Zpacks Tent Modifiers Explained: Offset, Zip, Lite, & Free

“Offset” Overview

Offset meaning: Two Zpacks Tents, the Offset Duo and Offset Trio currently comprise the Offset series. The word Offset signifies that the apex ridgeline is bumped closer to the head-end to creating an asymmetrical pitch with additional ceiling space directly above where users spend the most time sitting up. This decreases ceiling height above the foot-end. Compared to baseline series (Duplex/Triplex) Offset series is also 4″ longer and 6″ wider at the head end, tapering to equal width with at the foot-end. It has a higher interior volume, but smaller vestibules. It It also implies the addition of one or more 32″ end struts (mini-poles or use 3rd/4th trekking pole), to create convexity at the foot and/or head end, which further increases usable headroom and interior volume. This package also includes magnetic storm door roll-ups, magnetic bug mesh door roll-ups, peak vents, zippered storm doors, and trekking pole-to-bathtub-floor-connection flaps.

Our thoughts on the Offset features: The Offset package is the best upgrade in the Zpacks line. It has all of the zip features package, with more interior area and more headroom. It is the biggest and best of all worlds, the most livable. It has the best headroom, thanks to the offset ridgeline. Only downside is the decreased vestibule space, and that it’s the most expensive of them all, adding +$100 on top of the baseline Duplex or Triplex, which are already pricey.

“Zip” Overview

“Zip” meaning: Two Zpacks tents come with the “Zip” suffix – the Duplex Zip, and Triplex Zip. The Zip implies three distinct changes from the classic model. First and foremost is the inclusion of a waterproof zipper closure system on the storm doors instead of a toggle closure. Second, and perhaps even more important than the zipper is the addition of the storm door vents, which help reduce condensation build up by dumping a bit of warm air that has risen to the top. Third and finally, is how magnets replace toggles for the storm door roll-up system.

Our thoughts on “Zip” features: The zipper comes with pros and cons, but once the dust settles, we could take it or leave it, to be honest. Obviously it’s faster and easier to use, especially when opening/closing from the inside. The zipper also creates a flush closure that prevents the wind from blowing into/flapping the gap in between the toggled-closure storm doors. The downside, of course, is that zippers are usually the first thing to fail on any given piece of gear, so we view the addition of the zipper as a small but notable hit to the overall lifespan of the product. Zippers can be especially difficult in sandy environments as they get clogged and damaged more easily.

But we love, love, love the addition of the vents. All single-wall shelters have condensation issues, and the vents help reduce that. They’re also great on warm nights. We hope that all of the Zpacks tents get storm door vents going forward, not only those with zipper closures. That being said, as single-wall shelters go, we’ve always found that Zpacks tents are breezy and well-ventilated with just the doors and the gap around the base/under the vestibule. Lastly, the magnetic storm door closure roll-ups are nice to haves, marginal but strict improvement. They hold surprisingly well and are much easier to un-do than the toggles, especially from the inside.

“Lite” Overview

“Lite” meaning: The Lite designation for Zpacks tents, currently found on Plex Solo Lite and Duplex Lite, refers to a weight savings package that reduces weight by ~20% over the base model. The weight savings are derived from three optimizations: (1) thinner DCF floor fabric, most Zpacks tents use DCF 1 oz/sq yd for floor fabric, but DCF .75 oz/sq yd is used for the Lite edition; (2) narrower width. The standard Duplex is 45″ wide, whereas the Duplex Lite is 40″ wide. This allows room for two standard width sleeping pads with zero to spare on the edges; (3) thinner guy line cordage on all cinches and pulls, down to 1.3 mm from 2mm.

Our thoughts on the “Lite” features: The weight savings optimizations are appreciated, and 14.9 oz for a fully enclosed Duplex Lite is impressive, as is 11.8 for Plex Solo. However, the end result is that Duplex Lite is a 2p tent is specifically designed for use by 1P, and while it technically can fit two campers, we would never actually recommend that as it’s just too narrow. But in general, we tend to prefer the extra width rather than sacrificing it. The thinner floor saves both weight and bulk, but will reduce the overall lifespan of the tent. We assume if you’re opting for the Lite version, you are unlikely to use a ground pad since weight savings are the entire point. The thinner guy line cordage is another one where it probably only saved a fraction of an ounce and may harm useability in cold weather. The two oz weight savings from Plex Solo Lite may not be worth the hit to floor durability, and for most people choosing between plex solo vs plex solo lite, we recommend the original.

The phenomenon here is that we respect but don’t love any of the individual optimizations comprising the Lite package, but the end result is certainly admirable. All said and done, if you aren’t into fastpacking, FKTs, multi-day trail running, super ultralight gear, and/or shaving every last gram possible, you should probably avoid the Lite series in favor of the other options.

“Free” Overview

“Free” meaning: At present, the Free modifier is used with one tent, the Free Zip. We expect them to release a 3p and perhaps even a 1P version. “Free” refers to the use of dedicated 6.3mm Easton Carbon tent poles to create a single wall, freestanding ultralight tent, no trekking pole and tensioned guylines required to pitch. The poles significantly increase wind resistance over pole-less models, and create more headroom compared to a Duplex ridgeline. The downside is that they add about 12 oz of weight and $170 of cost, and yield smaller vestibules, and a slightly smaller interior.

Our thoughts on “Free” features: Non-freestanding Zpacks tents are lighter weight, larger, more economical, and what you should probably choose 90% of the time. But the Free series fills a unique niche and is worth adding to your quiver if the cost is not prohibitive. Everyone with extensive trekking pole tent experience has at least once been hosed by sand, slick rock, or wooden tent platform. The Free Zip is perfect for scenarios when you know to expect challenging tent pads. But perhaps a better use case for it is wind. Tents this wind resistant usually weigh 3-4 lbs, so the fact that you’re getting it for just 2 lbs is a huge potential upgrade. Thus the Free Zip is not our new daily driver, but we expect to choose it as the best tent for the job on multiple trips per year.