Gear Review – Zpacks Triplex Tent
Zpacks Triplex Tent Gear Review
14
APRIL, 2022
When my trusty Nemo Meta 2P finally ‘gave up the ghost’, I went in search of a replacement shelter. I needed a shelter I could use when I took trips with my two Labs, Bailey and Jaden. My goal was a tent that was larger than the Meta 2P and significantly lighter. And, preferably, made of cuben fiber (ok, Dyneema). I knew about the Zpacks Duplex but given its high cost ($600) I tried everything I could to avoid spending that much. In the end, I actually decided on the Zpacks Triplex ($700!). The Triplex is basically a larger, three-person Duplex. I have never regretted the decision. The Zpacks Triplex has proven to be the perfect shelter for my needs.
Zpacks Triplex in Action, Cheaha Wilderness (Alabama) – March 2021
Background – Why did I buy my zpacks Triplex?
I did not want to spend $700 on a replacement for my 11-year-old Nemo Meta 2P. In February 2021, I brought the Meta 2P out of moth-balls for one more trip. I used it when I hiked the Red River Gorge with the dogs. It snowed hard the first night of the trip. The Meta 2P’s waterproofing had been slowly failing over years of use. Combined with the body heat and humidity from myself and two dogs, there was a ‘rain storm’ inside my tent. In addition, the standard sil-nylon ‘sag’ (when wet) made it particularly uncomfortable. The walls of the tent sagged down on everything.
I decided then and there to go with a cuben fiber tent, specifically the Zpacks Duplex. But when I went online to place the Duplex order, the larger and more expensive Triplex caught my eye. The extra space in the Triplex looked like it would be the perfect shelter for trips I take with the dogs. I figured if I was ok with spending $600, what was an extra $100?! I first used the Triplex on my 2020 Cranberry Wilderness trip. It’s now been two years since that first trip with the Triplex, and I can say that I am still delighted with the purchase.
specifications and cost
According to the Zpacks website, the Triplex now (April 2022) sells for $799 – ouch! It weighs in at 622 grams (21.9 ounces). The floor width is 60 inches (5-feet) and the length is 90 inches (7.5 feet). Triplex peak height is 48 inches. The weight as listed by Zpacks includes the tent, guy lines (already attached), and stuff sack. The weight does not include stakes, and the tent uses 8 to 12 stakes to set up. Regarding the pre-attached guy-lines, I found it to be both a blessing and a curse. I didn’t have to measure, cut, and tie on guy-lines, but I did find the two main side guy-lines as received from Zpacks to be about 1-2 feet too short for my preferences. I prefer longer main guy lines for more setup flexibility and stake holding strength.
zpacks triplex groundsheet and weight
I’ll note that I did purchase the flat groundsheet that fits the Triplex sizing (58″X88″). Zpacks specifically states that you really don’t need it – I agree, the Triplex floor is plenty durable – but I went ahead and bought it. The groundsheet can also serve as a really nice overhead tarp when it’s raining. The advertised weight for the groundsheet is 121 grams (4.3 ounces). My measured weight for the Triplex with groundsheet and 13 stakes is 980 grams (34.6 ounces, just under 2 pounds). Without the groundsheet I measured the weight of the Triplex at 862 grams (30.4 ounces). The stakes account for some of the weight difference between Zpacks number and my own, but it seems a bit high to me.
Features
In terms of features the Triplex features zippered exits on both sides of the shelter, each with a nice roomy vestibule. There is plenty of room to store gear outside the tent safe from the weather. The vestibule (storm) doors can be rolled back and secured independently, or attached together with an effective u-type clip for optimum weather protection. Lineloc v-adjustors aren’t sewn onto all of the tie-outs, which is handy for adjusting everything. The dyneema material the Triplex is made from is semi-transparent which I actually love. It allows you to slightly see the environment around you, and gives you a roomier, more immersive feel.
zpacks triplex setup
In terms of setup, I would describe it as relatively straightforward but with some ‘nuances.’ There are numerous YouTube videos explaining the setup of the Triplex. One popular strategy was first to stake out the front two corners of the Triplex. Then put up the rear tent pole and stake out the back corners. Finally, install the front tent pole. That worked ok but was overly complicated. First, I stake out all four corners of the floor somewhat loosely. Then put up both front and back tent poles and adjust the four corners of the floor to be tight. Finally, put in all remaining stakes for the tent body tie-outs.
I don’t think there is any wrong way to set up the Triplex. But I have found that keeping things a bit loose until everything is up is the key. Once it’s up loosely, doing a final tightening of everything works well for a consistently tight, bomber setup.
conclusion
My Triplex has been through numerous decent storms and has proven to be bulletproof. There have been no leaks, no sags, and no weather-related issues. All the seams come pre-taped, and one of the beautiful things about cuben fiber/Dyneema is that it’s completely waterproof and doesn’t stretch. The sound of the rain as you lie in a cuben shelter, knowing you’re dry, safe, and secure, is one of the most soothing sounds while backpacking. Yes, the Triplex is stupid expensive and even more costly now than when I bought mine, but I believe it was worth the high price tag for a piece of essential, quality gear that will serve you well for many years. I highly recommend the Zpacks line of ‘plex’ shelters.
