Duplex Freestanding Flex Kit
This kit not only does what it should, but it actually (I would argue) does it better than many inherently-freestanding tent models.
Transform your Duplex or Duplex Zip into a freestanding ultralight tent for when stakes aren’t an option. Our Flex Kit is perfect for platform camping on the Overland Track, the White Mountains or for packed down campsites along the John Muir Trail. The poles fold up short, which is perfect for bike packing and smaller backpacks.
The Flex Kit is like owning two ultralight tents in one. Simply install the hardware and attach the lightweight Flex poles to your Duplex and you're good to go.
Our Flex poles have been updated for 2024 and now have a 12.5" (31.75 cm) folded length! They can be rolled up and packed with your tent. A tent pole sack is included to protect your gear.
*TENT NOT INCLUDED
*THE DUPLEX FLEX KIT IS ONLY COMPATIBLE WITH OUR DUPLEX CLASSIC AND DUPLEX ZIP TENTS.
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The Flex tent upgrade is an add-on to our normal Duplex Tent or Duplex Zip Tent that allows it to be pitched with freestanding tent poles. It can be set up with zero stakes in calm conditions, or with just 2 stakes if you want to use the vestibules. It is not necessary to stake the corners or side walls except in extreme weather.
Freestanding tents are convenient in situations where stakes are difficult to use. They make it easier to pitch on beach sand, snow, or on rocky or compacted terrain. You can set up on a tent platform, or other suboptimal locations without struggling with stakes. Flex poles are also handy on trips when you don't have trekking poles, for example bikepacking, canoe trips, or car camping.
The poles also lift the side walls of the tent outward for more interior space, which is especially valuable for tall hikers.
You still have the option to leave the flex poles behind and pitch with your trekking poles to save weight on regular backpacking trips.
The poles will flex and bow horizontally when the wind gusts. In very windy conditions, you should use sticks or trekking poles to prop the peaks of the tent to create a very rigid shelter.
Four 91.25" (232 cm) Easton Carbon 3.9 poles are included. Easton's carbon fiber poles are made using proven technology, and they are super lightweight.
The Dyneema® Composite Fabric material stuff sack and hardware for connecting them to the tent are included in the price and weight.
The folded length of the poles is 12.5" (31.75 cm). A tent pole sack is included. They can be rolled and stored with your tent, or packed separately in your backpack's side pocket.
Any Duplex Classic and Duplex Zip tent made in 2016 and later include attachment points for the Flex upgrade and poles can be added at a later date.
All Zpacks gear has a two-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Please see our return / warranty policy.
Duplex Flex Instructions
Click here for a printable version.
If you have purchased the optional Flex tent pole kit you should have 4x 91.25" (232 cm) tent poles, 4x metal rings, 2x toggles, and a tent pole sack.
Setup Instructions:
- Untie each of the four corner stake loops, and re-tie the loops the same way but with a ring attached.
- Loop each of the two toggles on to the two wall tie outs on the tent.
- Insert a tent pole diagonally such that one end is through a metal ring at the peak, and the other end is through the metal ring at the opposite corner guy line.
- Cinch the corner guy line to give the pole some flex and keeping it snugly in place.
- Insert the other three tent poles in the same fashion.
- Attach the toggle around the center of the X formed by the tent poles. The poles should have a moderate amount of flex so that the wall is pulled outward.
- In calm weather no stakes are necessary. If you wish to use the vestibules stake out the front and back door stakes. In moderate weather stake the two wall guy lines to keep the tent anchored. In extreme weather all eight stakes can be used including the corners.
- In very windy conditions you can get a more solid pitch by using sticks or trekking poles to brace the peaks of the tent.
