Old Darwin, new Darwin, it doesn't matter. Be the Darwin YOU want to be, we love you regardless. Thank you for all the work you put into this channel and these projects!
There's something so incredibly...nostalgic?? I think is the right emotion? About watching this video. As someone who learned a lot from your videos over the years, and who watched a lot of your thru-hike series as I was training for my own hikes (walking hallways during quarantine with a backpack full of water bottles and my phone in my hand), hearing your voice talk about your experiences brings this immense sense of calm to my mind. It reminds me of my earlier days excitedly learning about ultralight and exploring who I am as a backpacker, and the sense of wonder I feel when on trail myself. I loved that you took time for yourself away from camera and your candid thoughts about losing track of what was important in life (those words really resonated with me at this time in my life), but I'm glad to see you've come found a healthy way to come back to videos because this hits me with that classic Darwin feel. It's like opening up my favorite book again, or watching an episode of my favorite show. Thank you for being genuine and for sharing videos with the world, I'm just one person, but I really, really enjoy them ❤
This is great news for my baby Altiplex known as the Plex Solo! I completed the CT in 2022 with 20 nights and have section hiked the CDT for about 15 nights this summer and love the tent! I am 6 foot tall and would not recommend this tent for anyone taller than that. So great to have you back Darwin!
Love the videos. You inspired me to get into backpacking years ago. I always look forward to the new videos and I don't think anyone on RU-vid does a better job. I don't get to backpack as much as I would like. Kids, life and work take priority but I get out as much as I can. A ton of my gear have been many of your recommendations that I still have in my kit today. I could never get into a single wall tent. I live on the east coast and section hike the AT a lot so condensation is always an issue for me. I currently use the Tarp Tent Double Rainbow DW and I absolutely love it. Its a double wall, single tent pole tent that comes in right at 2 lbs. I don't worry about condensation, its super easy to set up and I am 6'1 as well and I have a ton of room. Thanks again Darwin for the videos. Glad to see more of you on You Tube!
Nice to see a product doing what you hoped it would! Alsi, thanks for reintroducing it - not just for those who hadn't seen the original videos but also for those who only remembered the size was right for you 🙈😅. Three years is a long time!
I wish there was a try before you buy option. I’d gladly put down a hefty deposit and rent. I live in the Sierra. Granite. Had a tough time with even semi-freestanding, but I’d really like to try and like a trekking pole option. To you or anyone, what do you do when there is no way to get a stake in or on snow? Am also glad you’re back. You guided me through my beginnings in my 50’s. Just turned 60 and am looking at the John Muir in 2024 and AT in 2025. Was going to do JMT in 2023, but snowmageddon. Depressed, flew out and went to AT Trail Days instead. Meeting you, talking to you made my day. Thanks Darwin, you are making more if a difference than you know.
I typically use bigger rocks to put the stakes under. If you look at the thumbnail, you’ll see a big rock holding down the front guyline. Btw… thanks for the kind words!
I have the altaplex ... its done the pct and Ive hiked all over europe and its still going strong. I love it. I just bought a kelty tent for car camping.... 6 person. I spent like 300 on it. The poles broke after 10 uses. ...
Good to have you back! I bought this tent partly because if your review back then and have not been disappointed. I love it. Thanks and keep the great content coming!
Thanks Darwin, as always. Good to know about the length. I'm 6'6'' and wasn't sure if I would touch the ends. I think I have to go with the tarptent double rainbow li. (I'm tired of tall tents not being long enough for me. haha.) Great to see you again my bro!
Hey Darwin, great to see you back! Just listened to your podcast episode with Nick Page. I’m a big fan of yours and Nick’s work. I’m not a content creator but it was a fantastic insight into the world of being RU-vid creators. I heard that you filmed your bikepacking trip across Britain…would love to see that at some point. Keep up the great work!
i love my tarptent protrail. had (still have) the silnylon then got the dcf version when they offered it. 4 tent stakes, super light, and fast setup. as someone else that is 6’1” i have no worries about head and foot box wetness in it. i did get the rear pole that they offer so i could go down to one trekking pole. i admit that it is not the tent for everyone, but it works great for me.
How is that tent in the wind and rain? I've yet to buy my first DCF tent, as they're so expensive, but the Protrail has been one I've been looking at. But there's not a lot of info out there on it (not like the Durstens and Zpacks anyway). Years ago I had a front entry tent, so I know about the pros and cons of that (I kind of liked having my gear right by my head).
@@ropersix i've never had a problem in the wind. as long as your stakes are in the ground and secure, it handles it really well. the silnylon and i went through a number of storms on the appalachian trail. i would get some misting through the netting as rain hit the ground. i finally used my backpack as a rain shield and would turn it sideways and place it outside the front door to block that. i haven't really experienced that problem with the dcf version. i got rained on a lot on the colorado trail last year. i mean a lot. never had any issues concerning misting with it. but, admittedly i never had a gully washer like a few times on the appalachian trail. i did have a couple of down pours, so i'm not sure if the geometry of the vestibule is little better or what, but i certainly prefer the dcf over my silnylon. i think the bathtub floor walls are just a little bit higher as well. haven't pulled them out and set them up side by side, so i can't confirm. if nothing else, you have zero sag issues with dcf when it rains.
Cool, have been looking at that tent. But I loved my Durston X-Mid PRO 2p on my thruehike of the PCT this year 2023. Its like 80grams of a difference between the 1 and 2 person and the extra space are really worth it! So light and awesome! Im 6.2 and its one of the few tents I can fit in 😊 I can definatly recommend! 🤘🏻
i took a 1P (non-pro) on the PCT last year, and honestly i think it's the perfect PCT tent. it's so good in the wind for one thing. man it's a good tent.
@@helpfulcommenteryeah exactly! In my group in the 15ft of snow and 6 weeks thru the Sierra (and some really windy spots on mountains in the desert) my tent performed the best of all the trekking pole tents (and it was better then most of the other tents aswell). I was in atleast 3 storms with hight winds and was one of the few that had no problem. The Durston tent I had are also one of the few Dyneema tent out there that are a "4 season" tent as it can go all the way down to the ground so you can dig up snow on the edges and so on (so it was awesome when I went in mid May this year in a snowy sierra). But Im actually looking at the sil-poly 1p durston with 2 walls as my trekkingpole winter alternativ aswell. There are some really Nice benefits to the sil-poly with the stargacing kit and the two inner options depending on the season
I haven’t used it crazy ton yet but plan to for the next few years. But the tent I use is a modified Durston Gear Xmid 2. I took my Xmid pro 2 and cut out the netting and floor to make it a tarp. Then took the Xmid 2 inner and tied a couple of zpacks trekking pole cups to the clips for the inner. And now I have a DCF Xmid 2.
Thanks Mr Rakestraw. People who bitch and moan about the cost of DCF tents should see this video so they can understand what high quality *value* looks like - this legend of the trail put the tent to the test over 4000 miles and 3 years. The cost of the tent seems well worth it, IF you use it this much. For anyone who only gets out a handful of nights a year, or doesn't thru-hike, y'know, these super pricey high-quality tents maybe aren't for you. Something to think about. Thanks for the video Darwin. I got my X-Mid 1P before the PCT last year and I don't think I can ever switch from any other tent, it's my own personal perfect tent! The only thing I'll consider switching to is the DCF 1P Pro, before my next thru! PS Regarding the "sagging" of sil-poly, the sil-poly X-Mid, when pitched correctly, doesn't sag or drip or anything. I've had it in torrential rains and stayed totally dry, and brutal windstorms that I am pretty sure would tear apart a lesser tent. It's bombproof (ask anyone who has one)
After using the Duplex on my AT thru hike last year, I decided I didn't need all the extra room and bought the Solplex (the "normal" sized Altaplex), much to my bank account's dismay. I was finally able to put a few hundred miles on it on the AT this month, and I absolutely love it and plan to use it on the PCT next year.
I have seen loads of people talk about the price but how much does your tent cost per night and the longer it lasts the cheaper its getting. I'm a shorter duplex man and like the extra side space when hiding from the elements. I am happy to give money to people who design and create great things. I have 4 other tents that don't get used, I should give them away.Thanks for the video. Ray.
I liked my Altaplex but it’s a bit too tight for side sleepers on a 3”+ pad. I’m 6’3” and my shoulder would touch the side walls while side sleeping when facing away from the vestibule.
Hey Darwin - do you know if your Altaplex uses .55oz or .75oz DCF for the exterior/rain fly fabric? I know that Zpacks currently offers both as an option.
@@DarwinOnthetrail Thanks for the reply! I imagine the .55oz material will hold up just fine for the weekend-warriors among us, in that case. I've been going back-and-forth trying to decide between the two options.
The total number of miles traveled with the tent is an insignificant/irrelevant figure. Instead, the total number of "bag nights", or in other words, the total number of nights the tent is pitched tells me much more about the usage and durability. With that said, your videos answer the most important issues of the topic and are genuinely entertaining. Bravo.
Cons-needs a pole jack for most common sized trekking poles. Tall peak causes higher profile which may be an issue in high winds. Still a fantastic tent.
Mld dcf duomid is my go to tent usually used wo the inner net and some polycro for the floor ... spacious (6' 4") and room for the collies too .... my fallback particularly for nasty weather is my trailstar albeit its get complicated in midge season (scotland!)
Looks like a great tent. Think I might need to save up a few more pennies for this one though! Are they easy to obtain secondhand Darwin? Many thanks - Ben UK 🇬🇧
Great seeing you on the grid. My favourite tent ( for the memories I suppose ) is still the Nemo Dagger 2p as for its resilience in stormy conditions way beyond it was made for. Secondly, I’m sort of a cheap bugger, the 3F Lanshan 2 Pro ( got it 2years ago when it was still dirt cheap, as for any US tent brand without any distribution in the EU is still way too expensive in Germany). But for many other reasons I like to take the extra weight and use a hammock most of the time, as long as I am familiar with the region I’m hiking in to make sure that it is possible to pitch. Cu hopefully soon again
I don't get the rainbow hating either. Some people are just clumsy I guess. I swapped out the 2mm for the 1.3mm spectra (AKA zpacks Zline) as well. Easily strong enough. >200lbs breaking strain. A bit lighter (half the weight or about 20g less) but mostly because it works better, tightens and releases more smoothly with the new smaller linelocks they use. If its really windy I might put a slippery half hitch below the linelock . Did the same with the Pro. I tried the Altaplex but for me the Duplex was well worth the extra 88g. Or in fact half that because you need extra stakes with the altaplex and a taller pole or pole Jack which adds to about 50g? I love the space in the Duplex. It's drier. Easier to set up. I'd like to try the zip. That adds about 50g. Off again, on again. Still worth it if splashback or spindrift is a problem.
Bought one, and returned it. I’m 6’5” and couldn’t sit up without the roof laying on my shoulder no matter how it was pitched. I felt like I was constantly curled in a ball trying to not get wet from wall condensation. For me to keep it, I’d need it bigger in just about every direction as I was maxed out on the floor dimensions too.
Thanks for uploading, Darwin (Nick). I know it might seem counterintuitive to say but I wish Zpacks would do a double wall version as a rival to MLD. Not practical to have a single wall tent in the UK. Please correct me if I'm wrong but I can only find MLD who do a double wall DCF trekking pole tent?
I have a buddy who is 6'3" and backpacking the AT now. He's interested in the duplex but I am wondering if the altaplex is longer and what the longest zpaks tent is.
Hi Darwin, looking at the altaplex and was wondering if you could get 2 people in here? The zpacks website states it has a 40” floor so in theory 2 20” pads should fit right? It would be for me and the other half so being super close won’t be a problem.
Wow, this tent is $670!!!! I didn’t even know they made tents that expensive. I guess if you use it a ton and compared to the price of a hotel, it’s worth it. It is your shelter after all. I don’t like the idea of having gear someone would be tempted to steal though.
How often do you have trouble setting it up on non-flat ground? For where I am in the Alps, it's less than half the time that I have flat ground which accepts stakes, so I really hesitate to bring tension tents. I just can't trust that I'll find a spot within the narrow use-case of these tents :(
I make it work. I pitched on a lot of uneven ground on the CDT in 2021 with it, especially in Colorado. It’s tricky, but you can master that after a while too. 🤙
Overall, do you find your pack inside the tent with you or on the vestibule? I know a lot of people like the vestibule space for that but i could never be comfortable with the pack staying outside.
I’d love to hear your comments with what you do during horizontal rain conditions. Due to vestibule being so high off the ground I’ve found rain easily finds it’s way into the tent with windy conditions.
I cannot speak for this tent but on my Lanshan I drop the treking pole down and get the vestibles down till there is a hand thickness between the tennt and ground.
The fly is pretty translucent in most of the colours, plus the fly doesn’t come all the way to the ground, and finally in many circumstances you can leave one door completely open. All of this, plus the tall peak and the steep walls, makes it pretty non- claustrophobic.
I’ll keep all this in mind when my cheap tent (300). Deteriorates on me Darwin, I had to stop the video bc of your feet lol. Your legs were so tanned I almost thought you had leotards on😳
I think the all-in-one, toss it out like a bed sheet setup is nearest the optimum. I had the short pole Nemo Hornet 2P...which was nice, but the longer & taller shape of the design you have there also makes a bit larger vestibule & entry. So far I am still in my hammocks (typically in deep woodlands or stealth situations), but more & more I like getting my back flatter on the ground. As is I just use my sturdy 4 point Yukon Outfitters hammock tarp & throw my pad on the ground underneath it, but tents do the job in the deserts & for straightening one's back...and those camp grounds that do not like hammocks.
Dear Darwin, Would you please consider handing down your tent to me when it is replaced? As an aspiring backpacker I would promise to hike balls to the wall and make you proud.
ha ha ha..... Great timing Darwin. I just bought an Altaplex (Spruce Green) last week. I pitched it, got in it and tried it on for size. Thumbs up so far. If the World stays together, I'll be taking it on the PCT next year. There is definitely some "getting used to it" from my go to, the Zpacks Duplex. Thanks for the continued content Darwin.
I really like my Tarptent NOTCH Li. 2 doors, 2 vestibules, double wall, hiking pole supported. (2 poles). Unlike your tent or the TT AEON the NOTCH Li is OK for a snow storm when FULLY guyed out. My "solid" wall design has fabric that is actually LIGHTER than the mesh in the upper panels. This is the Dyneema, hiking pole supoported version of my TT MOMENT DW. Yeah, "made in China" but only B/C AMAZON moved near Tarptent's factory and sucked up some of its workers. The Chinese fabricator is first rate. i've never seen a higher build quality in a Dyneema tent. All silnylon Tarptent tents are made in USA.
3 years... how time flies! Great to hear your voice again. I am still considering picking up and altaplex..just can't justify it YET. my DD xmid 1 has been my mainstay lately. My heart is still w my six moons Deschute plus. 1st tarp I tried...absolutely LOVE it. It does get condensation though. My new project is my hexamid tarp w doors and a sea2 summit net tent. I'm thrilled I've got $250(used tarp, zpack floor, even s2s) invested in a home-made solo Plex at sub 12 oz.
Although I'm not an UL backpacker per se I always reach for my Nordisk Lofoten ULV (I'm 5'9), love that tent. Also my 500ml Tatonka stainless steel mug and "El Cheapo" stove (not a brand, just a cheap stove).
Love my MLD Duomid wish i got it in dcf, but absolutely love my zpacks pocket tarp glad i finally got it after years of debate and yup would do it again!!✊️🔥✌️💚
Great video. I love my Duplex and the extra space it allows me to literally explode gear into my tent 😂. Given I’m only 5’4 the Altaplex would probably be good for me. Love the review and great seeing you back with good content. Happy trails.🤞🏻🥾⛰️
For the use you've had from your tent, it's cost you a little over $1 per day. Super review as always and I a glad to see you back on RU-vid. Do you intend to come to the UK again?
I have yet to add up the trail miles that you do so a 700 dollar tent is out of my league. I guess I will stay old school trail trash and keep sleeping like a homeless person in my home made bivy wrapped up in a tarp. lol If you decide to gift that old tent, I would use it for at least three more years. :P Thanks for all of your content brother! Your friend in Oklahoma, Southbound.
Love the review, still loving my duplex and yes never had a problem with rainbow doors. The double vestibule of the duplex is worth the extra 170g for me, at 6ft don’t need the xl and don’t understand the need for the new zip version either.
Just started and these prices are steep but liking the 8" floor as I have a lanshan and Id like to say I only got a couple inches. But like you said when you do alot of camping and use a tent as much as you the price really is minimal as you probaly have 700 nights in a "700" dollar tent. When you do the math you see its paid for itself
Hey Darwin 👋 Thanks for the video. Even though I'm french (and live in France) I'm considering buying a zpacks tent... I'm a little over 6 feet tall and hesitating between the altaplex and the Plex solo. Seing this video I would take the weight penalty and go for the altaplex but I use fixed length poles (130 cm) so I would need to buy the carbon extension and cut it at the right length. What's your opinion ? Thanks for all your amazing content and I wish you health and happiness ;)
Bonjour ! Fixed length poles are a big pain when using such tents. I’d recommend getting some adjustable poles. I’ve used a pled solo and now am using a caroux from tipik (French company) and not being able to adjust your pole can be really annoying at times.
@@JonnoDoesStuff cool that's what I've been doing. I'm curious if it's better to fold it up or do you just cram it in your backpack like a lazy person such as me when you pack up your camp. Is there other care during a trip that can extend it's life aside from trying not to pitch it on sharp rocks etc?
@@ktrpillar When I'm hiking I fold it up. I believe you're less likely to damage it that way, but I also like a neat and tidy pack where I can take things out quickly if I need to. Otherwise, yeah, just avoid sharp objects, try and keep it clean and dry
You have the (nearly) perfect tent for someone who’s truly mastered the fussy day to day “basics” of backpacking. I sold tents for fifteen years to a lot of beginners and near beginners, and I can see how this could be a difficult tent for them to use. As you pointed out, you’ve learned to thoroughly check the ground where you’re pitching that tent before staking it out. Perhaps in a future video (or series of short videos) you could cover the little details. Like how to pitch your tents on rocky or hardpack (as we find in many established campgrounds). The hard dirt that defies hammering with rocks, or makes little stakes bend or break… I imagine you’re also not carrying a lot of extra things (keys, extra knives, crampons, stoves, hatchets…) that will damage your tent from the inside, either. Yes, it’s the gear, but it’s also knowing how to really use the gear.
@@DarwinOnthetrail It is inconvenient to cook food in the vestibule when there are a lot of insects. This is the only problem, otherwise everything is fine.
@@Vadim_AllRivers when the mosquitoes are really bad I just cook inside. With the door zipped up. Gotta be careful with your movements but did it many times. Or just cook it just outside and then zip up while waiting to boil. I have a plex solo. It’s pretty easy man.
