ZPacks Tarps Discontinued

Just to clarify, It does not sound like the tent versions of the Hexamid Solo/Solo Plus, Duplex, Triplex, Altaplex are effected by this change.

Don’t forget HMG and Locus Gear.  If only I won the lottery!

I finally listed to the Podcast on DCF, and my takeaway was that you had to really know your stuff and experiments with the different laminate combinations and construction techniques to get a shelter design right.

Apparently, at AT Trail Days in Damascus, VA, ZPacks announced that they’re close to finishing a new tent design (still in prototype)… so it looks like they’ve got some new stuff close to release.

I hope it’s something we’ve not seen before. That prototype Redbeard was carrying was a little underwhelming. Although kudos to Zpacks for continuing to work on new designs!

Ryan

I know they are still working on the prototype that Will Wood had Mittencamper shows an update in this video from a month ago New Gear Weekend with Zpacks & Nunatak (it doesn’t really interest me though)

Seems strange to discontinue the tarp versions altogether. I imagine it was simply that they didn’t sell many of them. I’m not sure I’d want a tarp version of my Altaplex, but if I did it would be a pretty easy MYOG endeavor! :)

It is nice to hear of new products coming from them, glad they’re still keeping things fresh. If only they’d make their doors close all the way to the ground! That’s my one complaint about their shelters.

Edit: took a look at the video with their new shelter. Per the vid, it’s like a truncated Altaplex, and has a strut system up top to keep the interior volume, while reducing the peak (roof?) height. Looks kinda wonky IMO, not very stable?

I see they only offer two flat tarps sizes now, as well.

Considering that the tarp versions use the same patterns for the fly as the tents and involve much less work, I’m surprised that low sale would lead to them being discontinued. I wonder if they’re having trouble getting the quantity of DCF they need so they’re going with the higher profit products? That would seem to fit with moving out of material supplies. Or perhaps they’re running out of production capacity and ditto?

The trend at ZPacks seems to be towards a more standardized product line. I agree that the tarp version takes less work but keeping track of different variations of the same product has a cost in time and administration. I’m disappointed at seeing ZPacks narrow their offerings further but it is great to see that you can order a Duplex during peak season with 3 or 4 week turnaround. I think I had to wait 12 or 16 weeks when I ordered my Duplex in early spring 2015.

I can see them cutting some of the tarp models (Duplex, flat tarps, etc.), but it would be a shame to see the Hexamid tarp go, since that seemed to have a really solid weight/coverage ratio, and was honestly pretty nicely-priced for a shaped DCF tarp. (Yeah, I know I just referred to a $300 tarp as “nicely priced.”)

I’ve been on the fence for almost a year about whether or not I want to swap out my .51 Grace Solo for more coverage in the Hexamid…guess I’d better make a decision in a hurry and/or just go for it and sell it as a collector’s item in 6 months if I don’t like it.)

. Trail Days 2018 Gear Vendors ~ ZPacks showing off their NEW prototype tent .