Duplex Pro

I got their marketing video and it was pretty apparent most people are going to be hitting their heads on the ceiling. To each their own for sure, but not my cup of tea (or coffee). I’m struggling to see how less headroom is a win? Obviously they reduced the length to offset the weight of some of the new features, but I’d always rather have the Pivot Duo. It’s just a better design IMO.

What would cause people to hit their heads in the Pro version more than they would in the classic version? They both have the same interior height, but the Pro is 6” shorter inside. Is the interior length the culprit?

Hi JG – shorter length means a steeper roof, given the same center height no? Obviously I’m guessing, but looking at the photos and video, and thinking about sitting on a 3″ pad makes me think it’s going to be a bit of an issue. See photo below. If she isn’t already, she’s looks to be pretty close to doinking her head on the ceiling in the photo. It also appears it’s going to be tough not to hit the ceiling when sitting up after laying down.

But I am often wrong… :)

Copy. Yeah, I was a little perplexed about shortening the interior by half a foot. They already have the pattern for the classic Duplex, so why not just use that and offer the exact same tent with the inverted T doors and the toggled vestibule doors. Voila?

Overall length is only 2″ shorter on the pro. Strange why they made the interior length so much shorter.

As you guys know, I’m a fan of the Zpacks Pivot Solo – for reference, here are some pics of the Pivot Duo. For the same weight, unless I’m missing something (I often am :), I can’t fathom going with the Duplex Pro over the Pivot.

Dulplex Pro maybe has better wind resistance, has mesh doors that fully open. Pivot has much more space above your head/feet when lying down.

Maybe I’ll look at the Pivot Duo. I tried the Pivot and didn’t like how it pitched. The Duo looks like it employs a bit more symmetrical and simpler design.

I know these are for the Offset tents, but he points out the duo is the better version, which seems that is would hold true for the Pivot series. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ss0jUzY3Ucg&themeRefresh=1

Interesting new seams in the roof panels, instead of the single panel of fabric in the classic Duplex.  Addressing the stresses of the pullout?

I loved my original 2013 Duplex for 8 years, but wonder what would sway someone toward this design when an XMid Pro 2 can be had for less with no weight penalty.

$800. I remember threads from years ago, speculating that the price of DCF tents would eventually moderate, as the material became more mass market.

@ JCH

For me, the main driver for the Duplex Pro over the X Mid is the symmetrical design. We don’t camp above tree line or in snow, so we don’t need the wind-shedding or snow-loading advantages of the X Mid. We have an X Mid Pro 2+ and the design demands that we either sleep head-to-toe or that one of us is saddled with weird door access. The Duplex Pro is a simpler pitch, the sides open completely for an unobstructed panoramic view, and none of the issues with offset doors. In the end, I guess it all boils down to the use case and anticipated experience for the end user.

All that said, I’m locked into our X Mid Pro 2+ because it’s the one my girlfriend likes the best. Minus the two personal annoyances mentioned above, it’s a stellar tent and the vestibules are outstanding. If tree lines and snow were normal conditions for us, I wouldn’t consider any other tent. If the Duplex Pro had been released years ago, this might be a different conversation.

One more trivial annoyance with Zpacks… I’m a fan of white tents but Zpacks will not make the Duplex Pro in white. They have the material in white. They offer the Duplex Zip in white. However, they refuse to offer certain tents in white or even offer it as premium-priced option. Grrrr.

@JG H – Yep, tradeoffs.  Options are good.

“We have an X Mid Pro 2+ and the design demands that we either sleep head-to-toe or that one of us is saddled with weird door access.”

Which is the preferred door side for you? When sleeping the same direction (which I recommend) the two entrances will be different/mirror images (as you know) since one person will have the vestibule on their left and the other their right. I prefer offset doors (to avoid a pole and vestibule in front) but between the two sides I don’t have a strong preference. It does seem that more people like the vestibule closer to the head end.

I still have not heard a legitimate reason the camo DCF is not used anymore.

“I still have not heard a legitimate reason camo DCF is not used anymore.” 

Hammockgear offers tarps in camo but they are the only gear maker I know of that does. From what I understand there has been a problem with the added camo layer peeling off over time. Dutchware sells the camo DCF for $24 per half yard and it’s in stock right now. RSBTR has it available once in awhile.

@ Dan D

In the Pro 2+, I prefer the head end bc we keep our Big Agnes Skyline Stools under the vestibule and use it as a shelf to add more storage space and keep things dry should it rain. The vestibules are a huge bonus since we can store so much in them w/the stools that the interior of the tent isn’t littered with gear.

FYI… For anyone older, and/or husky, who likes carrying a seat/chair but struggles getting in and out of low chairs like the Helinox Zero, try the Skyline UL stool. It weighs the same but it sits higher so its much easier to getting in and out of it. It’s quite comfy, too. We love ours.

“I still have not heard a legitimate reason camo DCF is not used anymore.”

Hammockgear offers tarps in camo but they are the only gear maker I know of that does. From what I understand there has been a problem with the added camo layer peeling off over time. Dutchware sells the camo DCF for $24 per half yard and it’s in stock right now. RSBTR has it available once in awhile.

I heard that as a reason initially also, but with the exception of myself, I have never heard any customer post online with delam issue. I had 2 tiny spots-no delam really but maybe mylar or contamination during manufacturing of the dcf. Either way it’s not compromised, just not perfect aesthetically. I have seen those in a few non-camo dcf products also including my Plex Solo in blue. 5 years later the tiny spots have not changed.