Zpacks Plex Solo Tent Review
Brand: Zpacks · Category: tent · Price: $599 - $649
Buy this if you're an ultralight backpacker or thru-hiker who prioritizes carrying the absolute minimum weight in a fully enclosed shelter and can justify the premium price. Skip this if you're on a tight budget, prefer a freestanding tent, or want a shelter that's more forgiving of abrasion and doesn't require trekking poles to pitch.
Specs
| Doors | 1 door |
|---|---|
| Poles | 1 trekking pole or tent pole, set to about 52 in |
| Weight | 13.9 oz (tent only); 11.8 oz listed by Zpacks for Plex Solo Lite |
| Rainfly | Single-wall Dyneema Composite Fabric shelter; no separate fly |
| Seasons | 3-season |
| Capacity | 1 person |
| Floor Area | 20.6 sq ft |
| Packed Size | About 5 x 11 in to 6 x 12 in, depending on version/source |
| Peak Height | 52 in |
| Vestibules | 1 front vestibule |
| Fabric Denier | DCF; canopy commonly listed as 0.55 oz/sq yd, floor as 1.0 oz/sq yd on the Classic; Lite version cited with 0.55 oz canopy and 0.75 oz floor |
Strengths
- Extremely low weight for a fully enclosed shelter
- Spacious-for-weight interior with 7.5 ft length
- Single-pole setup is simple and fast
- Good ventilation from storm-door design
- Dyneema Composite Fabric offers high strength-to-weight performance
- Small packed size for ultralight packing
- Popular among thru-hikers and fastpackers
Complaints
- Expensive compared with many 1P tents
- Non-freestanding design requires stakes and good site selection
- Single-wall shelters can be prone to condensation in some conditions
- Narrower at the ends than the center, so pad and gear placement matter
- Stakes are required and not included in the quoted tent-only weight
- Some measurements vary by source and version, which can confuse buyers
- DCF is durable for its weight but less forgiving of abrasion than heavier woven fabrics
Ease Of Setup
The Plex Solo pitches with just one trekking pole (or a dedicated tent pole), which needs to be set to about 52 inches. This makes for a simple and fast setup once you get the hang of it. However, it's a non-freestanding design, meaning it requires at least six stakes to hold its shape and provide stability. This isn't a tent you can just set up anywhere; you'll need solid ground for staking and may have trouble on rocky slabs or sandy beaches.
Livability And Space
For such a minimalist shelter, the Plex Solo offers a surprisingly livable interior. With a 7.5-foot floor length and a peak height of 52 inches, even taller hikers will find room to sit up comfortably without their head hitting the ceiling. The floor area is 20.6 sq ft, which is decent for one person, though it narrows at the ends; you'll want to be mindful of how you position your sleeping pad and gear. The single large vestibule also provides ample space to keep your pack and boots out of the rain.
Weight And Packed Size
At just 13.9 oz (tent body only) for the standard version, the Plex Solo is one of the lightest fully enclosed single-person shelters you can buy. To put that in perspective, many sleeping bags weigh more. This featherlight design, combined with a packed size of about 5 x 11 inches, means it takes up barely any space in your pack, making it ideal for fastpacking, thru-hiking, or bikepacking where every ounce and inch counts. Just remember, this weight doesn't include the stakes you'll definitely need, which can add a few more ounces.
Materials And Durability
The tent is constructed almost entirely from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF), with the floor using a slightly heavier 1.0 oz/sq yd DCF for increased durability against abrasion. DCF is prized for its absurd strength-to-weight ratio and waterproofness; it won't stretch when wet like silnylon. While remarkably durable for its weight, it's less forgiving of rough handling or sharp objects than traditional woven nylon or polyester fabrics. You'll want to be careful with site selection and handling to avoid punctures and abrasions.
Weather Protection And Ventilation
This is a single-wall tent, meaning the rainfly and inner tent are one piece, made from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF). The main canopy uses 0.55 oz/sq yd DCF, which is incredibly light but also very strong for its weight, shedding rain effectively. However, single-wall tents are prone to condensation inside, especially in humid conditions, which is a known tradeoff. Zpacks mitigates this with a clever storm-door design that allows for good ventilation while still providing full protection from the elements, a notable advantage over some simpler tarp-tent designs.