I hope these tips help everyone out. Im sure I missed some things, so please share your experience and any additional tips! For photos of my hikes, gear, and everyday shenanigans check out @motivatedbymountains on Instagram. Happy Hiking!
Hey Scott, Greetings from Australia. I've just happened on your channel and I'm really enjoying it. I've ordered a Duplex and I'm waiting for it to arrive. I love your mods and I'm going to try them all I think. I just have one question. How did you attach the magnets? Did you stitch them in or glue them or use tape? Cheers. Sam.
@@samkeevers4369 Thanks Sam. Glad you enjoyed the video. Yea, the Duplex is still my favorite shelter. I used dyneema tape to attach the magnets. Have fun!
I first saw this video last month before I got my Duplex. I set it up for the first time this past weekend at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and I used your head/foot tie out mod (with sticks). I don't know why more people don't do this! GREAT TIP! THANKS!
I would like to see the magnetic door hack. I have a hard time undoing those once secured because of the black on black and being able to see exactly what needs done. I have fastened it a second time before. I tried making the loop a different color and it did not go well.
This is the best duplex tent review and advice video. Thanks for making this and sharing your knowledge.. I bought the duplex, first time. I feel better now to deal with water and moisture getting in. Again, your advice is appreciated and valuable.
Pretty slick door mod, Scott! 4 years with my Duplex & it’s still my favorite piece of gear. I put a Z-seat under pad to keep it from sliding. Learned that the hard way as well.
Excellent tips, and a great video! May I add one suggestion? I have had the same problem when pitching a tent on non-level ground in a rain storm… but I have had very good success pitching the tent at a slightly lower than normal height. I just put the trekking poles a couple of centimeters less than normal, and the drip edge then sits well below the edge of the bathtub floor. It’s not a perfect solution, because if you slide enough you can still push the floor beyond the drip edge, but it definitely helps. It’s also not a perfect solution because there is a slight trade-off in ventilation. Anyway, loved the video.
Something that solved the sliding problem for me was to take my seat pad and put it under my sleeping pad just below my hips. The pad doesn’t slide and I don’t slide. Works great!
Thx. ! Enjoyed the presentation. Can you comment on any 'crinkling noise' ? From the floor , a couple of hikers said it can be noisy. Not being a pain. Many thx.
good info, I've had one since last summer and haven't even takent it out of the original stuff sack yet. I'm doing the hammock thing because I can do it almost under 1LB but thats without bug net or spreader bars
Excellent video! Thanks for the tips! I use the Plexamid and at 6'3" was using your trick with the stick to pull the side out further for more headroom/footroom. But then discovered ZPack's Trekking Pole Cup! Just $5., a permanent fix, and makes it quick and easy to use my second pole, (or a stick), to quickly pull the side out when setting up! Sticks are cheaper tho!
Hi, Excellent tips there. I like the vestibule setup the way it is but the other hacks were great. I'm thru-hiking the AT beginning March 21, 2021. I delayed my "walk to retirement" from March 2020 due to the ATC recommendation on Covid but I cannot justify another delay based on all the people I followed this year in 2020 with no issues other than wearing a mask. I'll be Vlogging my journey on my channel. Thanks! John from MI
Great tips and solutions for potential problems! Thank you! So, WILL people be able to see me changing clothes if I get one of these? Prefer to not provide that kind of show out in the backcountry, ha!
Haha!!!! Na you cant really see through the fabric. Maybe a silhouette if its dark and you have a headlamp in the tent, but nothing more. No worries. They have a new zip version of the Duplex. I have used a lot of different shelters and the Duplex is still my goto!
Great hints, all applicable to my new Triplex…thank you!! So spacious I felt guilty!! (Not for long!) Only negative: Some rodent liked the “netting taste”; when I got home, it required 32, two sided Tenacious Tape patches!😳 Monica at ZPacks said they could replace the netting for a reasonable fee. For now, I accept the “scars” on my new Triplex! (I hear “chicks dig scars!!) Ha!!
It took me a little bit to get used to it..You can watch all the vids in the world but,nothing is better than experimenting with it in the woods ..great video...The hacks were so good..
Great tips!! Love my duplex. Hiking the Batona a couple years ago it rained the first two days. I got rain inside from exactly what you mentioned here. Thanks for the tip on bringing the floor in a bit more. I'll be doing that one for sure!! Crazy cool door trick you have there! How did you secure the magnets? Did you just cover them with a piece of dyneema patch? This was probably the most helpful of all the Duplex vids I've seen. Thanks!
Great honest review, and also the reason why I’d personally go with Gossamer Gear The Two (one ounce heavier, more room, less fuss, and MUCH better construction) or the Tarp Tent Double Rainbow Li (8 ounces heavier, much more room, and MUCH better construction). Really top notch tips too.
Gossamer Gear The Two is 4.5oz heavier and only a touch more roomy. Double Rainbow is quite a lot smaller, especially when sitting up, and the pitchlock corners are a hassle because they force you to stow the tent vertically in your backpack.
If it matter the Duplex now has zippers doors and a ridge vent and it’s made in the USA not off shore by a 12 year old chained to a sewing machine working for next to nothing. This matters to me. Take care
I am also 6"1" and my Western Mountaineering -10° Lynx xtra long bag is really bulky/lofty (but light and luxurious - love it) - so what do you think of using the even longer Zpacks Altaplex, and thereby getting rid of one of the trekking poles and also having even more length for this very lofty bag? - I am afraid that the Duplex might have enough length for me, but not me inside this giant bag.
Been enjoying your videos today . I got lucky & got a permit for the PCT in 2022. Been a hammock guy but I'm going to use a tent on the PCT at least for the desert & snow so been reading up on tents, pads, etc. Ordered the newer DupleXL... anyway... they added "riser rods" to function like the sticks in your video. Not sure if you saw that but thought I'd point it outt That and the extra 6" on the floor swayed me into spending a bit more for the XL. Appreciate the vids.
PCT! Hell ya. Congrats. Yea, I haven't seen one of the new XL tents in person yet. Looks like a good option. I'd love to hear your impressions. Take Care.
Hi Scott, love your channel... Appreciate your practical and no nonsense advice. Question regarding Duplex mods: have you considered adding the Zpacks stick on loops to the lower edge of the tarp body at the foot and head-end (at the midpoint between the corners) and pulling it out with shock cord to the twig that you ingeniously use for improving the pullout? It seems like this might further reduce the chance of water dripping into the bathtub floor.
Hi Scott. Such a great and informative video! One question I had is if you’ve ever had two 25” pads, like a wide Xlite, in here before? Me and my girlfriend both have wide pads and I noticed that the stated dimensions are only 45” wide. Thanks!
Sorry for the late reply. I think you could angle the Poles out a bit and make the pads fit but you would lose a lot of height in the bathtub floor and you might get flooded in heavy rain.
I really loved this video. I would have liked to see a close up of the magnetic door hack. The door mod is awesome with that pulley. Also is this the olive or spruce? Thanks!
Great video as always. I bought the Flame’s Creed 2 person tent, as a cheap alternative. But, I have been saving for the Duplex. That is an awesome tip on the doors. Thanks for sharing. ✌️
Yeah, I love the tent, but it is basically double the weight of the duplex, like 39 ounces. It is double walled, two person. Other than double walled, it looks similar to the Duplex design. I have seen the pro version. I think it is single walled. So, that might be an option for me too, lighter. I did an initial review of the Flame’s Creed on my channel. But, after your video, I am sold on the Duplex, price and all. I may get the “spruce green” version though. You think it makes a difference in durability with the thicker dyneema fabric?
@@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING I havent had any issues with durability. I dont think the thicker dyneema is neccessary unless your planning on hiking a lot in areas where theres increased risk of a puncture, like the desert maybe. I have a Lunar Solo that we use as a second shelter for my boys and a loner for friends. 26 oz and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. I'm really impressed with that tent, but it's hard to go back to Silnylon after you have a dyneema shelter....👍
Great video. I have a Duplex and it’s been great until it was not. I got caught out in a major rainstorm on the Long Trail in Vermont. We received at least ten inches of rain and the temperatures were in the high 60s. I needed to shut both doors. I was camped with my fifty pound hound mix and the condensation was so bad it was pretty much raining in my tent. I ended up sleeping in my rain gear and so did my dog. Her quilt got super wet and I never used mine. We ended up leaving the trial because the mountains and state got badly flooded. I love the tent but not like I once did. The new design comes with zippered doors but more importantly a ridge vent. Do you have any information on how this ridge vent is working? I will definitely use your door hack. It’s a great idea, thanks. Take care
Wow. That sounds rough!!! Yea, I have been using the zip version on a few trips. The vents work ok. Im not overly impressed with ridge vents on any tent. Yes, they help for sure. Will, they eliminate condensation? No. But, I'd say they work as well as can be expected. The zippered doors and magnetic ties however are MAJOR improvements. I love the tent!!!
@@TheUltralightMindset Thanks for the information. I hope to never experience anything like that again. The state of Vermont had some serious flooding and people’s life’s have really been affected. Take care
Awesome review - looking forward to try this - my duplex is yet on the way. Door hack looks great - but if I see it correctly - does not it mean that you have fixed length where you have to put your door stake? I thought that attaching stake carabiner to the hook (where door ends locks) would solve that, what do you think?
This was prob the best review of the duplex out there awesome job and awosome mods them soved alot of the issues i seen with it but im happy with my MLD Duomid tarp,inner, stakes & stuff sacks still only 25.3oz . The duplex has more room inside but duomid has more room under the tarp but both awesome shelters and dont think could go wrong with eaither
Just an idea to prevent slipping down during the night (causing the tub to go past the wall) - have you tried a couple of thin beads of silicon either on the tub itself or on the air mattress? I haven't done this, but have seen others comment about that.
I’m loving the added straps at the head and feet area that pull up the bathroom floor. My tent has a similar design but without those. I’m going to add them. Any idea how long they are?
@@JRoss707 Gotcha. I guess you could sew in some webbing loops, seem seel, and add the cord. I think the shock cord is about 18 inches long. The stretch and the small cordlock make the length adjustable. Hope that helps. If you have anymore questions just shoot them my way. Happy hiking
Motivated By Mountains thanks! That was my plan. Just need to find some thin stretchy cord and a couple tensioners. It’d be nice if they sold those fasteners but I don’t see them on ZPack’s site.
Hi, great review and tips 👍👍. I have seen a review on Dixies Homemade Wanderlust channel she seem to love it as well but ran into issues with micro pinholes in the material, have you experienced similar issues?
Nope. No holes in my duplex. Most of my hikes are 3 to 5 days. Dixie was using her duplex for a thru-hike which is a lot of extended use. Even if you do develop a pinhole after a couple thousand miles it is super easy to slap a piece of Dyneema tape over a hole. Problem solved. Thanks for watching!
Did you ever try sleeping diagonally with your pad from corner to corner to get more foot/head room with decent thickness sleeping pad and a puffy sleeping bag/quilt?
Thanks. Glad you liked the mods. I don't have any experience with the Free Duo. To me, it seems like it's just a bit outside of Zpacks wheelhouse. They build fantastic ultralight trekking pole shelters. I think they should stick to that. Just my opinion....👍
Awesome video. Just got the duplex and love your mods. Can you share more detail about how you fixated your magnets on your door? Also what magnets did you use? This is my first DCF tent so unsure how to fasten magnets without damaging the tent. Thanks. Love your channel.
Yea man. No problem. I used a small round magnet placed under a piece of dyneeme tape on the outside of the tent. Then I tied a "thumb tack magnet" to the existing webbing on the inside of the tent. You just swing the Thumb tack magnet out and around the rolled door and it sticks to the round magnet. I can send you some pics by email or through instagram if you like...👍
Motivated By Mountains by any chance can you send me the door magnet mod to my Instagram? If you have the shock cord hack pic for the ends that would be great also ...atlongstory
Question for anyone using this setup as I am interested myself. I live in Vancouver Canada can be cold and very, very wet depending not he season. I know single wall tents have condensation and with venting you can keep this down which is fine. But how do these shelters do in constant 24/7 rain at times? I can deal with some condensation and in this video I can use a shammy thats not a problem but I am not talking mist or a light rain but consistent rain for hours and hours on end. Should I be looking at a double wall shelter as this may be more suitable for dryer climates with the chance of rain? Please advise as this is expensive and would hate to purchase and find its not the right shelter for my environment.
I have used the duplex in 4 days, three nights of constant rain with daytime highs in the low 40s and upper 20s at night. Some heavy rain and some fairly light. Keep in mind I was hiking all day and camping somewhere different each night. There was a lot of condensation, but manageable. Worked well.
Is the orange cord inside up at the ridge of the tent something that is included or did you mod that in? I'm asking because I am not sure if the Duplex has any interior hanging loops and I have several things I hang from above at night that I need loops or cord for, to suspend from above.... any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Great mod with the vestibule closure mechanism!
You could definitely use a buff to wipe away condensation. But it won't soak up nearly the same amount of water, doesn't dry as fast, and I prefer to keep my buff as dry as possible.
Scott, Great video love these suggestions, I don't own a duplex, although wish I did, but I'll incorporate the door mod just the same. Even better, I have a single wall tent that doesn't have the bathtube lifter at all, yet your idea gives me the inspiration to run a guyline to bungee hair band that could be binder clipped to bathtub top edge. That same guy would route through the tent peak down to the opposite side where I would repeat the attachment to the top of the bathtub. One continuous bungee lifter to both sides. If I like it i'll permanently stitch it in with suitable bungee. You have some really good ideas, thanks again, Jott By the way you might want to rename this video to suggest these mods for any tent, especially single wall types. I don't have a duplex but I can and plan to incorporate all of them.
I'll take a Tarptent Stratospire 2 any time. More interior space, better wind resistance AND better ventilation because of the good topped bottom vents. Body heat means cool air comes in low and warm air exits high - if there is a vent there. The Stratospire is, like all Tarptents, is just a very good design in virtually every respect.
Yep. I agree. I have owned a Strato 2 since 2015. Fantastic bomber shelter. I have ridden out some crazy storms and wind in that thing. But, its not my go to shelter for one, or two people due to the weight. Size of the footprint, and packability. I love using it for short hike in and camp scenarios. Like a 3 day fly fishing trip where I'm camping in the same spot for days. Also a great 4ish season shelter. Tarptent makes some very, very well designed and built shelters, but the Duplex is still my personal favorite for 90 percent of my hikes.
Sure. I use 6 titanium shepard hook stakes and 2 titanium V stakes. I use the 2 V stakes for the main tie outs supporting the most load at the peak on either side. I use 1 Shepard hook on each corner and 1 Shepard hook at the foot and 1 at the head end. Small dyneema stske bag from LiteAF. Approx 2.5 ounces total. Hope that helps.
Sure. Weve been using the Unbound quite a bit over the last year. Personally, Im not a fan. The fly is sewn directly to the floor in each corner which allows condensation to roll down and onto your gear. The vestibules a bit tight and a few other things. I would recommend either the Zpacks duplex zip or the new Duo. Both tents are excellent. Im working on a video comparing the Durston Xmid, Zpacks Duplex Zip, and the Hyperlite Unbound. Hope that helps. Feel free to ask anything. Take care. Scott
A torso length of this 1/8th closed cell evazote foam is useful as a sitpad during the day. At night it sticks your slippery sleep pad to the slippery dyneema tent floor like glue. Even quite steep slopes/beaches. Adds some R value as well. www.gossamergear.com/products/thinlight-foam-pad
Almost added that info to comment section...glad I read all the comments as I just heard about the pad(currently out of stock at GG) but will notified when it's back in stock...
thats weird that they wouldnt make the rainfly long enough to reach the ground so you dont have the issues you talked about. for $650 (a ton of money) in my opinion there should be zero worry of water coming in unless you're like literally in a hurricane with water blowing in sideways
The rain fly, or tarp portion of the tent does come down low enough to prevent rain from entering the tent. You don't want it to come all the way to the ground. That would block airflow and cause condensation to build up inside. Its a great tent. If someone stole my duplex, I would happily buy another one.
@@TheUltralightMindset ahh ok that makes sense. dumb question but would i be able to just carve 2 sticks to use as supports instead of trekking poles, or should i just spend the extra $125 and get the freestanding flex kit. ideally id prefer to not spend that and not carry that extra weight if stick supports would work.
I hope these tips help everyone out. Im sure I missed some things, so please share your experience and any additional tips! For photos of my hikes, gear, and everyday shenanigans check out @motivatedbymountains on Instagram. Happy Hiking!
thx for all tips Scott, tell me pls witch type of cord do you use for door upgrade and drying rope?
@@janicsuhran The 2mm Zline cord from Zpacks will work great for both. They also have small carabiners for the door mod.
Hey Scott, Greetings from Australia. I've just happened on your channel and I'm really enjoying it. I've ordered a Duplex and I'm waiting for it to arrive. I love your mods and I'm going to try them all I think. I just have one question. How did you attach the magnets? Did you stitch them in or glue them or use tape? Cheers. Sam.
@@samkeevers4369 Thanks Sam. Glad you enjoyed the video. Yea, the Duplex is still my favorite shelter. I used dyneema tape to attach the magnets. Have fun!
I first saw this video last month before I got my Duplex. I set it up for the first time this past weekend at the bottom of the Grand Canyon, and I used your head/foot tie out mod (with sticks). I don't know why more people don't do this! GREAT TIP! THANKS!
Hell yea. Makes a huge difference...🤘
Dude.... your mods are amazing!!!! Especially the MBM Curtain Mod!!!🤣
MBM Curtain mod....?
Ok, I can live with that🤣. Thanks dude...👍
I would like to see the magnetic door hack. I have a hard time undoing those once secured because of the black on black and being able to see exactly what needs done. I have fastened it a second time before. I tried making the loop a different color and it did not go well.
This is the best duplex tent review and advice video. Thanks for making this and sharing your knowledge.. I bought the duplex, first time. I feel better now to deal with water and moisture getting in. Again, your advice is appreciated and valuable.
Thanks man...👍
This is one of the best and most helpful gear videos i have ever seen. Thank you so much.
Your very welcome!
Pretty slick door mod, Scott! 4 years with my Duplex & it’s still my favorite piece of gear. I put a Z-seat under pad to keep it from sliding. Learned that the hard way as well.
Zseat....Great idea!!!!
Thorough review by someone who knows what they're talking about. Thank you.
Your welcome.
Great modifications for the Duplex...def gonna add the magnets and shock cord for the ends ...thanks for sharing...
Hated the door... but with your hack can't wait to add that to the tent. Your tips are awasome, thanks for sharing them.
Have fun...👍
Excellent tips, and a great video! May I add one suggestion? I have had the same problem when pitching a tent on non-level ground in a rain storm… but I have had very good success pitching the tent at a slightly lower than normal height. I just put the trekking poles a couple of centimeters less than normal, and the drip edge then sits well below the edge of the bathtub floor. It’s not a perfect solution, because if you slide enough you can still push the floor beyond the drip edge, but it definitely helps. It’s also not a perfect solution because there is a slight trade-off in ventilation. Anyway, loved the video.
Thanks Dan...👍🏻
Something that solved the sliding problem for me was to take my seat pad and put it under my sleeping pad just below my hips. The pad doesn’t slide and I don’t slide. Works great!
You are the shock cord master! Great mods
Thx. ! Enjoyed the presentation. Can you comment on any 'crinkling noise' ? From the floor , a couple of hikers said it can be noisy. Not being a pain. Many thx.
Never felt like it was noisy.
@@TheUltralightMindset Your kind ! Thx. for the reply.
@@peteberkery9652 Anytime!
Hello Scott, is there anyway you could go more in-depth with what you did with the door and the carabiners I really like that
Awesome tips! Will be adding them to my duplex. Enjoy all your vids!
Thanks James!!! 👍
These are great mods! Thanks so much for sharing :)
Useful and clearly presented.
good info, I've had one since last summer and haven't even takent it out of the original stuff sack yet. I'm doing the hammock thing because I can do it almost under 1LB but thats without bug net or spreader bars
Whatever works!!!
Excellent video! Thanks for the tips! I use the Plexamid and at 6'3" was using your trick with the stick to pull the side out further for more headroom/footroom. But then discovered ZPack's Trekking Pole Cup! Just $5., a permanent fix, and makes it quick and easy to use my second pole, (or a stick), to quickly pull the side out when setting up! Sticks are cheaper tho!
Great idea. Thanks!!!
Great tips man! I've got a lot of tips too on the Triplex. We should touch tips soon.
For sure!
Hi, Excellent tips there. I like the vestibule setup the way it is but the other hacks were great. I'm thru-hiking the AT beginning March 21, 2021. I delayed my "walk to retirement" from March 2020 due to the ATC recommendation on Covid but I cannot justify another delay based on all the people I followed this year in 2020 with no issues other than wearing a mask. I'll be Vlogging my journey on my channel. Thanks! John from MI
Sweet. Have fun out there....👍
Great tips and solutions for potential problems! Thank you! So, WILL people be able to see me changing clothes if I get one of these? Prefer to not provide that kind of show out in the backcountry, ha!
Haha!!!! Na you cant really see through the fabric. Maybe a silhouette if its dark and you have a headlamp in the tent, but nothing more. No worries. They have a new zip version of the Duplex. I have used a lot of different shelters and the Duplex is still my goto!
Thank you for these amazing tips. Going to use them on my 2021 AT trip.
👍👍👍👍👍👍
Great hints, all applicable to my new Triplex…thank you!! So spacious I felt guilty!! (Not for long!) Only negative: Some rodent liked the “netting taste”; when I got home, it required 32, two sided Tenacious Tape patches!😳 Monica at ZPacks said they could replace the netting for a reasonable fee. For now, I accept the “scars” on my new Triplex! (I hear “chicks dig scars!!) Ha!!
Just adds character. Chicks dig scars and scars don't sweat!
Wow, AWESOME modifications and definitely ones I'll incorporate into my own Duplex. Thanks so much for taking the time to share them--great video! :-)
Glad you liked them...👍
It took me a little bit to get used to it..You can watch all the vids in the world but,nothing is better than experimenting with it in the woods ..great video...The hacks were so good..
You said brother. Agree 100 percent....👍
Thanks for the tips! Will definitely add a Shammy to my pack..
ShamWow for the win!
🤣🤣🤣
Great tips!! Love my duplex. Hiking the Batona a couple years ago it rained the first two days. I got rain inside from exactly what you mentioned here. Thanks for the tip on bringing the floor in a bit more. I'll be doing that one for sure!! Crazy cool door trick you have there! How did you secure the magnets? Did you just cover them with a piece of dyneema patch? This was probably the most helpful of all the Duplex vids I've seen. Thanks!
Yep. Dyneema tape and small round magnets....👍
Excellent review! Keep 'em coming and take care.
Thankyou....will do 👍
Great honest review, and also the reason why I’d personally go with Gossamer Gear The Two (one ounce heavier, more room, less fuss, and MUCH better construction) or the Tarp Tent Double Rainbow Li (8 ounces heavier, much more room, and MUCH better construction). Really top notch tips too.
Gossamer Gear The Two is 4.5oz heavier and only a touch more roomy. Double Rainbow is quite a lot smaller, especially when sitting up, and the pitchlock corners are a hassle because they force you to stow the tent vertically in your backpack.
If it matter the Duplex now has zippers doors and a ridge vent and it’s made in the USA not off shore by a 12 year old chained to a sewing machine working for next to nothing. This matters to me. Take care
Duplex shipped this morning! Thanks for the great tips!
Sweet.
Your going to love it!!!
I am also 6"1" and my Western Mountaineering -10° Lynx xtra long bag is really bulky/lofty (but light and luxurious - love it) - so what do you think of using the even longer Zpacks Altaplex, and thereby getting rid of one of the trekking poles and also having even more length for this very lofty bag? - I am afraid that the Duplex might have enough length for me, but not me inside this giant bag.
I think , if your cool with less width and more length. Go for the Altaplex!!!
Been enjoying your videos today . I got lucky & got a permit for the PCT in 2022. Been a hammock guy but I'm going to use a tent on the PCT at least for the desert & snow so been reading up on tents, pads, etc. Ordered the newer DupleXL... anyway... they added "riser rods" to function like the sticks in your video. Not sure if you saw that but thought I'd point it outt That and the extra 6" on the floor swayed me into spending a bit more for the XL. Appreciate the vids.
PCT! Hell ya. Congrats. Yea, I haven't seen one of the new XL tents in person yet. Looks like a good option. I'd love to hear your impressions. Take Care.
Hi Scott, love your channel... Appreciate your practical and no nonsense advice. Question regarding Duplex mods: have you considered adding the Zpacks stick on loops to the lower edge of the tarp body at the foot and head-end (at the midpoint between the corners) and pulling it out with shock cord to the twig that you ingeniously use for improving the pullout? It seems like this might further reduce the chance of water dripping into the bathtub floor.
Nope. Hadn't thought of that. That's an interesting idea.....👍
What a brilliant knotist.
This is a really great video-so practical. I'm subscribing!!
Thanks...👍
great info! Thanks.
Thanks man, great rundown and info.
👍👍👍
Great info and great ideas, too. Thanks for the video. 👍
Super informative and helpful info! Thanks for sharing.
You bet...👍👍👍
Your tips.. amazing! Thank you so much for making this video! ♥️
Your welcome...👊👊👊
Hi Scott. Such a great and informative video! One question I had is if you’ve ever had two 25” pads, like a wide Xlite, in here before? Me and my girlfriend both have wide pads and I noticed that the stated dimensions are only 45” wide. Thanks!
Sorry for the late reply. I think you could angle the Poles out a bit and make the pads fit but you would lose a lot of height in the bathtub floor and you might get flooded in heavy rain.
I really loved this video. I would have liked to see a close up of the magnetic door hack. The door mod is awesome with that pulley. Also is this the olive or spruce? Thanks!
This looks like my spruce Zpacks Duplex tent
Great vid dude looking to get one of these, over to the UK.
Always thinking! I appreciate your engineering!
This is a really great review! Thank you!
Great video Scott! Thanks for the info. What color is that?
I think I may apply that door mod to my GG The Two. That looks cool.
Also, I subbed
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Great video as always. I bought the Flame’s Creed 2 person tent, as a cheap alternative. But, I have been saving for the Duplex. That is an awesome tip on the doors. Thanks for sharing. ✌️
Flames Creed? Is that like the Lanshan under a different name?
Yeah, just a different name, same company I think...✌️
@@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING Gotcha. How do you like it? Have you seen the new pro version? Basicly a copy of the SMD lunar solo.
Yeah, I love the tent, but it is basically double the weight of the duplex, like 39 ounces. It is double walled, two person. Other than double walled, it looks similar to the Duplex design. I have seen the pro version. I think it is single walled. So, that might be an option for me too, lighter. I did an initial review of the Flame’s Creed on my channel. But, after your video, I am sold on the Duplex, price and all. I may get the “spruce green” version though. You think it makes a difference in durability with the thicker dyneema fabric?
@@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING I havent had any issues with durability. I dont think the thicker dyneema is neccessary unless your planning on hiking a lot in areas where theres increased risk of a puncture, like the desert maybe. I have a Lunar Solo that we use as a second shelter for my boys and a loner for friends. 26 oz and packs down to the size of a grapefruit. I'm really impressed with that tent, but it's hard to go back to Silnylon after you have a dyneema shelter....👍
loving these duplex hacks/mods!
Thanks.....👍
Excellent idea! You look like Lance Armstrong ... LOL! 😆
😏😏😄😁
He's the Lance Armstrong of shelters... performance enhancing modifications.
Cool hacks. You are a new resourceful person.
Thanks!
New videos coming soon!
Great tips!! Thanks so much. How do you attach the clothes line to the Duplex?
Plastic drings
Great video. I have a Duplex and it’s been great until it was not. I got caught out in a major rainstorm on the Long Trail in Vermont. We received at least ten inches of rain and the temperatures were in the high 60s. I needed to shut both doors. I was camped with my fifty pound hound mix and the condensation was so bad it was pretty much raining in my tent. I ended up sleeping in my rain gear and so did my dog. Her quilt got super wet and I never used mine. We ended up leaving the trial because the mountains and state got badly flooded. I love the tent but not like I once did. The new design comes with zippered doors but more importantly a ridge vent. Do you have any information on how this ridge vent is working? I will definitely use your door hack. It’s a great idea, thanks. Take care
Wow. That sounds rough!!! Yea, I have been using the zip version on a few trips. The vents work ok. Im not overly impressed with ridge vents on any tent. Yes, they help for sure. Will, they eliminate condensation? No. But, I'd say they work as well as can be expected. The zippered doors and magnetic ties however are MAJOR improvements. I love the tent!!!
@@TheUltralightMindset Thanks for the information. I hope to never experience anything like that again. The state of Vermont had some serious flooding and people’s life’s have really been affected. Take care
Awesome review - looking forward to try this - my duplex is yet on the way. Door hack looks great - but if I see it correctly - does not it mean that you have fixed length where you have to put your door stake? I thought that attaching stake carabiner to the hook (where door ends locks) would solve that, what do you think?
That should work also.
This was prob the best review of the duplex out there awesome job and awosome mods them soved alot of the issues i seen with it but im happy with my MLD Duomid tarp,inner, stakes & stuff sacks still only 25.3oz . The duplex has more room inside but duomid has more room under the tarp but both awesome shelters and dont think could go wrong with eaither
I haven't used the duomid, but it seems to be a great shelter. I have a couple modular setups. Flexibility is a plus. Thanks for the input..👍
Great video. How did you secure / attach the upper string across the ridge?
Tied to the small loops on either side.
Just an idea to prevent slipping down during the night (causing the tub to go past the wall) - have you tried a couple of thin beads of silicon either on the tub itself or on the air mattress? I haven't done this, but have seen others comment about that.
Or the Shoe Goo...I should have waited til the end
great video -- how did you add the magnets to hold the doors open?
Dyneema tape.
wow great tips
A little square of that shelf liner that has like a chain link fence or cross hatch pattern grips pretty good.
Great idea. I bet that would work well. Thanks for the tip!!!
Oh, man! That carabiner door trick will definitely come in handy some morning when i really gotta pee XD
Yes it will...👍
I’m loving the added straps at the head and feet area that pull up the bathroom floor. My tent has a similar design but without those. I’m going to add them. Any idea how long they are?
Do you have a Duplex?Are you talking about the shockcord that pulls up the bathtub?
Motivated By Mountains no not a Duplex but a similarly designed non Cuban fiber tent and yes those are what I’m talking about
@@JRoss707 Gotcha. I guess you could sew in some webbing loops, seem seel, and add the cord. I think the shock cord is about 18 inches long. The stretch and the small cordlock make the length adjustable. Hope that helps. If you have anymore questions just shoot them my way. Happy hiking
Motivated By Mountains thanks! That was my plan. Just need to find some thin stretchy cord and a couple tensioners. It’d be nice if they sold those fasteners but I don’t see them on ZPack’s site.
Hi, great review and tips 👍👍. I have seen a review on Dixies Homemade Wanderlust channel she seem to love it as well but ran into issues with micro pinholes in the material, have you experienced similar issues?
Nope. No holes in my duplex. Most of my hikes are 3 to 5 days. Dixie was using her duplex for a thru-hike which is a lot of extended use. Even if you do develop a pinhole after a couple thousand miles it is super easy to slap a piece of Dyneema tape over a hole. Problem solved. Thanks for watching!
Motivated By Mountains: Cheers.
Thanks for sharing, some very creative solutions!
Happy to do it....🤙
Did you ever try sleeping diagonally with your pad from corner to corner to get more foot/head room with decent thickness sleeping pad and a puffy sleeping bag/quilt?
I never felt the need to sleep diagonally but I'm sure that would give you more room.
Great Vid !!! LOVE the Mods. Am thinking about buying this tent. Any thoughts on the FREE DUO ?
Thanks. Glad you liked the mods. I don't have any experience with the Free Duo. To me, it seems like it's just a bit outside of Zpacks wheelhouse. They build fantastic ultralight trekking pole shelters. I think they should stick to that. Just my opinion....👍
Thanks!! This is a great hack!
Glad you like it!
Awesome video. Just got the duplex and love your mods. Can you share more detail about how you fixated your magnets on your door? Also what magnets did you use?
This is my first DCF tent so unsure how to fasten magnets without damaging the tent.
Thanks. Love your channel.
Yea man. No problem.
I used a small round magnet placed under a piece of dyneeme tape on the outside of the tent. Then I tied a "thumb tack magnet" to the existing webbing on the inside of the tent. You just swing the Thumb tack magnet out and around the rolled door and it sticks to the round magnet. I can send you some pics by email or through instagram if you like...👍
Motivated By Mountains
Thanks man. Really appreciate it.
Motivated By Mountains by any chance can you send me the door magnet mod to my Instagram? If you have the shock cord hack pic for the ends that would be great also ...atlongstory
great video. question - i usually use a pack towel to deal with condensation. do you think that the shammy is significantly better? thanks.
Shammy is way better, super easy to squeeze out the water and quick drying. Happy Trails!
🤠⛺👍
Really great!
Thx!
Question for anyone using this setup as I am interested myself. I live in Vancouver Canada can be cold and very, very wet depending not he season. I know single wall tents have condensation and with venting you can keep this down which is fine. But how do these shelters do in constant 24/7 rain at times? I can deal with some condensation and in this video I can use a shammy thats not a problem but I am not talking mist or a light rain but consistent rain for hours and hours on end. Should I be looking at a double wall shelter as this may be more suitable for dryer climates with the chance of rain? Please advise as this is expensive and would hate to purchase and find its not the right shelter for my environment.
I have used the duplex in 4 days, three nights of constant rain with daytime highs in the low 40s and upper 20s at night. Some heavy rain and some fairly light. Keep in mind I was hiking all day and camping somewhere different each night. There was a lot of condensation, but manageable. Worked well.
On the head/foot end tie outs... the upper ones you said you dont use... aren't they for the fee-standing pole option rather than for tying out?
Could be. Ive never used the flex poles.
Is the orange cord inside up at the ridge of the tent something that is included or did you mod that in? I'm asking because I am not sure if the Duplex has any interior hanging loops and I have several things I hang from above at night that I need loops or cord for, to suspend from above....
any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Great mod with the vestibule closure mechanism!
There are loops on the inside to tie to. I just used some light duty cord for a closeline and place to hang my headlamp and glasses. Hope that helps.
Nice door mod. Good solutions.
Good review man
Thanks dude...👍
do you like it more than any standing tent?
What adhesive did you use to attach the magnet to the tent?
Dyneema tape.
Why not use a Buff instead of a shammy to wipe away interior condensation?
You could definitely use a buff to wipe away condensation. But it won't soak up nearly the same amount of water, doesn't dry as fast, and I prefer to keep my buff as dry as possible.
Scott, Great video love these suggestions, I don't own a duplex, although wish I did, but I'll incorporate the door mod just the same. Even better, I have a single wall tent that doesn't have the bathtube lifter at all, yet your idea gives me the inspiration to run a guyline to bungee hair band that could be binder clipped to bathtub top edge. That same guy would route through the tent peak down to the opposite side where I would repeat the attachment to the top of the bathtub. One continuous bungee lifter to both sides. If I like it i'll permanently stitch it in with suitable bungee. You have some really good ideas, thanks again, Jott
By the way you might want to rename this video to suggest these mods for any tent, especially single wall types. I don't have a duplex but I can and plan to incorporate all of them.
I'll take a Tarptent Stratospire 2 any time. More interior space, better wind resistance AND better ventilation because of the good topped bottom vents. Body heat means cool air comes in low and warm air exits high - if there is a vent there. The Stratospire is, like all Tarptents, is just a very good design in virtually every respect.
Yep. I agree. I have owned a Strato 2 since 2015. Fantastic bomber shelter. I have ridden out some crazy storms and wind in that thing. But, its not my go to shelter for one, or two people due to the weight. Size of the footprint, and packability. I love using it for short hike in and camp scenarios. Like a 3 day fly fishing trip where I'm camping in the same spot for days. Also a great 4ish season shelter. Tarptent makes some very, very well designed and built shelters, but the Duplex is still my personal favorite for 90 percent of my hikes.
Can tou explain stake selection?
Sure.
I use 6 titanium shepard hook stakes and 2 titanium V stakes.
I use the 2 V stakes for the main tie outs supporting the most load at the peak on either side. I use 1 Shepard hook on each corner and 1 Shepard hook at the foot and 1 at the head end. Small dyneema stske bag from LiteAF.
Approx 2.5 ounces total.
Hope that helps.
@@TheUltralightMindset thanks!
♥️
I’m thinking about the HMG Unbound. Any thoughts on that? Anyone?
Sure. Weve been using the Unbound quite a bit over the last year. Personally, Im not a fan. The fly is sewn directly to the floor in each corner which allows condensation to roll down and onto your gear. The vestibules a bit tight and a few other things. I would recommend either the Zpacks duplex zip or the new Duo. Both tents are excellent. Im working on a video comparing the Durston Xmid, Zpacks Duplex Zip, and the Hyperlite Unbound. Hope that helps. Feel free to ask anything. Take care. Scott
A torso length of this 1/8th closed cell evazote foam is useful as a sitpad during the day. At night it sticks your slippery sleep pad to the slippery dyneema tent floor like glue. Even quite steep slopes/beaches. Adds some R value as well. www.gossamergear.com/products/thinlight-foam-pad
Totally agree. Thats the stickiest damn foam ever. In a good way...👍🏻
Almost added that info to comment section...glad I read all the comments as I just heard about the pad(currently out of stock at GG) but will notified when it's back in stock...
Do you use a ground sheet w the Duplex?
Nope. I don't think its necessary.
I’ve been very interested in this material,just price is sohigh
thats weird that they wouldnt make the rainfly long enough to reach the ground so you dont have the issues you talked about. for $650 (a ton of money) in my opinion there should be zero worry of water coming in unless you're like literally in a hurricane with water blowing in sideways
The rain fly, or tarp portion of the tent does come down low enough to prevent rain from entering the tent. You don't want it to come all the way to the ground. That would block airflow and cause condensation to build up inside. Its a great tent. If someone stole my duplex, I would happily buy another one.
@@TheUltralightMindset ahh ok that makes sense. dumb question but would i be able to just carve 2 sticks to use as supports instead of trekking poles, or should i just spend the extra $125 and get the freestanding flex kit. ideally id prefer to not spend that and not carry that extra weight if stick supports would work.
@@Big-Government-Is-The-Problem You could use sticks but that might be tough in certain situations. You can buy lightweight tent poles that will work.
what stakes do you use?
6 Titanium Shepard hooks, 2 Titanium V stakes.
Do you stuff it or roll it up? Great info, thank you!
Great question. I fold it up and roll it. Never the same way twice.
to much money for it for me but thanks for the tips
It's definitely an investment....👍
Steeze lorde