Here’s how choose an Offset, Plex, Lite, Pivot or Free Zpacks Tent, and in the right size and fabric weight
We love backpacking with Zpacks tents because they’re incredibly ultralight, sturdy, high quality, protective, livable, and simple to pitch. But how to choose when there are so many options? This buyer’s guide dives extremely deeply into stats, materials, and feature comparisons to help you choose the most optimal Zpacks tent for your backpacking needs. For a shortcut, here are our picks.
- Best For 1P: Duplex Lite
- Best For 1-2P: Pivot Duo
- Best For 2-3P: Pivot Trio
Our guidance is grounded in decades of collective ultralight backpacking experience, and extensive experience with Zpacks tents in all environments and conditions. We’ve tested nearly every model, but have had to make a few spec-based inferences to fill in the gaps.
Editor’s Note, 8/26/25: This article was last updated to account for the addition of Pivot Trio, replacing Offset Trio
While you’re here, don’t miss our complete guide to the Best Backpacking Tents (not just the Zpacks models), or keep reading to learn how to choose the right Zpacks tent for you. Happy trails!
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Quick Picks For How To Choose Zpacks Tents
Free your mind from the confines of traditional occupant capacity recommendations. It’s okay to choose a 2P tent for 1P, or a 3P tent for 2p, and this can often create a significant livability boost for only a small weight increase. Our recommendations are not based on manufacturer size capacity classifications, rather, intended capacity.
For 1P Use
- Best Overall, Largest: Duplex Lite
- Tie for Second Lightest, Second Largest: Alta Plex Lite, Pivot Solo Lite
- Lightest Weight, Easiest Pitch: Plex Solo Lite
- For Freestanding Use & Wind Stability: Free Zip 2
- For On/Off Cowboy Camping: Hexamid Tent
- 1P models not recommended for 1P Use: Any 1P tent with standard (not lite) floor*
For 2P Use
- Best Overall: Pivot Duo
- Second Best: Duplex Pro
- Best Value: Duplex Classic
- Best for Spreading Out & Two Wide Pads: Pivot Trio
- For Freestanding Use: Free Zip 3P
- 2P models not recommended for 2P use: Free Zip 2p, Duplex Lite**
For 3P Use
- Best Overall, Most Spacious: Pivot Trio
- Second Best: Triplex Pro
- Best Value: Triplex Classic
- 3P Models not recommended for 3P use: Free Zip 3P, ***
Notes on non-recommended models:
*Standard, not lite floor Choosing the standard floor package for any 1P tent increases its weight by about three ounces compared to the lite floor version. This makes the weight gap between a 1P standard floor tent and 2P tent very small. Why choose a 14.5 oz Plex Solo Classic, when you could spread out spaciously in a 14.9 ounce Duplex Lite or 17.9 ounce Duplex Classic? The weight savings of an 11.7 oz Plex Solo w/ lite floor justifies the size/livability downgrade, but the delta between 1P standard floor and 2P is simply too small.
** Free Zip 2P and Duplex Lite both great tents, but both are smaller than average and should be used solo, rather than at capacity. Both tents are better thought of as 1.75 P rather than 2.0P. When shared by two campers, they will feel incredibly cramped.
*** Free Zip 3P, like the 2P version, is smaller than the average tent of comparable capacity, and has miniscule vestibules that are inadequate for storing anything more than shoes. As such, it would be impractical to fit three hikers and all of their packs inside. It’s a really nifty tent, but better suited to 2P use than 3P.
Logic For How To Choose Zpacks Tents
The shortcut answer to this question is that you should probably choose between the Pivot Duo and Duplex Pro because they are the best 2P models, and 2P tents in general are the most versatile because they also be used solo. Among their 2P tents, Pivot Duo has the most interior volume, headroom, and features, while still maintaining an ultralight weight. Its downside is that it is a more finnicky pitch. Duplex Pro has most of the same benefits, but a bit less headroom and an easier pitch.
Choose Pivot Trio or Triplex Pro for mixed 2p & 3P use; for use with a pair of wide width rectangular pads; or if you simply like spreading out for more elbow room.
The field of 1P contenders is much wider for soloists, and depends more on how you value ease of pitching vs weight vs space. Our favorite is the Duplex Lite.
From a livability perspective, you should nearly always choose either a Pivot/Pro series model, and/or go up one capacity gradation. From a weight savings perspective, you should choose the lite floor, especially if you use a ground cloth.
Since Free Zip 2P and Free Zip 3P are the only the freestanding models (and far superior to the Duplex flex kit), they’re an obvious choice when freestanding is required. They also outperform all other Zpacks tents in strong wind. However, they run small, so go up a capacity size relative to your expected user needs. Between them, the Free Zip 2P is a much better implementation of the design and is even more wind-worthy because of its smaller wind profile.
User height is another consideration. Tall hikers (6′ and up), should only consider Pivots Duo/Trio, Alta Plex, or going up a size capacity in order to sleep diagonally. Those under 6′ are compatible with all Zpacks tents.
Lastly, consider capacity. By default, we recommend 2P tents, since they’re most versatile and work well for 2P and are only a smidge heavier than their 1P siblings. But consider a solo tent if thru-hiking when weight/bulk savings, and the ability to pitch in smaller spots matter more; also if you hike alone often, or are building a multi-ultralight tent quiver. Consider a 3P tent if you and your partner both use wide pads, are restless sleepers, like extra room to spread out in, need 3P capacity, have larger bodies, and never intend to use it solo. The author of this article generally prefers 3P tents for sleeping two backpackers.
Zpacks Plex Solo
11.7 oz | $599 | Lightest Weight, Easiest to Pitch
The Zpacks Plex Solo is the original 1P tent in the Zpacks line. It has a generous floor plan with a 38″ wide center width, tapering to 28″ at the ends. However, like all 1-pole tents, the sloping side walls decrease usable interior volume and increase the likelihood of contact with condensation. Unlike most other Zpacks tents, the Plex Solo and its taller sibling Altaplex, have only one door, one vestibule, and are set up with one pole – which saves lots of weight, bulk and setup time, at the expense of less ventilation compared to two door models. Choose the “Lite Floor” package because the three oz increase of “standard floor” puts it the same weight class as much larger and more livable 2P tents.
Zpacks Altaplex
13.2 oz | $669 | Tied for second lightest, second largest
As the name implies, the Zpacks Altaplex is the taller version of the Plex Solo, with all of the same design features and easy, single pole “pyramid-style” pitch. At 57″ peak height, it’s the single tallest in the Zpacks line. Though due to sloping sidewalls, its overall headroom is still worse than any of the 2P models. Altaplex also has a very generous interior area, the same in fact as the Duplex Lite (90″ x 40″). That said, it’s not quite as large as it seems, because again, sloping sidewalls. Double check that your trekking poles hit 142 cm, or you may need to add in a 1.2 ounce pole jack. Choose the “Lite Floor” package because the three oz increase of “standard floor” puts it the same weight class as much larger and more livable 2P tents.
Zpacks Pivot Solo
13.5 oz | $649 | Tied for second lightest, second largest
Zpacks Pivot Solo combines the brand’s signature full height offset head-end trekking pole configuration, with a trendy, length-wise diagonal ridgeline tracing to a half-height center-foot-end pole. The end result yields a bizarre, asymmetrical shape with superior interior volume to single pole alternatives, and a vertical mesh foot end wall that prevents quilt footbox contact with condensation. Using this tents means paying the price of added setup time/complexity in exchange for greater livability and interior volume. It is a great blend of better-than-average interior volume and lower than average weight. That being said, thru-hikers and fastpackers on the move from dawn to dusk will likely prefer a Plex Solo (or Altaplex if tall) because it’s much faster/easier to pitch, and luxury ultralight soloists won’t mind paying an additional 1.4 ounces to bump up to the even larger Duplex Lite. Choose your Pivot Solo with the “Lite Floor” package, because the three oz increase to “standard floor” puts it the same weight class as much larger and more livable 2P tents.
Read more in Pivot Solo Review.
Hexamid Tent (plus groundsheet)
12.4 oz | $599 | Best for on/off cowboy camping
The Hexamid Tent with bathtub ground sheet is basically a modular Plex Solo, still fully enclosed, and with the same overall design. It is a smidge heavier than plex solo lite, but with the advantage of being able to divorce the canopy from the ground sheet. While this adds complexity and a bit of weight of the system (which is why we prefer plex solo lite overall), it creates a perfect tool for on/off cowboy camping. Use the ground sheet by itself on warm/dry nights, and hitch it up to the fly for rain or bug protection.
Zpacks Duplex Lite
14.9 oz | $669 | Best overall 1p option but too small for actual 2P use.
The Zpacks Duplex Lite claims the title of lightest 2P fully enclosed tent, weighing in at a scant 14.9 oz! It achieves this miracle by starting with the base Duplex chassis, narrowing it slightly, and utilizing a slightly thinner floor fabric and guy line cordage. While this is technically a 2P tent, there is zero width to spare even with two traditional width pads, and it was probably designed with solo thru-hikers in mind who are unlikely to ever use it at full capacity. The 25 sq ft interior floor is cramped for two, and significantly smaller than industry average 28 sq ft for a 2P tent, but massive for a soloist. To be clear, we do not recommend this for 2p use, but it is the best overall option for solo ultralight backpackers due to its impressively low weight and high livability.
Zpacks Free Zip 2P Freestanding
31.3 oz | $899 | Best Freestanding, hyper-wind-stable option for 1P, too small for regular 2p use
The Zpacks Free Zip 2p is 25-50% lighter than its freestanding peers from mainstream outdoor brands, has an exceptional wind-resistance-to-weight ratio, is made with best in-class-materials, and offers above average headroom. However, it’s also very expensive, has a smaller-than-average interior, and the smallest vestibules imaginable with room for shoes and nothing else. Nonetheless, this is likely one of the best, and virtually only, true ultralight freestanding 2P models on the market. It is an exceptionally useful and versatile shelter to add to your quiver for use in wind and when unable to pitch non-freestanding tents. Despite being a 2P tent, we recommend it primarily for solo use unless both users are short; otherwise upgrade to the Free Zip 3P for 2P use. We also note that, trekking pole tents like the Offset series are still preferred most of the time, because they’re lighter and more spacious.
Read more in our Zpacks Free Zip Tent Review.
Zpacks Duplex Classic
17.9 oz | $699 | Best Value 2P option
Ah original Zpacks Duplex Classic, now the most economical 2P Zpacks tent, and great for backpackers who prefers going solo, but sometimes bring a buddy along too. It is the lightest weight, least bulky, and least featured 2P tent in the line. Because solo backpackers can’t share anything, they need to be extra cognizant about carrying less gear, and less weight. It’s more important for the soloist to carry less than it is for the duo to have more comfort features. Thus, base Duplex is still as relevant today as it’s ever been. If most of your backpacking trips involve sleeping two people in one tent, we recommend one of the larger and/or more fully featured models. But this the right choice for buying a 2P Zpacks tent for the least amount of money, and for mixed 1p and 2p use. That said, from a performance perspective, we highly recommend upgrading to the Pivot Duo, which has far superior headroom and is overall more livable.
Zpacks Duplex Pro
19.5 oz | $799 | Second best 2P
Compared to Duplex Classic, Duplex Pro is better in most-but-not-all ways. For starters, it’s $100 more expensive and 1.5 ounces heavier, so what do you get? In terms of feature upgrades, it has peak vents, magnetic toggles, zippers, and best of all symmetrical L-shaped opening mesh doors (far superior to those silly rainbow doors). In terms of size, the Pro version’s interior is 5″ wider to accommodate two 25″ wide pads, but 6″ shorter to keep the weight comparable. However, the exterior extends farther, 7″ off the head and foot end vs 5″ for the original. All in all, this nets an extra square foot of interior area and is generally a fair trade off. We also note that the use of length-wise reinforcements bolstering the guy out center points, thereby allowing for additional tension, extra headroom, and a tauter pitch.
Zpacks Pivot Duo
18.6 oz | $849| Best Overall 2P
Replacing Offset Duo is the Zpacks Pivot Duo! At just 18.6 oz, it’s the lightest fully enclosed tent that fits two long/wide pads, beating the Durston X-Mid Pro 2+ by about half an ounce. This design is optimized for interior volume-to-weight ratio, and offers top-of-the-line headroom thanks to a pair of 52″ head end poles and a 32″ foot end pole. While the interior length is only 84″ long, it feels longer than it actually is thanks to a double wall foot end that entirely prevents condensation from soggy-ing your quilt. This tent is an immediate best-in-class contender for the ultralight tent genre. See more in our Zpacks Pivot Duo review.
Zpacks Free Zip 3P
36.2 oz | $999 | Best Freestanding and most wind stable for 2P use but too small for 3P Use
The Free Zip 3P is an exciting design due to the fact that it is the lightest fully freestanding three person tent that money can buy. And the Easton carbon fiber poles in a double-x configuration make it one of the most wind-worthy, comparable to light duty 4-season tents. But there are downsides. Apart from price tag, it has one of the smallest floor plans of any 3p tent, in addition to the smallest vestibules of any 3p tent. As such, despite its name, we recommend this model as a two person tent with room to spread out in. Like its 2P sibling, this is an exceptionally useful and versatile shelter to add to your quiver for use in wind and when pitching on rocky or manmade surfaces. Lastly, we do feel that this design lends itself better to the 2P version.
Read more in our Zpacks Free Zip Tent Review.
Zpacks Triplex Classic
21.4 oz | $799 | Best value 3P
The Zpacks Triplex is the lightest weight and least expensive 3P tent in the Zpacks Lineup, and thus is justified for those reasons. However, we dislike the rainbow doors, and think dedicated trios should opt for the Pivot Trio instead, which has more headroom.
Zpacks Triplex Pro
21.9 oz | $899 | Second Best 3P
Triplex Pro replaces Triplex Zip in the lineup, and is a slightly wider, slightly shorter version of Triplex Classic. Compared to the original, it is improved greatly by symmetrical double-L mesh doors, magnetic toggles, peak vents, and zippered storm doors. While we think this tent is overall superior to Triplex classic, the fact that it costs $100 more puts the price too close to our preferred Pivot Trio; only $50 for a tent that is both larger and lighter.
Zpacks Pivot Trio
21.3 oz | $949| Best and most voluminous 3P
Pivot Trio completes the size range offering of Zpacks’ highest interior volume tent range, offering a spacious palace for two, and/or the ability to sleep three. Like all Pivots, this tent is notable for its extra high 52″ ridgeline, and the 32″ end pole. That pole lofts the mesh double wall foot end (or is it the head end? You can sleep either way!), boosting headroom further, and protecting the footbox of your quilt from condensation. From a livability perspective, Pivot Trio outcompetes Triplex/Triplex Pro, though its three pole pitch is more finnicky. It gets all of the feature fixin’s, including peak vents, magnetic toggles, zipper doors, bathtub floor lifters, etc. It is the most expensive trekking pole tent in the range.
Zpacks Free Zip 2P
Zpacks Tents: Price, Weight, & Interior Area Comparison
Mobile users rotate device for full width table view
| Zpacks Tents | Price($) | Weight (oz) | Interior Area (sq ft) | Interior Sq Ft/Pound |
| Plex Solo Lite | 599 | 11.8 | 20.6 | 27.9 |
| Plex Solo Classic | 599 | 13.9 | 20.6 | 23.7 |
| Pivot Solo | 649 | 13.5 | 21.0 | 24.9 |
| Altaplex Lite | 669 | 13.2 | 22.5 | 23.4 |
| Altaplex Classic | 669 | 15.4 | 22.5 | 23.4 |
| Duplex Lite | 669 | 14.9 | 25.0 | 26.8 |
| Duplex Classic | 699 | 18.5 | 28.1 | 24.3 |
| Duplex Pro | 799 | 19.5 | 29.2 | 25.1 |
| Triplex Classic | 799 | 21.6 | 37.5 | 27.8 |
| Triplex Pro | 899 | 21.9 | 38.4 | 28.0 |
| Pivot Duo | 849 | 18.6 | 29.2 | 25.1 |
| Pivot Trio | 949 | 21.3 | 38.4 | 28.8 |
| Free Zip 2P | 899 | 31.6 | 26.3 | 13.2 |
| Free Zip 3P | 999 | 36.2 | 35.8 | 15.8 |
Zpacks Tents: Interior Length, Height, & Width Comparison
Mobile users rotate device for full width table view
| Zpacks Tent | Interior Floor Length (in) | Peak Height (in) | Center Width (in) |
Width/Person (in)
|
| Plex Solo Lite | 90 | 52 | 38 | 38 |
| Plex Solo Classic | 90 | 52 | 38 | 38 |
| Pivot Solo | 84 | 52 | 42 | 42 |
| Altaplex Lite | 90 | 56 | 36 | 36 |
| Altaplex Classic | 90 | 56 | 36 | 36 |
| Duplex Lite | 90 | 48 | 40 | 20 |
| Duplex Classic | 90 | 48 | 45 | 22.5 |
| Duplex Pro | 84 | 48 | 50 | 25 |
| Triplex Classic | 90 | 48 | 60 | 20 |
| Triplex Pro | 84 | 48 | 65 | 21.7 |
| Pivot Duo | 84 | 52 | 50 | 25 |
| Pivot Trio | 84 | 52 | 65 | 21.7 |
| Free Zip 2 | 86 | 43 | 44 | 22 |
| Free Zip 3p | 86 | 43 | 60 | 20 |
Zpacks Tents: Feature Comparison
Mobile users rotate device for full width table view
| Zpacks Tent | Storm Door Closure | Storm Door Roll-Up | Peak Vents | End Strut |
| Plex Solo Lite | toggle | toggle | no | 0 |
| Plex Solo Classic | toggle | toggle | no | 0 |
| Pivot Solo | zipper | magnet | yes | 1 |
| Altaplex Lite | zipper | toggle | no | 0 |
| Altaplex Classic | zipper | toggle | no | 0 |
| Duplex Lite | toggle | toggle | no | 0 |
| Duplex Classic | toggle | toggle | no | 0 |
| Duplex Pro | zipper | magnet | yes | 0 |
| Triplex Classic | toggle | toggle | no | 0 |
| Triplex Pro | zipper | magnet | yes | 0 |
| Pivot Duo | zipper | magnet | yes | 1 |
| Pivot Trio | zipper | magnet | yes | 1 |
| Free Zip 2P | zipper | magnet | yes | 0 |
| Free Zip 3P | zipper | magnet | yes | 0 |
Zpacks Triplex Classic
Zpacks Tent Modifiers Explained: Pro, Pivot, Lite, Classic, Free
“Pro” Overview
Pro meaning: As used on the Duplex Pro and Triplex Pro, the Pro upgrade packages includes: two symmetrical L-shaped mesh door on each side; magnetic toggles; peak vents; extra interior width; shorter interior length; and central guyout point ceiling reinforcements. Pro is an overall improvement to classic, but not strictly better since pro tents have a shorter interior which makes it harder to store a pack at your feet.
“Pivot” Overview
“Pivot” meaning: The Pivot package is currently available in the Pivot Solo, Pivot Duo, and Pivot Trio, and combines the brand’s signature full height offset head-end trekking pole configuration (first scene in the Offset series) with a center foot end pole to loft the ceiling for extra headroom at the expense of a more finicky multi-step pitch. It also includes L-shaped doors, magnetic toggles, and peak vents. While the interior length of these tents is only 84″ long, it feels longer than it actually is thanks to a double wall foot end that entirely prevents condensation from soggy-ing your quilt.
Our thoughts on “Pivot”: This is a very interesting development in tent design and applies differently to the Solo and Duo. The Solo is one heck of a strange polygon, whereas the Duo looks natural and sensible. Both tents are larger, more livable, and in most ways preferable to the Zpacks Originals (Plex Solo and Duplex). Lastly, we’re sad to see our beloved Offset Series replaced by Pivot, but happy to embrace the new new.
“Lite” Overview
“Lite” meaning: The Lite designation for Zpacks tents, currently found on Plex Solo Lite, Duplex Lite, Altaplex Lite, and Pivot Solo, refers to a weight savings package that reduces weight by a few ounces, (often ~15-20%) compared to the base model. The weight savings are primarily derived from thinner fabrics, DCF .5 for canopy and DCF .75 for floor. But also narrower widths – 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. And lastly, 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 Lite. 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. The thinner floor saves both weight and packed bulk, but will slightly reduce the overall lifespan of the tent. That said, Zpacks has offered Lite floors for a year now, and the user base has largely not taken issue or reported a bunch of busted floors. We also note that Zpacks’ direct competitor, Durston Gear, uses DCF .75 in its Dyneema flooring. The end result is a sacrifice to durability, but not a major one. We’re not as keen on the reductions to width or cordage thickness, but neither are deal breakers and fastpackers will find the weight savings to be worthwhile. Lastly, we note that Classic Plex Solo, Altaplex, and Duplex don’t have enough weight savings differentiation to separate and justify themselves compared to the Offset series, so for all of those, we recommend going with Lite over Classic.
“Classic” Overview
“Classic” meaning: Classic is used to differentiate some tents from their “Lite” alternative, and refers primarily to the use of thicker Dyneema Fabrics, DCF .75 in the canopy, and DCF 1.0 in the floor. It also refers to the original feature set of many of their all time most popular tents, like Duplex and Plex Solo, before there modified alternatives existed. Such features included toggle closure vestibules and door roll-ups, as well as no peak vent.
Our thoughts on “Classic”: Generally speaking, we recommend avoiding the classics. Well they are most trail-proven, a decade of design tweaking has yielded superior options. The classic tents are all less livable than the Offset alternatives, but with only marginal weight savings. As such, they exist in a no man’s land – heavier than the Lites, less Livable than the Offsets.
“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” : 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.
Zpacks Offset Duo
Zpacks Tents Fabric & Floor Thickness & Color
How To Choose Fabric Thickness
As you shop around a Zpacks Tent product page and shift between colorway selections, you might notice that the list weight changes. That’s because their tent flys are offered in two different thicknesses of Dyneema Composite Fabric, .55 oz/sq yd and .75 oz/sq yd.
While both fabrics are completely adequate in terms of durability and waterproofness, the .75 oz/sq yd is more durable and more waterproof while also slightly heavier and definitely bulkier. No one option is strictly better, and which is right for you depends mostly on your preferences. Do you value a bit of extra durability and waterproofness, or a bit less weight and bulk?
Which color is which fabric weight?
- .55 oz/sq yd
- Blue, Olive Drab, White
- .75 oz/sq yd
- Spruce Green, Burnt Orange,
Zpacks Tents Fabric Weight Considerations
We’ve run the numbers and here are the results. Our measurements are based off of the base Zpacks Duplex model.
- The .75 is 65% stronger when it comes to Tensile Strength
- The .75 is 72% stronger when it comes to Puncture Strength
- The .75 is 33% more waterproof
- The .75 increases the total weight of the tent by approximately two ounce total, averaging across most models
- Not listed or measured, but the .75 weight is slightly bulkier and more voluminous when stowed
- The .75 is more opaque and less sheer than the .55, though are unable to measure this
While we acknowledge that the .55 is sufficiently durable and waterproof, those are quite substantial performance increases across the board. For people who prefer backpacking gear optimized for performance and durability, we would recommend choosing a .75 oz/sq yd colorways. For backpackers striving to reduce weight and bulk we would recommend the .55 oz/sq yd weight colorways.
Zpacks Tent Floor Considerations DCF .75 vs DCF 1.0
Zpacks offers their tents in two floor fabrics, often associated with the words “Lite” or “Classic”. The Classic Tents use DCF 1.0, and the Lite tents use DCF 1.0. The 1.0 floor is more durable, but also heavier and much bulkier to pack. The .75 floor is lighter and more compressible, but less durable. At first, we were skeptical of the .75 floor, but now that it’s been available for a year and people aren’t having issues, we actually think it’s better. We also note that Zpacks Competitor, Durston Gear, uses DCF .75 in their tent floors (in addition to woven nylon options), and argues that the weight/bulk savings are worth the minor hit to durability. Furthermore, the weight cost of going up to the standard floor from the lite floor could instead be spent on upgrading to a higher tent capacity level, which is a much more tempting option.
How To Choose Fabric Color
Regarding sheerness/transparency and the white colorway
First and foremost, we will call out that the white colorway is quite sheer/transparent, and that in general, the three .55 DCF options are all more sheer than the corresponding .75 weight colorways. But the white in particular is more like a white-ish clear than a true white. While you cannot see detail through it, you can see the color of skin through it. All of the rest are sufficiently thick/colored to provide adequate privacy, but we recommend against the white color fly fabric in DCF .55.
LNT Considerations
It is nice if your tent doesn’t stand out like a sore thumb, drawing the eye and interrupting other campers’ experience in nature. In that sense, consider where you are most likely to camp. Green tents are most respectful in a forest environment, red and brown tents are most respectful in a desert environment. Don’t worry about matching perfectly as you will probably travel between ecosystems and no one tent is perfect everywhere.
Safety Considerations
Opposite LNT is safety. A tent that stands out is more likely to be found in a search and rescue situation. While this is a marginal benefit as Zpacks tents are not offered in high vis colorways, and not frequently used for mountaineering, it is worth noting and considering.
Photogenic Considerations
Like with safety, subject isolation is important to photographers. An orange tent looks good against the backdrop of a green forest. Conversely, a green tent would not stand out and would make for an inferior tent portrait photo. If taking pretty pictures of your tent is important, consider choosing a colorway that is opposite from the environment you plan to photograph most.
Interior Ambiance Considerations
Have you heard of “drunk-tank pink?” It is common tradition to place angry, drunken bar brawlers in a room the color of Pepto-Bismol pink. Whether or not that actual use-case is urban legend, it’s because pink creates a calming ambiance. But not just pink, warm colors like yellow and orange have been studied to have a similar effect. So in that sense, the burnt orange colorway specifically is the most likely to have a calming, pleasant effect and improve the ambiance.
Personal Preference
If you’re going to spend $600-1000 on a Zpacks Tent, you should like how it looks. Choose a color that makes you happy, that you think looks good. Just like how well-plated food is perceived to taste better, gear that you think looks good might just perform better!
What do we recommend?
In general, we recommend the .55 oz sq/yd options, currently blue and light green, since they are also associated with the .75 oz/sq yd floor. This decreases the weight and bulk of your shelter, while still offering adequate protection and durability. The standard floor is a good choice if you are hard on gear and want to eek out value. But keep in mind that choosing standard floor is usually comparable in weight to going up a capacity gradation with a lite floor. As in, the standard floor Duplex Pro weighs an ounce more than the lite floor Triplex Pro.
How To Choose Zpacks Tents Conclusion
We can’t stress enough how excellent Zpacks tents are, and how highly we regard them. We’ve used them all over the world, and weathered serious storms, and been very comfortable. There is no single best option, how to choose comes down mostly to your height and how many people you intend to sleep in the tent given its most common use-case. But we’re confident that you’ll be happy with whichever you decide on.
We hope you found this guide helpful, and we’ll continue adding to it and updating as new Zpacks tents are released. If you have any questions, please let us know in the comments. Happy hiking!
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