I have the Pro Trail Li and have been very happy with it for fastpacking and UL solo missions. Agreed you probably don’t get quite as much living space as with the Plex, Aeon Li or similar side entry tents but the long, skinny footprint makes it easier to find tent sites in proper off track areas here in Tasmania - where clear, mostly level space is at an absolute premium - and the low overall roofline makes it easy to hide behind or within vegetation for protection from wind and weather. One advantage of a front entry tent is that you get the most headroom where you sleep, giving a less claustrophobic feel and better dissipation/release of warm air to better manage condensation. I really notice this in our Double Rainbow Li which has a similar shape to the Plex. The four-peg simplicity of the Pro Trail can’t be overlooked too. With a bit of practice it can be pitched to taught within a minute or so.
Hey, got a question for ya Ben. I have hiked all the long trails in the US, and just finished hiking across Ireland, Scotland, and Spain. Tasmania and New Zealand are my next trip. You talked about small spaces in Tasmania, I agree that small footprints often make for an easier time picking a spot to sleep. What I'm wondering is how is the soil? In Ireland and Scotland I really would have liked a free standing tent as most of the ground was hard and rocky, a lot of time almost impossible to get a stake in. I've been rocking the Gossamer Gear DCF The One for the CDT and that last trip across Scotland/Ireland/Spain, and it's been fantastic other than the hard soil set ups. Any tips about Tasmania are also welcome. Thanks
@@toocleanpappas5397 really depends where you’re talking about camping, but generally speaking the SW and alpine areas tend to have soft, damp, peaty soils. I did a fastpack of the Penguin-Cradle Trail and Overland Track last week and was glad I’d upgraded the standard 6” Eastons the Tarptent came with to 8” ones… the ProTrail Li does require a fair of tension to pitch tightly and smaller pegs are prone to pulling out. I didn’t take a ground cloth for this trip to save weight/bulk, but it’s definitely preferable in many/most cases. There are of course places where it’s the exact opposite - ground is hard as a rock. Some places (Shelf Camp on the Mt Anne Circuit) you’ll be camping on solid rock and obviously need gear and a strategy for those scenarios.
@@toocleanpappas5397 other tips? Public transport is minimal outside of major town centres, so plan accordingly. Gear Hire companies often have sister transport services but don’t expect these to be cheap. We don’t have a strong culture of hitch hiking so many people rent cars but that’s expensive and often difficult to do during the summer months due to high demand, so make sure you plan your moves well in advance. Many of our popular walking trails have either a paid or free voluntary booking system, again, plan things well in advance. Mosquitos and March flies are common throughout the warmer months, so make sure you’ve got repellent and fly netting. Generally speaking our water doesn’t require filtering but there are some places (downstream of major camp centres, farmland, some mining areas etc) where you will want to be careful. Animals/birds in popular areas have no problems getting into your pack/tent after food, keep such things in huts where possible.
@@headwerkn awesome! Thanks for the tips. I was looking at the new Tarptent li. But damn, another expensive piece of gear... I already have 4 tents, and a bivy set up. Haha damn it's rough to be hiker trash! :)
Just found and watched your video...thank you. I have owned the non-DCF Protrail for several years. I've found getting into and out of the tent is an issue for me as it disturbs my quilt and pad. That, along with the majority of headspace at the front of the tent makes movement inside the tent with your sleeping gear deployed cumbersome. Still, nothing wrong with the tent and have camped with my Labrador Retriever inside the tent with me and on his own pad.
I really really really wanted to like the Protrail Li. But after being in there in the first rainstorm, I couldn't avoid touching the sides with my sleeping bag, and it was hard to keep dry - and just too confining. Tempted by the Plex Solo.
I hope that Durston makes the X-mid Pro1 with more interior space, because I hate the center pole and vestibule door set-up on the Plex solo, but at least it isn't as claustrophobic as the X-mid 1.
i just like the simplicity of the tarp tent, the zpacks just has to much going on. It has lines everywhere and needs 9 or 10 stakes to fully set up? I like how the tarptent has only 4 seems very straight forward and minimal. I started with a front entry tent and i hike with two poles. I am a hammucker but if i had to go to the ground tarptent would be my choice. Thank you for the awespme compairison on these two very interesting tents!
I really like the Tarptent as well. It served we well as my ground shelter. The extra stakes and lines are not as bad as they seem once you start using them.
Thank you for the excellent review. They both have a lot of positives and a few negatives. I'm still trying to decide on a tent for an AT thru hike. In thinking about having to set up a tent 100 plus times in 5 months, I really like the simple setup of the Protrail. Also, as on the Plex having all of those tieouts sticking out all around the tent really bugs me on other tents when walking around the campsite trying not to trip over them. If I chose the Protrail I'd have to use it with a trekking pole for a much better pitch than with the fixed pole and not having to move the pole back and forth when getting in and out. Just no perfect tent imo.
The Plex Solo looks nice but that $600 price tag may be a dealbreaker for some. I suggest looking into the Six Moon Lunar Solo. Same form factor and construction as the Plex Solo at less than half the cost. It weighs 1lb 10oz as it is made from sil-polyester. I used mine for 800 miles on the AT in 2020 and it’s still kicking.
The Lunar Solo is suppose to be a good tent but it is more than twice the weight. The Lunar Solo also has to be seam sealed and it will retain water making it even heavier. The price you pay for the Plex Solo can be worth it if you are trying to save over a pound off your base weight.
I’m late to this, and you’re absolutely correct in that the lunar solo is almost double the weight, and that’s not only because of the fact that DCF on the Zpacks tent is a lighter material, but also because the lunar solo has almost double the room on the inside. Seam sealing is pretty easy to do yourself, or have them do it, so that’s not really a con for me. Also, it’s not silnylon, but silpoly, so it retains much less water than silnylon. It’s supposed to be a pretty significant difference, though I couldn’t find statistics on how much.
Sorry, but the footprints are waaaaaay different. You have to consider the room required for the guy lines when you consider the footprint. This is especially true of the width you used to compare. And the minimum six stakes for the Zpacks tent does not give a good taut pitch, whereas the four minimum of the Protrail are very adequate. In the end, these are very different tents designed for different circumstances. A better comparison would be with the Tarp Tent Aeon Li rather than the Protrail Li.
I was cycling on the outer banks inNC years ago and someone two down had a pyramid tent like the z-packs. I don’t know what brand, but I know it was dyneema. In only about 35 mile an hour gusts, behind a small sand dune, his tent was blown down, and though not destroyed, there was a tear line in the fabric near the bottom guy out. I’ve been a bit suspect of pyramid tents since, seeing how tall they are and how much sail they present. That said, your review has likely changed my mid about the tarp tent. I was set to order the same one, but the ergonomics would drive me nuts - so i’m going to investigate the z-packs and other such. I hate that glow in the moonlight silver color, and on the AT is hope the winds won’t be the same problems where I plan to go. Thanks.
Doesn’t look like the side pullouts are doing much on the z packs. I have a lunar solo, (similar to the z packs) I use my other trekking pole and a stick to pull it up and out so I don’t touch as much on the ends. I think the lunar solo is a little bigger than the z packs. The Protrail looks like moving around you are touching sides at all times. I like my lunar solo but touching the single wall sides sucks. Almost impossible to do unless next to pole. I am looking for a new tent. I might take a look at the altaplex. Thanks for taking the time. 👍
Do not know whether you covered it or not did not see it in video, maybe I missed it .. Tarp Tent is $70 less than Z packs.. I have the pro trail LI, the quality build is something to Marvel over
Like the video, but you don’t need to move the pole back to center with the Protrail. I always put mine way over to the right and extend it at an angle so it’s nice and taut.
The angle on the head and foot wall pull outs would need to be but I think the bath tub floor lines can be shortened if needed. I usually just have them set at about 1/2 their length to give me room to play with them if needed.
And something you din‘t menson, is the Fact, that you can leave the Fronttrekkingpole in the „Ankleposition, if you want to! Just make the Pole a bit longer and it Stays there pretty well!
on the Protrail, can you use a stick in lieu of the rear pole, and then put both poles in front, each angled out toward the sides (to keep the full opening available and to have additional stability.)??
Thanks for watching and I just learned by taking my time and gettting it squared away the first time. If its raining or really windy my tents get stuffed not packed LOL
I'm DONE ✅ with front entryway ,, cave style,,, tents !! Just done !! Sorry Tarptent !! (. I own the Tarptent SS 1p ). So OF THE 2 !! I'D have to go with the zpack !! The Z " looks " like the tub is a 'smidge' taller. If ur having ugly weather at least ya can have company for games n visiting. But, did you cover the Z vestabule ???? Without playing the thing over again I'm drawing a blank on that part.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 ya, sign up for the reminder. When they email you availability, jump on it. They sell out in about 4-6 hours. Btw, outdoor vitals just started selling them too. I grabbed a couple for friends.
I think it would have been helpful to comment on your height and the total height of your sleep system with regards to the space inside each tent. I’ve heard others who have reviewed the Plex solo that it basically would not work for anyone over 6’ with a 3”+ pad. That the big advantage for tents styles like the tarptent. They give you lots of length. Also the sides (head & foot) of the zpacks are angled much more than Protrail which are basically straight. I have a Yama Mountain Gear Cirriform which is very similar in concept to the Protrail but it has a ‘side entrance’ instead of a doghouse style entrance which basically addresses the only real down side to these styles.
I had the Plex Solo for one Season, and the Protrail Li for two Seasons now! I do much prefere the Protrail, ’cause at first, it takes much less Space, to build it up. Not the Groundfloor is much different, but the Space, the Stakes need! At second, I always, when I have to get up, in the Middle of the Night, go to make a Phonecall, I catch up some Condensation with my Head, using the Plex Solo! In cold Weather Conditions, you are realy awake, after this Coldshower! This happens, ’cause of the Side- and Backwalls of the Tent are in a quite low Angle! Because of this two Reasons, I sold my Plex Solo and got me a Protrail Li. I‘m kind of short, I‘m just 167cm, what means, I can Store my Backpack at night in the Back of the Tent. My shoes goes on the Side in the Front of the Tent. But in Complete, I would say, bouth Tents are an Exelent Chois, if you go ultra light! I just prefere the Protrail Li!
That was a great comparison. The zpacks seems to be the better choice. Both tents seem too short for a 6’4” person. By the way, how tall are you? Bah, only kidding 😂. That’s why I read the comments before I ask. Thanks again.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 I just gotta figure out what guyline and stakes I want to use on it before I hit the purchase button. I want to keep it closer to an even 13oz if possible.
if you use a trekking pole you don't have to move the pole, move it to the right adjust the pole and you're done. Protrail has cross ventilation, Protrail has vertical end walls which accommodates a taller hiker better. TT has better customer service. hate the rainbow door on the zpacks which always collects dirt from being on the floor. workmanship is superior on TT. Protrails lower profile handles wind better.
I own a few Zpacks products and they are of exceptional quality, but their business model nickel-and-dimes you to death. Having to purchase the stakes separately is a deal-breaker for me, as a matter of principle. For $599 USD stakes should be included. Admittedly, it is tough to please everyone.
I have the Pro Trail Li and have been very happy with it for fastpacking and UL solo missions. Agreed you probably don’t get quite as much living space as with the Plex, Aeon Li or similar side entry tents but the long, skinny footprint makes it easier to find tent sites in proper off track areas here in Tasmania - where clear, mostly level space is at an absolute premium - and the low overall roofline makes it easy to hide behind or within vegetation for protection from wind and weather. One advantage of a front entry tent is that you get the most headroom where you sleep, giving a less claustrophobic feel and better dissipation/release of warm air to better manage condensation. I really notice this in our Double Rainbow Li which has a similar shape to the Plex.
The four-peg simplicity of the Pro Trail can’t be overlooked too. With a bit of practice it can be pitched to taught within a minute or so.
Hey, got a question for ya Ben. I have hiked all the long trails in the US, and just finished hiking across Ireland, Scotland, and Spain. Tasmania and New Zealand are my next trip. You talked about small spaces in Tasmania, I agree that small footprints often make for an easier time picking a spot to sleep. What I'm wondering is how is the soil? In Ireland and Scotland I really would have liked a free standing tent as most of the ground was hard and rocky, a lot of time almost impossible to get a stake in. I've been rocking the Gossamer Gear DCF The One for the CDT and that last trip across Scotland/Ireland/Spain, and it's been fantastic other than the hard soil set ups. Any tips about Tasmania are also welcome. Thanks
@@toocleanpappas5397 really depends where you’re talking about camping, but generally speaking the SW and alpine areas tend to have soft, damp, peaty soils. I did a fastpack of the Penguin-Cradle Trail and Overland Track last week and was glad I’d upgraded the standard 6” Eastons the Tarptent came with to 8” ones… the ProTrail Li does require a fair of tension to pitch tightly and smaller pegs are prone to pulling out. I didn’t take a ground cloth for this trip to save weight/bulk, but it’s definitely preferable in many/most cases.
There are of course places where it’s the exact opposite - ground is hard as a rock. Some places (Shelf Camp on the Mt Anne Circuit) you’ll be camping on solid rock and obviously need gear and a strategy for those scenarios.
@@toocleanpappas5397 other tips? Public transport is minimal outside of major town centres, so plan accordingly. Gear Hire companies often have sister transport services but don’t expect these to be cheap. We don’t have a strong culture of hitch hiking so many people rent cars but that’s expensive and often difficult to do during the summer months due to high demand, so make sure you plan your moves well in advance. Many of our popular walking trails have either a paid or free voluntary booking system, again, plan things well in advance. Mosquitos and March flies are common throughout the warmer months, so make sure you’ve got repellent and fly netting. Generally speaking our water doesn’t require filtering but there are some places (downstream of major camp centres, farmland, some mining areas etc) where you will want to be careful. Animals/birds in popular areas have no problems getting into your pack/tent after food, keep such things in huts where possible.
@@headwerkn awesome! Thanks for the tips. I was looking at the new Tarptent li. But damn, another expensive piece of gear... I already have 4 tents, and a bivy set up. Haha damn it's rough to be hiker trash! :)
I have the plexamid and was surprised by how much room I had when I first got it.
I have that same scale!
Just found and watched your video...thank you. I have owned the non-DCF Protrail for several years. I've found getting into and out of the tent is an issue for me as it disturbs my quilt and pad. That, along with the majority of headspace at the front of the tent makes movement inside the tent with your sleeping gear deployed cumbersome. Still, nothing wrong with the tent and have camped with my Labrador Retriever inside the tent with me and on his own pad.
I really really really wanted to like the Protrail Li. But after being in there in the first rainstorm, I couldn't avoid touching the sides with my sleeping bag, and it was hard to keep dry - and just too confining. Tempted by the Plex Solo.
Yeah I had a simular problem as well as I kept knocking the bathtub floor out from underneath the sides.
I hope that Durston makes the X-mid Pro1 with more interior space, because I hate the center pole and vestibule door set-up on the Plex solo, but at least it isn't as claustrophobic as the X-mid 1.
i just like the simplicity of the tarp tent, the zpacks just has to much going on. It has lines everywhere and needs 9 or 10 stakes to fully set up? I like how the tarptent has only 4 seems very straight forward and minimal. I started with a front entry tent and i hike with two poles. I am a hammucker but if i had to go to the ground tarptent would be my choice. Thank you for the awespme compairison on these two very interesting tents!
I really like the Tarptent as well. It served we well as my ground shelter. The extra stakes and lines are not as bad as they seem once you start using them.
Great comparison. Very helpful - I agree the Zpacks is the way to go for me...and at 5'5", it's even roomier! ;)
Totally agree!
Thank you for the excellent review. They both have a lot of positives and a few negatives. I'm still trying to decide on a tent for an AT thru hike. In thinking about having to set up a tent 100 plus times in 5 months, I really like the simple setup of the Protrail. Also, as on the Plex having all of those tieouts sticking out all around the tent really bugs me on other tents when walking around the campsite trying not to trip over them. If I chose the Protrail I'd have to use it with a trekking pole for a much better pitch than with the fixed pole and not having to move the pole back and forth when getting in and out. Just no perfect tent imo.
Thanks for watching andgood luck on your thru hike. I have about 9 more years before I can attempt mine.
Solid comparison video. Thanks so much!
My pleasure!
The Plex Solo looks nice but that $600 price tag may be a dealbreaker for some. I suggest looking into the Six Moon Lunar Solo. Same form factor and construction as the Plex Solo at less than half the cost. It weighs 1lb 10oz as it is made from sil-polyester. I used mine for 800 miles on the AT in 2020 and it’s still kicking.
The Lunar Solo is suppose to be a good tent but it is more than twice the weight. The Lunar Solo also has to be seam sealed and it will retain water making it even heavier.
The price you pay for the Plex Solo can be worth it if you are trying to save over a pound off your base weight.
I’m late to this, and you’re absolutely correct in that the lunar solo is almost double the weight, and that’s not only because of the fact that DCF on the Zpacks tent is a lighter material, but also because the lunar solo has almost double the room on the inside. Seam sealing is pretty easy to do yourself, or have them do it, so that’s not really a con for me.
Also, it’s not silnylon, but silpoly, so it retains much less water than silnylon. It’s supposed to be a pretty significant difference, though I couldn’t find statistics on how much.
Sorry, but the footprints are waaaaaay different. You have to consider the room required for the guy lines when you consider the footprint. This is especially true of the width you used to compare. And the minimum six stakes for the Zpacks tent does not give a good taut pitch, whereas the four minimum of the Protrail are very adequate.
In the end, these are very different tents designed for different circumstances. A better comparison would be with the Tarp Tent Aeon Li rather than the Protrail Li.
I agree, though this was a great comparison of the two tents that he has.
I was cycling on the outer banks inNC years ago and someone two down had a pyramid tent like the z-packs. I don’t know what brand, but I know it was dyneema. In only about 35 mile an hour gusts, behind a small sand dune, his tent was blown down, and though not destroyed, there was a tear line in the fabric near the bottom guy out. I’ve been a bit suspect of pyramid tents since, seeing how tall they are and how much sail they present. That said, your review has likely changed my mid about the tarp tent. I was set to order the same one, but the ergonomics would drive me nuts - so i’m going to investigate the z-packs and other such. I hate that glow in the moonlight silver color, and on the AT is hope the winds won’t be the same problems where I plan to go. Thanks.
Thanks for watching!
Doesn’t look like the side pullouts are doing much on the z packs. I have a lunar solo, (similar to the z packs) I use my other trekking pole and a stick to pull it up and out so I don’t touch as much on the ends. I think the lunar solo is a little bigger than the z packs. The Protrail looks like moving around you are touching sides at all times. I like my lunar solo but touching the single wall sides sucks. Almost impossible to do unless next to pole. I am looking for a new tent. I might take a look at the altaplex. Thanks for taking the time. 👍
I am thinking of getting the Altaplex myself!
Do not know whether you covered it or not did not see it in video, maybe I missed it .. Tarp Tent is $70 less than Z packs.. I have the pro trail LI, the quality build is something to Marvel over
Like the video, but you don’t need to move the pole back to center with the Protrail. I always put mine way over to the right and extend it at an angle so it’s nice and taut.
True that does work and maybe I should have pointed that out better in the video.
Front entry shelters are a pain. Do the guy lines have to be so far away from the plex? Seems they could be pulled in and reduce the needed footprint.
The angle on the head and foot wall pull outs would need to be but I think the bath tub floor lines can be shortened if needed. I usually just have them set at about 1/2 their length to give me room to play with them if needed.
How many times does that pole on the tarp tent get knocked out ? Seems very inconvenient
Ive used the tent for two camping seasons and never knocked it down.
I really like the vestibule on the tarptent.
The Tarptent is a great tent. I just like the Zpacks better is all.
And something you din‘t menson, is the Fact, that you can leave the Fronttrekkingpole in the „Ankleposition, if you want to!
Just make the Pole a bit longer and it Stays there pretty well!
True
Zpacks in their accessories pages, sells some options to stop tent surfing.
True. You can also use small drops of silicone on the inside of the bathtub floor as well.
Just the comparison I needed. Thanks man. Plex Solo for me, however, Tarptent's build quality is amazing so I found on my Stratospire 2.
Both really are top notch tents. I just like the Zpacks a little better.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 absolutely. Thanks again for the video.
on the Protrail, can you use a stick in lieu of the rear pole, and then put both poles in front, each angled out toward the sides (to keep the full opening available and to have additional stability.)??
You could use a stick for the rear but Im not sure the pocket at the top in front could fit two poles.
Hello, Thanks for the very nice reviews !!! How tall are you, please? (I may have missed the info) Hellos from Switzerland
No worries! I am 5'11". Thanks for watching
Excellent video and comparison!
Thank you! Im glad you liked it.
Which tent includes a rooster ?? That is excellent bug free tentage !! 🤭
Good question! LOL!
Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed it
Great video, my main question is how are you so good at packing up DCF tents!? Hope youve been enjoying these tents!
Thanks for watching and I just learned by taking my time and gettting it squared away the first time. If its raining or really windy my tents get stuffed not packed LOL
Solid review! Thank you!!!
Thanks for watching!
I'm DONE ✅ with front entryway ,, cave style,,, tents !! Just done !!
Sorry Tarptent !!
(. I own the Tarptent SS 1p ). So OF THE 2 !!
I'D have to go with the zpack !! The Z " looks " like the tub is a 'smidge'
taller. If ur having ugly weather at least ya can have company for games n visiting.
But, did you cover the Z vestabule ????
Without playing the thing over again I'm drawing a blank on that part.
Tarp tent is a cool tent. But Plex wins! I sure like my 1/8” foam pad under my sleeping pad to keep it from sliding around.
I’ve thought about getting one of those pads but I can’t ever catch them in stock.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 ya, sign up for the reminder. When they email you availability, jump on it. They sell out in about 4-6 hours. Btw, outdoor vitals just started selling them too. I grabbed a couple for friends.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 try Mountain Laurel Designs. They have multiple different sizes.
Vey useful video, thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
I feel like the Tarptent Aeon Li would be more comparable to the Plex Solo. I considered both and ended up choosing the Aeon Li
Thanks for the video! I was wondering, how tall are you?
5’11”
Ok thanks!!! Even for that tall it doesn't seem too narrow..
I think it would have been helpful to comment on your height and the total height of your sleep system with regards to the space inside each tent. I’ve heard others who have reviewed the Plex solo that it basically would not work for anyone over 6’ with a 3”+ pad. That the big advantage for tents styles like the tarptent. They give you lots of length. Also the sides (head & foot) of the zpacks are angled much more than Protrail which are basically straight. I have a Yama Mountain Gear Cirriform which is very similar in concept to the Protrail but it has a ‘side entrance’ instead of a doghouse style entrance which basically addresses the only real down side to these styles.
I am 5'11" and I state what pad I am using in the video. The pad is a Xtherm wide regular. With a quick search you can find the thickness of that pad.
I had the Plex Solo for one Season, and the Protrail Li for two Seasons now!
I do much prefere the Protrail, ’cause at first, it takes much less Space, to build it up. Not the Groundfloor is much different, but the Space, the Stakes need!
At second, I always, when I have to get up, in the Middle of the Night, go to make a Phonecall, I catch up some Condensation with my Head, using the Plex Solo!
In cold Weather Conditions, you are realy awake, after this Coldshower!
This happens, ’cause of the Side- and Backwalls of the Tent are in a quite low Angle!
Because of this two Reasons, I sold my Plex Solo and got me a Protrail Li.
I‘m kind of short, I‘m just 167cm, what means, I can Store my Backpack at night in the Back of the Tent.
My shoes goes on the Side in the Front of the Tent.
But in Complete, I would say, bouth Tents are an Exelent Chois, if you go ultra light!
I just prefere the Protrail Li!
Nothing wrong with the Protrail. I just like the Plex a little better.
Tarptent entrance would be wildly annoying, not a chance I would pick that design
Its really not that bad. I honestly never had an issue with it. However I do like the side entrance better.
That was a great comparison. The zpacks seems to be the better choice. Both tents seem too short for a 6’4” person. By the way, how tall are you? Bah, only kidding 😂. That’s why I read the comments before I ask. Thanks again.
Thanks for watching!
Plex wins for sure!
The plex is a great tent. I’m excited to put it too more use.
@@arkansasoutdoorschannel1867 I just gotta figure out what guyline and stakes I want to use on it before I hit the purchase button. I want to keep it closer to an even 13oz if possible.
The titanium shepherd hook stakes are about 5g each. I plan on buy some to replace most of the mini ground hog knockoffs I have.
How tall are you?
5'11"
5.11.26
if you use a trekking pole you don't have to move the pole, move it to the right adjust the pole and you're done. Protrail has cross ventilation, Protrail has vertical end walls which accommodates a taller hiker better. TT has better customer service. hate the rainbow door on the zpacks which always collects dirt from being on the floor. workmanship is superior on TT. Protrails lower profile handles wind better.
I show all of that in my first Protrail review video.
Front entrance on any tent is a deal breaker for me, always. I don't know why anyone would want to deal with that nonsense.
If you are by yourself its not too bad but if you had to share a 2 person front entrance then yes I would agree.
zpacks 1 Tarptent 0 - you need look no further than the head entry
Head entry vs side is not that big of a deal to me. However I do like the Zpacks better.
I own a few Zpacks products and they are of exceptional quality, but their business model nickel-and-dimes you to death. Having to purchase the stakes separately is a deal-breaker for me, as a matter of principle. For $599 USD stakes should be included.
Admittedly, it is tough to please everyone.
Photography tip: You were backlit in this video. Next time have the sun in front of you instead of behind you.
How tall are you?