The Zpacks Triplex Pro weighs 21.9 ounces. For a three-person shelter, that’s ridiculously light. Most competitors clock in at three to four pounds.
It uses Dyneema Composite Fabric, tough waterproof material that barely weighs anything. The catch? It requires trekking poles to set up, which is either genius or annoying depending on your preference.
You get dual peak vents, fully taped seams, and a bathtub floor. It’s weather-resistant and genuinely spacious. But what are the real trade-offs? Let’s break it down.
Space for Three Adults
The floor spans 65 inches by 84 inches (7 feet), comfortably fitting two sleeping pads plus gear. The headroom is genuinely spacious—you can sit up without that claustrophobic ultralight tent feeling.
Setup uses two trekking poles or 48-inch tent poles plus 8 to 12 stakes for proper security. The symmetrical design means you can pitch it anywhere regardless of terrain quirks.
Storm doors with magnetic toggles handle ventilation independently. Taped seams and 20,000mm hydrostatic head keep rain out. It’s legitimately weatherproof without the weight penalty.
For comparison, the Triplex Classic weighs 21.4 ounces, making the Triplex Pro only marginally heavier while offering enhanced features.
Why Dyneema Fabric Matters
Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) has a strength-to-weight ratio 20 times greater than steel. The fabric is naturally waterproof with zero chemical coatings needed. No PFCs, no PFAS, no flame retardants. Just pure material.
Dyneema doesn’t stretch, so your tent stays taut in rain and mud. The Triplex Pro comes in two fabric weights:
- “Lite” for weight obsessives
- “Standard” for added durability
The bathtub floor design keeps ground moisture out. Taped seams mean no aftermarket sealing required. Field repairs use included tape.
Expected lifespan: at least one full 2,500+ mile thru-hike. This tent is built for serious expeditions and years of reliable use.
The downsides? It’s noisy in high winds and the floor is slippery. But the durability is legendary.
Setup and Stake Requirements
The packed weight for the shelter body alone clocks in under 21.6 oz (stakes and poles not included).
Minimal gear needed:
- Two trekking poles
- 6 to 8 stakes
About “zero-stake” pitching: Freestanding conversion kits exist that swap trekking poles for four short segments connecting at corners. The Duplex Freestanding Flex Kit ($149) transforms compatible tents into freestanding options with 12.5-inch folded poles.
But here’s reality: zero-stake pitching only works in calm conditions on hard surfaces or platforms. In actual wind conditions, you still need at least 2 stakes minimum for wind resistance.
Alternative Tyvek footprints add negligible weight if you want extra floor protection.
Weather Performance
Zpacks engineered the Triplex Pro to handle actual weather without compromise. The Dyneema Composite Fabric handles rain, wind, and condensation effectively.
The bathtub floor with tall walls keeps everything dry and protected. Zippered storm doors and magnet toggles seal tight against elements.
Dual peak vents provide superior ventilation during extended trips, managing condensation better than most ultralight shelters.
This tent takes weatherproofing seriously without requiring a separate groundsheet, though you can add one if desired.
The Bottom Line
At 21.9 ounces, the Zpacks Triplex Pro is exceptionally light for a three-person shelter that actually delivers on weather resistance and livability.
The trekking pole setup isn’t for everyone, but if you already hike with poles, it’s a non-issue. The Dyneema fabric is noisy and slippery, but the durability and weight savings make it worth the trade-off for serious ultralight backpackers.
No gimmicks. Just a tent built to survive 2,500+ mile thru-hikes while staying packable enough for long-distance hiking.