Good feedback and reviews. Also...regarding the sliding issues...I use a non skid shelf liner to lay on underneath my sleeping pad. It works great and an added bonus if you toss and turn a lot during the night it cuts down on the crinkle noise that the pad against the floor can cause and disturb your camping friends!
Thanks I use a tent as refuge. I have been through 60 mile an hour winds and when rain and snow are involved you really fall in love with the tent when you get through it with no problems.
Ryan Albright I can imagine. I have only been through light rain and wind with this one so far but it held up great. Having used it for 5 night so far what has really made me happy is all the room while doing camp chores. This thing is like a mansion compared to my duplex lol. So much head room
Very thorough, thank you! I just bought the duplex and I'll be sure to look out for the things you mentioned. I'm glad you decided to keep making videos!
Kim McGill enjoy the duplex. It’s a great shelter. Just don’t sleep with anything near your face....... lol. I am glad I decided to as well. Can’t wait for the new trail videos!
Thanks for the honest feedback on the Duplex. Pretty much every video I see about the Duplex is giving rave reviews of how wonderful it is, and I have only seen a couple people point out the not so great things about it. Yours is the first video I have actually seen where somebody has given up the Duplex to go with another tent. I had a Duplex on my AT thru hike in 2016, and I love it, but I also had a few issues with it. Most notably, the condensation inside the tent got pretty bad. I'm looking forward to a review of the new tent.
Paul Wetzel absolutely. Sadly I think people feel like zpacks is kind of an untouchable entity and if they say they didn’t like a curtain feature, even if they admit it’s a great product as I do as well, they are afraid they will be chastised lol. I just wanted to share my experience and hope it helped others :). It was a great shelter and hard to sell but it just wasn’t for me
@@AhonuiOutdoors I think that people also may want to make themselves feel better about spending $600 on a tent. There have been times when I may have talked too kindly about an expensive product I purchased for too much money. It was probably because I didn't want to admit that it may not have been a great purchase.
The "everyone loves the perfect, almighty zpacks duplex, which must never be criticized" factor reminds me of the cult obsession with Brooks leather bicycle saddles amongst the bicycle touring community. Just because something is a unique design, very expensive, and works well for most people, doesn't mean it's always better than other, cheaper products. Thank you for giving us something to think about before making the $600 plunge into zpacks.
First thing... this is a cracking video. You speak very well, very clear, you're not full of yourself and you're open minded and humble. Fantastic. My only minor issue is that the BA has an HH of 1200 which I can assure you that at least here in the UK it quite literally doesn't even qualify (legally) as waterproof. The bare minimum is 1500 and I hardly ever seen any tent with less than 2000. Most are 3000-5000. High end ones are much more of course. Consider, though, that Zpacks's fly is either 15,000 or 20,000 depending on the thickness. So while I really appreciate all your wise comments (they made me think a lot since I'm considering either the Duplex or the Hilleberg Enan) you really can't compare them on the sole merit of the non-floating bottom or the larger vestibule when one is bomb proof and the other, at least here in England, can't even be sold as anything other than 1-season (summer only) tent.
BravingTheOutDoors thank you for the kind words, always good to hear that I am coming across the way I enters too in these videos. I’m for sure no expert. As far as the BA, I can assure you that this tent is waterproof. HH rating or not. I’ve spent many nights in hard rain and hail in this thing since I uploaded this video. Now that being said lol, it in no way holds up to Dyneema when it comes to its ability to shed water. Which I did mention in the video as my biggest hesitation for switching. The material BA and most manufactures use on these shelters are only poly coated. Meaning the fabric can and for sure will absorb water. However as long as it’s well seam sealed the water will not come through. Dyneema is naturally waterproof and does not need any sort of coating. Not only will water not come through dyneema, it won’t absorb water at all either. Just shake that sucker off and the water goes flying. Can’t beat that for even a second. But when the only thing a shelter has going for it (for my particular style) is it’s fabric, lacking in design for comfort and it cost $600. It leaves to much to be desired. Plus as with any single wall tent, condensation is so nuts inside that thing that even though I didn’t get wet from rain I couldn’t stay dry inside from so much build up inside the tent. Aaallllll that being said, I’m working on making a dyneema groundsheet and rainfly for this shelter to get the best of both worlds. So if your interested in that stick around! Lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors That's great to hear but I've learned the hard way - there is rain and then there is rain. I completely believe you of course but I had the mountain equipment hammer head 3 which I was assured is bomb proof water proof. Maybe it is in some countries but it sure is not in the lake district (wettest place in the world excluding monsoon season in the east) where rain drops are the size of shotgun bullets. That was a trip ruined and a lesson learned. Very difficult for me to trust tents now. After that I just bought the Hilleberg Staika which is as bomb proof as it gets but hardly light weight and costs a fortune. I just can't seem to decide whether to give Zpacks a try or go for the Enan. The prospect of dyneema getting dry quickly is quite appealing. Kerlon takes hours to dry. And don't worry... I've subscribed. Cheers.
BravingTheOutDoors in the world of backpacking we for sure get wrapped up in weight over function. I must say that I would not recommended this tent for anyone under the conditions you described lol. Or any other lightweight backpacking tent for that matter. Dyneema is definitely the name of the game for water proof ability but it sounds to me like in your case you’ll have to sacrifice weight to get something that can truly stand up to some brutal forces.
I really enjoyed your detailed analysis of both tents. The details you put forth gave us tent owners lots of things to think about. I look forward to your future report on the UL2 after it has survived several hours of rain in a major storm. Thanks a million!! =)
went from my duplex to BA tiger wall for all the same reasons, I wish they made the rainfly in DCF. would be great idea for a cottage company to offer DCF rainflys for all the most popular tents.
Oh they do, it’s called a carbon, and it’s 1,100 and made of the thinnest dcf on the market 🤣. But im with you. Gotta love dcf for it’s water resistance. They damn sure got that part right. And no sagging
I had the same problem with my Zpacks Plexamid. Crazy condensation and the toe box of my sleeping bag always being wet from touching the walls. Had to wrap the toe box in a raincoat or garbage bag.
Great video! I just bought the BA solely on its weight and interior space for me and my dog. You've given me so much more info than I had before. Now I feel REALLY good about this purchase. I just subscribed to your channel so I look forward to more. Thanks!
I'm glad that you posted this. One problem that a hiker had with the tiger tent between the terminus and 109, with all the wind a guy line broke, apart from that she was very happy with it. I'm 60. My friends mom did the pct in the mid '80s. No ultralight, cell phones or gps. Talk about a strong and brave woman. So far I have leaned more to reliability and practicality than weight although at my age weight is important. Thanks for sharing. I think you made a good choice.
Yeah the guys are very thin for sure. When u added my adjusters I changed the line as well. I believe it will hold better now. Anyone who completed the trail pre gps is nuts haha. Not just because of the gps because that also means trail conditions were intense (no real pcta to keep it maintained) trail towns were minimal, resupply points were further apart, no trail angels or trail magic. People didn’t pick up smelly hikers as often. lol. We have it easy compared to back then. It’s till not easy of corse haha but we have a lot more support and information these days to help us. I’m a much bigger fan of getting my load smaller and closer to my back than I am worried about weight. I try to keep it light but I’m not “worried” about it if you know what I mean. I mainly mention the weights for those who are interested :)
I just bought the Tiger Wall 2 after much deliberation and consideration of other lightweight tents. This reinforces my choice while giving a sobering review of its limitations. Thank you!
I’m glad to hear that and hope it was helpful to you. I got a lot of backlash on this one for saying anything negative about the duplex haha. Great shelter, just not for me.
albert thank you. Of course. I don’t want to bash any company or oversell another. I would just like to share my experiences and show what I’ve done to adjust along the way :)
Definitely something to be said for poles. My son and I are currently attempting the Pct again as we speak. Just made it to idylwild. We’re carrying the copper spur ul2 full free standing and I don’t think I’ll ever go back lol
The problem I had with my BA came in a real downpour and despite staking it very well I got wet when the two walls touched. Whew! The duplex resolved that problem and I sold my BA. Strange how preferences are so different for each of us. Good review.
Perry Rush yeah I can definitely see this being an issue. But with my adjustable guyline modification, I can pull my flu so tight I didn’t have this problem and I have spend more nights in the rain with this tent than not haha. Colorado was a rainy place lol
Perfect video! Thank you! I have had my Tigerwall Ul2 for a year now and LOVE it. But I have been going back and forth about investing in the Tigerwall Dyneema or Zpacks to shave some ounces. This video helped me realize it just wouldn't be worth it. Thanks again!
im very glad you found this video helpful. I do not want to sway anyone away from a shelter that they may love but I definitely want to give my opinion after having put over 150 miles on the duplex. Just as some added resource for people before they make a decision, no matter which way they decide to go :). However, I would definitly wait on the BA Carbon series. I do believe they have much more work and research to do before they are ready to work with Dyneema haha.
Steven Ascherl I’m sure that particular issue doesn’t bother thousands of people who use the duplex. Just combined with the other reasons I switched it was definitely on the list for the switch haha
Bart Owen lol thank you for the effort to express your feelings towards my video lol. I’m glad you liked it. I just finished my guy out modifications today. Now I have to figure out how to somehow make that into an interesting video pol
This is the first of your videos that I've watched and I like what I'm hearing so I subscribed. Even though you've said it wasn't a real review because you haven't actually used the tent in wet, rainy, windy conditions yet you did describe the problems that you have with a single wall tent and the possible problems that you see in the future with the tie outs in this tent. It gives us a lot to think about when purchasing a tent for a long distance hike. I've only section hiked and have the BA UL1P. Bought that because of price and weight (just over 2 lbs.) and I, personally don't need all the extra room that a 2 person tent has (although the headroom alone is a big selling point to me - or would be for a longer distance hike). I'll come back later when you've totally tested this tent out. Thanks for the info. Enjoy your hike with your son this weekend.
Thank you for checking out my video. Im glad you liked this one and felt it was worthy of a subscription. I plan on bringing some pretty awesome stuff to the channel soon both from on and off the trail. That doesnt sound like a bad set up at all. I like the extra room personally. I like to drag all my crap in with me at night haha. Plus when my son goes with me we both fit quite well. Until he outgrows me that is haha. He is very excited for next weekend. I will be uploading a video of that trip for sure!
@@AhonuiOutdoors My pleasure. Thanks for posting them. I travel alone, always, so no need for a 2 person. I also have room for my gear (really only backpack and camera gear) inside my tent. I left my boots and poles in the vestibule. I like that area, too and you don't get that with a single walled tent. Plus, it helps that I'm not claustrophobic as I think, most people are. The tighter the space I'm sleeping in the more comfortable I am. Weird but true. I don't move around a lot (side sleeper) when I'm sleeping. Eager to see how your trip goes. Have a safe time and Happy Easter. Per comment below I am comparing specs (weight, space, price) on the Copper Spur, Fly Creek, and Tiger Wall. May change to a 2p if I do a longer distance hike because of the higher chance of bad weather (I was section hiking, flip-flopping, and had my car within a 40 - 50 mile radius so I actually got off trail at one point due to bad weather and slept in the car for a couple of rainy days. Continuous rain has always done me in even when car camping). A larger tent with more room may help with that if I decide to do a LASH.
@@AhonuiOutdoors good luck. DCF is fun to work with. Just make sure you reinforce the obvious places with and extra piece on the opposite side and stitch through all layers and seam seal those reinforced points. All the rest of working with DCF is just cutting and taping (use a cutting board with sharp rotary blade unless you have a hot knife) good luck and enjoy :-)
Hangs4Fun - Big Agnes has a line. They’re a joke though because they decided to use insanely thin dyneema. If they would have used the same thickness at Zpacks and other makers, I’d have already bought one.
Thanks for making this video and sharing your views. I have several free standing backpacking tents and had been considering the zpack tents and others like it. I can see you have good clear logic and reasoning . I think I will continue on with free standing tents and stand clear of the duplex style tents. Thanks again.
I’m glad you found my onsite useful. My intention is never to turn anyone away from a tent they may love, just to give my experience so people can make their choice with insights from all angles you know. This stuff isn’t cheep
@@AhonuiOutdoors you got that right. The best value tent I've found so far is the hyke&byke zion 2p and with a $20 discount code comes out to $80. They even include the footprint , gear loft and a lifetime guarantee. Also since I was in the air Force I got hooked with expert voice and get excellent discounts on gear and tents at on a average of 35 to 40% off. My lightest tent so far is the nemo hornet 2p.
Really good review, you brought up points I wouldn’t have thought of, such as the free floating floor and strong wind blowing around gear inside. Good job, subscribed~
Goat Locker _ Hike, Bike & Dive thank you. Like I say, as far as the floor, that is probably so unlikely and I was probably incredibly unlucky but after all the other things that I didn’t like about the design, that was kinda just the last straw haha
Perry Kerr very nice. The adjustments sure make it easy to set up and keep tight. I also found in crazy heavy rain you can tighten even more if you have the slack, once the rain soles in a bit to your rain fly, and it makes the fly super taught you keep any condensation off of tour bug net. Though there’s a really generous gap already so I haven’t run into a condensation issue even once with this tent yet.
Interesting outlook.. I've thought about getting a Duplex tent, even though I use a hammock system.. If nothing else but to cut weight! But listening to this video, I will stick with a free-standing tent if I go back to that from time to time.Thanks fir the info, Hoobilly...
Hoobilly Indiana's The Video Stump glad I could give you some insight. The duplex would definitely help you cut weight from your hammock but for the rare occasions being used it would be a good chunk of change haha
I appreciate the honest feedback about both tents and they way you listed pros and cons. Are you planning to do a longer term review or a update on if you're still happy with this tent?
Zach Locks for sure. I have sadly neglected my backpacking and this channel for the better part of 6 months due to my business unexpectedly taking off. I plan to get back out there and post more video for those who are still interested after such a long absence haha
@@AhonuiOutdoors sounds good. I was on the fence about sticking with a freestanding tent or to try out the trekking pole kind and you helped sway me back to freestanding
J Mal fly creek was the single, end style entry and the copper spur is a free standing (more pole sections and takes up more pack space) plus was 50 bucks more lol
Great review man! The "non-stake-abilty" of the floor is something I never even thought of!!! The ability of the wind blowing the tent floor up has never happened to me but I can TOTALLY see that happening!!! I too place items from my pack in the corners to keep it from blowing but you're right about a huge gust having the ability to fling those items right up! From now on, I'm definitely going to pay attention to the winds direction and place my sleeping pad on the leading edge and hope the wind doesn't lift my ass up!!! 🤣 Again, thanks for the video!!!
RESTLESS OUTDOORS haha thanks man. Yeah I’m sure this was an incredible fluke, but mixed with the other personal issues I had with the duplex design, it was just a final nail situation haha. I do miss dyneema though. I will be excited to make my new fly for this tiger wall!
Those steep sidewalls are nice. That's what I'm looking for in my next tent. Also a current Duplex owner. Looking for something with better clearance for the face and feet. If BA comes out with more DCF I'll be looking at them and the DCF Tarptents. I hope they become less expensive over time. Best of luck with the new tent. Thanks for the look.
Adam Holbrook agreed. If they come out with a suitable dcf I may be out a pretty penny lol. But for now I’ll just modify this one ;) thanks for reaching out. Good luck with your tent search
Awesome comparison. I bought a Duplex because that’s what all the cool kids are doing but I’ve encountered many of the things you mentioned. I’m not sure I’m ready to switch but I appreciate the thoughtful reasons you did.
Andy Beecham the duplex definitely has its appeal and demands your attention lol. Many many people are happy with their plex tents and for good reason. But after using this ba for about 10 nights on trail, I’m incredibly happy with my decision to switch.
I went back and forth between the Duplex and the Tiger Wall UL2 Platinum for months. You made me feel much better about my decision to purchase the BA. I haven’t taken it out for a “test drive” yet, but I know I’ll prefer a freestanding tent. Thanks!
NaLona Brato glad I helped ease your mind haha. I haven’t slept in it yet but i have set it up a dozen times and I love it so far. I very much love the extra room and my door not being obstructed by the pole
Very nice video and analysis. Love my Zpacks tents still and just distribute gear to deal with the free floating floor issue but understand the concern. Lots of great information to think about. Thank you!
Dave Somers for sure. The duplex is a very well built shelter. If it were only the floor issue I would still have it. Combined with the condensation problem (of all single walls not just a duplex specific problem) and the other wants I had from a shelter that it couldn’t provide, it just ended up not being for me. There is a reason there are thousands of the duplex out there and it’s not all just because of a name. Though that is a factor lol
Mr. A: Thank you so much about your testimonial on your Duplex. I was considering taking that leap to a Duplex, but may now look at a 1 person freestanding tent instead. I love my REI Quarter Dome 2, but with the foot print I am at 3 lbs. Ouch. Keep up the good work.
Jeffrey Rule the duplex is still a great option just not for everyone. No one piece of gear will ever be perfect for every single user out there. I do think some people for left it is ok for a good piece of gear to not work for some people but still be a GOOD piece of gear you know? Lol I had a buddy using the NEMO hornet 1p on the pct. he liked the tent but the 1p thing was a little much for him ahah he would have gone with the 2p had his not been free lol
I can do that. I wasnt sure if anyone would be interested in a new review on that one just yet with the mileage it has on it. Once the hiking season is over this year (I should have over 500 miles on it by then) I will do a 500 mile review of my pack.
Thanks for you video. I am considering buying a new tent now that I've retired. Because of back problems I'm looking to lower the weight of my backpacking setup as much as practical (and comfortable). Since I will probably be using trekking poles more often the additional weight to the Duplex setup is not that great of a concern. However, you brought up other areas to consider as well. So I made some spreadsheets to help weigh the options (pun not intended) comparing the Duplex, Tiger Wall, and Copper Spur. Tents have sure come a long way from my canvas pup tent I started with some 50+ years ago. Thanks again for your video. Oh, for the Duplex floating floor I think putting a marble in each corner on the inside tying onto it from the outside may help secure the floor while being removable for resale.
theslowwalker I can for sure understand your concern. A lot of hints to think about when buying a new tent: and you will definitely not ever have to go back to canvas haha. Although a good waxes canvas is sure sturdy! The marble idea would definitely be an option for people not worried about weight. When you are talking about a duplex, the main reason it doesn’t have guy ours on the floor is to keep it a 21oz tent. So for someone like you or I that would be a great solution that I did not think of. Although the a frame and single wall thing definitely will get me every time. Especially now that I’ve used my mansion in California, Colorado and Texas. I don’t think I could ever go back! Lol good luck with your search!
Hello my hiking friend, it is good to see another one of your videos. Looks like you made a good decision regarding your new Big Agnes tent. Have fun with your Son on your upcoming backpacking trip. Be safe out there. 🤗
Amazing honest review. No shilling, he even says framed tent instead of reciting brand of his tent. For a new customer finding video like this is great(I am not new and I am using Chinese options, but people tent to shove too much money on crap items)
Vidmantas Aurelijus Bielskus thank you. I try to be as non bias towards any one piece of gear as I can while still explaining my personal opinion on how specific gear works for me. I just want stuff that works for my style. And of other people have a style like me, maybe it will work for them too :)
So I bought the TW UL2 when it first came out. I have been using it for a little over a year. What you said hit the nail on the head. My biggest issue with the tent are the guy lines on the footprint are longer that the lines on the tent body. This makes the footprint not as taunt as I personally like. Second, is the guy lines for the corners on the foot-end of the rainfly also don't match up perfectly to the tent body to provide the correct gap between the mesh and the fly when wet and starts to droop. My solution is to simply carry 2 more stakes to stake down the foot-end fly corners independently. Yes, it's more weight but I don't like to modify the tent and it gives you the opportunity to really get a better pitch when on uneven ground and/or if the soil get too saturated. Also, if it is not rainy and happens to be windy it gives me the option to utilize other tie-out points. Or if i need hang something from a tree or any other unforeseen circumstance.
Lipscomb Connor sounds like you’ve got your setup down to a science :). I myself love to modify and have already done so haha. I’ll let you guys know how it works
It's refreshing to see someone explain why they went from a Duplex to a silnylon tent. Most go to a dyneema tent and never look back. Great explanations. I agree with a lot of what you say. I just received the Dan Durston Xmid which, in my opinion, is the best trekking pole supported tent design out there. I mostly hammock camp though. I really like my hammock setup and silpoly tarp. Silpoly is superior to silnylon - it doesn't sag
Jay S it’s true. It was a touch decision as I love dyneema but there are other comforts I loved more haha. I wish they made my tent out of syl poly if they aren’t going to use a solid dyneema
@@AhonuiOutdoors Yes, silpoly would make it an even more excellent lightweight freestanding tent. I like hammocking too much to use tents on a regular basis. I have a tent for areas where a hammock can't be used. Ya, I should get a dyneema tarp for my hammock. Even better than silpoly
Jay S they are expensive but it would be worth it I can assure you lol. Nothing like just shaking the water off and stuffing the tarp away with no worries. Of corse drying it is still beneficial but it’s not a Dyer need. I tend to hike a lot of places where I can’t hang a hammock. Plus I don’t really like the idea of having to have 2 quilts in the cold. (Everything has its ups and downs) that’s why I don’t understand all the people saying “you should do this or you have to do this” those fraises shouldn’t even exist in the backpacking community lol. It’s just to personal for such things
@@AhonuiOutdoors Ya, I am thinking about buying the Dan Durston Xmid DCF version when it comes out. It's supposed to be lighter and more roomy than the plexamid. Plus it is easier to setup
I love BA tents. I've had a Copper Spur on my wishlist for quite a while now. I'll have to take a look at the Tiger wall. Awesome review and it solidified my leaning towards a free/semi free standing tent.
Joe Shawcroft thank you I’m glad you found this video helpful. The copper spur is for sure an awesome option as well. I just didn’t quite need the full free standing tent personally. Although, if my wife starts coming with my son and I I may look at the viper spur ul3 for all of us since my wife and I can split the load.
I hope you’ll be making a video of your Easter trip with your son. Will your son be in the BA tent with you or does he have his own tent? I’m currently in debate with myself whether to get 2 seperate tents for me and my son for our trip in July or just the one & share.
Miss Lux 4X4 I will for sure be making a video of that trip :). For now we will be sharing this tent. Down the line if he gets more into backpacking I’ll get him his own.
@@AhonuiOutdoors Your choice IS a mansion by comparison. When you want a castle, try Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack - Ultralight Bike-Packing Tent, 2 Person, Gray/Orange www.amazon.com/dp/B07MR56P23/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rfY0Cb0ENME66 - making sure to include Mtn Glo LED lighting ... no need to search for headlamp in the dark!
Great looking tent for sure! I personally just didnt need a true free standing tent nor did I really want to add a whole extra pound on top of the tiger wall. I am however looking into different free standing UL3's for when my wife and son both want to go. Best part is my wife and I can split the weight haha.
Very good review. I have the copper spur and never wanted a dyneema tent to save weight. I do have a Hyper light dyneema tarp and a sea to summit light weight tarp. I prefer the sea to summit because it blocks the sun for shade and is also super light. Plus it was way cheaper.
Thank you, There are so many great options with gear and combinations of gear to taylor fit our individual needs and wants on the trail. It makes the whole process that much better knowing we have so many amazing options :O
I listened to you very carefully here, and you did a great job explaining differences. I think that a tent that does not behave as a shelter ie you stay dry, and out of the wind, is NOT worth a nickel. I don't care if it costs $10,000.00. Your new tent looks awesome to me. By the way I lived 6 months straight in a walmart tent with a $5.00 tarp over it. Dry as a bug in torential downpours. And I carried something far heavier then that for over 1,000 miles. Not a setup for the AT I suppose. Your discussion of how you may modify this tent and the reasons, was educational. Thanks.
use what works for you right? haha. I agree. There are areas I am not willing to sacrifice when it comes to my shelter. In 20 degrees I cant have my quilt getting wet lol. Im not UL by any stretch nor do I really care to be. But I will drop weight where I can as long as it doesnt mean sacrificing stability.
Love the talk about the tent. I was between this and a few others. I ended up going with the Fly creek UL2 HV for the slightly less weight factor. But I agree with you, Free standing is where its at.
Jonathan Isak very nice. I looked at the fly creeks as well. I prefer the double door and vestibule thing for when I actually have a second person with gear with me. Just a little easier to maneuver and more coverage for gear outside the mesh. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these lines of shelter honestly. I’ve spend 5 nights in this one now and it’s like a mansion lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors makes more sense for a two person with the double door and vestibules. I use mine as a large single or share it with my husky who is my only hiking buddy typically. Agreed that there entire line is awesome. might consider the tiger wall if the wife decided to want to start coming out with me.
Jonathan Isak I wish my dog would hike with me haha. I know he would stay with me hiking I don’t trust him not to run off at night or destroy me tent if he slept inside it with me lol
I've owned the Fly Creek UL2 for a few years and I am looking at this tent because I hate climbing out of the entrance. A side entry is so much easier to navigate.I like to store my gear in either the vestibule or inside my tent.Storing it in the Fly creek Vestibule is a pain because you have to climb over it to get out. I know it's heavier but it's so much more convenient.
I actually thought about that too because it has guy outs on the floor and is double wall. Fixed two big issues I had with the duplex. I just picked up a durston xmid 2p v2 and man, it’s freakin awesome. My son and I will be taking it with us for our Pct thru hike in 23!
Im glad I could help. I hope I just rang clear hesitations you were already having and didnt sway you against something you wanted. I definitely never want that to be the case from any of my videos :)
I too was hesitating on the Duplex, and now I too know it’s not for me. Thanks for the review! This seals it for me! I’ll stick with my MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 even tho it weighs 3lbs 14oz. The things you don’t like in the experience, I don’t like them either! I don’t think I’d like Zpacks, despite the weight savings.
JMG 1249 the weight savings are nice and the pack size is decent but really it’s that waterproof dyneema that makes the duplex awesome. I am working on remedying that for this tiger wall ;). Glad I was able to give you some insite before you bought one :).
I debated back and forth for two years as I knew I was going to have to change out from my 4 1/2 pound Kelty 3 person. I ended up ordering the Zpacks triplex as I usually hike and camp with my wife so I need the extra space. I like the “waterproof” aspect of CF, but time will tell on the floating floor. I do like the possible increase in durability with dyneema. Great video, thank you.
John I’ll be honest with you man. It doesn’t matter what tent you have. You set it up in the rain. The inside is getting wet. And I can speak from experience using a single wall tent on many rainy nights. However. Some tent manufacturers are making their tents almost like tarps that you set up first and then hang the inter tent after your all nice and tucked out of the rain. Which I think hyperlite mnt fear has done and that’s really cool. Now all that being said. I have the ground sheet that is made for this tent meaning I can set up the fly and ground sheet without the inner tent, and the other day i successfully set the fly up and hen got inside it and set up the inner tent. Can’t wait to try that one in a real life situation haha I’ll keep you guys updated on that crazy endeavor lol
This was a really excellent video. I have a MSR Hubba 1 which I love, but admittedly, I'd like more room and less weight. I've really been eyeing both the Pleximid and Duplex, but you highlighted and reminded me of the things I love about a freestanding tent.
rkatrails the duplex for sure has its place and is a great tent for thousands of people out there. Just wasn’t for me. That’s the glory of all the different options out there :)
So where exactly did you add your adjustable guy lines? I made 10 up (I had 10 small adjuster clips) and wondered how many I actually need. Thanks Maybe a short video showing the tent set up with the additional lines?
jldrdotcom I’ve got a video about the guylines coming out next Thursday. I made some for the toe end of the tent that has to be staked and the same two spots on the fly plus new guys for the vestibule doors.
Great review, never been a single wall set up myself, just cuz the condensation issues. I would take a little extra weight for comfort and stability. This was first time watching, and earned a subscribe just for your insight and views of the things that matter. Im a bike packer and still appreciate keeping the weight down as a whole.
Colin Crow agreed. I like the idea of single wall and I’m a HUGE fan of dyneema as a material. But over all I’m just a big guy. I needed a little more room without worry that I was going to touch my down quilt on the wall and soak it in condensation. I haven’t been on trial in over a year now but I still do not regret my shelter change decision and can’t wait to get out there again.
I have the tiger wall. My feet usually get wet, it’s very humid where I am. I plan on adding the tensioners on the foot by the time I take it out next.
bavarian11788 this is the first I’m hearing of that particular situation. This is why I’m really enjoying the TH-cam thing. I get to hear from so many people who have used the stuff I’m playing with. Lucky for my I will be installing all my new guy outs with tensioners today before I ever take it out for the first time haha. Hope it works out for you to add them as wel
I've used a Duplex since 2014 in the Wyoming and Montana Rockies, three season. I'm sold. I've been backpacking since 1957, and I've tried tube tents, A frame tents, Oval Intention, VE-24, VE-25, Black Diamond Betamid and then Betalite, Marmot Taku, Marmot Burrow, Divine Light, TarpTent Contour, Go-Lite tarp setup, and several more. I have a Duplex for 1 person and a Triplex for 2 person, and I no longer shop for tents. These are perfect for me.
Exactly the reason so many tents exist. What works for you failed for me. This does not by any means say that the tent is "bad" or is "flawed", simply because it did not work for me. There are thousands of these tents out there with thousands of happy users and they are quite well constructed from a great material. I was not necessarily an unhappy user, so much as there were things I wanted, and didnt want, from my shelter that made the duplex a poor fit for me personaly.
Just wondering is the duplex big enough for two or due you need the larger size. For some reason tent companies seem to say the tent is made for two when its really for one comfortably. I have a BA three person tent and its fine for me and my daughter but not really three people. Thanks
Scott Gibson I think generally you are going to find that a two person tent is going to be more for one full size human and their gear. This rings true for the duplex as well. I wouldn’t have minded sharing it with my 7 year old son. With my wife it would have been tight and we would have to keep all of our gear in the vestibules. So yeah you can fit two full people in it but it’d you want the comfort I would spring for he triplex personally
I'm interested in seeing how you do the adjusters on the Tigerwall....as it's my only concern with this tent, that's been holding me off from buying it...
Very good video of the tent and the reasons why you switched. I was seriously looking at the Zpacks Duplex but the weight difference is not that great to this one. I'll look more into this tent before deciding. John
There are definitely a lot of great options out there, both single and double wall. Trekking pole and framed. SO so many great pieces of gear for us to fine tune our style with. Its the beauty of the internet. We get to watch everyone else play with stuff before we buy it haha.
I purchased the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 tent. Look close to this one in your video. I seen your clip about you guy line modifications and like it. I plan to do the same. Just curious, my tent has adjustable tentioners. Maybe that's new to this model compared to yours. So maybe I don't need them... Well, for the rain fly any way. I plan to do it for the tent and your double hook door hooks to, which I though was a great idea as I didn't like how the tent vestibule doors work. Come out to the Tetons, and I'll show you around. Thanks.
For sure. I have the copper spur ul3 and it’s a free standing tent so it has 4 pole corners. Which means they have tensioners on all corners like you were saying so I didn’t have to modify that one accept for the doors. I looooove that door modification lol.
Thank you for such a well thought out review. Wish other posters offering opinions and reviews would put the same amount of time and effort into their reviews or just not post at all and clog up YT with their "I love my tent. I like it much better than x model" without supporting their data
Dale Trayner lol I’m glad I could help. I spent a really long time researching and testing my equipment and I felt it fair to share the info with all of you. Maybe it could save you guys some hassle or even just give your some info about a popular shelter that no one else seams to give. Even if that info doesn’t steer you away from the duplex because it won’t bother you, you at least know about it before buying it. My intention is to give my experience, not steer anyone to or away from a curtain product. So I’m glad you found the info useful.
Great points man! Too bad the duplex didn't work out for you though. I thought about buying one too eventually but haven't yet. I do like this tiger wall tent, very well thought out! I personally love one man free standing double wall dome style tents too! Weight is not that big of issue to me either when it comes to my tent everything else i try to go as lightweight as i can. My all time favorite tent is a u.s military low profile free standing dome tent by ORC called the ICS (Improved Combat Shelter). It is in acu camo which may be a problem for some people but it is an amazing little tent! 4 season aswell and 110% waterproof if there is such a thing lol. Performs beautifully in all weather conditions! Super durable and super fast and easy tent setup. Weight is a bit much for some at 5lb but packs fairly small and for a 4 season tent thats not too bad in my opinion. Can get the weight even lower to about 4.75lb. with lighter weight tent stakes and removal of a few repair kit items. I own two of these tents and would recommend them to anyone!! This tent does it all and will last for years!! Price ranges on ebay new are around $100-$200 give or take. They sold originally on orc's website for $399 so they are not cheaply made by an means. Hike on!!
Question about your experience with the ICS. I've done a few field exercises with the Navy Seabees and we used something called the TCOP, which was a one-man dome tent. I think made by Eureka? It was a real POS and leaked terrible bad. Then again, just about any tent would leak at Camp Shelby Mississippi where the rain never seems to stop. I hope the ICS was better than the TCOP.
Interesting. Currently $300 new on Amazon, with lots of cheaper used options. Looks strong, like it would last you through a war ... which is what it was designed to do ;-). But half the space for twice the weight of the duplex or tiger wall, unfortunately.
Hey. I don’t use this tent anymore but only because I gave in and went full free standing. Its worth the few extra oz for me lol. But honestly I spent more nights in the rain in this tent than any I’ve owned and it held up great. It is a sil nylon fabric so it does absorb water and weight when wet so you definitely have to dry it out well, but this is common amongst a lot of popular brands. Only reason I could see it leaking is if they possibly had poorly taped seems from a lot of use (starting to fail), or something like that. But that’s a problem with any well used shelter. So long story short, I love this tent. I still have it and I would still definitely recommend it if your going with a semi free standing. I personally moved to the copper spur UL1 for by myself, and UL2 for when my son is with me.
Awesome first impression .. definitely the choice I would make if I had to pick one of the 2 .. at least the floor won't attack your son on his first backpacking adventure 😁
Thank you. I'm planning an AT thru hike in 2021 and I'm in the market for a tent. This "first look" was a very helpful comparison between the dyneema and traditional nylon tents.
Hey sorry, I haven’t monitored this in a long time. I originally had the standard ba ground sheet but ended up modifying the bike packing ground sheet for it because I liked that it extended into the vestibule space and would keep my gear off the wet ground
My triplex in .74 with 2 mini grounhogs for the doors and 6 blue zpacks stakes for the rest and a polycyro weighs 28.47oz. I dont know how your smaller duplex weighs more, maybe they changed versions? I like how the new hyperlight gear tent stakes out the floor. That is annoying about zpacks tents but usually im so tired I just pass out. Its worse with 2 people fighting with the floating floor. I am curious to get a couple of night sleeps on the uberlight pad
Duane Hundley my duplex in the .74 started at 22oz (zpacks states 21), my carbon tent poles were 5.5oz and my 8 mini groundhogs are 4oz. Adds up quick lol. I definitely had hyperlite envy on trail (at least due to the floor guy outs) I’m excited to test out the evermore as well.
I did the exact same thing. My Tri plex sets on a shelf. Wish I could sell. My partner and I share the extra weight of the Tiger wall 3-p. The wet foot box issue- we had this problem with the Tigerwall as well, I think next time I will leave the foot box in my dry bag that should solve that issue if I don’t kick it off during the night. I have used the Tigerwall 1000 miles and have been through all weather situations and stayed dry as long as your bag doesn’t touch the wall. Don’t skimp on the footprint to save weight. You’ll appreciate in a storm Cons on Zpacks- extreme glare, condensation, splash, radiates heat in the sun, cost. Pros weight only
Lol I’m glad to hear I wasn’t the only one with these issues. Never had the problem with my tiger wall. I not only have the footprint but bought the bike packing footprint that extends into the vestibules to keep your gear off the wet dirt lol. I have since picked up the durston xmid 2p v2 and that’s what my done and I will be using this year for our Pct thru hike.
Thank you 😊 for the feedback about the duplex. I had the same problem with the foot box. I was on the pct 2019 & had the same problems as you. Both with tent & missing family. Doing smaller miles & thinking of doing sections on AZT for 2020. How about you?
I have no doubts if my wife had been there I would have made it. I want to do larger sections, possibly the Washington section next summer. I will complete the trail even if it’s pieces at a time lol. My business had kind of taken off much faster than I anticipated so it’s holding most of my attention when I’m not homeschooling my son. But I’ll get back out there some time.
For sure. Individual issues can all be resolved. But given all the issues combined, I didn’t feel paying the asking price for the tent was worth it to have to modify so much, add extra weight to fix issues, and have issues I can’t fix like condensation soaking my gear. They have since made an xl version that would probably suit me better as a taller hiker and not leave me touching the walls, but I just found better options for me. I actually picked up a durston xmid 2p v2 and it solved all the problems I had with the duplex, the sagging issue I had with the tiger wall, and was half the price. So I think I’ve found my sweet spot.
Nella Anderson very nice. That was the only other one I was looking at as well. From what I saw with the elite you wouldn’t save enough weight or anything for the extra money anyway, just had a bigger draft lol. That Nemo 2p has a great design
@@AhonuiOutdoors exactly - gotta agree with that! It had a nice balance of weight and comfort. Not sure it's going to fit 2 p in my case - the other ones 6ft 3! 😅 But think it will be good for all the solos plus pack.
Nella Anderson agreed haha 2p tents are more like 1p plus all our crap lol. Although my tiger wall fits two large sleeping pads and my wife is 5’2” so it actually fits us both haha
Brad Wolfe thank you, 6ft on a good day lol. I’ve used this thing on the pct and and the CT. Since I made this video. Had it up to 11k feet and tons of hail and snow. It is a beast and a mansion. I’ll never look back lol.
Just a thought, if you don’t want the floor to free float , can’t you use some Zpacks loops with Dyneema patches ?they sell them for custom diy. Put them on the corners of the floor ,reach under the tent sides and use 4 ti shepherd stakes to stake it down. Very light, very strong , very easy. I know it is only one of your gripes. But it seems an easy fix .
Danny Slaughter I did mention adding guy outs to the floor in this video and that I didn’t want to modify it in any way in case I did end up wanting to sell it for the various other reasons that this tent didn’t work out for me
I didn’t want to Carry more stakes and I would still have the problem of not being able to pull the rainfly taught unless in absolutely perfect conditions. Which I have personally never camped in.
Hello roommate , I say roommate because obviously it’s big enough for two so I’ll just leave my tent at home in June... 😂. Great reasoning for the tent and I’m looking forward to seeing your mods!
Good feedback and reviews.
Also...regarding the sliding issues...I use a non skid shelf liner to lay on underneath my sleeping pad. It works great and an added bonus if you toss and turn a lot during the night it cuts down on the crinkle noise that the pad against the floor can cause and disturb your camping friends!
The nonskid shelf liner is a great idea. How big of a piece do you use?
@@lindaoverkamp4305 they come in rolls, I use a strip that is almost as long as my sleeping pad. Or you could use 3 smaller ones. Good luck👍🏼
Thanks I use a tent as refuge. I have been through 60 mile an hour winds and when rain and snow are involved you really fall in love with the tent when you get through it with no problems.
Ryan Albright I can imagine. I have only been through light rain and wind with this one so far but it held up great. Having used it for 5 night so far what has really made me happy is all the room while doing camp chores. This thing is like a mansion compared to my duplex lol. So much head room
Very thorough, thank you! I just bought the duplex and I'll be sure to look out for the things you mentioned. I'm glad you decided to keep making videos!
Kim McGill enjoy the duplex. It’s a great shelter. Just don’t sleep with anything near your face....... lol. I am glad I decided to as well. Can’t wait for the new trail videos!
Thanks for the honest feedback on the Duplex. Pretty much every video I see about the Duplex is giving rave reviews of how wonderful it is, and I have only seen a couple people point out the not so great things about it. Yours is the first video I have actually seen where somebody has given up the Duplex to go with another tent.
I had a Duplex on my AT thru hike in 2016, and I love it, but I also had a few issues with it. Most notably, the condensation inside the tent got pretty bad. I'm looking forward to a review of the new tent.
Paul Wetzel absolutely. Sadly I think people feel like zpacks is kind of an untouchable entity and if they say they didn’t like a curtain feature, even if they admit it’s a great product as I do as well, they are afraid they will be chastised lol. I just wanted to share my experience and hope it helped others :). It was a great shelter and hard to sell but it just wasn’t for me
@@AhonuiOutdoors I think that people also may want to make themselves feel better about spending $600 on a tent. There have been times when I may have talked too kindly about an expensive product I purchased for too much money. It was probably because I didn't want to admit that it may not have been a great purchase.
Lol I do believe this could account for a lot of the situation as well haha
Paul Wetzel Loved it but it got you wet. Hmm
The "everyone loves the perfect, almighty zpacks duplex, which must never be criticized" factor reminds me of the cult obsession with Brooks leather bicycle saddles amongst the bicycle touring community. Just because something is a unique design, very expensive, and works well for most people, doesn't mean it's always better than other, cheaper products. Thank you for giving us something to think about before making the $600 plunge into zpacks.
That was good. I enjoyed seeing another perspective. I'll be saving this to look at again when I purchase my next tent.
Im glad you were able to find some value in the video :)
First thing... this is a cracking video. You speak very well, very clear, you're not full of yourself and you're open minded and humble.
Fantastic.
My only minor issue is that the BA has an HH of 1200 which I can assure you that at least here in the UK it quite literally doesn't even qualify (legally) as waterproof. The bare minimum is 1500 and I hardly ever seen any tent with less than 2000. Most are 3000-5000.
High end ones are much more of course.
Consider, though, that Zpacks's fly is either 15,000 or 20,000 depending on the thickness.
So while I really appreciate all your wise comments (they made me think a lot since I'm considering either the Duplex or the Hilleberg Enan) you really can't compare them on the sole merit of the non-floating bottom or the larger vestibule when one is bomb proof and the other, at least here in England, can't even be sold as anything other than 1-season (summer only) tent.
BravingTheOutDoors thank you for the kind words, always good to hear that I am coming across the way I enters too in these videos. I’m for sure no expert. As far as the BA, I can assure you that this tent is waterproof. HH rating or not. I’ve spent many nights in hard rain and hail in this thing since I uploaded this video. Now that being said lol, it in no way holds up to Dyneema when it comes to its ability to shed water. Which I did mention in the video as my biggest hesitation for switching. The material BA and most manufactures use on these shelters are only poly coated. Meaning the fabric can and for sure will absorb water. However as long as it’s well seam sealed the water will not come through. Dyneema is naturally waterproof and does not need any sort of coating. Not only will water not come through dyneema, it won’t absorb water at all either. Just shake that sucker off and the water goes flying. Can’t beat that for even a second. But when the only thing a shelter has going for it (for my particular style) is it’s fabric, lacking in design for comfort and it cost $600. It leaves to much to be desired. Plus as with any single wall tent, condensation is so nuts inside that thing that even though I didn’t get wet from rain I couldn’t stay dry inside from so much build up inside the tent. Aaallllll that being said, I’m working on making a dyneema groundsheet and rainfly for this shelter to get the best of both worlds. So if your interested in that stick around! Lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors That's great to hear but I've learned the hard way - there is rain and then there is rain.
I completely believe you of course but I had the mountain equipment hammer head 3 which I was assured is bomb proof water proof.
Maybe it is in some countries but it sure is not in the lake district (wettest place in the world excluding monsoon season in the east) where rain drops are the size of shotgun bullets.
That was a trip ruined and a lesson learned.
Very difficult for me to trust tents now.
After that I just bought the Hilleberg Staika which is as bomb proof as it gets but hardly light weight and costs a fortune.
I just can't seem to decide whether to give Zpacks a try or go for the Enan.
The prospect of dyneema getting dry quickly is quite appealing. Kerlon takes hours to dry.
And don't worry... I've subscribed.
Cheers.
BravingTheOutDoors in the world of backpacking we for sure get wrapped up in weight over function. I must say that I would not recommended this tent for anyone under the conditions you described lol. Or any other lightweight backpacking tent for that matter. Dyneema is definitely the name of the game for water proof ability but it sounds to me like in your case you’ll have to sacrifice weight to get something that can truly stand up to some brutal forces.
I really enjoyed your detailed analysis of both tents. The details you put forth gave us tent owners lots of things to think about. I look forward to your future report on the UL2 after it has survived several hours of rain in a major storm. Thanks a million!! =)
Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed the comparison. I too will be anxious to see how it performs in adverse conditions.
went from my duplex to BA tiger wall for all the same reasons, I wish they made the rainfly in DCF.
would be great idea for a cottage company to offer DCF rainflys for all the most popular tents.
Oh they do, it’s called a carbon, and it’s 1,100 and made of the thinnest dcf on the market 🤣. But im with you. Gotta love dcf for it’s water resistance. They damn sure got that part right. And no sagging
I had the same problem with my Zpacks Plexamid. Crazy condensation and the toe box of my sleeping bag always being wet from touching the walls. Had to wrap the toe box in a raincoat or garbage bag.
For sure. I just feel like for that money, you shouldn’t be getting wet. Condensation or otherwise, you know?
Great video! I just bought the BA solely on its weight and interior space for me and my dog. You've given me so much more info than I had before. Now I feel REALLY good about this purchase. I just subscribed to your channel so I look forward to more. Thanks!
Awesome! I’m glad you found the info so helpful. I hope you enjoy your new tent!
I'm glad that you posted this. One problem that a hiker had with the tiger tent between the terminus and 109, with all the wind a guy line broke, apart from that she was very happy with it. I'm 60. My friends mom did the pct in the mid '80s. No ultralight, cell phones or gps. Talk about a strong and brave woman. So far I have leaned more to reliability and practicality than weight although at my age weight is important. Thanks for sharing. I think you made a good choice.
Yeah the guys are very thin for sure. When u added my adjusters I changed the line as well. I believe it will hold better now. Anyone who completed the trail pre gps is nuts haha. Not just because of the gps because that also means trail conditions were intense (no real pcta to keep it maintained) trail towns were minimal, resupply points were further apart, no trail angels or trail magic. People didn’t pick up smelly hikers as often. lol. We have it easy compared to back then. It’s till not easy of corse haha but we have a lot more support and information these days to help us. I’m a much bigger fan of getting my load smaller and closer to my back than I am worried about weight. I try to keep it light but I’m not “worried” about it if you know what I mean. I mainly mention the weights for those who are interested :)
I just bought the Tiger Wall 2 after much deliberation and consideration of other lightweight tents. This reinforces my choice while giving a sobering review of its limitations. Thank you!
This was a really good review. Best I've seen actually.
I’m glad to hear that and hope it was helpful to you. I got a lot of backlash on this one for saying anything negative about the duplex haha. Great shelter, just not for me.
Thanks. Very complete analysis. Very good and helpful. Too many are just sales pitches.
albert thank you. Of course. I don’t want to bash any company or oversell another. I would just like to share my experiences and show what I’ve done to adjust along the way :)
Thankx bro. These considerations are professional and derived from field experience. 👍👍
Glad tobhelp
Agree. Took my Duplex on the JMT and other local trips. I decided yesterday that I’m going back to my OG Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2
Definitely something to be said for poles. My son and I are currently attempting the Pct again as we speak. Just made it to idylwild. We’re carrying the copper spur ul2 full free standing and I don’t think I’ll ever go back lol
The problem I had with my BA came in a real downpour and despite staking it very well I got wet when the two walls touched. Whew! The duplex resolved that problem and I sold my BA. Strange how preferences are so different for each of us. Good review.
Perry Rush yeah I can definitely see this being an issue. But with my adjustable guyline modification, I can pull my flu so tight I didn’t have this problem and I have spend more nights in the rain with this tent than not haha. Colorado was a rainy place lol
Best video on tents I have seen so far.
Perfect video! Thank you! I have had my Tigerwall Ul2 for a year now and LOVE it. But I have been going back and forth about investing in the Tigerwall Dyneema or Zpacks to shave some ounces. This video helped me realize it just wouldn't be worth it. Thanks again!
im very glad you found this video helpful. I do not want to sway anyone away from a shelter that they may love but I definitely want to give my opinion after having put over 150 miles on the duplex. Just as some added resource for people before they make a decision, no matter which way they decide to go :). However, I would definitly wait on the BA Carbon series. I do believe they have much more work and research to do before they are ready to work with Dyneema haha.
@@AhonuiOutdoors Agreed, I just got excited! I am not very kind to my gear. Having to babysit my tent would result in lots of frustration hah!
Awesome practical insights.. just what we need to hear before dropping the big $'s on a zpacks tent.
For sure. It can be a great shelter. It really all just depends on your wants and needs. Was t a fit for me haha
Great review. Hadn't thought about the potential problems with the floating floor of the ZPacks tent. Thanks.
Steven Ascherl I’m sure that particular issue doesn’t bother thousands of people who use the duplex. Just combined with the other reasons I switched it was definitely on the list for the switch haha
You make some excellent points that I have not heard anywhere else! I'm sorry I'm only able to give this video one thumbs up... good job!
Bart Owen lol thank you for the effort to express your feelings towards my video lol. I’m glad you liked it. I just finished my guy out modifications today. Now I have to figure out how to somehow make that into an interesting video pol
Many useful points about both tents. Thanks!
Carole Warner thank you. No problem :)
This is the first of your videos that I've watched and I like what I'm hearing so I subscribed. Even though you've said it wasn't a real review because you haven't actually used the tent in wet, rainy, windy conditions yet you did describe the problems that you have with a single wall tent and the possible problems that you see in the future with the tie outs in this tent. It gives us a lot to think about when purchasing a tent for a long distance hike. I've only section hiked and have the BA UL1P. Bought that because of price and weight (just over 2 lbs.) and I, personally don't need all the extra room that a 2 person tent has (although the headroom alone is a big selling point to me - or would be for a longer distance hike). I'll come back later when you've totally tested this tent out. Thanks for the info. Enjoy your hike with your son this weekend.
Thank you for checking out my video. Im glad you liked this one and felt it was worthy of a subscription. I plan on bringing some pretty awesome stuff to the channel soon both from on and off the trail. That doesnt sound like a bad set up at all. I like the extra room personally. I like to drag all my crap in with me at night haha. Plus when my son goes with me we both fit quite well. Until he outgrows me that is haha. He is very excited for next weekend. I will be uploading a video of that trip for sure!
@@AhonuiOutdoors My pleasure. Thanks for posting them. I travel alone, always, so no need for a 2 person. I also have room for my gear (really only backpack and camera gear) inside my tent. I left my boots and poles in the vestibule. I like that area, too and you don't get that with a single walled tent. Plus, it helps that I'm not claustrophobic as I think, most people are. The tighter the space I'm sleeping in the more comfortable I am. Weird but true. I don't move around a lot (side sleeper) when I'm sleeping. Eager to see how your trip goes. Have a safe time and Happy Easter. Per comment below I am comparing specs (weight, space, price) on the Copper Spur, Fly Creek, and Tiger Wall. May change to a 2p if I do a longer distance hike because of the higher chance of bad weather (I was section hiking, flip-flopping, and had my car within a 40 - 50 mile radius so I actually got off trail at one point due to bad weather and slept in the car for a couple of rainy days. Continuous rain has always done me in even when car camping). A larger tent with more room may help with that if I decide to do a LASH.
Some one should start making dyneema rain flies for some of these more popular tents :-)
Hangs4Fun I plan to make my own for this one. I even have the dyneema already I just haven’t done it yet lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors good luck. DCF is fun to work with. Just make sure you reinforce the obvious places with and extra piece on the opposite side and stitch through all layers and seam seal those reinforced points. All the rest of working with DCF is just cutting and taping (use a cutting board with sharp rotary blade unless you have a hot knife) good luck and enjoy :-)
Hangs4Fun - Big Agnes has a line. They’re a joke though because they decided to use insanely thin dyneema. If they would have used the same thickness at Zpacks and other makers, I’d have already bought one.
SlyGuy yeah it’s called the carbon. And I agree completely on all accounts
@@BacktotheOutdoors thanks. I guess one could always order the same thickness DCF and use the existing rain-fly as a template
Thanks for making this video and sharing your views. I have several free standing backpacking tents and had been considering the zpack tents and others like it. I can see you have good clear logic and reasoning . I think I will continue on with free standing tents and stand clear of the duplex style tents. Thanks again.
I’m glad you found my onsite useful. My intention is never to turn anyone away from a tent they may love, just to give my experience so people can make their choice with insights from all angles you know. This stuff isn’t cheep
@@AhonuiOutdoors you got that right. The best value tent I've found so far is the hyke&byke zion 2p and with a $20 discount code comes out to $80. They even include the footprint , gear loft and a lifetime guarantee. Also since I was in the air Force I got hooked with expert voice and get excellent discounts on gear and tents at on a average of 35 to 40% off. My lightest tent so far is the nemo hornet 2p.
Really good review, you brought up points I wouldn’t have thought of, such as the free floating floor and strong wind blowing around gear inside. Good job, subscribed~
Goat Locker _ Hike, Bike & Dive thank you. Like I say, as far as the floor, that is probably so unlikely and I was probably incredibly unlucky but after all the other things that I didn’t like about the design, that was kinda just the last straw haha
Really good tech advice. You are good at what you do.
I’ve done the upgrades You have mentioned and they work great. I’ve also put adjusters on my ground sheet tie outs to keep it tight.
Perry Kerr very nice. The adjustments sure make it easy to set up and keep tight. I also found in crazy heavy rain you can tighten even more if you have the slack, once the rain soles in a bit to your rain fly, and it makes the fly super taught you keep any condensation off of tour bug net. Though there’s a really generous gap already so I haven’t run into a condensation issue even once with this tent yet.
Interesting outlook.. I've thought about getting a Duplex tent, even though I use a hammock system.. If nothing else but to cut weight! But listening to this video, I will stick with a free-standing tent if I go back to that from time to time.Thanks fir the info, Hoobilly...
Hoobilly Indiana's The Video Stump glad I could give you some insight. The duplex would definitely help you cut weight from your hammock but for the rare occasions being used it would be a good chunk of change haha
I appreciate the honest feedback about both tents and they way you listed pros and cons. Are you planning to do a longer term review or a update on if you're still happy with this tent?
Zach Locks for sure. I have sadly neglected my backpacking and this channel for the better part of 6 months due to my business unexpectedly taking off. I plan to get back out there and post more video for those who are still interested after such a long absence haha
@@AhonuiOutdoors sounds good. I was on the fence about sticking with a freestanding tent or to try out the trekking pole kind and you helped sway me back to freestanding
Can't wait to see the customisations you're making, as I'm looking at BA tents for next summer. Hope to see a new vid soon. Keep up the good work!
J Mal thank you. I’m going to be doing a dyneema ground sheet first. Cheaper haha then I’ve got a fly in mind. Many many more videos to come :)
@@AhonuiOutdoors I'm also interested to know why Tiger Wall and not Fly Creek or Copper Spur. AFAIK they are all in the same weight range +- 200g/7oz
J Mal fly creek was the single, end style entry and the copper spur is a free standing (more pole sections and takes up more pack space) plus was 50 bucks more lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors Makes sense. Thanks for reply.
J Mal no problem
Great review man! The "non-stake-abilty" of the floor is something I never even thought of!!! The ability of the wind blowing the tent floor up has never happened to me but I can TOTALLY see that happening!!! I too place items from my pack in the corners to keep it from blowing but you're right about a huge gust having the ability to fling those items right up! From now on, I'm definitely going to pay attention to the winds direction and place my sleeping pad on the leading edge and hope the wind doesn't lift my ass up!!! 🤣 Again, thanks for the video!!!
RESTLESS OUTDOORS haha thanks man. Yeah I’m sure this was an incredible fluke, but mixed with the other personal issues I had with the duplex design, it was just a final nail situation haha. I do miss dyneema though. I will be excited to make my new fly for this tiger wall!
Those steep sidewalls are nice. That's what I'm looking for in my next tent. Also a current Duplex owner. Looking for something with better clearance for the face and feet. If BA comes out with more DCF I'll be looking at them and the DCF Tarptents. I hope they become less expensive over time. Best of luck with the new tent. Thanks for the look.
Adam Holbrook agreed. If they come out with a suitable dcf I may be out a pretty penny lol. But for now I’ll just modify this one ;) thanks for reaching out. Good luck with your tent search
Awesome comparison. I bought a Duplex because that’s what all the cool kids are doing but I’ve encountered many of the things you mentioned. I’m not sure I’m ready to switch but I appreciate the thoughtful reasons you did.
Andy Beecham the duplex definitely has its appeal and demands your attention lol. Many many people are happy with their plex tents and for good reason. But after using this ba for about 10 nights on trail, I’m incredibly happy with my decision to switch.
I went back and forth between the Duplex and the Tiger Wall UL2 Platinum for months. You made me feel much better about my decision to purchase the BA. I haven’t taken it out for a “test drive” yet, but I know I’ll prefer a freestanding tent. Thanks!
NaLona Brato glad I helped ease your mind haha. I haven’t slept in it yet but i have set it up a dozen times and I love it so far. I very much love the extra room and my door not being obstructed by the pole
Ahonui Outdoors k
I appreciate your honest review!
I hoped it helped you out in some way
Very nice video and analysis. Love my Zpacks tents still and just distribute gear to deal with the free floating floor issue but understand the concern. Lots of great information to think about. Thank you!
Dave Somers for sure. The duplex is a very well built shelter. If it were only the floor issue I would still have it. Combined with the condensation problem (of all single walls not just a duplex specific problem) and the other wants I had from a shelter that it couldn’t provide, it just ended up not being for me. There is a reason there are thousands of the duplex out there and it’s not all just because of a name. Though that is a factor lol
Wow! Excellent details.
Rimona Gale glad you found the video helpful :)
Great run down. I just bought the Tiger Wall 2 platinum. Can't wait to get it out on the trail!
Brian Zeller nice! I like the high walls on the recluse tiger wall. Can’t wait to get out there either. Couple more days!
Mr. A: Thank you so much about your testimonial on your Duplex. I was considering taking that leap to a Duplex, but may now look at a 1 person freestanding tent instead. I love my REI Quarter Dome 2, but with the foot print I am at 3 lbs. Ouch. Keep up the good work.
Jeffrey Rule the duplex is still a great option just not for everyone. No one piece of gear will ever be perfect for every single user out there. I do think some people for left it is ok for a good piece of gear to not work for some people but still be a GOOD piece of gear you know? Lol I had a buddy using the NEMO hornet 1p on the pct. he liked the tent but the 1p thing was a little much for him ahah he would have gone with the 2p had his not been free lol
Wish you would update your review of your Lite AF pack.
I can do that. I wasnt sure if anyone would be interested in a new review on that one just yet with the mileage it has on it. Once the hiking season is over this year (I should have over 500 miles on it by then) I will do a 500 mile review of my pack.
Thanks for you video. I am considering buying a new tent now that I've retired. Because of back problems I'm looking to lower the weight of my backpacking setup as much as practical (and comfortable). Since I will probably be using trekking poles more often the additional weight to the Duplex setup is not that great of a concern. However, you brought up other areas to consider as well. So I made some spreadsheets to help weigh the options (pun not intended) comparing the Duplex, Tiger Wall, and Copper Spur. Tents have sure come a long way from my canvas pup tent I started with some 50+ years ago. Thanks again for your video. Oh, for the Duplex floating floor I think putting a marble in each corner on the inside tying onto it from the outside may help secure the floor while being removable for resale.
theslowwalker I can for sure understand your concern. A lot of hints to think about when buying a new tent: and you will definitely not ever have to go back to canvas haha. Although a good waxes canvas is sure sturdy! The marble idea would definitely be an option for people not worried about weight. When you are talking about a duplex, the main reason it doesn’t have guy ours on the floor is to keep it a 21oz tent. So for someone like you or I that would be a great solution that I did not think of. Although the a frame and single wall thing definitely will get me every time. Especially now that I’ve used my mansion in California, Colorado and Texas. I don’t think I could ever go back! Lol good luck with your search!
Love to hear the counterpoints to single wall, floating floor tents with a trekking pole in the middle of the doors. Good job!
Thank you, all shelters have their ups and downs for sure. Just gotta find what works best for us right? Lol
Hello my hiking friend, it is good to see another one of your videos. Looks like you made a good decision regarding your new Big Agnes tent. Have fun with your Son on your upcoming backpacking trip. Be safe out there. 🤗
Ronald Rose thank you and I agree. Will do! He’s very excited and wishes it was this weekend haha
Amazing honest review. No shilling, he even says framed tent instead of reciting brand of his tent. For a new customer finding video like this is great(I am not new and I am using Chinese options, but people tent to shove too much money on crap items)
Vidmantas Aurelijus Bielskus thank you. I try to be as non bias towards any one piece of gear as I can while still explaining my personal opinion on how specific gear works for me. I just want stuff that works for my style. And of other people have a style like me, maybe it will work for them too :)
So I bought the TW UL2 when it first came out. I have been using it for a little over a year. What you said hit the nail on the head. My biggest issue with the tent are the guy lines on the footprint are longer that the lines on the tent body. This makes the footprint not as taunt as I personally like. Second, is the guy lines for the corners on the foot-end of the rainfly also don't match up perfectly to the tent body to provide the correct gap between the mesh and the fly when wet and starts to droop. My solution is to simply carry 2 more stakes to stake down the foot-end fly corners independently. Yes, it's more weight but I don't like to modify the tent and it gives you the opportunity to really get a better pitch when on uneven ground and/or if the soil get too saturated. Also, if it is not rainy and happens to be windy it gives me the option to utilize other tie-out points. Or if i need hang something from a tree or any other unforeseen circumstance.
Lipscomb Connor sounds like you’ve got your setup down to a science :). I myself love to modify and have already done so haha. I’ll let you guys know how it works
@@AhonuiOutdoors Please do. Also, if you're into the cowboy camping thing, try the FastFly setup with just the rainfly + footprint.👌
I got rid of my solplex for the same reason; foot box of sleeping bag kept wetting out on tent wall
pgreenx I feel like it happens more than people will admit lol
Ahonui Outdoors no one ever talks about it. Thanks and good luck on the hike
It's refreshing to see someone explain why they went from a Duplex to a silnylon tent. Most go to a dyneema tent and never look back. Great explanations. I agree with a lot of what you say. I just received the Dan Durston Xmid which, in my opinion, is the best trekking pole supported tent design out there.
I mostly hammock camp though. I really like my hammock setup and silpoly tarp. Silpoly is superior to silnylon - it doesn't sag
Jay S it’s true. It was a touch decision as I love dyneema but there are other comforts I loved more haha. I wish they made my tent out of syl poly if they aren’t going to use a solid dyneema
@@AhonuiOutdoors Yes, silpoly would make it an even more excellent lightweight freestanding tent. I like hammocking too much to use tents on a regular basis. I have a tent for areas where a hammock can't be used.
Ya, I should get a dyneema tarp for my hammock. Even better than silpoly
Jay S they are expensive but it would be worth it I can assure you lol. Nothing like just shaking the water off and stuffing the tarp away with no worries. Of corse drying it is still beneficial but it’s not a Dyer need. I tend to hike a lot of places where I can’t hang a hammock. Plus I don’t really like the idea of having to have 2 quilts in the cold. (Everything has its ups and downs) that’s why I don’t understand all the people saying “you should do this or you have to do this” those fraises shouldn’t even exist in the backpacking community lol. It’s just to personal for such things
@@AhonuiOutdoors Ya, I am thinking about buying the Dan Durston Xmid DCF version when it comes out. It's supposed to be lighter and more roomy than the plexamid. Plus it is easier to setup
I love BA tents. I've had a Copper Spur on my wishlist for quite a while now. I'll have to take a look at the Tiger wall. Awesome review and it solidified my leaning towards a free/semi free standing tent.
Joe Shawcroft thank you I’m glad you found this video helpful. The copper spur is for sure an awesome option as well. I just didn’t quite need the full free standing tent personally. Although, if my wife starts coming with my son and I I may look at the viper spur ul3 for all of us since my wife and I can split the load.
I hope you’ll be making a video of your Easter trip with your son. Will your son be in the BA tent with you or does he have his own tent? I’m currently in debate with myself whether to get 2 seperate tents for me and my son for our trip in July or just the one & share.
Miss Lux 4X4 I will for sure be making a video of that trip :). For now we will be sharing this tent. Down the line if he gets more into backpacking I’ll get him his own.
I couldn't agree MORE, on each of your "annoyances", plus the whole $$ issue! Great video!
James Johnson thank you. I’m quite happy with my decision. Especially after having a chance to use my new shelter on trail. It’s like a mansion!
@@AhonuiOutdoors also, great "trade-off analysis" on each weight issue. Adjustable guys are crucial in the wind, too.
James Johnson agreed. I made new guy lines a couple weeks back. They work very very well. I was even able to set up on a wooden platform haha
@@AhonuiOutdoors Your choice IS a mansion by comparison. When you want a castle, try Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 Bikepack - Ultralight Bike-Packing Tent, 2 Person, Gray/Orange www.amazon.com/dp/B07MR56P23/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_rfY0Cb0ENME66 - making sure to include Mtn Glo LED lighting ... no need to search for headlamp in the dark!
Great looking tent for sure! I personally just didnt need a true free standing tent nor did I really want to add a whole extra pound on top of the tiger wall. I am however looking into different free standing UL3's for when my wife and son both want to go. Best part is my wife and I can split the weight haha.
Very good review. I have the copper spur and never wanted a dyneema tent to save weight. I do have a Hyper light dyneema tarp and a sea to summit light weight tarp. I prefer the sea to summit because it blocks the sun for shade and is also super light. Plus it was way cheaper.
Thank you, There are so many great options with gear and combinations of gear to taylor fit our individual needs and wants on the trail. It makes the whole process that much better knowing we have so many amazing options :O
I listened to you very carefully here, and you did a great job explaining differences. I think that a tent that does not behave as a shelter ie you stay dry, and out of the wind, is NOT worth a nickel. I don't care if it costs $10,000.00. Your new tent looks awesome to me. By the way I lived 6 months straight in a walmart tent with a $5.00 tarp over it. Dry as a bug in torential downpours. And I carried something far heavier then that for over 1,000 miles. Not a setup for the AT I suppose. Your discussion of how you may modify this tent and the reasons, was educational. Thanks.
use what works for you right? haha. I agree. There are areas I am not willing to sacrifice when it comes to my shelter. In 20 degrees I cant have my quilt getting wet lol. Im not UL by any stretch nor do I really care to be. But I will drop weight where I can as long as it doesnt mean sacrificing stability.
Also. Good to see you posting. Be sure to update us on the Easter camp out with your son.
John Eason definitely. He will be making his TH-cam debut on Thursday showing off his gear
I am also taking my son on his first backpacking trip over Easter weekend. That's awesome! Where are you guys going?
Brandon Lenenski nice! That’s funny haha. We’ll be hiking the C-4 nature trail in east Texas
@@AhonuiOutdoors We are going to do the Butterfield hiking trail out of Devil's Den State Park in NW Arkansas.
Very cool, I hope it is everything you hope it to be!
Great thoughtful review. Tents are about compromise, there is no perfect tent.
Agreed. There is no perfect tent, but there is a perfect tent for you.
Love the talk about the tent. I was between this and a few others. I ended up going with the Fly creek UL2 HV for the slightly less weight factor. But I agree with you, Free standing is where its at.
Jonathan Isak very nice. I looked at the fly creeks as well. I prefer the double door and vestibule thing for when I actually have a second person with gear with me. Just a little easier to maneuver and more coverage for gear outside the mesh. I don’t think you can go wrong with any of these lines of shelter honestly. I’ve spend 5 nights in this one now and it’s like a mansion lol
@@AhonuiOutdoors makes more sense for a two person with the double door and vestibules. I use mine as a large single or share it with my husky who is my only hiking buddy typically. Agreed that there entire line is awesome. might consider the tiger wall if the wife decided to want to start coming out with me.
Jonathan Isak I wish my dog would hike with me haha. I know he would stay with me hiking I don’t trust him not to run off at night or destroy me tent if he slept inside it with me lol
I've owned the Fly Creek UL2 for a few years and I am looking at this tent because I hate climbing out of the entrance. A side entry is so much easier to navigate.I like to store my gear in either the vestibule or inside my tent.Storing it in the Fly creek Vestibule is a pain because you have to climb over it to get out. I know it's heavier but it's so much more convenient.
Shannon Andrea I am right there with you on all accounts lol
Great Analysis of the two options!
Thank ya sir
Just purchased a Lanshan 2. Great price and functionality. Seems popular in Europe will give this a try .
I actually thought about that too because it has guy outs on the floor and is double wall. Fixed two big issues I had with the duplex. I just picked up a durston xmid 2p v2 and man, it’s freakin awesome. My son and I will be taking it with us for our Pct thru hike in 23!
Looking forward to the review of the BA once you get to try it out
Jodi J me too! Haha. It’s almost ready
Great vid. Thank you! 🏕️👍
I appreciate your honest review,,,, I’m subscribing.... Thanks great Video
C.S. Lee no problem. Thank you. By sharing our real experiences maybe we can save someone else the same frustrations we experience lol
Great info. Many reasons I will go with a double wall. Thanks!
Thank you. No problem, im glad this helped you :)
Thx for your review. I was hesitating on the duplex and now i know it's not for me.
Im glad I could help. I hope I just rang clear hesitations you were already having and didnt sway you against something you wanted. I definitely never want that to be the case from any of my videos :)
I too was hesitating on the Duplex, and now I too know it’s not for me. Thanks for the review! This seals it for me! I’ll stick with my MSR Hubba Hubba NX2 even tho it weighs 3lbs 14oz. The things you don’t like in the experience, I don’t like them either! I don’t think I’d like Zpacks, despite the weight savings.
JMG 1249 the weight savings are nice and the pack size is decent but really it’s that waterproof dyneema that makes the duplex awesome. I am working on remedying that for this tiger wall ;). Glad I was able to give you some insite before you bought one :).
I debated back and forth for two years as I knew I was going to have to change out from my 4 1/2 pound Kelty 3 person. I ended up ordering the Zpacks triplex as I usually hike and camp with my wife so I need the extra space. I like the “waterproof” aspect of CF, but time will tell on the floating floor. I do like the possible increase in durability with dyneema. Great video, thank you.
Great video. What diameter guyline cords did you use?
Thank you. I honestly can’t remember. I know it’s the zline from zpacks
Yep, I've got a Big Agnes UL 2 . Can not wait to get it out this summer! 😁👍🏕.
Im very excited to put it to use!
Great job. I look forward to hearing how the Easter hike went and how the tent performed on the trail.
Thank you. I am too haha especially with my new guyline modifications!
Good analyses . . . How do you set up this tent in the rain without the inside getting soaked seeing that the fly is separate?
John I’ll be honest with you man. It doesn’t matter what tent you have. You set it up in the rain. The inside is getting wet. And I can speak from experience using a single wall tent on many rainy nights. However. Some tent manufacturers are making their tents almost like tarps that you set up first and then hang the inter tent after your all nice and tucked out of the rain. Which I think hyperlite mnt fear has done and that’s really cool. Now all that being said. I have the ground sheet that is made for this tent meaning I can set up the fly and ground sheet without the inner tent, and the other day i successfully set the fly up and hen got inside it and set up the inner tent. Can’t wait to try that one in a real life situation haha I’ll keep you guys updated on that crazy endeavor lol
This was a really excellent video. I have a MSR Hubba 1 which I love, but admittedly, I'd like more room and less weight. I've really been eyeing both the Pleximid and Duplex, but you highlighted and reminded me of the things I love about a freestanding tent.
rkatrails the duplex for sure has its place and is a great tent for thousands of people out there. Just wasn’t for me. That’s the glory of all the different options out there :)
Excellent review and comparison
LearnedHat thank you :)
Great review of the Duplex. All valid points. Thank you so much. Sub'ed.
Glad it was informative for you. I wasn’t real popular for making this video 🤣
So where exactly did you add your adjustable guy lines? I made 10 up (I had 10 small adjuster clips) and wondered how many I actually need. Thanks Maybe a short video showing the tent set up with the additional lines?
jldrdotcom I’ve got a video about the guylines coming out next Thursday. I made some for the toe end of the tent that has to be staked and the same two spots on the fly plus new guys for the vestibule doors.
Great review, never been a single wall set up myself, just cuz the condensation issues. I would take a little extra weight for comfort and stability. This was first time watching, and earned a subscribe just for your insight and views of the things that matter. Im a bike packer and still appreciate keeping the weight down as a whole.
Colin Crow agreed. I like the idea of single wall and I’m a HUGE fan of dyneema as a material. But over all I’m just a big guy. I needed a little more room without worry that I was going to touch my down quilt on the wall and soak it in condensation. I haven’t been on trial in over a year now but I still do not regret my shelter change decision and can’t wait to get out there again.
I have the tiger wall. My feet usually get wet, it’s very humid where I am. I plan on adding the tensioners on the foot by the time I take it out next.
bavarian11788 this is the first I’m hearing of that particular situation. This is why I’m really enjoying the TH-cam thing. I get to hear from so many people who have used the stuff I’m playing with. Lucky for my I will be installing all my new guy outs with tensioners today before I ever take it out for the first time haha. Hope it works out for you to add them as wel
I've used a Duplex since 2014 in the Wyoming and Montana Rockies, three season. I'm sold. I've been backpacking since 1957, and I've tried tube tents, A frame tents, Oval Intention, VE-24, VE-25, Black Diamond Betamid and then Betalite, Marmot Taku, Marmot Burrow, Divine Light, TarpTent Contour, Go-Lite tarp setup, and several more. I have a Duplex for 1 person and a Triplex for 2 person, and I no longer shop for tents. These are perfect for me.
Exactly the reason so many tents exist. What works for you failed for me. This does not by any means say that the tent is "bad" or is "flawed", simply because it did not work for me. There are thousands of these tents out there with thousands of happy users and they are quite well constructed from a great material. I was not necessarily an unhappy user, so much as there were things I wanted, and didnt want, from my shelter that made the duplex a poor fit for me personaly.
Just wondering is the duplex big enough for two or due you need the larger size. For some reason tent companies seem to say the tent is made for two when its really for one comfortably. I have a BA three person tent and its fine for me and my daughter but not really three people. Thanks
Scott Gibson I think generally you are going to find that a two person tent is going to be more for one full size human and their gear. This rings true for the duplex as well. I wouldn’t have minded sharing it with my 7 year old son. With my wife it would have been tight and we would have to keep all of our gear in the vestibules. So yeah you can fit two full people in it but it’d you want the comfort I would spring for he triplex personally
@@AhonuiOutdoors Thanks for the information, its its greatly appreciated. Enjoy that ultra light tent.
Scott Gibson no problem, thank you
i went from a ba scout to this tent. the scout is lite but the t wall is great in all ways. I love it.
I'm interested in seeing how you do the adjusters on the Tigerwall....as it's my only concern with this tent, that's been holding me off from buying it...
Very good video of the tent and the reasons why you switched. I was seriously looking at the Zpacks Duplex but the weight difference is not that great to this one. I'll look more into this tent before deciding. John
There are definitely a lot of great options out there, both single and double wall. Trekking pole and framed. SO so many great pieces of gear for us to fine tune our style with. Its the beauty of the internet. We get to watch everyone else play with stuff before we buy it haha.
I purchased the Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 tent. Look close to this one in your video. I seen your clip about you guy line modifications and like it. I plan to do the same. Just curious, my tent has adjustable tentioners. Maybe that's new to this model compared to yours. So maybe I don't need them... Well, for the rain fly any way. I plan to do it for the tent and your double hook door hooks to, which I though was a great idea as I didn't like how the tent vestibule doors work. Come out to the Tetons, and I'll show you around. Thanks.
For sure. I have the copper spur ul3 and it’s a free standing tent so it has 4 pole corners. Which means they have tensioners on all corners like you were saying so I didn’t have to modify that one accept for the doors. I looooove that door modification lol.
Thank you for such a well thought out review. Wish other posters offering opinions and reviews would put the same amount of time and effort into their reviews or just not post at all and clog up YT with their "I love my tent. I like it much better than x model" without supporting their data
Dale Trayner lol I’m glad I could help. I spent a really long time researching and testing my equipment and I felt it fair to share the info with all of you. Maybe it could save you guys some hassle or even just give your some info about a popular shelter that no one else seams to give. Even if that info doesn’t steer you away from the duplex because it won’t bother you, you at least know about it before buying it. My intention is to give my experience, not steer anyone to or away from a curtain product. So I’m glad you found the info useful.
Great points man! Too bad the duplex didn't work out for you though. I thought about buying one too eventually but haven't yet. I do like this tiger wall tent, very well thought out! I personally love one man free standing double wall dome style tents too! Weight is not that big of issue to me either when it comes to my tent everything else i try to go as lightweight as i can. My all time favorite tent is a u.s military low profile free standing dome tent by ORC called the ICS (Improved Combat Shelter). It is in acu camo which may be a problem for some people but it is an amazing little tent! 4 season aswell and 110% waterproof if there is such a thing lol. Performs beautifully in all weather conditions! Super durable and super fast and easy tent setup. Weight is a bit much for some at 5lb but packs fairly small and for a 4 season tent thats not too bad in my opinion. Can get the weight even lower to about 4.75lb. with lighter weight tent stakes and removal of a few repair kit items. I own two of these tents and would recommend them to anyone!! This tent does it all and will last for years!! Price ranges on ebay new are around $100-$200 give or take. They sold originally on orc's website for $399 so they are not cheaply made by an means. Hike on!!
Question about your experience with the ICS. I've done a few field exercises with the Navy Seabees and we used something called the TCOP, which was a one-man dome tent. I think made by Eureka? It was a real POS and leaked terrible bad. Then again, just about any tent would leak at Camp Shelby Mississippi where the rain never seems to stop. I hope the ICS was better than the TCOP.
Interesting. Currently $300 new on Amazon, with lots of cheaper used options. Looks strong, like it would last you through a war ... which is what it was designed to do ;-). But half the space for twice the weight of the duplex or tiger wall, unfortunately.
I realize this is an older video but are you still using this tent? Im currently looking at it? Rei's reviews are showing that it leaks a good bit.
Hey. I don’t use this tent anymore but only because I gave in and went full free standing. Its worth the few extra oz for me lol. But honestly I spent more nights in the rain in this tent than any I’ve owned and it held up great. It is a sil nylon fabric so it does absorb water and weight when wet so you definitely have to dry it out well, but this is common amongst a lot of popular brands. Only reason I could see it leaking is if they possibly had poorly taped seems from a lot of use (starting to fail), or something like that. But that’s a problem with any well used shelter. So long story short, I love this tent. I still have it and I would still definitely recommend it if your going with a semi free standing. I personally moved to the copper spur UL1 for by myself, and UL2 for when my son is with me.
Wondering how the tent is working for you after several uses
Fantastic actually. I still have it and used it until recently when I replaced it with the durston xmid 2p v2
Awesome first impression .. definitely the choice I would make if I had to pick one of the 2 .. at least the floor won't attack your son on his first backpacking adventure 😁
HAHA luckily had he been there he would have held the rest of the floor down. But im glad he will not be under such pressure on his first trip lol
Thank you. I'm planning an AT thru hike in 2021 and I'm in the market for a tent. This "first look" was a very helpful comparison between the dyneema and traditional nylon tents.
Star Mountain Outdoors & Bushcraft no problem. I’m glad you found it informative. Good luck on your thru hike prep
Great video. Very helpful. I'm curious, what ground sheet did you purchase for this tent?
Hey sorry, I haven’t monitored this in a long time. I originally had the standard ba ground sheet but ended up modifying the bike packing ground sheet for it because I liked that it extended into the vestibule space and would keep my gear off the wet ground
Great review, you talked me out of the duplex and into making my marmot 3p work. Free standing is the way to go I think.
Free standing for sure has its ups and downs. As far as the duplex goes, I think your choice has more ups than downs lol.
My triplex in .74 with 2 mini grounhogs for the doors and 6 blue zpacks stakes for the rest and a polycyro weighs 28.47oz. I dont know how your smaller duplex weighs more, maybe they changed versions? I like how the new hyperlight gear tent stakes out the floor. That is annoying about zpacks tents but usually im so tired I just pass out. Its worse with 2 people fighting with the floating floor. I am curious to get a couple of night sleeps on the uberlight pad
Duane Hundley my duplex in the .74 started at 22oz (zpacks states 21), my carbon tent poles were 5.5oz and my 8 mini groundhogs are 4oz. Adds up quick lol. I definitely had hyperlite envy on trail (at least due to the floor guy outs) I’m excited to test out the evermore as well.
Nice review. I’m an xxl hiker 6’0 275;lbs. is this tent going to be big enough if I use as a single person tent?
Yes
mark scott oh for sure. I’m 6ft 260 and this tent is a Mansion lol
I did the exact same thing. My Tri plex sets on a shelf. Wish I could sell. My partner and I share the extra weight of the Tiger wall 3-p. The wet foot box issue- we had this problem with the Tigerwall as well, I think next time I will leave the foot box in my dry bag that should solve that issue if I don’t kick it off during the night. I have used the Tigerwall 1000 miles and have been through all weather situations and stayed dry as long as your bag doesn’t touch the wall. Don’t skimp on the footprint to save weight. You’ll appreciate in a storm
Cons on Zpacks- extreme glare, condensation, splash, radiates heat in the sun, cost. Pros weight only
Lol I’m glad to hear I wasn’t the only one with these issues. Never had the problem with my tiger wall. I not only have the footprint but bought the bike packing footprint that extends into the vestibules to keep your gear off the wet dirt lol. I have since picked up the durston xmid 2p v2 and that’s what my done and I will be using this year for our Pct thru hike.
Thank you 😊 for the feedback about the duplex. I had the same problem with the foot box.
I was on the pct 2019 & had the same problems as you. Both with tent & missing family.
Doing smaller miles & thinking of doing sections on AZT for 2020.
How about you?
I have no doubts if my wife had been there I would have made it. I want to do larger sections, possibly the Washington section next summer. I will complete the trail even if it’s pieces at a time lol. My business had kind of taken off much faster than I anticipated so it’s holding most of my attention when I’m not homeschooling my son. But I’ll get back out there some time.
It’s so easy to sort the floating floor. Just attach sticky tie downs to the corners and issue resolved.
As for sliding - that can happen with any tent - use a gossamer mat and you won’t slip.
For sure. Individual issues can all be resolved. But given all the issues combined, I didn’t feel paying the asking price for the tent was worth it to have to modify so much, add extra weight to fix issues, and have issues I can’t fix like condensation soaking my gear. They have since made an xl version that would probably suit me better as a taller hiker and not leave me touching the walls, but I just found better options for me. I actually picked up a durston xmid 2p v2 and it solved all the problems I had with the duplex, the sagging issue I had with the tiger wall, and was half the price. So I think I’ve found my sweet spot.
Awesome review! For the very same reasons I've gone for a double wall too. Enjoy the Big Agnes, great choice.
Nella Anderson thank you. Which shelter did you go with?
@@AhonuiOutdoors nemo hornet 2p - prob some polycro underneath. Didn't go for the elite as I liked the privacy with this one without the fly. 😊
Nella Anderson very nice. That was the only other one I was looking at as well. From what I saw with the elite you wouldn’t save enough weight or anything for the extra money anyway, just had a bigger draft lol. That Nemo 2p has a great design
@@AhonuiOutdoors exactly - gotta agree with that! It had a nice balance of weight and comfort. Not sure it's going to fit 2 p in my case - the other ones 6ft 3! 😅 But think it will be good for all the solos plus pack.
Nella Anderson agreed haha 2p tents are more like 1p plus all our crap lol. Although my tiger wall fits two large sleeping pads and my wife is 5’2” so it actually fits us both haha
Great video. How tall are you?
Brad Wolfe thank you, 6ft on a good day lol. I’ve used this thing on the pct and and the CT. Since I made this video. Had it up to 11k feet and tons of hail and snow. It is a beast and a mansion. I’ll never look back lol.
Thanks
Just a thought, if you don’t want the floor to free float , can’t you use some Zpacks loops with Dyneema patches ?they sell them for custom diy. Put them on the corners of the floor ,reach under the tent sides and use 4 ti shepherd stakes to stake it down. Very light, very strong , very easy. I know it is only one of your gripes. But it seems an easy fix .
Danny Slaughter I did mention adding guy outs to the floor in this video and that I didn’t want to modify it in any way in case I did end up wanting to sell it for the various other reasons that this tent didn’t work out for me
I’m sorry, I did not catch that. Thank you for the insightful video.
Danny Slaughter no worries. 16 min talking TH-cam videos are hard to follow 😂
I just purchased extra stakes for the footprint
I didn’t want to Carry more stakes and I would still have the problem of not being able to pull the rainfly taught unless in absolutely perfect conditions. Which I have personally never camped in.
Thanks for an in-dept review and I did enjoy.
There’s a familiar face. I’m glad you liked the review. Hope all is well out your way.
Hello roommate , I say roommate because obviously it’s big enough for two so I’ll just leave my tent at home in June... 😂. Great reasoning for the tent and I’m looking forward to seeing your mods!
lol hope your not as wide as me. Our first time meeting in person will be very up close! lol Thank you. Im looking forward to making them !