Zpacks Plex Solo

-My Price: $599.00

-Manufacturer: Zpacks

-Made In: Florida, USA

-Availability: Online  (www.zpacks.com)

-Weight: 12.2oz

-Season Use: 3 season (I doubt it would handle a snow load well)

-Review: In my constant chasing of lower and lower base weights I picked up the Zpacks Hexamid Tarp with Doors. After discovering I did not enjoy setting it up and it did not offer any bug protection without adding the weight of a separate bug net, I decided to sell that and pick up the Plex Solo which offered the bug and rain protection I wanted while being as light as possible. I had seen the tent in use by Frozen on the Pacific Crest Trail and felt like it would be a smaller and lighter version of my go-to Zpacks Duplex. This tent only uses one trekking pole to pitch but requires 10 stakes to do so. It seems to require more attention to detail while pitching to ensure the tent walls are high and taught enough to not rest on your feet and face once you’re in the tent. Although it would require more material and add to the weight I really wish this uses two trekking pole and was a bit more like a single man version of the Duplex. The interior space is big enough for a large pad and gear but the walls come at such an extreme angle that movement within the tent is tough especially if there is condensation build up inside. I typically sleep with both or at the very least 1 door open to improve airflow and have not had much issue with condensation thankfully. The vestibules are large enough to store gear when needed but due to keeping the doors open I often do not use the vestibules. Overall this is a very lightweight tent and I’m sure the more I use it the easier it will be for me to pitch it. If I were expecting rain or a storm I am much more likely to take the 8oz weight penalty and bring my Duplex as there is much more livable space inside of it. Cheers!

-My Rating (out of 5): 3

May the miles you hike be filled with wonder and the glasses you raise be filled with whiskey. Cheers!