ULTAMID VS DUPLEX

My initial thoughts are if you camp in any kind of serious weather then the Ultamid would be a better choice. The Duplex is outstanding for it’s size and weight.
Since your checking those out, I’d also have a look at the TT Stratospire Li or MLD Solomid XL/Duomid if you haven’t yet. Cheers

Is this for solo use or two person use?  I think I would prefer the Duomid with Solomid XL inner for solo use as it’s has a smaller footprint, and has a side entry.  You have the option to go sil to save some money if you want, or at least get a sil inner as the sil floor should be more durable than the DCF floor.

If this is for two person use with your fiancee joins you, you might prefer the Duomid XL over the Ultamid as it allows you to sleep on one side of the pole, and allows you to use an inner net without a pole in the center which is a downfall of the Ultamid 2 if you plan on using an inner.  Without an inner, that’s not an issue.

I think the X Mid 2 is the best looking two person shelter on the market and is quite affordable.  If you’re willing to accept the slight weight pentalty, I think it’s worth checking out.

If it’s your first DCF shelter, you can read up on whether or not DCF is the right material for you.  I’ve owned 3 DCF shelters (Still own one) and think I prefer Silpoly.  DCF is very bulky to pack and the complete lack of stretch is both a blessing and a curse as it’s not very forgiving to a bad pitch.

If you are dead set on the Ultamid 2 or Duplex, I’ll say it depends.  The Ultamid is pretty bomb-proof, is extremely well made, and is aesthetically pleasing.  the Duplex is lighter but if my previous Z-Packs gear is any indication, it looks like it was sewn in someones garage – not that it’s not functional, but I’d have a hard time paying $600 for gear that looks like that.  It’s also not as stormworthy, though with a Hilleberg available, you may not need another storm worthy tent.   I’ve only been in a Duplex once and floor space was tight for two, but had nice volume (shoulder room).

So out of those two for me, if I was planning on using it in mild conditions and wanted bug protection I’d lean Duplex, if I wanted something more stormworthy and I planned on using without an inner net or with bivies, I’d go Ultamid.

How tall are you?  How thick of a pad do you sleep on?  If you are at the taller end of what the shelter can accommodate, and if so, are you okay with the fabric being inches way from your face and the foot box of your sleeping bag or quilt rubbing up against the fabric when it’s covered in condensation?

I had both a duplex and a DCF duomid. Found that I used the duplex more as predominantly needed to add an inner to the Duomid which I didn’t really get on with as I found it too small for comfort. (Material hanging in face etc)

I was also looking at the Tarptent Strato LI. Just never seet them on the Gear trade forum, and cant really afford it at full price. Perhaps one day.

The Ultamid or Duplex would be jsut for myself and maybe the dog. I am about 5’11, not overly fussy about fabric in the face and such. I know condensation is an issue in both, but hoping that I can figure out a reasonable way to vent them properly.

Duplex calls to me just because of the built in bug net, and up here in Canada the bugs are tenacious to say the least in the summer months up north. Ultamid, i know you can attach an insert and it would probably be better for colder weather, winter time.

Just a tough call without having seen any of them in person.

The Duplex is an all around favorite of many backpackers and campers. Condensation isn’t much of a bother I find, especially if you pitch it high (122cm) and if you have any kind of a breeze. Out of all my tents, I find myself using it more then any other one.

Cheers

Given your bug situation, I’d get the Duplex.  I own a Duplex and a silnylon Duomid (pretty similar, I think, to the Ultamid), both are great.  I rarely use the Duplex, because bugs are rarely an issue for me, but  the Duplex is the best fully enclosed tent, by far, that I have ever owned.  I’ve used it in moderate winds and light snow, and never had a problem (but then I live in Texas, not Canada).  I have used the Duplex on many trips with my dog (an 80 pound Chesapeake), and it has served me extremely well.