review of the guide line, I too plan on making some changes. The ones you came up with on another one of your videos. That video was really helpful thanks. I backpack about every other weekend in the White Mountains of NH and the weather can be crazy. Its held up great. For me the one big issue and its not terrible but it is an issue is the zippers on the rain fly snag very easily. I wish thy were like the zippers on the tent which work great. The material is just so thin the zippers snag. The issue is much worst when the fly is wet from rain. I am very careful but I can see others having issues. I hiked out the other day with a young couple who loved their Duplex and it made me want to give it try. I am older, well into my 60s so the money is not such a big deal, so I am going to give it a try. The main reason for this is I need to cut weight as my body is not young anymore and I love to backpack. If I don't like it I will give it to my daughter or sell it. The gear today is so much lighter its a great time to be a backpacker. I don't miss my old gear one bit. I hope you are doing well and thanks for all of your efforts. Take care
Like most things, I see fads take over in backpacking and everyone jumps to what is "in" and, to be in the "in" crowd, you have to get the latest and greatest. This case being the duplex. You can't be an elite, ultralight backpacker without a duplex. You've arrived with the duplex. Same thing happened with firearms. Everyone had a quad rail. You weren't tacti-cool if you didn't have a quad rail. Now no one has a quad-rail (they're sharp, fat and uncomfortable) and looking back it's like, 'what were we thinking?'. Thanks for being willing to buck the trend when it you found out it didn't work for you. I'm not saying the duplex doesn't have its good qualities, but people shouldn't feel like they need it to be a great backpacker or have a great time on the trail. First, get what you can afford, then, find out what works for you and get that. Don't jump on trends. I started out with heavy, cheap, military surplus. Still have some. But cut my weight where I could with what i could.
eric matthews not going to lie man. I have more guns than I can count. But you lost me with quad rail? Lol I’m. It sure what that is but from the sounds of it I believe I dodged that proverbial bullet haha. Yeah the duplex had great qualities just not where I wanted them lol.
I still only use the military tent, free standing one man tent and it goes up in seconds no matter what kind of weather
Wondering how the tent is working for you after several uses
Fantastic actually. I still have it and used it until recently when I replaced it with the durston xmid 2p v2
I’m in my sixties and petite. I just can’t carry that much weight. Either my pack is light or I just won’t be able to go. I bought a Pleximid so I could go. So far I have only set it up in my yard, but immediately noticed the lack of wind protection. I’m going to give it a go, but I really wish I could carry a heavier tent that I could seal up completely against wind and rain. I can’t imagine being able to sleep and stay warm with strong winds rushing thru, especially in the cold mountains where I camp. I haven’t read many comments about the lack of wind protection in the duplex and plexamid, but would be interested to hear positives or otherwise.
There for sure is nothing more "wrong" with the plex series thents any more than there is anything wrong with every tent, know what I mean. I think so many people forget just how personal backpacking is. You have to get what works for you. My suggestion for your wind situation (if your using a trekking pole) is try lowing the pole just a little bit to get your side walls slightly closer to the ground. It takes some practice to get it right but it will help cut down on some of the wind coming up underneath the side walls. It wont fix your problem completely but it could help. Let me know if you try that and if it works out for you :).
Thanks. The one time I’ve set it up I couldn’t manage to get the sidewalls lower, but I will try it and also raise the sides of the bathtub.
Terry H there is definitely a huge learning curve to trekking pole tents. I hope you find your perfect pitch!
Hello roommate , I say roommate because obviously it’s big enough for two so I’ll just leave my tent at home in June... 😂. Great reasoning for the tent and I’m looking forward to seeing your mods!
lol hope your not as wide as me. Our first time meeting in person will be very up close! lol Thank you. Im looking forward to making them !
Nice review. I’m an xxl hiker 6’0 275;lbs. is this tent going to be big enough if I use as a single person tent?
Yes
mark scott oh for sure. I’m 6ft 260 and this tent is a Mansion lol
Hey thanks a ton for the video! I've got a tiger wall UL3 and I'm also planning on reworking the guylines - those precuts are just useless. Any chance you could post a new video of the guylines, along with any other mods you've made, once they're done? Cheers, Dylan
Dylan Raye-Leonard funny you should ask lol. I’m editing the guyline video as we speak lol. It will be uploaded and public on Sunday :)
@@AhonuiOutdoors Sweet! looking forward to it. I'll hold off on doing my mods for another week :)
Dylan Raye-Leonard I’m really excited about it man. Not only is it so much easier to set up and fully adjustable, by being able to pull its own tight this sucker is like a bomb shelter in the wind.
@@AhonuiOutdoors That's awesome, it'll be cool to see how much of an overhaul you go for! The main problems I've had are with short guylines not working on uneven ground, and even on flat surfaces, the short lines pulling the fly too close to the ground and limiting ventilation (which, without ceiling vents, has been leaving me wet from clouds forming in the tent on humid/rainy nights). I'm for sure gonna add a longer guyline+tensioner at the center head end of the fly and at the tip of both vestibules to fix that. I've also been trying to figure out better ways to keep the footbox and fly from touching - there's three connection points that all have to be tensioned, and I wanna find a way to do that without needing three different guylines on each corner! I've considered using two hooked into a single stake - one on the bottom corner of the footbox, and one on the rainfly corner - and then using a short length to hook the top of the footbox to the rainfly, sort of like this: ruclips.net/video/-dZLTnUyIBk/видео.html. Then if the rainfly sags, the top of the footbox sags too and (hopefully) there's no contact.
Quick q: Were you able to find the same guylines that the tent came with in bulk? I talked to the company back in December and they only had stuff that was several times thicker.
Dylan Raye-Leonard one main reason I made the change was so I can stake out my ground sheet before ever setting up my tent which you couldn’t do before because the stakes would be to far away almost every time for the rain fly to grab with the pre cut lines.so now that the lines are longer and adjustable they can reach out there further and grab those stakes. Which both allows it to get further from the tent wall and be adjusted to the height and tension you want. So it’s like a super fix to a bunch of issues all at once haha. I used line lock 3s which use a 2mm guyline. So I bought the 2mm yellow zline that was on my duplex and replaced the original guys with that. I have personally seen that thin guy snap in high winds so I didn’t trust it under real tension with tensioners anyway. I also found that being able to stretch it properly at the corners that I can remove all the accessory guy outs that are on the fly because you can better control the pitch at the bottom. This all works in my backyard but we’ll see how it holds up on the Pct next week lol
We have the same problems with our duplex! I bought it RIGHT before the tiger wall came out, wish I would have waited a few months :P
ohhhhh how we live and learn lol something to look forward too maybe? lol