Comments on: Reader Response: Thru-Hiking Shelter Space and Size

By: Dave Collins

Dave Collins — Wed, 13 Sep 2017 18:14:05 +0000

In reply to Scott.

Thanks for the feedback Scott!

By: Scott

Scott — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 03:11:09 +0000

Just thought I'd add my 2c on tent size as I recently through-hiked Te Araroa with my girlfriend and we had the chance to try a Duplex before setting out.

It was too cramped for us, even with no gear in the tent.

We hiked with a Tarptent Scarp II, which we found to be perfect in terms of size.

I'm 178cm tall and 100kg. My girlfriend is below-average height and 55kg.

We're planning to through-hike the PCT soon and will probably take the Scarp II again. If we do go Zpacks, it will be the Triplex (even though it's a little too large - Zpacks really doesn't have a "Goldilocks" tent for two).

By: Dave Collins

Dave Collins — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 01:11:28 +0000

In reply to Jarrettt.

Happy to help! Good luck finding a great deal.

By: Jarrettt

Jarrettt — Mon, 18 Jan 2016 18:33:17 +0000

Thanks for the info. Dash 2 tents are on a pretty good sale right and I'm trying to find comparables to see if its worth it.

By: Poison

Poison — Sun, 18 Oct 2015 00:22:00 +0000

Chance,

I Thru hiked the PCT in 2014 with the Duplex and I highly recommend it but if you are hiking with a partner, I would suggest purchasing the Triplex or requesting 5-10 inches of width added to the Duplex. On level ground, the Duplex was good for two people but there were a few times when I was forced to set the tent up on ground that wasn't level and I needed more width. I often had to lower my poles so that our pads could fit without putting too much stress on the zippers. I would suggest asking Zpacks to make a longer version of the Triplex (maybe an additional 6 inches in length and 2 in height?) or a longer and slightly wider version of the Duplex because that is what I want to buy since my bf is 6'5. I've asked Joe and currently it's not an option but maybe if there were several of us that want to buy the longer version, Zpacks might make it happen! :)

By: Dave Collins

Dave Collins — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 17:05:38 +0000

In reply to Christy.

Yeah, I'm with you Christy. That's one of the trade-offs with ordering products from the "cottage industry" companies. They are generally small operations that make products when they get orders. They bulk up before the spring selling season, but they rarely have enough inventory to cover the demand, especially with popular brands like ZPacks.

I hope you enjoy your new tent!

By: Christy

Christy — Sat, 25 Apr 2015 10:49:09 +0000

I'm anxiously awaiting my zpacks tent! Wish they weren't so slowing production!

By: Dave Collins

Dave Collins — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 19:44:49 +0000

In reply to Chris.

Really great input and advice Chris! Happy to have your thoughts.

By: Chris

Chris — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 19:23:24 +0000

I just purchased a Duplex tent and love it. It has a well thought through design and professional construction.

It is easy to set-up, but requires hiking poles, so if you use carbon fiber and they break, you will be patching them together to get your tent up.

You might ask if ZPacks can make a longer version, sometimes they customize equipment; 6'5" is pretty tall. The extra length could add a lot of comfort. Also check the side pole; it might help keep the wall off your head.
http://www.zpacks.com/largeimage.shtml?shelter/duplex/sidepole_l.jpg

When the doors are down, the tent is bomb-proof, but has little air-flow. You can ask them to sew in some hooks mid-way up the doors so that you can close them part way and have nice 18" overhang.