The Zpacks DuplexL is a 2-person ultralight tent for the weight-conscious backpacker who is looking to save weight and stretch their legs. It’s a perfect tent for taller hikers, or for folks that prioritize ultralight gear and spacious interiors. For folks not familiar with the Zpacks lineup: this tent is the larger edition of the Zpacks Duplex with an interior floor size of 44” wide by 96” long (114cm x 240cm). Primarily made of dyneema (DCF) the DuplexL is an extremely lightweight and waterproof tent, sets up easily using two trekking poles, and requires a minimum of 6 stakes (eight is preferred) for a secure setup. Some of my favorite features include the dyneema bathtub floor (which has kept my gear completely dry in 5 inches of standing water), 4 storm doors for a variety of cross-flow configurations, and 2 carbon fiber pole risers that give your head and feet room to avoid touching the walls and creating condensation points.
Given how extremely ultralight the DuplexL is and the ample space it provides: it’s the perfect tent for me whether I’m backpacking with another person, yet light enough to justify carrying on solo journeys. When backpacking solo: the DuplexL provides enough internal space for me to reorganize my pack while sitting up in the tent, reorganize my camera gear, change my clothes, lay out wet clothes too dry, and more. I have taken this tent on multiple multi-day backpacking trips to the coast, in forests, mountains, snow, deserts, etc and it has proven to be incredibly reliable in a variety of weather conditions. As seen in the video above: I have used it in gale force winds and massive rain storms, and it has kept me and my gear dry every time. In short: this is my favorite ultralight backpacking shelter that I have tried to date that is reliable, waterproof, roomy, and rivals the weight of single person shelters in a 2-person size. However: it might not fit everyone’s backpacking needs.
My biggest questions to anyone thinking of buying this tent are:
- Are you familiar with, or okay with, single-wall tents? Single wall tents have a tendency to catch condensation on their walls (unless there is a cross-breeze or consistent air flow). Luckily: the DupleXL’s design is meant to catch the condensation and redirect it outside of the tent (as long as you have a correct pitch on the tent when setting it up). Honestly, I have loved the transition from double wall tent design to single wall and find that condensation is rarely a problem as long as you can create a good pitch, and keep a door or two open for more active airflow. Still: it’s an important consideration.
- What is the width of your backpack and will the tent fit at the bottom? Due to the carbon fiber riser poles: the minimum width when rolling this tent is 12″ (30.5cm). If you have a true minimalist pack that is less than a foot across: the DuplexL may not fit in your pack. Luckily most bags fit this spec without any issue, but it is worth noting.
- Do you use trekking poles when you go backpacking? One of the strengths of the Zpacks DuplexL is that it uses trekking poles as it’s tent poles, thereby eliminating the need to carry tent poles in your pack. If you are someone who doesn’t use trekking poles: you will have to buy trekking poles (or the optional carbon fiber poles sold by Zpacks) to set up this tent.
- What is the your budget? To be completely blunt: The Zpacks DuplexL is expensive. It is currently priced at $749 USD. When a fellow landscape photographer first gave me the run down on his Zpacks Duplex tent years ago he told me, “Yes, it is expensive, but this is my home most of the year, and because I use it so often it made sense for me to invest in it”. About 6 months later I ended up picking up a Duplex tent myself and haven’t looked back. Given how often I spend time outdoors: investing in a lightweight and solid tent made sense for me.
It’s hard to find a comparable tent that is this spacious and lightweight. Being able to happily carry a 2 person tent into the wilderness during a solo journey is something I hadn’t experienced until my original Duplex tent. If you’re okay with a single wall tent design, spend a lot of time outdoors, go on multi-person backpacking trips or prioritize having a spacious interior as a solo backpacker, and use trekking poles during your adventures: the DuplexL may be a solid fit for you. I can say with confidence that it is my current go-to backpacking shelter for most every adventure I go on. As a landscape photographer, the DuplexL helps me keep my camera gear dry and safe in pretty extreme weather conditions. As a weight conscious backpacker: carrying this tent feels like cheating. A 2 person tent that is this lightweight is an unbelievably fantastic addition to my backpacking kit. Overall, I’m giving the Zpacks DuplexL 4 out of 5 stars (with one star being deducted because of the high price tag). I highly recommend the Zpacks DuplexL to any ultralight backpacker or landscape photographer looking to shave weight off of their pack. It’s a solid and spacious ultralight tent that I always look forward to hopping into after a long day on the trail.
Check current price, availability, color options, etc of the Zpacks DuplexL
Take care, and peace be the journey!
