Specifically designed for the demands of long distance backpacking, the award-winning Duplex hits the sweet spot when it comes to size, weight, and features. The Free Zip provides the versatility of a freestanding tent with all the benefits of an ultralight shelter made from Dyneema® Composite Fabric. It is truly a go-to tent for just about any backpacking trip.
I don’t think I’ve met any user on the AT so far who doesn’t like their Duplex. The paved 40-mile Razorback Greenway trail runs its length. Numerous ozark trail chair other trails spin off, most mild, some dipping and hooking sharply into blind turns beneath bridges, and most busy with pedestrians.
It even has a rain cover built in, which is great when I’m riding my bicycle across town on a rainy day. The Ozark Trail (OT) is one of America’s premier distance hiking trails. Mostly divided into linked sections, the trail winds through 390 miles of rolling hills, stone bluffs and cool streams in central and southern Missouri. I’ve had this pack for 2 years and I’ve beaten the living daylights out of it and it still performs just as well as the day I bought it.
I was a little concerned with how the straps would distribute weight. Prior to taking it out on the trail, I did give it two coats of silicone spray so that it would shed water. Packing-wise, I chose to line it with a garbage ozark trail chair disposal liner. If you need a large pack, or are heading on a days-long adventure, this pack won’t work for you. While this pack won’t work for everyone, it’s a practical size for day trips, light travelers, and kids.
However, it took a pretty good beating and has held up. All told, I’ve had the pack on my back for about 50 miles. Keeping the load under 15 pounds seems to be the key. I really wanted to use it for our fall two-nighter on the AT, but was unable to fit my bivy with a 20 degree Kelty Cosmic down bag inside. I contemplated stepping down to the 45 degree bag, but thankfully, did not. Aside from the main pack bag, there is a small zippered compartment on the front, that, depending on how much you have stuffed inside, is pretty tight.
A great fit whether you are a triple-crowner or just out for a weekend in the Smokies. This tent is roomy, well-ventilated, packs down small, can be pitched quickly, and can be set up in the tightest of spaces. It comes preconfigured with bright yellow 1.3 mm Z-Line guy-lines which save weight compared to the 2 mm guy lines on our standard tents. The one downside with integrated rain flies is the lack of ventilation and temperature control.
And on summit day, I sure am glad I have a daypack! For day hikes this is just as good as (and lighter than) my Osprey Daylite that retails for almost four times more. With a sub-2 pound packed weight, our Free Zip 2P freestanding tent offers simplicity and versatility not found with most other ultralight backpacking tents.