Stuck Deciding Between 3 Tents For My Thru Hike 

On a rainy trail like the AT you will spend more time in your tent than on the PCT or the AZT. In my experience with both a one-person tent and a Duplex, you will be glad for the extra room to sequester wet rain gear and spread out your other things. The weight savings associated with a one-person tent are equal to a couple of cereal bars and may not seem worth it in the bigger picture. Your hiking vlogs are among my favourites and I am eager to follow you on the AT.

Jay, you are definitely one of the “very few” hikers that I watch “long” video’s of your preparations! You don’t just ramble on & on! Your actually keep my attention by staying focused on your “subject”! I really hope our paths cross on the AT this year, would really like to meet ya! Side note: my wife says you’re “easy on the eyes” whatever that means! Good luck on the tent choice! 🥾🥾⛺️

If you are on trail for 5 months, that is 150 nights in a tent. Even the $650 tent is just $4.33 a night for shelter, and the $500 tent is $3.33 per night. That's a lot cheaper than any apartment!

I used the tarptent aeon li on my AZT Thruhike. It was advertised as 16 oz (including stakes) but I weighed mine at 19 oz. The struts give you a lot of headroom and it's really really stable in windy conditions. I am 5' 10.5 inches. I think the only downside is that it doesn't pack down really small (because of the struts). Overall for me I love it. Henry Shires backs his products very well. I still have his 2 person silnylon cloudburst (from 2006) and it still rocks. Tarptent is a very very good company.

I've had my Tarptent Aeon Li for about 16 months. I have used it on the AT under a variety of conditions and for 8 days on the JMT this summer. I Thur-hiked the AT in 1982 and the JMT more recently. I am 5 ft. 7 inches tall and of slender build. The Aeon has worked well for me. There is ample space in the tent and a decent amount of room in the vestibule for gear, etc. Condensation hasn't been much of a problem for me. The tent has stood up to strong wind and rain and kept me dry. I highly recommend this tent for thru-hiking. But all of the tents you are considering should work well for you. Trust your gut feeling. I hope this helps.

I own an Aeon Li and there are two things you didn't consider in your comparison. Number one is the mesh door design. I don't like how the Plexamid door leaves the mesh on the bottom of the entryway. The Aeon's mesh door is out of the way when open. You also didn't mention the magnetic holders on the Aeon. They are a real treat!

Get a Duplex over the Plexamid, The Plexamid takes the same amount of room in your backpack and is more of a hassle to set up. Duplex is easy, Plexamid not so easy.

I have the duplex and the added room is so nice and well worth the weight. Sitting in the tent on a rainy day you will be thankful. Just my opinion. Good luck with your decision.

Hey jay we met on out pct thru hike. I am also hiking the AT in march 2nd. I personally have had the duplex and single wall tents but the condensation for me was wetting out my sleeping bag due to the tie outs on the from the tent to the screen. I loved my big Agnes copper spur ul1, but this year I am taking a ul2. Even though it is not Cuban fiber and its 2lbs heavier lol it was a great tent for star gazing and the double wall kept me more comfortable in the wet and cold. I’m just like you lol went through so many tents and no mater what you do we will have a great trip. Cant wait to start. See you soon Yota.

Currently using aeon li on Azt and I really like it. The carbon struts are helpful but this is my first free standing single wall tent. I don’t think a different tent could make me happier.

I have the Aeon Li - used it on approx 80 miles of the JMT last August with about 10 nights using the tent. It worked well for me and I plan to continue using it. I bought a blemish version and honestly can't tell - I think it may have one extra seam in the back near the top, probably to use left over fabric. It is a breeze to set up - 4 corner stakes, one back. You can pitch without the front guy line and stake when not windy as the corner stakes can provide enough tension. I choose to use the pole with the handle up. Be sure to practice pitching with different pole lengths as you may want to pitch lower in windy / rainy conditions. The top center strut is a bit long and makes it a little difficult to pack the tent - I keep mine in the back pouch of my pack. The tent also has two vents in the back corners for more ventilation - not found on other similar shaped tents. I am 6'2" and I do have to watch how the foot end of my bag rubs against the tent wall - but still a much better condition than other similar tents without the high sidewalls. It is sufficiently roomy for me. I do keep some of my gear in the tent with me with the pack outside, leaned up against the pole. The vestibule is large enough to keep moisture off of the pack and boots kept outside. I have used a Zpacks Altaplex before the Aeon was available. I think it is a close second to the Aeon - but I did not like the size (doors too small) and the back side of the tent sagged too much for my liking - even when pulled out with the two additional back stakes.

I have a duplex and plexamid. I’ve hiked the PCT, AT and AZT. Love both tents. Plexamid stuffs small and is so light! The AT is a ton of climbs and every climb you will be glad your carrying the Plexamid. But…. When it’s wet( and it will be wet on the AT) you may want the room of the Duplex! Both are great tents. Have fun on your hike!!!!

Semper Fi, Jay! I carry a Zpacks 38L Nero backpack and Plexamid tent. I love the quality, size, and weight savings, definitely worth it for me. Travel light, fast, and far, Marine! Happy trails...

I am super happy with my Gossamer Gear 2p and it did great on my Colorado Trail thru hike. Workmanship is excellent and I'll be getting the DCF1 next year

I used the Duplex with the Free Standing Poles on the CDT. Super happy with that set up. Gonna start the AT starting in April. I've never done the AT before, but so many reports of unending rain. I might have to zero in the tent for an entire day on occasion. I used to live in Philadelphia and can remember the rain fronts coming in from the Great Lakes. Also been on the PCT/CDT. The AT seems like a completely different monster.

Sounds like some good choices. I’m curious to see which one you choose.

I vote for the Tarptent AEON LI. So much so that when I woke up to the BACK IN STOCK email this morning, I ordered it before my morning coffees. I've been mulling the same options f or weeks. II have intentions of a BMT and or an AT section hike in '22. I'll be curious as to what you will choose/chose I love the weight, engineering, materials and weather capabilities of the Aeon Li. The vertical packing (carbon stays) isn't enough of a negative to put a dent in the positives IMO. I'm coming from a UL hammock set-up and the Aeon ticks off all my concerns other than going back to ground. The reputation of amazing customer service, quality of products were ultimately the deciding factors .

I have a Tarp Tent Moment and get claustrophobic in it. My go to sleeping set up is a good Jungle hammock and rain fly. Ventilation , visibility ( if wanted ) , up off the ground , dry sheltered area in the rain and lots of comfort.

I love my NotchLi - but I’m only 5ft 2” so it’s perfect for me and my gear. Good luck with your decision. Happy Hiking 🥾- Julia from the UK 🇬🇧

Wow...that was important to know about mice chewing on trekking pole straps. I didn't like the concept of putting the trekking poles handle-side-down, but that was for esthetic reasons, but that's practical! Anyway, your videos are always good and your equipment discussions are thoughtful!

Gossamer gear the one dcf is the tent I purchased and I love it...I own a duplex as well and always reach for the one now by far Love the one I stopped doing business with zpacks for a lot of reasons Good luck on your ventures

Big fan of Tarptent in general... I just baught the Tarptent Notch Li for my PCT attempt next year... I choose between the Aeon Li and the Notch 😊👍🏻

Decisions Decisions can't wait to see your choice! Little give and take with each.

I just completed my AT thru hike on 1 oct 21. I used a tarp tent Pro Trail Li (Li just stand for their DCF version). My tent packed down to 1lb 1oz with a total of 8 stakes. The tent used 2 trekking poles to stand, but poles are available from the site. I was super happy with my tent. Especially the weight. I used the Tyvex foot print to wrap around the tent sack and hung it on the back of my Osprey Exos. Never had any holes, leaks or tears. It was a hassle climbing in and out of the front, so the side entrance one your looking at would have been a better choice IMO. All and all I was completely satisfied with my choice and highly recommend Tarp tent based on the performance of the product, the friendly and timely responses from support, and weight. Best of luck on your hike. Top.

My choice for a "SUL" tent is theTarptent Notch Li (DCF fabric). Best DOUBLE wall DCF solo tent I've seen. I got the solid interior which is actually very slightly lighter than the full mesh inner tent. The Notch Li with solid inner is able to withstand a mild (6") snowstorm that wasn't supposed to happen - but did anyway! Few other DCF tents can say that and prove it.

Thanks for taking us through your thought process which was the exact same for me on a trip last year. It came down to Plexamid and Aeon Li for me. I felt the Aeon would setup with a smaller footprint, but the simplicity, packability and interior for Plexamid won out for me. It's worked out fantastic on the last two trips, but not enough miles to say for sure. Also cannot compare against the Aeon Li since I didn't use it. 😉 Good luck!!

also, the tent starts to get cheaper if you choose not to sleep in a hotel on the trail just a few times. At least that's how I'm justifying it to myself. :P

MLD DCF solomid or Locus Gear Khufu DCF/event. Both allow endless inner options based on coditions. Like full inners, DCF bug/splash bivys, stand alone DCF tubs etc. that can be sent home/left at home in winter.

Big Angus Copper Spur UL1! I ditched my Duplex and Plexamid for this tent on my PCT thru and will never go back! Ample storage space, easy to pitch in tight spaces and awesome protection in the rain.

I think the plexamid folds into a nice shape for fitting into the front mesh pocket a lot of packs have.

ZPacks has been making a good effort on building available inventory and cutting down on lead times. The cammo pattern is phased out and they're working on phasing out the Scout backpack, and have phased out the " Gridstop" material on their back packs as well.

Hey Jay! Glad to see you're doing another hike. After the AZT, I did the SHT again, but we had to bail due to an injury, so I guess we didn't "did the SHT again". Anyhow, I vote for another Duplex. You're going to be in the rain a lot on the AT and by my thinking, space to spread out and breath a bit when you're hunkered down is always nice. But then, I like extra space in dry conditions too. Anyhow, if you're back in the city and the mood strikes you, let's grab some food.

Hi Jay. The Li is a solid choice. The only real downside are the struts when it comes to packing. The tent cannot compress beyond 14" horizontally when you pack it up. This can present some problems when it comes to certain packs, especially smaller frameless packs like the Palante V2 or Nero. Additionally, the tie outs that come with the Li are extremely small. To make the tent more flexible, you may find yourself having to add guyline to the tie outs which would add a bit more weight. Have you considered the Altaplex? It's basically a roomier plex. I did the Colorado Trail this summer with one and it did great.

Hi Jay good to see you again. I just clicked back on your channel and am excited to see you are going to hike the A.T. next year that is fantastic I loved following along on the PCT adventure and your other videos. I will surely be watching your next adventure I thru hiked the A.T. back in 1979 you are in for an amazing journey. Take care

You sound like me debating larger, heavier, non-thru hike tents. Currently torn between tarptent double rainbow dw and an xmid2 (or similar trekking pole only) tent for backpacking. I’ll look through your channel and see what you chose! 😊

I’ve used the Aeon Li for three years on 60+ nights of backpacking and have been very happy with it. I have a regular length sleeping pad and have room for backpack at the top of my pad, and can lay out all of my gear next to me. Things I like about it: takes up less space to pitch, making it easier to find a suitable campsite; the rectangle shape feels roomier than angled shapes; magnetic closures are awesome!; the vestibule is large (I keep my chair in it and store my water bottles on it); and the apex strut pole at the top of the tent is handy for hanging items either in the tent or in the vestibule. The only thing that I wish it had is a higher bathtub wall for keeping blowing dust out. I hope you like whichever tent you choose! I think they are all solid choices.

Unless you're committed to DCF, take a look at Six Moon Designs. Depending on your height (I'm 6'3") you might consider the Lunar Solo or the Skyscape Trekker. Both are made with SilPoly which doesn't stretch like SilNylon. They usually go on sale near Christmas also. Much lighter on the wallet!

hey Jay, Love to watch your videos as you really review the products and the value. The big three are a big decision all with great attributes and of course neg ones. I bought the Z packs duplex as i am a section hiker but worried about the condensation thing. Loved the wt. good luck on you decision.

You seem like a good guy, glad to have you in a department of the Navy! 😎

Nice logic process. Just a thought: check Six Moon Designs for Lunar Solo & Skyscape Scout & Deschutes, or even the Gatewood Cape I use. A bit heavier, but way more space. Priced from $165-$225. And you can get the Nest for a Deschutes tarp or Gatewood Cape to keep those AT bugs out. The Nest works as a standalone for bug-free night sky viewing or in a shelter such as you'll find on the AT. Also, I modded a trekking to use the handle in the suspension harness.

I flipped north last year on AT and used the zpacks duplex. I'm also 5'6" and it was comfortable with all my gear inside. It rains a lot on the AT, but I tried to stay in shelters as much as possible to extend the life of my tent. Yes I know there were rodents and people that snored, but I didn't want to use my tent if I could get a roof over my head. I will flop southbound in spring and will again bring the duplex.

Jay, consider taking a hammock instead of a tent. On the PCT, a hammock is not as good of an option due to long stretches with no trees. But on the AT it's more of a solid choice.

I’ll be on the pct in may. I’m bringing a blue duplex. I have the free standing kit as well. I want the room inside. I have the altaplex as well, but the ventilation is terrible. The duplex is a wind tunnel if setup right. I would get another duplex, the light weight version. Sell yours on eBay and just be honest. I’m sure There are many that wouldn’t mind a little more tape. I’d bet you could get $2-300. Happy trails.

Double wall tent, less condensation, seems like the sun don’t shine much on the AT. Mosquito netting along sloping roof, need to be careful on ground topography because after ground gets wet it will absorb slower and then puddle in the rain, which means potential splash up. No madder what tent, keep your ground cloth tails tucked in. My duplex Mosquito netting along the slope roof , and this concerns me some. I usually prefer stretching tent by line rather then rely on a couple tension poles. I don’t worry about my 4 season tent that has 5 aluminum poles, and is maybe 5 pounds or more. You must be a Back Sleeper. I was concerned about leg height being rested on the pact, but food bag is in tree and tent is not in pack, so should work, but sleeping bag must be clean and dry. You will be saving good weight. AT being all trees and brush, the smaller tent will allow for more tent spot selection. I have the XThrem mattress, but if you also carry a roll out, or that foldable foam Matt you can place pack under that to keep sleeping bag clean. Is your sleeping bag synthetic fill also this trip. I have a Zpack down bag, but that may be a real bad idea on the AT. Go for favoring slightly more room, 23” is pretty narrow, your feet will move at night and touch the walls.

i just nabbed a $300 solplex used. i let folks cleaning out their closets make a lot of my gear choices for me. i've never used dyneema gear before, but i couldn't resist impulsivey throwing my paycheck at it. gets here tuesday.

These are too narrow for me - I love my 2 person, free standing tent. I know it weighs more, but I love it.

I know you said you didn’t like the SilPoly but you also mentioned a tight budget. Check out the LHG Firefly or SMD skyscraper or Lunar solo. All are around $300 and 25oz I think. I love my lunar solo. I also got caught in a storm at pictured rocks at Potato Patch CG It was crazy. I had one guy line pull out. The sandy soil wouldnt hold my mini groundhog stake

Love my Aeon Li blemished version. Used it for 500 PCT miles this year. Spent a couple of nights in very high winds and it was solid.

I’m a old short chubby lady, I’m sticking with my duplex. The extra room and ease of set up, I’ve always been able to get a decent pitch, makes it my favorite (if I can find a slightly larger tent site). I have the older version in a pale greenish. Not a thru hiker, so it’s lasted more than a few years.

I have the Aeon Li. I'm 5'10 and feel there is PLENTY of room inside the tent for me and I have no claustrophobic or cramped concerns at all. NOTE: if not pitched on level ground the tub floor slides away from the walls and that causes the tub wall straps to go taught and wall mesh to flatten parallel to ground and make for potential water ingress. A level spot will alleviate this problem. The biggest thing I would change with the Aeon if I could would be to MAYBE design a deeper tub more like the Zpacks tents otherwise it's good!

I just dropped my money on the double Rainbow. I didn’t go with the fancy dcf material. I hope I’m not disappointed... 🙏🏼

I through hiked the AT from Maine to Georgia in 1990. There are three sided shelters with wooden floors along the entire trail. I carried a tent but rarely used it. I set it up several times within a shelter, while hiking in Maine and New Hampshire, to escape the black flies. I only used it once as a shelter. As a northbounder, you will not have to worry about black flies in Maine and New Hampshire. But, you might have more problems with shelters full of other through hikers when you start. In your shoes, I would not worry about the tent. Just get something cheap and light as an emergency shelter. If you use it and you are not comfortable or your stuff gets a little wet, it's not going to ruin your trip.

You've probably pulled the trigger by now on your purchase, but you might also consider the TT Rainbow. The DCF Rainbow is slightly heavier than the Aeon but it is wider (more interior room) and can be (when you need it) freestanding. Imagine pulling into camp late in the day and it's raining. Do you really want to fuss around trying to get those stakes in the ground or do you want to get your tent up asap and get you and your gear inside?

I love that Aeon Li although I don't own one. I'm thinking that the strut poles may be a little hard getting them in and out but you may be able to just leave them in when you pack up. I took the R.E.I. Flash Air 2 (2 person tent) on my first ever hike. We did 50 miles in Shenandoah Nat'l Park on the AT. I'm definitely looking at a one-person tent now. Any tent that handles rain well is worth extra consideration. My tent sagged a bit when it got wet and I used 8 guy lines on it. 6 usual and 2 extra. Good luck and thanks for the review of these tents!

Ive got an altaplex and a silnylon GG one. I like both, but my foot box gets wet in both. I want a duplex because i hear the ventilation is great and the extra room is tha bomb! I’d get another Duplex.

Jay: Not one of your three, but I have a Tarptent Notch Li I'd be willing to sell at a discount. I used it this year in NM & one rainy night on a training hike on the AT. I really liked the weight & packability, it was an easy set-up (easier/faster than the Duplex). It seemed to do fine in the rain, but I never got used to the smaller footprint of a 1-person tent. Maybe because I'm 6' 2", like all my gear inside, & I move around a lot at night. Anyway, I ultimately sent it home & had my family send my old, taped-up, camo Duplex, with 2+ thru-hikes on it & used that in CO/WY/MT. The extra space was worth the weight for me. Feral

I bought a hyperlite mountain gear echo 2 tent. It weighs about 2lbs, but it's a double walled tent.

Hiked the AT with 8.5 x 10 Dyneema tarp . With all the trees it was easy always A FRAMED between two trees. It was like sleeping in a castle with 10 foot length rain was never an issue. Great carrying 7 ounces…..

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Light and packs down to a little bigger than a smart water bottle in its included stuff sack. Could get it smaller in a compression bag if you wanted. Made from SilPoly instead of nylon so it doesn’t stretch when wet. $250 it’s a bargain compared to DCF.

Aeon Li is well made and great value but all the struts make it hard to pack down (I am used to the Duplex).

Generally speaking I would want to pick my tent based on the conditions I think I will most likely encounter. I’ve not been on the AT but by all accounts you can expect a ton of rain and early on, snow. For me I would want to have more interior space so I can keep my gear inside and out of the elements. In the west, where I am from and have most experience with, days of rain are almost never encountered. Unless you are in Washington during September or later🤪. So a smaller tent out west could be a better choice. If it was me, even though I’m 70 and 5’3”, I’d go with the duplex. But I use my iPhone for all my camera needs🥰

Great video Jay, have you considered the Alteplex? Very light and compact. I had it for awhile, used it to do the Long Trail in Vermont and some other hikes but being talk (6’3”) I was claustrophobic in it and being bigger didn’t have much room to put my excess gear in it. Darwin uses it I know… thoughts?

Difference in pricing is a few nights in a motel room during your thru. The more uncomfortable your tent setup, the more likely you are to splurge on a motel. So, I think it will all even out. I liked the duplex well enough that when my first one wore out, I bought another. Pleximeds were first available in 2019 so you didn’t see any on your PCT hike. I saw a few in 2019 and 2020. People say they are bulky. I guess that’s my only complaint with the duplex- for something so lightweight, it sure takes up a lot of space. Personally, I’d go with zpacks. I think you can’t get anything lighter for the amount of floor space you get. That said, I haven’t tried any of these designs. Personally I’d stick with a duplex if I did the AT. (I’m 5’5”)

Gossamer gear dyneema One, bummer. I’ve had two tarp tents and they are incredibly well made

My Altaplex is an excellent one person shelter. When rain or condensation is likely I tuck my feet and quilt foot box into my rain shell. This allows me to toss and turn, kick the sidewall while staying dry. Another alternative is to magnetically attach a Dyneema sheet (e.g. rain quilt) to the foot side wall thereby creating a pseudo-double wall at the foot end. This prevents direct quilt contact with the side wall and keeps you dry in harsh conditions. Why isn’t the Altaplex on your short list?

I have the Plexamid and the peak plate doesn’t allow it to compress small. Also if I could I would get the Altaplex for a little space to deal with condensation.

Jay, may I ask why you didn't consider hexamid solo zpacks shelter? It is about 5oz lighter than altaplex and the plexamid? I'm a small older woman (5''1') and would like to go as light as possible. What do you see as the cons of having a hexamid at the AT thru-hike? Thanks.

Dilemma! I just purchased the new DuplexL because I just couldn't see spending a rainy day / night in cramped quarters. I considered every one of your options but thought the DuplexL was best: much more space, much better ventilation, choice of heavier DCF and better condensation control. I know it's heavier and bulkier but hey, I've gotta live in it. FYI we'll be using the same pack. I know you'll make the right choice! More difficult decisions compared to PCT.

Would you consider one of the heavier / more durable Z-Packs tent? Maybe that isn’t the mode of failure for your seams? If it’s just your seams perhaps you could just use their repair tape? Although you wouldn’t get a brighter color or drop as much weight. I went with Spruce Green even though it is slightly heavier but not as heavy as your camo was. Also that camo weight is from the print not from extra DCF. I also purchased the ground sheet for rocky areas for durability but may not bring it for the Tahoe Rim Trail or JMT. Durability vs weight… and a little more bulk but not bad. TBD.

Big Agnes Copper Spur Platinum. Free standing, double wall. 2lb

What do you think about the REI Flash Air 1, it's about 19 oz if you use your trekking pole. It's only about $250.

I’m a tarptent fan - I think it will be the one that lasts the longest as far as durability goes

Funny how the Lighter & smaller the tents the more the $$$ goes UP.

Would you consider the X-Mid by Dan Durston or is that too heavy for you?

Get the Tarptent Notch, double wall

I've used all kinds of tents, slept exclusively in shelters on A.T. but I can't get why more people don't use hammocks, the advantages are many ✌️

I own a Pleximid and a Duplex, I like the space inside the duplex best. Also the pleximid has replaced the carbon fiber stays with metal as a lot of the carbon ones broke.

The correct answer is a hammock, glad I could help

Jay, I don't own the Aeon but I have heard complaints about the vented corner not being adjustable enough as far as pegging it out goes, if you hit a rock with the peg there is no way to lengthen the guy line to avoid a rock in the way, It may have been Dixie that did a review of this tent. As far as the Plexamid I have heard complaints about the roof stays breaking and wearing holes in the fabric.

I have the Altaplex and it is very light and packs up very small. I have hiked over 500 miles on the at and often stay in shelters. So small and light is great especially when it is not being used. However I have often thought a little bigger would be better for hanging out in my tent.

Im a fan of the Tarptent Protrail Li. I did a review on it on my channel. I really like it and will be using it on my thru.

I sold my Duplex. It was awesome but I wanted a little less footprint. So, I bought the Altaplex. I love it. It took me a few times to get dialed in but whatever you decide, I advise staying with Dyneema. As for cost, just get what you want. You’ll be glad u did!

I have the plexamid in camo never used if your interested.

Plex best for under 6' person, cf won't break and still packable sideways.. Aeon li unpachable at 14" long. Altaplex roomiest but 10 stakes and so much tension...

I stayed in shelters when I could on the AT. Used a cheap freestanding tent (not made anymore) with a small footprint when I had to/wanted to camp. You wont encounter extreme conditions there unless you seek it out so why wear out a super advanced and expensive tent. There are lots of people and occasionally not much room for tents so small footprint is an important feature IMO.

Consider the Zpacks Altaplex. No aluminum stays at top so it makes it more packable than the Plexamid and Aeon Li and it pitches higher so you get better airflow.

Aeon

Tarptent posted on IG a few days ago saying that they are introducing a new tent on 11/01. Maybe wait to see what they are coming out with?

Zpack only has a 1-2 week lead time (currently). If you loved the Duplex for the last few years why not stick with it?

Honestly, given the space to weight ratio that the duplex provides, plus having two doors, which gives you way better ventilation (for less condensation), I would definitely stick with the duplex, even given the additional cost. It’s worth it.

Yes, the Z - Pack is expensive, but it gets the job done. The Duplex is really worth it's weight in gold

We had a Triplex and ended up trashing it because it got worn out when the DCF started pulling apart in stress points. Taping it was NOT the answer. ZPacks told us that was a mistake to tape it. We do not want to be buying a tent again in 2-3 years. We went round and round and ended up get a Hilleberg. It is a heavier tent so not necessarily a good choice for the AT…..they make a variety of tents including a single person tent though, but it is heavier than what you want to carry. The two person tent cost us $800.00. We expect it to last far longer than are Triplex did. The nice thing with the triplex and ZPacks Arc Blast was my hubby had a pack with everything including 5 days of food weighing 24 pounds…..mine was 22 pounds because I did not have the tent…….bottom line is I would stick to the Duplex for the additional space…

Personally given the relatively small range of prices I would ignore it, actually anything up to $150 for roughly comparable tents I would ignore. Being happy with your choice and making the right choice for you and your conditions is more important. However therein lies a problem, conditions vary. I have no personal experience, but from all I’ve seen the notch li with two poles is very simple to erect. In fact in a dryer cooler climate I would choose the notch li and not use the inner. In my opinion in that configuration you have a near bomb proof incredibly light, spacious, and tarp like shelter with the two opening sides. AT, use the inner.

If any tent makers ever come up with a one person 36" full width tent, they would sell a lot. When you have so many single hikers going for a two person tent, you know the tent companies are really not to interested in making comfortable single person tents.

The door dropping down to the ground on the zpack is a deal breaker 4 me.

Is spending $70 more or $70 less going to be the bigger factor, or is it the comfort and ease you'll notice the 70 nights you'll use it? I primarily use a hammock, so that might disqualify my opinion. However, I do like having extra shelter space if I'm going to be stuck. Plus, resupply is much more frequent on the AT and water is less of a concern (most years). That being said, if weight, space and cost are all a premium, just get a DCF tarp for under $300 and less than 8 ounces. BYOF (Bring Your Own Floor)

Can you spray a sealer on the duplex? Good Luck,Rick

Hey Jay, what tent would you go for if price wasn’t an issue? The duplex seems like the best all rounder if you aren’t concerned with cost. I’ve never had or seen a big Agnes in person but some of them seem really good if you didn’t mind the extra ounces. I bought a LanShan Pro 1. It was about $200USD. 690grams, great tent for the price. You could look at that if price is a real concern?

Duplexl. That’s right Duplex XL. Go for it.

Hi Jay, If the One is out of stock, and tit looks like he tarptent aeon LI is too, except for a blemished one $50 cheaper, you will end up with Zpacks. With a regular duplex, you reach one small goal: lighter and a bit smaller packed. With a 1 person version you safe more weight, money and volume. I would be less interested in a discount than getting the a tent i want asap, so plans can go ahead. Peace of mind for such important gear piece is worth something too.