Duplex Vs Triplex?

If you have no problem dropping geld on the Duplex, I'd get the triplex for an extra $100 beans. The extra space will be a huge bonus when you're out some night in the rain and have plenty of space to keep things dry and organized.

Once you have it, I bet you'll think it was the best $100 you ever spent.

I'm really starting to feel this way my self man, to be honest.

It just seems like im moving away from my original reason i bought the tent in the first place. Because it was so light, now im 5.5/4.7 over an additional quarter lb+?

25.2 with 12 stakes 24.4 with 8 stakes

compared to 19.7 with 8stakes

Are you going to have a second person in here often?

If this is a solo tent I think the duplex is a mansion! I think you should save $100 and get the duplex. There is a video or two on Youtube of the duplex used by a solo hiker, and it seems like a ton of space!

yes i plan to have another with me alot in this particular one.

That makes it a tougher decision. I know that for me the duplex would be enough room easily for a girlfriend.

Here is the Duplex, pic from Zpacks site.

A friend of mine had the duplex on our trip last weekend and holy cow that thing was huge!! He was using it for one person and it was simply ginormous. It really is a 2-person tent, not one that really means 1+gear.

"Do you think its worth upgrading to a triplex or just getting one outright instead of a duplex for the extra 1.9 oz 100$ and extra space?"

If I were looking for a shelter that I'd routinely use with another person, I'd go with the Tri Plex. The largest con, I suspect, would be the extra bulk when it's in your pack. I also suspect that the majority of that bulk will be from cuben fiber, not netting, so the difference may be negligible but I've yet to see one in real life.

If that is a potential concern for you, I'm sure Joe or Matt would be able to give you a better idea of how well these two shelters pack down.

When going from a solplex to duplex, it's a no brainer for me with the extra real estate gains being substantial. I have so much room in a duplex / hexamid twin when I'm solo that I wouldn't go to a triplex regardless of weight or cost, I just don't need any more room that I wouldn't be using anyways …. if I thought I would be consistently using the tent with two people instead of solo, then I would strongly consider the triplex …. but solo, no way, the minor additional weight, size and cost wouldn't be adding any value for me, ymmv.

They are very cool hybrid single wall / half mesh designed tents. Saving weight on two roof panels where mesh would go.

If I was regularly using it with two people then I would go for the triplex for sure.

If it was half and half solo and with someone else then it would be a toss up as to which one to get

Mostly solo then go duplex or possibly look at some of the smaller tents they offer if you really don't need the extra space.

I decided to go duplex when I ordered mine today since I am solo most of the time though it is nice to have the extra room available for those times where I do go out with some else and not have to worry about having multiple tents depending on if it is a solo trip or not

Thanks for all the input, gonna go ahead and order the triplex and see how i like it over the Duplex.

I wondered if anyone had had the chance to compare the duplex and the triplex? I'm pondering the same question as the OP. The tent will be used by myself and my girlfriend, so almost always with two people. I had originally thought the duplex was the way to go, but many seem to think that the triplex is best when with two people.

I'm also pondering the .74oz cuban fiber. We aren't planning a through hike…so it would mostly be to make the tent last longer. Does anyone have any experience with the heavier fabrice?

Well, two weeks ago a very strong wind broke the poles of my igloo cheapo tent. That was during family camping near Massada. Now, I'm too at ordering the ZPacks tent and, frankly I love the extra space I believe is enough for even 4. But, I fear that the wind resistance is much worse in the triplex.
That's why I'm thinking to place an order for duplex. The tent I'm ordering will be used mostly for 2.

Bigger tents have bigger footprints. In some places I've been, it would be tricky to put a 3p tent down without rocks/bushes/trees in the way. Just something to think about depending on what your local haunts are like.

I might spend a hundred dollars to shed a couple ounces. Consider how you're using the tent. If all you're doing is sleeping or you're sharing the tent with a very close friend, buy as small a tent as possible.

I received my Duplex a couple of weeks ago and have spent two nights in it so far and I'm going out again this weekend for two nights. So, while I don't have extensive experience with it, I do have a bit.

I bought the Duplex for a hopeful AT thru hike in 2016 and also to replace mine and my SO's 5 lb 3P backpacking tent. We're both average height and I'm a bit heavyset (she is not) and we have plenty of room in the tent. For solo camping it's more space than you'll need. I was actually surprised as there is more space than I expected. If I were going out with a friend rather than my SO it may be a bit close for comfort, but not too bad.

I also went with .74oz cuben even though I'll be thru hiking. The ~2oz is worth the added durability in my opinion.

I've have the Duplex and have used it with two, with both of us being over 6'. It's doable, but tight. I'd definitely recommend the triplex as the added weight is next to nothing. I did go with the heavier cuben fiber, but Joe at Zpacks doesn't think it necessary, but I'm glad I did just for knowing it's a little heavier.

It's only $50 extra if you make the other person pay for their half!

K

I use the Duplex as a solo shelter. I'm 6'1" and like to sleep diagonally if possible…LOTS of head and foot room that way. If you are under 6' I think the Duplex would be fine for 2 if you keep your packs in the vestibules. If you want all your stuff inside with you, and don't think the size of the footprint will be a problem, I'd go with the Triplex.

Just got mine on Saturday. With two people inside the packs will definitely go in the vestibule.

This thing will be a mansion when it's just me inside. It was comfortable although not roomy with two people inside.

Glad to hear yours arrived!

Mine is perfect for me (5'9"), dog (60 lb) and gear with plenty of vestibule space for sloppy stuff and for cooking, if necessary, which I've done a couple of times.

I would really like to have a duplex, anyone looking to trade? I have a a go lite Shangri LA 3, aND a sage 6 wt 4 piece fly rod, also a Vosseler dc4 reel (made in germany) your looking to gain double in value?               bobbydneuman at g mail dot com, not sure how this works but I  would love to have a lovingly used very functional Zpacs duplex or triplex

The used duplex and triplex tents seem to show up fairly regularly in the “Backpacking Gear Flea Market” group on facebook.  However, they also seem to sell super quick each time.

I had a duplex and wanted to move up to a triplex.  Posted my duplex in that facebook group and it sold within 30 minutes!

If you haven’t already, I would suggest checking out that facebook group and seeing if you can snag one.  They are awesome tents (either one).  :)

I am lookin (hoping) to trade very high premium fly rod for a duplex or triplex. Both rods and reels are new. Orvis helios 2,  9 wt. Witt hydros. SlV reel 9ft, 9 wt. And orvis helios 2,  8 1/2 ft, 5 wt, with mirage 2 reel. Any chance you know a fly fisherman? Trade one rod and reel for duplex and arc.haul or similar? Bobbyd

Having had 2 and 3 person tents, I think the biggest consideration would be the footprint and wind resistance. Here in the cascades it can be difficult finding backpacking camping spots that fit a large tent. Especially in out of the way places. That being said I would still get the triplex if you are camping with a partner.