ZPacks Triplex Tent

What We Think

At 21.6 ounces for a two-person shelter, the ZPacks Triplex represents the extreme end of ultralight engineering, delivering more interior space than almost any tent in its weight class.

It scored a 7.3 overall, earning high marks from thru-hikers who obsess over every gram but demanding real skill and site selection in return.

This is a tent for experienced ultralight backpackers who know exactly what they're trading away for that featherweight pack.

User Reviews

Owner feedback on the Triplex is remarkably positive, earning a 9.0 in User Reviews.

The most common praise centers on that 21.6-ounce weight, with thru-hikers consistently calling it a revelation after carrying heavier shelters on previous long trails.

Owners also report that the Dyneema Composite Fabric delivers on its waterproof promise, noting zero sag even in sustained rain.

The 60-inch floor width gets frequent mentions as genuinely comfortable for two average-sized adults with room to spare.

Space & Comfort

The 37.5 square feet of floor area and 48-inch peak height provide legitimate two-person livability, which is unusual at this weight.

That 60-inch width means two sleepers aren't pressed shoulder-to-shoulder, a meaningful upgrade from cramped ultralight alternatives.

The four-door design eliminates the awkward climb-over-your-partner routine that plagues single-door shelters.

It scored a 7.0 in Space & Comfort, with the caveat that owners consistently flag the "3-person" marketing as optimistic at best.

Quality & Durability

ZPacks uses their thicker, more durable DCF fabric for the floor, which matters when you're pitching on rocky trail corridors night after night.

The brand states an expected lifespan of at least one full 2,500+ mile thru-hike, and owner reports generally support that claim with proper care.

Made in the USA with a 2-year warranty, it scored a 7.0 in Quality & Durability.

Weather Resistance

Dyneema's inherent waterproofness means no seam-sealing anxiety and no absorption-related sag, which owners specifically praise during multi-day rain events.

The 4-season rating is ambitious for a trekking pole shelter, and we'd treat this as a 3-season tent that can handle shoulder-season conditions rather than a true winter mountaineering option.

It scored a 7.0 in Weather Resistance.

Ease of Use

Here's the required reality check: this tent demands skill and the right campsite.

The 10-minute setup time assumes you've practiced the pitch, and owners consistently report a learning curve before achieving a taut, stable structure.

A recurring theme in negative reviews is the massive footprint required, which limits viable campsites on narrow trail corridors or rocky terrain.

If you're new to non-freestanding tents, expect frustration on your first few nights out.

It scored a 6.0 in Ease of Use, the lowest mark in our evaluation.

Value for Money

At $769, the Triplex sits at premium pricing, but it scored an 8.0 in Value for Money because the weight-to-space ratio is genuinely unmatched.

The Hyperlite Unbound 2P costs $70 less at $699 but weighs 1.5 pounds compared to the Triplex's 1.3, and offers less interior space.

For solo hikers who don't need the extra room, the ZPacks Duplex at $699 and 1.13 pounds is the logical alternative.

Among the best 2-person backpacking tents, the Triplex occupies a specific niche: maximum space at minimum weight for those willing to pay the premium.

Who It's For

The Triplex is built for experienced ultralight backpackers, particularly thru-hiking pairs who've already dialed in their gear systems and campsite selection skills.

You'll want previous experience with trekking pole shelters and a willingness to scout for flat, stakeable ground.

Solo hikers seeking the same ZPacks quality in a smaller package should look at the Duplex instead.

The Bottom Line

The ZPacks Triplex scored a 7.3, delivering an extraordinary weight-to-space ratio that serious ultralight backpackers will appreciate.

The 21.6-ounce weight and 60-inch floor width combination simply doesn't exist elsewhere in the market.

Just know that the learning curve and site requirements are real, and this tent rewards skill more than it forgives mistakes.