Duplex

The Zpacks Duplex is the tent of choice for serious ultralighters, particularly thru-hikers who obsess over every gram. This single-wall, non-freestanding tent is an absolute featherweight, designed to disappear into your pack. It's technically a two-person tent, but in reality, it's a palatial shelter for one, or a cozy, minimalist squeeze for two who know each other very well. The key to its low weight is the Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) construction – an incredibly strong, waterproof, and surprisingly durable material that doesn't absorb water. This means no sag when wet and rapid drying times. We've pitched the Duplex in pouring rain and woken up completely dry, and the speed at which it sheds water and dries completely is a game-changer on multi-day trips. Setup requires trekking poles (or optional carbon fiber poles), taking a little practice to get a taut pitch, but once dialed in, it's surprisingly robust even in wind. The integrated bug netting provides excellent protection, and the dual entry is a nice touch for a tent this light. Condensation can be a factor with single-wall designs, but the Duplex is well-ventilated, and proper site selection mitigates most issues. It's a significant investment, but for those counting ounces, its performance is unmatched. **Highlights** * Extremely low trail weight (often under 20 oz) * Constructed from incredibly strong and waterproof Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) * Packs down to an incredibly small size * Dual vestibules and doors for easy access and gear storage * Fast drying and doesn't absorb water **Watch-outs** * Requires trekking poles for setup (non-freestanding) * High upfront cost * Single-wall design prone to condensation in certain conditions * Interior space is cozy for two, best suited for one person plus gear