Duplex vs Skyscape X

>>complete with zippers.

Nothing wrong with zippers, but that is one more thing that could fail and need repair… plus, they're extra weight…

Just something to think about…

John Abela has a pretty comprehensive review of the Duplex. Prior to that he owned, reviewed and recommended the Skyscape X. You probably can’t go wrong with either, but the linked article gives his reasons for selecting the Duplex over all other options. I strongly agree with most of his points, but two in particular…

1. Rain drip line: Shelters like the Skyscape with (inner) doors that slope out at the bottom allow rain to enter the tent every time you enter/exit. The vertical walls of the Duplex eliminate this almost entirely…as do many other shelters like the MSR Hubba(s), SMD Lunar Duo, Tarptent Notch/Stratospire(s). For me, a dry entry is an absolute requirement.

2. The doors, as designed, are the closest thing to minimalist perfection I have seen. I have never had any problems with them in the wind…cinched down they are weather tight. I’ve never seen a Duplex owner express discontent with the doors…only potential owners wondering if zippers or velcro could/should be added. Fact is, unless you experience a very windy rainstorm, all doors can be left completely open at all times. If wind direction is predictable, you only need close the upwind doors…no rain will enter from the downwind side.

If you haven’t already, check this thread for some great ideas, mods and owner discussions related to the Duplex

Lastly, both Zpacks and SMD have great return policies…make use of them. Both companies understand that the only way for you to see, appreciate, and purchase their products is to get them into your hands with no risk.

SMD website says Skyscape X “Not Available”. I don’t know if it has been discontinued…

Never owned a Skyscape X but I have a fair amount of experience with the Duplex and can say that the fact that it doesn’t employ zippers on the door panels is a non-issue. I have ridden out a few thunderstormss (only 1 truly nasty thunderstorm — a series that lasted about 3 hours actually) and it fared quite well.

You will find few, if any, reports of folks regretting they bought the Duplex.

Where are you going to be using it Richie and under what sort of conditions?

For the UK the doors can be a bit of a problem on the Duplex as it's tough to get them sealed enough to keep the rain out on a typical windy UK nights camping.

The problem is not really the rain it's more the wind, as the doors tend to bellow open allowing wind carried rain into the tent during stronger winds (40mph+).

I'm sure staking out each door individually will help dramatically but i haven't had a chance to try that yet.

I have asked for thoughts on modifying the doors in the thread John linked to, my hope is to have a little bit more comfortable usage in higher winds as it's very very drafty as is, but as yet no one has responded.

If you're a fair weather camper the Duplex type of shelter is tough to beat, if you like heading out in 40mph+ winds though i'd probably start looking at something with fastening doors.
Worth pointing out though you'll struggle to find much that's as tough or roomy AND keeps the midges out AND has a full bathtub floor for under 700g though.

Bob – it was available a couple of hours ago. Guess someone must have bought one, they appear to have updated it for 2015 with double doors, so I would not have thought it discontinued.

Conditions are probably set to be the Sierras, Colorado Rockies. I have some good double wall shelters to turn to if prolonged rain is expected – as in the British summer. This is just when I'm out to save weight.

Thinking of JMT or alternative in 2016.

>>The problem is not really the rain it's more the wind, as the doors tend to bellow open allowing wind carried rain into the tent during stronger winds (40mph+).

I think sustained 40+ winds are outside the design parameters of quite a few shelters, IMO the Duplex being one. Even without rain, at those wind speeds an all mesh inner would let all kinds of stuff in, liquid and solid.

I don't see that so much as a problem with the door design as much as with selecting gear appropriate for the conditions :)

Mark – the doors are a factor. The zippers on the door of the skyscape x would seem to offer a great ability to batten down the hatches and the wedge shape would seem to have benefits as well – thought he Duplex seems to be shaped to shed wind as well.

Zippers can fail…:(

I would trust the overlapped storm doors on the Zpacks shelters with a proper pitch than I would the little #3 YKK zippers Six moons uses on their flys.

Big difference between the stresses imparted on zippers along a tensioned, load bearing outer seam of a fly and what is required to close the door on an inner bug net. Its why MLD snd Oware use #5s..

Also, as mentioned above, the drip line on Skyscape( as with most mids) goes deep inside the shelter.. better have a towel handy .

The Duplex is a better choice, IMO.

I think a Hexamid solo would be a better choice than the Skyscape as well.

You may well be right. I've never had a zipper fail on me – well on a tent anyway. Mesh yes, zipper no.

I looked at he Hexamid solo as well.

All the feedback is great and much appreciated

"I don't see that so much as a problem with the door design as much as with selecting gear appropriate for the conditions :)"

That's a great point John,
Only problem is in certain areas the weather can change dramatically within a few hours, you also have the mountain and valley effect of tunnelling wind.
I've started out the day with conditions still enough to read a newspaper and have ended the day struggling to stand on my feet.

Here in Greece the weather is pretty easy to predict even over say 5 days, in other areas of the world (like the UK) it's seldom as predictable.

Richie,
It's a tough one mate, if you are unlikely to be camping in 40mph+ winds then i think the Duplex is a fantastic solution.
I think it's a fantastic solution any ways, it's just that the design puts more emphasis on ventilation than it does it's ability to handle higher winds.

As i say i think you'd struggle to find anything that has bathtub ground sheet, 100% bug protection, comfortably sleeps 2 and is under $700.
It's an amazing tent from a fantastic manufacturer.

Only negative is it's not too comfortable a place to be in during higher winds, as i say it seems the design emphasis was more on getting air moving through the tent than keeping it out, so it's really down to what works for you and the conditions you camp in.

Mark,
Right you are. Wildly changing weather conditions are a tough one…probably no "best" choice there. You just have to developed the skills that allow you to adapt as best you can. A super tight, bomber shelter that shuts out all weather would probably suck in the upper 70's with high humidity.

Richie,
You have heard from several Duplex owners who love their tents. Nobody drops that kind of money on a shelter without a lot of thought and research. Whatever you decide, I hope you are as happy with your decision as I am with mine.

I own a Skyscape X. Prior to that I owned the Refuge X, a tent similar to the Duplex (although it isn't fair to say they are the same). I would agree with the other comments — one advantage of the Skyscape is that it is very stable in the wind.

Another difference is that the Skyscape X does not have the tent Apex in the middle of the tent. I personally like this. It means that I have more room above my head when I lie down. I get a little claustrophobic, so I really like this feature (I'm often sitting in my tent to avoid the bugs, so it is nice to just lie on my back and have a lot of room above my head). Of course, the XPacks (like the old Refuge) is big enough so that you can sit diagonally, meaning you may not be that close to the roof anyway. Besides, you may find the idea of having the highest point in the middle of the tent to be a huge bonus — just sit up without scooting. Looking at the video (with a guy who is as tall as me) I would say that if height above your height is a priority then the Skyscape is just a bit better (but both have a fair amount of room).

Another difference is the pole placement. With the Skyscape X, the pole is on the inside. I personally don't like this. It makes it harder to put up the tent, especially in buggy areas. You have to open the door and put the poles inside, then go back out and make adjustments. It also means that if I want to use my poles for a day hike, it is harder to support the tent with a stick (I can do it, but it means worrying about catching the bug netting with the stick). I can bring dedicated poles, but I would rather not. I think an outside pole placement (like the Duplex) is better.

But getting in and out seems just a little bit easier in the Skyscape. The pole is part of the side wall, so when you unzip, you really don't have to worry about maneuvering around the pole (like you do with the Duplex). That being said, the opening is bigger with the Duplex. But still, from what I can tell, the "effective opening", the area you can pass through without worrying about the pole, is just a bit bigger on the Skyscape (due to the asymmetrical design).

These are pretty minor differences. In general, I would say they are both great tents. So basically, I would say that it is a trade-off. For me, personally, I find the Skyscape plenty roomy (as a solo tent) and appreciate the aerodynamic nature (and five stake design, which makes it pretty simple to put together). If the poles went on the outside, it would be a perfect tent for me (maybe someday there will be that option).

I think UI did read that the 2015 has the poles on the outside. That may have been on the trekker though, I'm assuming that applies to the X.

Trying to tack that down – so I may have imagined it.

Ok, found it – about 1m 50s into this review.

Thanks Richie. That is good news. I may have to trade in the old model and the latest version :)

Not much to say beyond what has been said above, without getting nitpicky, beyond…

why are we comparing a solo shelter with a two person shelter?

Close in weight and personal preference is all. The Duplex seems to be a little more practical and a little less compromised in terms of entry and exit than the solo shelter.s

From the reviews most seem to be using the Duplex as a roomy one-person rather than a cosy 2-person anyway.

In early spring, late winter I purchased a used 2013/2014 Skyscape X off of gear swap. It has two entrances with the poles on the inside. I when with the Skyscape x for the weight savings. The Skyscape X weights 16.5 oz OMS without stuff sack while the stated weight of the Duplex is 20 oz. (Zpacks say's thier stuff sack weights .3 oz) 3.2 oz's IMHO is significant. I own products from both company's prior to buying the Skycape and found that both company's make good products. So I have a lot of confidence buying either tent. I did found that the Duplex has a little bit better resell value so I was able to buy the SX for 50 to a 100 dollars less than the Duplex. I have spent 10 nights in the SX and it has performed very well. No issues at all. I truly believe I could have bought either tent and been happy but the weight savings and saving a few bucks won me over to the SX.
Mike

Mike,

Clearly both are very attractive shelters whose design trade-offs are quite different…every SX owner I have heard from really likes it.

I'm wondering if you see much rain on your hikes? If so, could you share your experiences on entering/exiting the SX in those conditions?

No I have not been in the rain with this tent but I will be spending 3 nights in the Pacos and 10 nights on the JMT in August so I'm sure it will be tested out then. I have dealt with this issue with other tents and found it not to be that big of deal. I just don't unzipping the fly all the way.
Mike