Zpacks Plexamid - Better Than The Duplex?
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- Опубликовано: 4 июл 2024
- Stuff I Mentioned in this Video:
Zpacks Plexamid - zpacks.com/products/plexamid-...
Zpacks Duplex Tent - zpacks.com/products/duplex-te...
AZT Gear List - • AZT Thru-Hike Gear List
PCT Gear List - • Post PCT Thru-Hike Gea...
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I have no contractual agreement with Zpacks and only give reviews on gear I myself would use or feel would benefit my viewers to know more about. This is NOT a Paid Review, nor did I receive the product in TRADE for a review. I am self-employed and do not receive further compensation from Zpacks for this gear review.
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What's your Favorite Zpacks Tent? What Tent are you currently Rocking on the Trail?
👇Let Me Know Down Below!👇
After my Six Moon designs Lunar Solo tore (good tent, just had bad luck with it twice) i got the MSR Freelite II, heavier but comfy & roomy, i can deal with the extra weight :) (1100g)
I'm considering going with a tarp and bathtub setup or bivy. What do you think if the Plexamid vs
Summit Mosquito Pyramid Net Shelter 2.9 oz
Z-Packs Hexamid Pocket Tarp w/ Door 5.2 oz
Z-Packs Solo-Plus size Bathtub Groundsheet 3.5oz
for a total weight of 11.6 oz
Or vs bivy set up
Z-Packs Hexamid Pocket Tarp w/ Door 5.2 oz
Enlightened Equipment Recon bivy 6.35 oz
11.55 oz
Sounds like a WINNER to me. I recently picked up the Hexamid Pocket Tarp w/ Door & the Solo-Plus size Bathtub.
Hadn't thought about using it with my Recon tho 🤔
Thanks for the Idea!
Hike On,
Darwin
MSR Hubba Hubba NX, bout 2-3 years old. It's a good tent but I hate setting the damn thing up. Feel like I'm always fighting the rainfly to get the proper setup. It's my most expensive tent but I'm always trying to find a replacement for it. Also don't want to spend another $350+ on a tent again!
@@DarwinOnthetrail The Hexamid and bathtub seem like a perfect solution once a bug net gets involved. My third option is Hexamid with a Mountain Laurel Designs MLD Bug Bivy 6.5 oz for a total of 11.7 oz. It has more room than the EE Recon.
I'm kind of leaning towards the Hexamid with Bathtub plus and Sea to Summit net. This gives me the most room for almost the same weight. Everything should still be pretty small for bike camping (I would still bring a trekking pole to incase I'm in an area where I need a cane). Also if something does break I replace that part and not a whole $500+ tent.
Haha when you're in rehab waiting to get your new legs you have time to look this stuff up. Thanks for the video! It was perfect timing and really helped me decide what I think I want to do.
I keep looking at the Duplex and telling myself, "someday...". But right now that's like a year's worth of diaper money, so until the kids grow up I'll just have to live vicariously through your videos. Thanks!
Eh, let the kids poop in the yard. Just make sure they don't get any on your new Duplex!
@@DuffyGabi yep, a great father over a zpack tent any day
I have three young kids myself and would love a Duplex but it breaks my budget. I bought the 3F UL Lanshan 2 from Aliexpress. It’s dual wall with the same shape as the Duplex. It’s 1290g but fairly cheap for the weight and size.
Get the 3F Lanshan for $150..outstanding!!!!
We'll look for your post in 18-21 years!
well out of my price range, watched the whole video anyway because you've got great content.
Thanks Matt!
I did the same thing! Haha
Me too 😂
Thank you for the review. I've been wavering between these two tents since the Plexamid came out. Always love your gear reviews.
I saved up for awhile to buy this tent. Shipping takes forever and I keep coming back and watching your video 🥲
Darwin these videos are practically ASMR and I love it!!! Its going to be years before I'm in any position to buy high-end gear like this but every time I see you post a new video I never hesitate to hear what you've got to say. I could literally listen to you ramble on about tents for the rest of my life
Been waiting for this! I bought my Plexamid in late March. After practicing pitches a few days in my backyard I took it on a 3 day trip in the Ozarks! Was perfect. The weight, pole setup, and room space as 5ft 10in male could not have been better.
Unfortunately after my hike I set it up in my yard to air out and later found the small rods broken. Zpacks quickly answered the call and shipped replacements...however those too failed after another two trips. After contacting again they told me they were in the works for a solution and gave me the choices of refund, swapping up, or wait for the new rods to be developed. I love everything else about the tent and chose to wait for new rods. I've had them in and replaced now for three trips with no fail. Could not be more pleased in the tent now and their customer service!!!
I love only using one pole and am glad to keep using this tent. The condensation has been very minimal even in the humidity of the Arkansas summer. And the rectangle packing size works well with my 38lt SWD pack despite the volume it takes up.
Excellent and fair review as always Darwin! Happy hiking!
Hi Austen, would you mind saying what type of replacement struts Zpacks mailed you ? They mailed me a pair of taped double thin white struts. Others were mailed a pair of single thicker struts. I've used the replacement struts for 3 nights in wind and rain and so far so good.
@@magpiecollingwood9116I can't remember what they called them. I know they are different material and thicker than original. The email they sent said they had tried a "epoxy compound" that tested well and they would send me them. I've not had much test other than a weekend trip and a yard set up but they held up fine so far... pretty basic conditions though so not a great test yet. They felt way more sturdy.
@@Austen.McDaniel Thanks for your reply. I've been further testing the tent in my backyard the last 3 days with some rough weather . The double white struts are still ok.
The plexamid is still not available on Zpacks which means they're still testing. Which also means that what they have sent us may not be the ones they finally release. I hope Zpacks will send those successful struts to their existing Plexamid customers (Either as a spare or to replace what we've got already)
Your killer beard alone is reason for me to stay subbed you your awesome channel. The review was great as well!!
😂😂😂 Thanks Dan!
It's the beard we all aspire to!
Don't do it Dan! We like your face. LET Darwin's epic beard be his own. Lol
I had me and 2 other dudes in my duplex this weekend during an emergency thunderstorm for 4 hours. Crazy rain. I love the duplex. No brokeback.
Lol
Nothing more manly than broke back
Right. Brokeback AF, duder.
Excellent review Brother! Gotta love the weight, that's for sure!
Happy Trails...
Hay man i just want to thank you for all the valuable information. haven't always followed your advise but you have always pointed me in the right direction. keep following your path brother.
I'm 6'5" and was waiting on the Plexamid to come back in stock. You saved me a lot of annoyance in having to return it and buy the Duplex. Thanks!
Hi, I´m 6'4" (193cm) tall and looking for some UL tent. It´s looks Zpacks are all too short for me:-( Have you some ideas or tips for 1person UL Tent? My favourite is SMD Lunar Solo 2019... (I use now tarp Appy trail mark3). Thanks for help:-)
@@ondrejbaly The longest UL 1P I've come across is the Lightheart Gear SoLong6. If you're deadset on a 1P tent, thats worth a look. I'm just gonna grab the Duplex. Its only $50 more than the Plexamid and I know I fit well in it on the diagonal.
@@ondrejbaly I've got the SMd Lunar Solo too and its a little to short for my liking.
@@DevilDawg2008 thanks for tip:-) SoLong6 is for me something new, i will check it. Yes, Duplex + diagonal position is good solution:-) you have some space for gear inside.
@@ondrejbaly precisely. I like my gear inside with me. Even when I used a freestanding tent (MSR Hubba Hubba NX) I used a 2P tent.
I've been waiting for this review. Great news. I love my duplex and happy to hear your honest review. Ps. I'm in Lone Pine heading out on the JMT on Monday. A little intimidated by these mega mountains, but here I go!
Thanks mate. A very informative video for us considering a substantial purchase. Also, being from down under, love it anytime you mention the weight in grams.
Just picked up my first ultralight tent at the beginning of 2019. I’m rocking the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2. I love it. I have used it was two people ... definitely a bit tight. With only one ... it’s pretty darn perfect. Had it out in some pretty bad rain/wind for multiple nights and had zero problems. Been super happy so far.
Appreciate the honest review, I'll stay with my duplex. Congrats on the new shirt.
Thanks for your honesty. Keep up the great work. I love your videos.
Man you really make a great case for the duplex over the plexamid. Makes it an even harder decision!
Great vid as always!
I’m really glad you made this video man! As usual, your gear reviews are super informative. I had been waiting to get my hands on a Plexamid, but after seeing your review here, I realized I had just assumed that it would pack down smaller than the Duplex. I think I’ll go for the Duplex now, considering that there’s not much packability difference between the two. Thanks again!
If you collapse the Duplex onto its floor and then fold that in half 3 times, to roughly the length of the bag, fold in half, the other direction and then roll up around your tent peg bag towards the last fold, you can get it to easily fit into the zpacks 4 litre slim stuff sack. Could have been made for it. Takes up allot less volume that way as the tent tends to expand to fill the bag its in. That way it will even fit into one of the side pockets of the arc blast or haul, if that's what you want.
I just purchased the Duplex, still in the 2 week wait to get it but I am anxious to get it and try it out. Thanks for the awesome trail and gear reviews.
Great comparison video and review my friends. Pretty straight forward. You know me, I absolutely love my Duplex.
Just bought a Duplex in spruce green after thinking about it for two years - your videos were a great help in making this decision. Will use it on my next through-hike (either the PCT or CDT).
Great review Darwin and thanks for your honesty 🤗
Great review. I almost went with the plexamid last year, but bought the Duplex.
With 900 PCT miles this year, the Duplex is by far my favorite.
Nice review man! I really like your honesty about your gear too! I myself carry more weight than some, especially when it comes to my tent but i love double wall free standing dome style tents! Less condensation, plenty of room and very durable and practically waterproof in my case. I've never got wet in it ever! I'm using a one man military tent by ORC called the ICS (Improved Combat Shelter). I love this thing!! It is heavy at 5 pounds but it is a 4 season tent. It packs down to about the size of your duplex and i love how fast and easy it is to setup! This is my second ICS tent in 10 years. I handed off my first one to a friend and bought brand new one. Ebay usually has them new for about $120. Best $120 you could spend on a tent in my opinion! They were originally $320 new on ORC's website and they are not cheaply made by any means! The military did recently upgrade their one man tents to the Litefighter 1 (4 pounds). They also make a Raider tent by Catoma (2.5lb.) which is kinda a bivy tent. I recently purchased one i've only used it twice but its very nice 3 season tent packs very small but like alot of bivy tents theirs not alot of room. I carry a heavy tent i admit that but my other pieces of gear are fairly light! Zpacks arc blast pack, Sea to Summit Micro 2 dry down sleeping bag in the long version weighs only 1lb. 7oz. and packs very small. Pocket rocket 2 mini stove kit and so on, stuff like that helps me keep my weight down and makes up for having a heavy tent. Moral of the story is use what you like and what you can afford, but certain items try not to skimp! Thanks Darwin always good stuff! Hope you get years of good use outta your Zpacks tents! Hike on!
I am using a Duplex in New Zealand bush, performed well in extreme rain, very very pleased with it.
I bet it's gorgeous (one day I'll get to hike New Zealand). When it does happen it'll be in a Duplex w/o a doubt.
Having had to weather a serious storm or two in a Plexamid sized tent I’ll never again go that small, especially when the price and weight difference is as little as between the Pleximid and Duplex. It’s the Duplex I carry.
DUPLEX FOR THE WIN!
I don't have a Zpacks budget yet.(kids eat 💰) however I just upgraded from my Paria Bryce 1P that was over 3.5 lbs with all the stakes I needed to a SMD Trekker and so far I am diggin it. Shedded some decent weight too. Love you videos. Living vicariously through you! I was just able to section hike part of the PCT in the Angeles Forest area. Weekend warrior here. David "The Danish Krinkle" Nelson
I recently made my own ‘duplex’ not DCF but very similar dimensions. It’s a very good design that they have come up with. If I could afford and couldn’t see they I would love a duplex.
Awesome videos as always Darwin 👍
this is the tent i bought for my PCT hike next year. i'm slept in it in the back yard a few times, still need to take it out. so for i love it though.
Great review. Based on this review and availability, I ordered the Duplex. Pretty stoked for the new gear.
Can't go Wrong with the Ol' Duplex! Tried & True!
Hike On,
Darwin
Everyone has his own price point. For $550, I feel it should set itself up and rub my feet at the end of the day.
You should see Hyperlite's 1 Person Tent. It's Heavier & Cost $795 which is really insane... As far a DCF Tents go, The Plexamid seems to be a Good Price for what you get 👉 www.hyperlitemountaingear.com/collections/ultralight-backpacking-shelters-tents/products/dirigo-2-ultralight-backpacking-tent
Hike On,
Darwin
go with an old school BA Scout .price good, performs well ,weighs 2lbs, and cost 160.
At 19 oz, it's rubbing your feet every step of the way along the trail. Nothing makes your feet sore like a heavy pack.
@@samtoshner8002 That makes the assumption that a much less expensive alternative would weigh more to the point where the pack would feel heavy to you. You can get a similarly claustrophobic hiking tent like the Geertop that comes in at an est. touch over 2.5 pounds for about $100. It will also pack down smaller and isn't half the pain in the ass to set up that this Zpacks one apparently is.
How I see it is, I pay about $700 a month for rent. If I use this tent on a 4 month thru hike and then more. Well, you see where I’m getting at.
I sold my Plexamid in May and bought a new Duplex. More room, two entries, and no x-pieces where the trekking poles to break. I had one snap on the AT.
I'm fortunate enough to have both the duplex and betaV plexamid. Love the duplex room and the plexamid weight. Only a lineloc getting lines twisted in them so far with the Beta version. Zpacks makes great tents and Darwin makes great videos. Thanks!
Nice review and very fair. I just got my first trekking pole tent, the X-Mid UL 1P tent. So far I've only taken it out twice but loving it.
I try 😂... I've been interested in the X-Mid. Looks pretty decent!
Hike On,
Darwin
You comments are "right on target" - I just got through using the Plexamid cycling the Trans America Trail and slept in this tent about 60 times. It wasn't until my group entered Oregon and met some PCT thru hikers that I found out about other people having broken carbon fiber rods on the top. Mine broke in Kentucky after less than 20 days usage and it poked a hole in the DCF (which was easily repaired). But still this tent is impressive and it worked well even with a broken top!
I also felt that in the rain you have to take extra care in pulling up the internal draw strings to overlap the top over the bathtub flooring to avoid rain going inside when it runs down the side. But if this done well, the tent basically NEVER GOT WET inside, even in serious wind and rain.
Additional Note: Once in serious wind storm a few of us ran for shelter in a bathroom (long story) - I set down the one tent pole and let the tent collapse (I thought it might blow away if left up) - when I returned, the footprint was completely dry.
Thanks for the review! I have the duplex and sometime use my hammock setup depending on how much food I need to carry and distance I’m hiking. I was thinking about getting the Plexid for my longer trips trips where I want to be lighter and more compact but I think I’ll stick with the Duplex. I do like the ability of spreading gear out in my tent when I need to organize and such.
Thoughtful review; as always. Thanks Darwin :)
I am still in love with my Duplex Camo 18 months later. I like the room/weight/color (I hide off trail) and my Bella puppy loves it as well. We both have plenty of room and I don't think I would enjoy the angle. Thanks for your input on that and the EE. Good vid.
Thanks for the Vid it was helpful. I just ordered the duplex!
Great review bud! I've really been enjoying my Six Moon Designs Skyscape Trekker.
Great review, Darwin, thanks! This was just for me: Love my Duplex and was thinking about the Plexamid, but you've talked me out of it. (Not to worry, Zpacks has PLENTY of my money, lol!)
I just used the Plexamid for my PCT thru hike this year. By far the best tent I ever owned! I had no issues with it, no broken rods... After 2653 miles it stil looks new (exept for the stufsack)
I used to buy tents frequently looking for The Right One until I bought the ZPacks Solplex (forerunner of the Plexamid) in 2015. I haven't felt the need to try any other tents, not even the Plexamid. I like the second, short pole for the rear, the room, all the reasons you say about DCF, how well it holds up, and the ease of setup.
Looks like the Duplex is still my dream tent. Great review!
My main tent is a Duplex, but I recently got the Pocket Tarp (no doors) with polycryo ground sheet for those times I think I'm more badass than I actually am. Darwin, I'd love to see a review of your newly acquired Pocket Tarp w/ Doors.
Stay Tuned! Need to get a bunch of miles on it 1st 😉
Hey, Darwin, excellent review! I have both the Duplex and the Plexamid. I fully agree the Duplex is the better tent! With two doors, some folks may not realize that it SERIOUSLY cuts down in the condensation as you have more air moving around. I actually think the older version ( now discontinued) of the Solplex had better ventilation. But 4 ounces is 4 ounces!! Thanks for a great video!!
Another great review Darwin.
Got a Duplex this year and in limited usage so far, I'm pleased.
I like the concept of a single pole tent, and I own one (SMD Lunar Solo), but I feel just a bit claustrophobic in it. I'm sticking with the Duplex for a while longer!
Hey Darwin. Love the videos.
I think the advice about whether a tent is good or not depends significantly on the environment in which you intend to use it. I really like the Plexamid and it checks almost all the boxes for me: I 'm 6 feet and I fit, it's light, sturdy, and well designed. However I primarily hike in the PNW and I've come to think it may not be the best choice for my area due to it's tendency to form condensation.
I just finished the Wonderland Trail yesterday with the Plexamid and it worked perfectly part of the time. a couple days it was slightly damp inside, and a couple days it was quite wet inside (as you describe in your Timberline video). I found that on one morning it was actually wetter inside than on the outside surface. Sometimes it condenses inside even with a door left wide open. If you are lucky you can dry it during the day as I did during the WT but for much of the PNW hiking season you may not have a chance to dry it, even on an extended hike.
Ultimately I think I is a great tent and will work awesome for some environments and/or times of the year but I'll probably be selling mine and taking the weight penalty of a double wall.
Oh I love the gear review videos! My go-to is a Marmot Astral 2 person tent: easy set up, been with me for years working with the boy scouts it's been in thunder storms, hot summer nights, cold snowy nights. It's heavy by z-packs standards at 4 1/2 lbs, I would like to get one lighter but this is working ok for now. I did get a bigger tent for my wife and I to use when we go backpacking: the Zenith 3 by Alps Mountaineering. It did give us more space but it's harder to set up and not as stable as the Marmot even with all the many guy lines. I'm glad I got the Zenith because it does have a place in my gear but I like the Marmot more.
I enjoy my six moon designs lunar solo! Held up great under the bridge at scissors crossing during a crazy windstorm! (Lots of zpacks tents had to be fixed in the middle of the night) and it’s only a third of the price!
I’ve had similar issues with condensation on my quilt from my footbox hitting the walls. Is it something that you just accept will happen when using a single wall tent? I’m not too thrilled about my gear getting wet inside my tent, but is a little dampness not a big deal? Love to hear your thoughts on how you manage these issues.
Thanks!
Great review. I’m currently using the Nemo Hornet 2 person. It worked awesome on my AT journey this year. No issues at all. But I’m always looking to get lighter. Is the condensation are real issue with the duplex? Thanks
I had that issue with my plex beta v. Carbon stay broke and poked a hole in the tent. Zpacks fixed me up with new stays and a long strip of tape to patch the hole.
If you were shorter, would you still choose the duplex over the plexamid? I'm 5 6 so length of the tent won't really be a problem
Great review Darwin. Nice to know I can stick with my Duplex.
Totally honest review dude 😎
Perfect timing. Duplex sounds like the better option, now to decide if I want to swap out my Big Agnes UL2 for the Duplex to hike New Zealand end of this year ...
NICE! Which Big Agnes Tent?
I’ve been carrying a camo duplex for over two years now, I believe I have found my perfect shelter! Besides, the customer service @zpacks is AWESOME!!!
Thanks for the review. Im saving to buy a zpacks tent and was wondering about which one to take. 🙂
Wish they would bring back the Original Hexamid. I just got the New Hexamid Tarp, but wish it still had netting. 😕
I have the plexamid and I love it. Im only 5ft 8 though, there’s plenty of room for me. I could see the frustration with being as tall as you are. I’ve not had any issues with it yet either, it’s holding up great.
Hey! Enjoying your reviews, which do you think handles heavy rain / wind best out of the Plexamid & the Aeon Li?
First, absolutely love your videos, I tend to fo slot of research on whatever I plan on doing. Thanks for all the information. I have a question...what are your thoughts on the teton tents? As far as functionality and usability on the trail? Again thanks for all the great information.
Spruce Duplex for both my favorite and my current tent.
Great review. Im looking at switching from silnylon to dcf shelter and semi free standing to trekking pole.
Thumbs up for being honest and informative. Duplex for the AT next year
Used the Plexamid on Skurka's Wind River High route this season and it was perfect. Held up to high winds and I needed the bug protection. No condensation on those breezy high alpine nights. I also have a duplex and those 5 oz were important given the need to carry 8 days of food.
Smaller FOOTPRINT was also KEY. At least three of the nights would have been really hard to find a rock circle large enough to pitch a duplex.
I have the grandpa to the Plexamid, the Hexamid Solo Plus and it's a great fair weather shelter. Super light and packs pretty small. However, in really bad weather the limited size and low doors makes it super tough if things start to get wet. I decided on a larger pyramid style (Locus Gear) with a half mesh insert as my main tent, for maximum flexibility in setup (bug mesh only, tarp only, both together) and more interior space for just a tiny weight penalty.
Hexamid was such a Great Tent!
I would love to know how you deal with the condensation of a single wall tent. How do you best minimize it and how you deal with getting wet inside when you rub a wall or if it's a heavy condo night the "rain" inside when you hit a wall. Especially with down bag. Do you dry the inside before packing up?
I looked at the Plexamid, then the Tarptent AEON Li and finally got the Tarptent Gen. 2 Notch Li double wall tent. Love it. Two vestibules and 2 doors for max storage or ventilation. IMHO it's the best Dyneema solo tent out there. VERY fast to pitch. Requires only 2 guy lines IF the fly doors are ALL rolled back or if there is a windstorm.
BONUS: My CF hiking poles "hiking length" is the same as the length needed to pitch the Notch Li.
Thanks for the review D, I'm only 5'10" and I still find the Plexamid is too short for a 2.5" thick pad and a 20 degree bag, the toe box is usually wet by mornin :(
After the PCT this year, I can tell that those rods on the square plate on top were the worst. Even after drying the tent in the sun, they snapped... for like the 6th time. I figured the sun was the culprit. I kept asking Zpacks to send me other rods but after that drying session, I was like "OK l give up". So I just continued and finished without them, having a bad headroom in the tent and condensation water on my head and shoulders when there was condensation. Single wall tents are bad for condensation... even tho I haven't had any problem pitching that tent (for people that might put the argument that the airflow was bad)
The snapped rods pierced the DCF material a couple times. I used all my Cuben Fiber tape to repair it on trail, and still have holes in it. I hope they will come with a better design for that plate, because at first this tent was rocking it honestly. Oh and the bathtub floor ripped too. I put Leukotape at that time to close the ripped part, but I was surprised to see that this thing can rip.
Being 6.1 if I ever considered this tent (due to its weight) - not anymore. Thanks for valuable (literally) review. Greeting from Scotland. Seb
Hi Darwin & others with Zpacks tent experience. Ground cloth is REALLY not needed?
Thanks for the review!!!
I love your honest reviews. Thanks for sharing. ATB - Julia
Spot on review. I am 6'2" and wish all of their tents were about 6 inches longer. While I didn't "upgrade" from my Duplex to the Plexamid, I did also own the Solplex and, while I loved the weight, I liked having 2 doors for ventilation and the extra interior space.
Hi, I´m 6'4" (193cm) tall and looking for some UL tent. It´s looks Zpacks are all too short for me:-( Have you some ideas or tips for 1person UL Tent? My favourite is SMD Lunar Solo 2019... (I use now tarp Appy trail mark3). Thanks for help:-)
@@ondrejbaly, Light Heart Gear, SoLong 6. Wait a few months and they will be releasing the tent in SilPoly which should be awesome.
@@jeremiahgillam3536 thanks, SoLong6 is for me something new, looks good, I will check some review...
@@ondrejbaly solong seems to be the biggest of the bunch. Can't understand why all others and just 6" short of what most people need
@@chriswoods2647 because they count every gram (UltraLightMania) and a bigger tent didn't look good in marketing materials and teoretic parametrs :-(
Thanks a lot Darwin. I was worried about my size, 186cm (around 6.2 feet I think), and I think you confirmed my fears. They should do a semi 1,5 person Duplex, and it could be perfect ha ha ha. Take care and hugs from Switzerland
I love my Solplex, while you was in Scotland I was hiking the Cape Wrath Trail North to South. I wouldn't of changed a single thing... Apart from putting a zip in the rear bug net to access the back.
Thanks for your honesty even though you are "hanging out" with zpack. It's important to maintain that and is something not easy to do.
It Actually is Quite Easy to do... I don't work for them & they don't pay me to use or talk about their gear. Friends are Friends, but I play by my own rules & really dig having integrity. 😉
Hike On,
Darwin
It had the cons as well a the + so a fair review.
@@rogerhudson2814 exactly.
I'm usually a hammock kind of guy but did purchase a flame creed 2 person tent . It the same layout as the duplex but made out of silpoly and not a huge tube bottom maybe about 3" tall. But it's also a lot less expensive if you can wait . Have been caught in a rain storm and had no issues of leaks .
Hey Darwin! So I'm normally a freestanding type, but I was considering changing it up with the Duplex. I usually travel solo but often meet people during my travels who joins I nay adventures abroad (from the Swiss Alps to the Utah / AZ deserts, to the Thai jungles, etc.). My other upgrade option was grabbing a Nemo Kunai (mainly for that winter versatility in case I head up to colder regions such as Iceland). Any thoughts?
I have owned a Duplex for 4. years now very durable “lightweight “ it does take a little practice to learn how to set up but with the weight savings it’s all worth it.
I've had a Hexamid Solo tent with a DCF bathtub for 3 years now. At the time I was worried that the tent wouldn't last, or wouldn't provide the protection needed in the rain. Boy was I wrong. I've spent 40-50 nights a year in this tent in heavy rains, freezing weather, and sweltering nights. It breaths really well. Weighs in at 14 oz with Shepard hook TI stakes. I have discovered that the pitch can be tricky, but I can plan for the night by pitching it high or low to the ground. If I'm at a lower elevation and the night will be mostly dry I'll pitch the tent 4-5" higher than I would on a wet or colder night. This provides ample ventilation or lack thereof. I've never had a wet night through blowing thunderstorms. Condensation isn't as much a problem as on more closed up tents. This is the tent for me without a doubt. Plus - when you're in the position where you have to 'figure it out' you tend to discover some of the best tricks for your gear. You develop a relationship with it. I can't recommend the Hexamid Solo more. I'm 5' 10" and fit my XTherm (large), 20F Zpacks quilt, and all clothing and gear either inside my tent with me or hanging my pack from my trekking pole holding up the tent. This is another excellent way to keep your gear off the ground. Since I purchased mine in 2016 they've made significant improvements to the tent. No longer do you have the 'rain beak' that I have. Instead, you get storm doors. You will need to purchase a DCF bathtub that suspends from the inside that you sleep within. I hope this helps someone. This tent is by far the best piece of gear I have.
I have a Duplex but it makes me anxious when reaching camps late at night that have hard packed out pads. I also hate my toe box being soaked from the tent sidewall as it was a heavy rain year this year on the GDT. Love the weight of the tent but miss some of the harder weather benefits of double walls and free standing. Would trade the weight benefit I have for harder weather trips and just leave the tent stakes behind with a Nemo.
I was interested in the pleximid due to the need for only 1 pole. I have always only used 1 pole, a staff to be precise, which I currently use with a MLD doumid for my shelter. I notice you have been using 1 trekking pole of late, and I am interested in your thoughts on that now that you done some serious distance with 1 pole versus 2.
What are your tricks and tips for setting these tents up in loose or rock hard soil? I'm really intrigued by this style of tent for motorcycle camping, but I'm worried about setup where stakes are hard to use.
Thanks for the review! Do you use the Flat Groundsheet from zpacks with the Duplex?
Great review. Thanks!
Hey bud, Im sure you already answered this, but what camera are you using for this? it looks great.
I get a good work out ! I use a B A copper Spur 3 person tent ! at 3lbs 8 oz. alone with a B A Insulated Q core Deluxe sleeping pad at 2 lbs 9 ozs I sleep like a baby with plenty of room to lounge around in the tent but I pay for that with weight oh yes I have a Osprey 105 pack to manage all of that weight . The AT was fun along with the Pinhoti trail and the Benton Mackaye trail . So you can hike with regular hiking gear its just what ever works for you I enjoy your video's Thank you Ricky
Hi- that may come a little late, but I just hiked the PCT and had a couple different tents on trail. I was considering the Zpacks tents for a new hike I am planning but got scared of the Dyneema with my last tent crapping out badly ( BA tiger wall carbon 2P) the rainfly generated millions of tiny tear holes even though I packed it up nicely. I was lucky with the rain and only got wet 3 times. The tent also has a Dyneema tub / tent floor and a the water / moisture came in through the respectable ground sheet and through the dyneema floor ( apparently dyneema can’t absorb water .... yea kinda mine did) so I made a large quality report and shipped it back to BA hoping I may get a replacement tent and they may get some valuable information to fix some quality issues. Let’s see. I am contemplating between single wall and double wall tents... not liking the condensation issues of the single walls and the bug free stargazing options with the double walls. But am weight conscious. Looking at the cooper spur platinum 2 p ... do u or anyone in the feed have any notes / experience on that? I do like a fully freestanding tent - so less hassle :) best SUE aka FIREFLY ( insta: sue_perwomen)
I'm 6'1" also so that was great info!!! Duplex for me. Big fan. My only one complaint is the way the bathtub pushes out past the fly if you slide at all. Flat ground is not always an option. Rain happens. Sloping ground, tall folks, crazy wiggly sleepers. Ive had probably a half gallon of water in the floor from this issue. Luckily its usually due to sloping ground so the water tends to collect in one corner of the foot area. Hit it with a piece of shamy, great for condensation also, and start walkkin. Have you had this happen? Great review 🤙🤙🤙
I just got the plexamid these days and I can say that I'm totally fine with the dimensions. I'm 187cm and I have plenty of space for both: feet and head.
Maybe they really made it a bit taller because of your review??!!
Also to build it up for me was no problem because it was the same as my last tent: sixmoondesign lunar solo. That was too small for me and not that waterproof in the lang term... so the plexamid for me solved All problems of the lunar solo and is in my opinion the perfect 1p tent🥰👍🥰😍
But for low budget I can recommend the lunar solo for dudes not taller than 178cm!!!
Hey Darwin! What are your thoughts on short vs long sleeping pads?
Being a hardcore city kid, I’ve recently discovered my love of nature. This has been the most informative channel! Thanks for the great info for us newbs!
Im using the lan shan knock off and am about to get either the duplex or triplex
The wife and I use the big agnes mtnglo tumble 3. Its much heavier then any of those but still a fun great tent with a ton of room. Plus picking it up from a rei garage sale for $150 bucks helps
I use a six moons designs skyscape scout and love it. I wish they hadn't done away with the DCF version, because I lusted after that while it was available. One day I'll save up enough pennies to buy a DCF tent.