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LeoKauai
88
Mar 3, 2017
I've fantasized about Zpacks tents for a while, and I almost got one during a pretty generous Black Friday sale last year. But last October, I had snatched a Nemo Hornet 2P from Campsaver, complete with a free footprint for $300 (normal price would've been $370 for the tent alone plus $50 for the footprint). The Nemo is a freestanding two-person tent (kinda, the bottom has to be staked out no matter what), and weighs a mere 34 oz. The foot print is heavy; it weighs 7 oz, but you can bring a home-made polycro footprint that weighs nothing. Or you can tell your partner to carry the footprint, that's what I do. And she carries the poles too.
Still, i was tempted as hell to get the Zpacks Duplex, so I did my homework, and here's what I came up with:
The Zpack Duplex is 21 oz. Since I would rather have some privacy with my lady, I would order the camouflage, which would bring the weight up 1.5 oz. You still need to get 8 stakes, so add 1.5 oz to 2.7 oz., depending on which ultralight stakes you get from Zpacks. For the sake of playing safe, I'd get the heavier ones, the titanium V stakes, which are .33 oz each. Now, my tent would weigh 24.2 oz.
It's not freestanding, so I would either carry my trekking poles (I usually do) or buy two straight tent poles from Zpacks, which weigh 2.5 oz each. With the straight tent poles, my tent would now weigh 29.2 oz. Not bad. Recently, Zpacks released a freestanding tent upgrade for the Duplex. It's a simple, ingenious system of four tent poles that cost another $125 and weigh 10 oz. Now, let's say I would opt for the freestanding tent poles rather than the two straight poles. My freestanding Duplex tent now would weigh 34.2 oz. Still not bad, but it would now weigh as much as my Nemo.
Well, I was still tempted, since I usually bring my trekking poles with me. Realistically, my Zpacks Duplex would weigh 24.2 oz; which is 10 oz. lighter than my Nemo. Tempting.
So the next thing was to compare the space inside. The Zpacks Duplex claims to be 48" x 90". However, I'm not sure how much of it is realistic when it comes down to actual space, since the tent has a bathtub. My Nemo Hornet 2P is shorter, it's 85 inches long, but it's still quite long. I'm 5'8', and a 7' long tent is quite long. The Nemo is 51" wide at the head and 45" wide at your feet. Even at 51" wide, it's still a bit tight for two people. So the Zpacks would not only be quite tight at 48", but I would also worry that the bathtub style could make it even tighter than that.
After beating the subject to a pulp, I was devastated to agree that it would be a waste of money to pay an additional $355 (camo version + 8 stakes) of what I paid for my Hornet tent so I could shed 10 oz. And it would be a narrower tent as well.
I also own a Big Agnes Fly Creek UL3. It's huge cause it's for three people, but realistically, it's for two people who want comfort. It weighs 56 oz (3.5 pounds), but if I'm backpacking with someone else, we can split the weight in two. I can also split the weight of the Nemo, The Zpacks you can't split, and though I'm aware you can split weight with other stuff, it almost always leads to arguments of who is bringing more weight.
So, even though I wanted this tent so bad, logic tells me I should stick to what I have because I have a much better deal. But it is an awesome tent. If I ever get around to buy a Zpacks tent, it will probably be the Solplex at 15.5 ounces. Now I'm talking at least a pound in savings if I go alone into the wild.
They say we decide to buy on emotion, and then justify it with logic. I had enough emotion to buy the Zpacks Duplex, but when I tried to justify it with logic, it just didn't add up. But it's still an awesome tent, and if it is for you, get it now.
Another full disclosure. I heard cuben fiber is pretty much waterproof. My Nemo, even with the original footprint, didn't do too well in pouring rain. There was a small puddle inside the tent in the morning. Not too bad, given it was pouring, but nonetheless, it got wet inside.
Aloha and do what makes you happy!
Cardamomtea
588
Mar 3, 2017
LeoKauaiYes the Hornet 2p has been in my sights for awhile now--seems like an underrated tent! I'd get that for camping with the dogs & cuben tent for me/me+1
Greg2
86
Mar 3, 2017
LeoKauaiAt the sharp end of UL paying $1 per gram ($30 per ounce) is a pretty typical number for reducing weight.
To get below about 7lbs this is the price you pay. Is it worth it for me, No, i cap out at $10-$15 an ounce but in terms of value per ounce saved it's not a terrible investment if you are kitted out aleardy.
if you aren't kitted out buying a 24 ounce skyscape trekker and an EE bag is a much more effective way to spend $500-$600 dollars
LeoKauai
88
Mar 3, 2017
Greg2Thanks Greg. I'm aware of the Skyscape, and it's a great value, but I'm keeping my eyes open to come across a good deal on a Soloplex from Zpacks. I'm in no hurry cause I've got good, light tents. As far as the EE bags, great tip. I pretty much know almost all of UL brands, but I wasn't aware of EE, because I live in Hawaii, and it doesn't get too cold where I go. I would love to find someone to do the AT together, and in such case I'll be looking for a new UL sleeping bag. Another UL gear I'm really tempted to get is the Zpacks Arc Haul backpack. But I already have an Exos 58, and I just snatched a Klymit Motion 60 here this week. I also own an Atmos 65, but I'm not sure if I'm keeping it, the only reason would be to use it in the El Camino, cause it's large and sturdy, and it can take a lot of abuse. But it's 4.5 pounds heavy...
Davincigogo
15
Dec 18, 2017
LeoKauaiWhat a great article!! It’ll help me a lot to decide what tent to buy. Thanks!!🙏