Another great review! I really appreciate your thoughts behind all the gear you review. I was eyeing up the Plexamid, but I think you sold me on the Altaplex!
I love dark colors for almost everything, except for tents. Maybe cause when I'm in the tent and the bright morning light is out, I like how lit up a light color tent is. I most like their new Free Duo Tent, but I just can't afford it, so I'll live vicariously through you all!
Yeah. There’s very little actual difference between .5 and .67. They share the same tensile and tear strength. .75 then again has double the dyneema fiber content compared to them so it’s quite a bit step up in durability. Here in the Nordic countries anything below .75 is rare
I'm waiting for delivery of my Altaplex. I'm an old guy who uses a bottle to save a trip out at night and I'm hoping the added height will make the experience a lot easier to endure. I hope you get to make your PCT hike. I'm heading back to the AT in April if the situation allows; fingers crossed!
I’m considering one of these. I like the new duo tent but I have my reservations with the stress points on it. I think this one will hold up better. Best of luck on your hike.
Hi I'm also from Hawaii... Hamakua upcountry where it's very wet and humid. I had an original hexamid from zpacks and had already hiked a thru hike so it had been thru the mill and I had no expectation. I kept it stored in an open area so not crammed into a bag. Went on an overnight to Waimanu and the tent disintegrated. I just purchased the altaplex even though I don't need the height... I'm thinking condensation. And I want to be sure my quilt is less likely to touch the sides/ends. Anyway I'm aware of how all that magnificent weather diminishes materials in general.
Great piece of gear, man! I can see how the Altaplex will be popular with anybody around 6 feet or taller. What's not to like about all that headroom and space!? Since I am only 5'-9", either the Plexamid or Duplex will be in my pack for next year's AT thru. I will be testing both of them out this summer. Love the camo version of all the Zpacks tents!! Looking forward to following your PCT hike and excited to see how this tent works for you. All the best to you with final preparations!
Excellent comparison. Altaplex seems nearly perfect to me. My 1p tent is 40 wide at head and I really doubt I'd like 28 wide Plexamid. I also like that the Altaplex does not have any struts so you can fold it to any size. p.s. I think you left the Plexamid out so you could get an Altaplex.
Yea, they say DCF can brake down under a lot of sunlight. I lived there for 4 yrs and I KNOW the kinda sun you're talking about. Although I think most tents will start to break down if you leave them set up long enough.
Great review! I am thought very seriously about this tent. Can you get your gear in the tent with you? That is why I have the Duplex, because I like to keep my gear in the tent with me. Just curious. Crow
I am 5" 6" tall. I am deciding if to go with the Plexamid or Altaplex. I am worried that the flat reinforcement on the roof of the Plexamid may cause the problems. The Altaplex seems to be more volume inside. What would be your recommendation which tent to go with?
I think the Plexamid would be plenty big for you. They've fixed the problem with the stays on it for the most part. I'm 5'11, so the Plexamid was JUST big enough for me. The Altaplex would be a MANSION FOR YOU!
I used a altaplex on the PCT and have mixed feelings. My biggest complaint is condensation and wind aerodynamics. I found the tent just too tall in wind. I’d rather have a lower profile tent. The weight is great. I carried 6 spikes and 4 hooks to secure it. Would I use it again? Probably not, mainly because it’s too tall.
In my experience, there aren't too many tents that can deal with the wind of Southern California. When I went through it, I had a duplex. Even though it was lower profile, it was like a kite made to catch the wind. It was impossible to keep the tent standing in the Southern California desert when the wind came through. I've actually had better luck with the altaplex in the wind than the duplex. While tall, the Altaplex I feel is a little more aerodynamic. The duplex is literally like a sail. I've owned the plexamid, Altaplex, and duplex. IMO, when it comes to wind the plexamid is the best followed by the Altaplex and in last place the duplex.
Very nice video. My Altaplex is on its way to me and i am super excited how it will compare to my solomid xl. Just one thing. The camo version is 0.66 oz dcf not 0.75 oz/sqy.
I think you give pretty good reviews! I have been thinking about buying a Zpacks tent, but the shipping costs to Europe are quite high! 🤔 So curious about your thru-hike on the PCT! So I'll subscribe to your channel! Have a great Sunday!
My Altaplex will be delivered next week here in Germany. Realy looking forward testing it. Over the last 10 Years I bought like 5 low - mid budget tents only to find out they won't fit my needs. I hope my quest for the perfect tent is now over. Please make a video how the Altaplex can handle stronger winds.
I’m highly disappointed in my new Altaplex. The only benefit I found was that I can sit up in it, but even trying to sit up in it you will rub against the condensation soaked walls. You can’t do simple things like change your socks without rubbing against the walls. When I sat up to do something in the vestibule the arch of the bug net would be right in the middle of my forehead nocking my head lamp off my head or blocking the light with its seam. I had to blow my air pad up outside in the rain as there was no room to do it inside. This is the most uncomfortable, unpractical tent I have ever used. I wish I could have tried it before I bought it, all I had was a dozen RUclips reviews that convinced me that this was what I wanted. If I had read a comment like this I would have saved a fortune. I have decided to go back to my one Tigris tipi nova tent. It packs down to the same size and is very lightweight, although is is not DCF.
@@GrizzleGear I’m 6tf but to be fair I’m quite broad. I’m hoping I set it up wrong. I will persevere with it and hope for a better experience with it this weekend.
My altaplex is coming in the mail. Its a loooot of money and I am not in the mood for it to be getting any holes or breaking in the next six years at the min.
Zpacks guarantees their tents for full thru hike. I got close to a full thru hike out of this tent, and the reason it developed pinholes, it's because I left it set up in the sun for 7 to 10 days in hot ass Hawaiian sun. UV rays wreak havoc on DCF. Especially when they are as intense as they are here in Hawaii. It's my own fault that tent didn't last longer than it did. I don't blame z-packs at all. Their tents are expensive because they're ultralight, not because theyre bombproof. I love their tents so much I now own an Altaplex😁
Another great review! I really appreciate your thoughts behind all the gear you review. I was eyeing up the Plexamid, but I think you sold me on the Altaplex!
I love dark colors for almost everything, except for tents. Maybe cause when I'm in the tent and the bright morning light is out, I like how lit up a light color tent is.
I most like their new Free Duo Tent, but I just can't afford it, so I'll live vicariously through you all!
I’m a 6foot5er and I’m taking this bad boy on the pct 2021 (was supposed to be this year...) . Helluva tent!
Good review. If I remember correctly, Zpacks used to advertise the Camo version denier as being in between the .5 and the .7 at something like .67.
Yeah. There’s very little actual difference between .5 and .67. They share the same tensile and tear strength. .75 then again has double the dyneema fiber content compared to them so it’s quite a bit step up in durability. Here in the Nordic countries anything below .75 is rare
I've noticed a MAJOR difference between the .5 and .67. Every .5 zpacks I've owned has developed pinholes over time. My .67 camo tents never have.
@@GrizzleGear Ok :). Anyways, .75 or .8 is a huge step up still and in my opinion worth the little extra weight. So much less stressful!
I'm waiting for delivery of my Altaplex. I'm an old guy who uses a bottle to save a trip out at night and I'm hoping the added height will make the experience a lot easier to endure. I hope you get to make your PCT hike. I'm heading back to the AT in April if the situation allows; fingers crossed!
Man that Altaplex is looking pretty sweet. Glad they brought it back 👍🏼
Love that camo Gris I 'll be out as soon as the weather warms up over here
I’m considering one of these. I like the new duo tent but I have my reservations with the stress points on it. I think this one will hold up better. Best of luck on your hike.
Thanks GG!
Hi I'm also from Hawaii... Hamakua upcountry where it's very wet and humid. I had an original hexamid from zpacks and had already hiked a thru hike so it had been thru the mill and I had no expectation. I kept it stored in an open area so not crammed into a bag. Went on an overnight to Waimanu and the tent disintegrated.
I just purchased the altaplex even though I don't need the height... I'm thinking condensation. And I want to be sure my quilt is less likely to touch the sides/ends. Anyway I'm aware of how all that magnificent weather diminishes materials in general.
Thanks for the comparison. 👍
Great piece of gear, man! I can see how the Altaplex will be popular with anybody around 6 feet or taller. What's not to like about all that headroom and space!? Since I am only 5'-9", either the Plexamid or Duplex will be in my pack for next year's AT thru. I will be testing both of them out this summer. Love the camo version of all the Zpacks tents!! Looking forward to following your PCT hike and excited to see how this tent works for you. All the best to you with final preparations!
Excellent comparison. Altaplex seems nearly perfect to me. My 1p tent is 40 wide at head and I really doubt I'd like 28 wide Plexamid. I also like that the Altaplex does not have any struts so you can fold it to any size. p.s. I think you left the Plexamid out so you could get an Altaplex.
I just ordered/received my Plexamid and wanted it in the thicker camo but it wasn’t available. Sucks. 🦑
Yea, they say DCF can brake down under a lot of sunlight. I lived there for 4 yrs and I KNOW the kinda sun you're talking about. Although I think most tents will start to break down if you leave them set up long enough.
Great review! I am thought very seriously about this tent. Can you get your gear in the tent with you? That is why I have the Duplex, because I like to keep my gear in the tent with me. Just curious. Crow
All my gear lines up right next to my pad. I'll throw a vid up in the next couple days maybe detailing my Altaplex and how I arrange my gear, etc. :)
I command your unshaken optimism about being able to thru the PCT this year. I myself am quite doubtful. Would start Mid April too
It's not unshaken. I recorded this a week ago. Things have changed
Both are great $$$ tents but yea... Altaplex is the Deluxe version hahaha (new friend and subscriber)
Cool brother. Nice set up. I got the same camo tent as you. My question is how did you make your 6” extension?
Thank you.
I had an old trekking pole I no longer was using. I just cut a 6 inch section off of it. My trekking pole tip slides right into it
I am 5" 6" tall. I am deciding if to go with the Plexamid or Altaplex. I am worried that the flat reinforcement on the roof of the Plexamid may cause the problems. The Altaplex seems to be more volume inside. What would be your recommendation which tent to go with?
I think the Plexamid would be plenty big for you. They've fixed the problem with the stays on it for the most part. I'm 5'11, so the Plexamid was JUST big enough for me. The Altaplex would be a MANSION FOR YOU!
I used a altaplex on the PCT and have mixed feelings. My biggest complaint is condensation and wind aerodynamics. I found the tent just too tall in wind. I’d rather have a lower profile tent. The weight is great. I carried 6 spikes and 4 hooks to secure it. Would I use it again? Probably not, mainly because it’s too tall.
In my experience, there aren't too many tents that can deal with the wind of Southern California. When I went through it, I had a duplex. Even though it was lower profile, it was like a kite made to catch the wind. It was impossible to keep the tent standing in the Southern California desert when the wind came through. I've actually had better luck with the altaplex in the wind than the duplex. While tall, the Altaplex I feel is a little more aerodynamic. The duplex is literally like a sail. I've owned the plexamid, Altaplex, and duplex. IMO, when it comes to wind the plexamid is the best followed by the Altaplex and in last place the duplex.
Would you ever think about doing a bicycle tour?
Very nice video. My Altaplex is on its way to me and i am super excited how it will compare to my solomid xl. Just one thing. The camo version is 0.66 oz dcf not 0.75 oz/sqy.
That was a slip up on my part. I previously owned a .74 blue altaplex and the number was stuck in my head! 🤣
I think you give pretty good reviews! I have been thinking about buying a Zpacks tent, but the shipping costs to Europe are quite high! 🤔 So curious about your thru-hike on the PCT! So I'll subscribe to your channel! Have a great Sunday!
You still heading to the PCT? Even with lockdown?
I wonder if someone has tried to build an Xpac based tent?
My Altaplex will be delivered next week here in Germany. Realy looking forward testing it. Over the last 10 Years I bought like 5 low - mid budget tents only to find out they won't fit my needs. I hope my quest for the perfect tent is now over. Please make a video how the Altaplex can handle stronger winds.
I’m highly disappointed in my new Altaplex. The only benefit I found was that I can sit up in it, but even trying to sit up in it you will rub against the condensation soaked walls. You can’t do simple things like change your socks without rubbing against the walls.
When I sat up to do something in the vestibule the arch of the bug net would be right in the middle of my forehead nocking my head lamp off my head or blocking the light with its seam.
I had to blow my air pad up outside in the rain as there was no room to do it inside. This is the most uncomfortable, unpractical tent I have ever used. I wish I could have tried it before I bought it, all I had was a dozen RUclips reviews that convinced me that this was what I wanted. If I had read a comment like this I would have saved a fortune.
I have decided to go back to my one Tigris tipi nova tent. It packs down to the same size and is very lightweight, although is is not DCF.
How tall are you? I'm 5'11. My Altaplex feels like a hotel. I love the size of it.
@@GrizzleGear I’m 6tf but to be fair I’m quite broad. I’m hoping I set it up wrong. I will persevere with it and hope for a better experience with it this weekend.
My altaplex is coming in the mail. Its a loooot of money and I am not in the mood for it to be getting any holes or breaking in the next six years at the min.
Dont leave your tent up in the sun and it should last.
Pinholes in a 549$ tent ? 😳
WTF Zpacks, I thought DCF was the "most resistant fabric available" for shelters today ?
Zpacks guarantees their tents for full thru hike. I got close to a full thru hike out of this tent, and the reason it developed pinholes, it's because I left it set up in the sun for 7 to 10 days in hot ass Hawaiian sun. UV rays wreak havoc on DCF. Especially when they are as intense as they are here in Hawaii. It's my own fault that tent didn't last longer than it did. I don't blame z-packs at all. Their tents are expensive because they're ultralight, not because theyre bombproof. I love their tents so much I now own an Altaplex😁
Expensive sieve.
Right? I did get a lot of good use out of it though... And it was one of the first Plexamids they made .. essentially a prototype. :)
Noisy tent each time one moves sounds like a plastic bag