Expanded Cons

Traditional interior length feels a bit short: The interior of Zpacks Duplex Pro measures 84” length-wise, which is considered industry standard. Seven feet is what you get from most popular freestanding tents, including from mainstream brands like NEMO and Big Agnes, and cottage industry ultralight brands like HMG and Gossamer Gear. So while Duplex Pro is average and not shorter-than-average, we simply prefer tents that are a bit longer than average, and many 2+ sized tents (or 3P tents) are now available in the under-24 oz weight class. Bumping up to 90” gives you enough room to comfortably store a pack at your feet, while 84” makes that feel cramped – albeit still very doable. Storing a pack at your feet is useful because it reduces contact between your quilt’s foot box and the condensation-covered single wall interior. Long length sleeping pads are usually 78”, which leaves you only three inches on either end, no chance of storing a pack at your feet. Notably, the Duplex classic was 90″ and we’re sad they dropped it down to 84, not a pro upgrade in our opinion.

Average interior size feels a bit small in the 2+ sized tent era: An interior area of 28 feet has long been considered industry standard for a 2P tent, and Duplex Pro’s 29 sq ft is actually a smidge larger. However, as tents get lighter and the possibility of 2+ person sized tents become more feasible to carry, average sized models start to seem a lot more cramped by comparison. Once you’ve experienced 32 sq ft (or ~40 sq ft of a UL 3p tent), it’s harder to share 29 sq ft with another camper. So while this 2P tent is actually a bit larger than average, average isn’t good enough any more for sleeping two people, and a pair of larger bodies will likely feel cramped. You may want to store packs in the vestibule to make extra room for two people inside. If you want a Zpacks tent with more room, we recommend the Offset Trio or Triplex Pro.

Low ceilings at head/foot end: Just like Duplex Classic, all of the head room is concentrated over the center ridgeline of the tent. This is great for the purposes of sitting up, leaving plenty of overhead volume while upright. However, it sacrifices interior volume at the ends over your head and feet, increasing the likelihood of your noggin or quilt’s footbox brushing against the wet canopy. While the center ridgeline dual apex pitch is simplest, newer designs like Pivot Duo, Offset Trio, and Durston X-Mids do a better job of spreading the headroom out over a larger area. As such, we always recommend pitching it with the center guylines in-use.

Drafty in cold wind: Good ventilation is both a blessing and a curse. In summer weather, we’re glad that the canopy is lofted six inches off the ground. But in cold stormy weather and when splash back is a concern, it would be nice if the fly carried all of the way down to block out unwanted drafts and moisture.

Single wall condensation: We have a strong preference for single wall tents because they’re so much lighter and more efficient. But like every other single wall tent on the market, the lack of an interior mesh canopy increases the likelihood of contact with condensation. That said, it’s completely manageable, and something you’re sure to get used to. We of course still recommend (and almost exclusively use) single wall tents, despite condensation concerns.

Non-freestanding: Zpacks Duplex Pro is a trekking pole tent, which means it cannot pitch on loose sand or rock, and the quality of your pitch is reliant on how well you can place stakes. But if it’s versatile enough to use for the entire PCT, CDT, and AT, it’s likely going to meet your needs too. In terms of complexity relative to competing trekking pole tents options, Duplex Pro is easier than average to pitch, especially because it’s symmetrical, and a great beginner-friendly non-freestanding option.