Zpacks hexamid pocket tarp full review + 1 thing I would change
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- čas přidán 1. 08. 2024
- I have had 30+ nights in the new Zpacks Hexamid pocket tarp with storm doors and it's time for my full review, including how I set it up, take it down & attaching the groundsheet.
01:10 Specs & demensions
03:41 How I set it up
06:35 How to attach the groundsheet
08:30 How I break it down
09:41 What I like about the tarp (Pro's)
11:40 What I don't like (Con's)
12:47 What would I change about the tarp
☆Links to everything in this video☆
Juice Hikes channel ➜ / @juicehikes5436
Check out all Zpacks spring deals ➜ zpacks.com?aff=6
Zpacks Hex tarp w/ Doors ➜ zpacks.com/products/hexamid-p...
Zpacks solo groundsheet ➜ zpacks.com/products/solo-bath...
Zpacks groundsheet assembly kit ➜ zpacks.com/products/groundshe...
Zpacks V Stake ➜ zpacks.com/products/titanium-...
MSP Groundhog stake ➜ amzn.to/3b9qE1V
MSR carbon core stake ➜ amzn.to/35CC7WE
Disclosure: There are Amazon Affiliate links in this video description as well as my gear lists. As an affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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Thanks a lot for your detailed review. I just bought this set of gear and used them for the first time last weekend doing Mt. Whitney. I knew that I didn't attach the ground sheet to the tarp correctly. Now I know how to do it.
I've been tarp camping all summer with a DCF 8.5x8.5 tarp and net bivy and have loved it. Thought I would give the pocket tarp with doors a try since winters here are pretty rainy. Thanks for the review! It was key in me making my purchase.
I pair it with the Borah cuben (DCF) bug bivy. 4.5 oz. ... to be fully enclosed. Don't need the ground sheet, though I still use one to keep the bivy and my sleep pad puncture free. Added bonus, the bivy adds a noticeable degree of warmth to the setup.
Agreed. This combo has been working well for me as part of a setup for lightweight running adventures. This includes the pouring rain and foul weather which the UK summers are so good at 😁
Yeah, I just got the Hexamid solo tent. 10.4 oz. Amazing. Great video. Thanks
Congrats on the upcoming birth of your son! Your life is about to get a lot richer. Savor every moment, it flies by. Keep up the great videos!
Don't think it will make me give up my tarp / hammock set up. But it made me think about it. Really sweet setup.
the friendly swede net tent on amazon is $16 and works pretty well with this.
Welcome back. Great to see you again.
Thanks Nathan!
Thank you thank you for this video. It's been a pain to set up by following the Zpacks instructions. Yours makes so much more sense- especially staking the back corners first. The 50" pole height also is a big help. It was a breeze, even with the windy conditions today. -Alane
Great to see you on Darwin's live chat yesterday. Congratulations on baby boy hiker companion in July.
This tent looks great! Thanks for the video
Thanks for the support ML!
Love the Herbert ref!
Thanks for your review on it mate! Will be buying thee door less one soon!
Man I have missed seeing your vids. Thank you for this gear review. I just recently bought the Camo Duplex by Zpacks. Going to be using it when I go out on my section hike on Sunday. Also just bought the Nero, coming in today, but not using it this trip. Got my Arc Blast all packed up. Hello to Mrs. Bigfoot and Bella. Looking forward to the baby arriving as well. Be well my friends ❤.
Great review Bigfoot! I think this tarp could work for a lot of people out there. Anyone looking to lighten their load, reduce pack volume, try something new, or are maybe considering trying a tarp for the first time. Lot’s of features in an extremely light weight package. Nice job Zpacks!
See you on the trail!
Thanks for giving my your insight Juice!! Look forward to hitting the trail soon together
Hi Juice, could you also do a review on this pocket Tarp? It would be nice. There aren't many reviews out there for it!😊
I just bought this last week with the PCT/desert hiking in mind. Coming from a duplex, the entry height will definitely take some getting used to and the stuff sack should be bigger; I can't do my usual shove it in the bag as I do with the duplex. But, I'm excited to try it out in the coming months!
Same here.
Super late to the party. I received my pocket tarp a week ago. Set it up once and loved my initial impressions of it. Taking it on its first trip first weekend of November. Excited to see how it performs.
I have the British equivalent, a tramplite. Much more weatherproof and tough, but twice the weight. Always tempted by the pocket tarp for calmer weather
Thanks for the review. I’d love to see some options for bug protection that can be used with this shelter. Thanks
Thanks for the review. I have the Zpacks duplex and love it, but I have had my eye on the hexamid to use for bikepacking as the duplex just takes up too much space. I think you sold me on the hexamid. That combined with a bug net bivy should be a perfect set up for me. BTW, congratulations on the new baby boy coming in July. Hope everything goes well.
Hey all! I just got done using this shelter all winter in NY, and I totally agree with everything Bigfoot mentioned. I would say, the tarp is certainly for an experienced backpacker (not that I count myself as one). I didn't buy a ground sheet and just used a Polycryo Ground Cloth from Gossamer Gear. Also, I bought the zpacks tent pole, which works out great! I would highly recommend getting a larger stuff sack, like Bigfoot says. It takes wayy too much time to properly fold the tarp to get it back into the sack it comes with. Also, I would probably recommend buying a ground sheet from zpacks. Its worth the cash-money for the quicker setup, and the fact that the bathtubs allow you to empty your pack without your gear rolling out into the mud. There is also an awesome clip in the middle of the tarp that allows you to hang a wet shirt or headlamp. My biggest issue is setup. You HAVE to set it up like he mentions in the video or its a nightmare. I would recommend checking out Bigfoot's Duplex setup video from right after his AT hike; I watched that video when I was having issues setting the tarp up, and it was really helpful. Review: 10/10 would recommend if you want to dial in gear below 8lbs. Great video Bigfoot. Spot on info!
Hey Danny, how's the tarp in the spring/ summer with the bugs? I'm from NY and backpacked in different parts... the bugs can get bad... are they an issue or can you manage?
Thanks
Hey, thanks for the question; so, I used it until April of last year when everything shut down. Then I sold it and bought a pleximid to thruhike the AT last June. I’d say it depends on your hiking style. I like to hike into the dark then quickly setup, so the pleximid is better suited for me. In NY I’d say it might be a bit buggy unless you are at higher elevation upstate. Feel free to hit me up on my Instagram if you have any other questions @ dannydivilly
Instablaster
@@prestonkhalil1199 Damn it PRESTON; I thought I told you, Daddy needs to make some $$
I have the Gatewood cape and I use the MLD solo innernet and it works great. Probably would work for this as well.
The smd serenity net fits. U can attach guys to the ends for extending to the tarp stakes too and use less stakes. Im looking at other net options, gonna check out the mld.
Just picked up the hexamid solo, I guess it’s pretty much the same, except the bug netting. A bit heavier but still packs down pretty nicely. Didn’t get the ground sheet, kinda regretting it, as the tyvek is not light. We’ll see how it goes, but I may pick up the ground sheet later.
I took this tarp on the AT only issues is not so good in the rain, condensation was raining down on me and was getting some splash in. I think it would be a nice tarp for the West coast.
I’m debating wether to get this ,, for bug protection I was either thinking a smd serenity bug mesh or a sea to summit bug net ,, I also considered a borah bug bivy for less weight ,,, tough call ,,, great vid and review ,,
01:10 Specs & demensions
03:41 How I set it up
06:35 How to attach the groundsheet
08:30 How I break it down
09:41 What I like about the tarp (Pro's)
11:40 What I don't like (Con's)
12:47 What would I change about the tarp
Check out all Zpacks spring deals ➜ zpacks.com?aff=6
Price for hexamid, and the groundsheet?
Haha! Love the “Breaking News”
Nice tarp setup and it sure does pack small. Very Good Review!
I bought the tarp but haven't used it yet. But a positive on the low entry is that you could keep the tarp door open if it is not storming too bad. That way you wouldn't feel as enclosed. Some would prefer that. Just my 2 cents.
It's such a low weight that doing without the height or having set up challenges may really be worth it! Thanks for the review.
I’m 6’2 200lb and it was a tad too tight for me. Very broad shoulders meant with a 20deg quilt and rolling over a few times at night I’d rub shoulders and foot box a few times and get damp. Pitching at 50” might have helped a little, I was at 49. Also entrance being so low made getting in out a little awkward at my size. Otherwise loved it for the short time I had it. Have the new altaplex now and it’s perfect for a bigger person, side and stomach sleeper like me. The compactness and weight of the pocket tarp was incredible though and the craftsmanship on both is great.
Hey Bigfoot, love U’r work, love U’r channel, I am a subscriber...for sure dude!! Loved U’r trekking pole video- thx for that. I know I’m going to get lit up & cussed out, but I think my dream hiking tent would B the Fjallraven Abisko Lite 2. Its considerably heavier then this little Zpaks pocket tarp. I like the durability, the functionality, the design, the price totally blows, but when compared to a lot of other tents that are out there, including even a couple from Zpacs, it’s not really much more expensive then anything else, especially bought on sale!! I’m a Fjallraven junkie. I feel that this statement truly applies to Fjallraven; Buy once, cry once, happy for a lifetime!! I think durability & comfort, for me, out weigh, the concept of weight consciousness. I look forward to all the hate mail, lol!! Thx Bigfoot. & btw, congrats on U’r boy. The gender reveal, that was fun video too. Cheers to U & U’r family sir.
Like the way you explain the set up think i'll try it . I though I had already subed you but it seems not anyway I've subed again..... I have the - Z-Packs Hexamid Solo Plus Tarp and - Z-Packs Cuben Fiber Bathtub Groundsheet. My Hexamid is camouflage Cuben Fiber with doors, 2017 I think. The tarp tie-outs have been replaced w/reflective Z-line. Line Loc3's were added all the way around. . Weights - Tarp - 10 ounces (w/tie-outs, line locs & tub connects). Bathtub Floor - 3.3 ounces I also modded a Sea 2 Summit mosy net so its a true pyramid 2.5 ounces thanks for the vid..........Gramp's grey balls
I received my pocket tarp and floor last week. It’s sitting in the box to be returned. Why? I thought the tub was too close to the edge of the tent. (When on the AT in 2017 I accidentally pushed the base of my Solo beyond the tent and woke to an inch of water at my feet in freezing weather. (Pretty dangerous.) Now I’m thinking I didn’t have it pitched properly the other day so I’m going to give it another try. I only hike in cold weather so the netting isn’t an issue. If I need something with netting I’ll sell my Solo and pick up the Plexi. My base is sub six pounds so I’m really not wanting to carry the Solo or Plexi at this point. Decisions. I’m planning another AT thru after the new year if we dig ourselves out from this virus. Peace brother. Congrats too.
So, did u keep your tarp after you have it a second chance?
For that tricky groundsheet attachment to the trekking pole, have you tried wrapping it around the pole below the basket?
Then you might be able to leave it attached during teardown. Of course you may still need to re-clip it each time during set-up.
That would mean the side of the floor would be too low and not be a "bathtub" floor.
Loving this video. I’ve owned a Duplex for 2 years have not even set it up. Something nagging at me at 21.3oz in that admittedly beautiful spruce green color. Thought I was done searching but if I can save on an entire pound- being that I am willing to cowboy camp even when there’s a chance of rain- than I can really do myself a favor with the weight and volume savings. Does this sound logical?
Almost at the point where I can fit all my gear in my mesh outer pocket and the inside is just my quilt and food which is handy because I use a synthetic quit as I don’t use down for personal reasons
awesome vid! how fast is the setup / teardown time on this shelter? I run with a tarp and bivy set up already and am looking for an upgrade!
3 minutes with no rocky ground I have to deal with or very windy conditions. Tear down is a tad less once you get used to rolling it up and stuffing it away with the right stuff sack
Hi, can it be more confortable with the solo plus bathtub groundsheet ?
I had the original hexamid tarp with a beak. Then I got the hexamid solo plus with beak, which I still use, with only a Borah Gear bivy. Still love this setup! I think the pocket tarp dimensions are the same as the original hexamid solo tarp. I have been in 24-36 hour storms in both and they held up well as long as I managed the stakes and trenched around the perimeter. This is one reason I prefer the tarps over the tents with the netting. If a stake comes loose or whatever, I can reset it from u dear the tarp by reaching outside. With netting, you can’t do that, you’d have to go out. A con would be the small, narrow size. Even at 5’-2”I found that restrictive especially since I toss around at night. Still, you can’t beat the weight other than a flat DCF tarp.
I used to have the Solo Plus with beak but had to sell it for a unexpected bill. I really regretted immediately. I have since bought new version which is on its way to me now. I do wish they still sold the original Plus though.
If were to go with a tarp setup, I would have to look VERY hard at this, even though it would need a bug net during the warm months.
I have a pocket tarp with an MLD bug bivy to hang inside. Works great and weighs 11oz total shelter! Im posting a setup video soon if you want to check it out.
Alternative to a (fully enclosed) bugnet is to just bring a headnet. It may not be 100% efficient, but should help a lot if you keep your arms inside the sleeping bag, and maybe sleep with a t-shirt if the sleeping bag is not singed up around the neck... Side sleepers usually sleep with their arm under their head though, so that will probably be an issue...
Good video, Bigfoot. I live in the UK and some time ago you videoed how to pitch a Duplex and that did me the biggest favour ever. I now successfully pitch my Duplex using your method every time. However, I get in real difficulty folding the shelter when striking it, especially if it's windy. Do you have a special way for a solo hiker to fold the Duplex ready to insert it into its stuff sack? If so, I sure would like to see a demo on one of your videos as I'm sure many other Duplex owners would too. Keep up the good work and keep safe.
I carry a Hexamid Plus Tarp tent mine weights around 14 ounces, but it's made out of a thicker, dyneema little bit more abrasion proof, but still weighs under a pound...I am Bicycle touring and not backpacking ...it works great for me...
What sort of pole do you use for bike touring with this tent?
Thanks Big Foot! It will be a long time before I can justify the investment for Z-packs. But I really like your review. I’m trying to work with a tight budget on my CZcams channel.
Wandering Monk I agree I only get 50 bucks a month to spend on gear. So I bought a used one on Reddit.
That 4:40 "guess who" made me spit out my cereal. Need to have a "might actually lol" warning.
Right!
One of my best friends always gets disturbed by Herbert the pervert, did it for him
Hey Bigfoot- after selling a brand new never used Duplex after holding onto it for so long, and going the Hexamid Pocket Tarp with Doors + Bathtub groundsheet combo, could you recommend the best size stuff sack for those two items, going for a loose fit?
Love the beard! Has it been that long since you posted or have I missed a few vids?
I can't pass judgement until I test how well it holds up to my constant bedwetting.
😂
I'm looking at the pocket tarp without the doors
Looks very nice. I’ve been using a DIY 7x9 silpoly tarp that I pitch as an A-frame with a polycryo ground sheet w/wo a bug bivy as needed, and I have to say I’ve been impressed with the DIY setup, for about the same weight as this, maybe 2 oz or so more. Just about as easy to pitch as this once you get the hang of it, even in a rainstorm. I think the pocket tarp would be better in high winds, which I see as the main advantage. I hiked for a week in the Allegheny Forest last year in REALLY crappy trail-is-a-river weather in my A-frame and I was quite impressed - stayed very dry and comfy. I did make a rain skirt (yeah looks goofy until you try it) which I also have rigged to use as a beak for the tarp, and that worked great, too. Not as simple to use, but for only like $70 in materials, I like it so far.
I have hexamid solo tent, Its a better option then the tarp with the bug netting
Yeah but doesn't the netting get filthy on wet muddy ground? I don't like the idea of laying the netting on ground collecting crap.
@@Adam_Outdoors use groundsheet
My tarp came in under spec at 5oz with the stuff sack
Mine too, just purchased a couple months ago
99% sure that is the tarp I picked up in an emergency from Zpacks when my buddy didn't bring my tent to Utah. Wonderful review. I was in the WORST downpour I have ever witnessed under that tarp. I took off to fish a lake a couple miles from camp, when I returned, it was dumping from a black sky, you couldn't see 100 yards in the rain in the Sierras. I had pulled the trekking pole for my hike, left it on the ground, on top of a flat hill. When I returned, my tarp, sleeping bag, all my gear, floating in two inches of water. Quickly set the pitch, climbed in, to wait out the rain for the next 2 hours. AMAZINGLY, all my gear... DRY! The entry height does take getting used to, but once you're inside, plenty of room for gear and sleeping. Great shelter!
How on earth do you use that in MN any time of the year?? I'm in MN as well and can't imagine using no bug netting any time between mid-May and late September lol.
Well, I pretty much got it in the middle of August last year. All the times I used it in MN the bugs were pretty much gone. I of course do hiking, probably more hiking, outside of MN than inside. Pretty much the summer I would have to use a bug net or a different shelter if I was using it in MN
How can you find a bug neeting??
Yes but. In blowing rain there is no fully protected side due to the high vertical pitch. Bathtub ground cover helps, but water will still get inside. No?
Hard face, beard, reflective sunglasses - money shot! You almost lost it, though 😊.
Very similar to SMD Gatewood cape but way more money for the DCF. GWC is $155 and 10-11 oz.
thinking the same thing lol. i use the gatewood cape and EE Recon Bivy makes a great combo.
@@j3hikes444 The Gatewood Cape and the Serenity Net looks pretty decent too!
Lance Smith I definitely looked at the gate would keep and serenity net combo. At that point you might as well buy the gossamer gear the one
@@markmitchell9980 There are some differences. The GG one is a single wall tent vs the GWC with a detachable/stand-alone bugnetting is double wall. This gives you more options with the GWC on bringing just the outer/inner or both. The GG one is definitely roomier but the GWC with only the outer or inner net is lighter.
How would this fit a taller person? 6’2
I just got the same tarp. It’s a used one so hopefully it last me a while. I couldn’t agree more with the low entry point. I’m 5’11 and it annoys me. My only other wish is that they sold a bathtub flooring with bug netting specifically for this tarp. I’ll be going to Ali express for this. Can’t be 50 bucks. Other than that I’m super excited to get this thing tested.
They used to. It was called the Hexanet.
Starting to look like the guy in the middle of your shirt 😁
Where are you, Bigfoot, the smartest backpacking Vlogger on CZcams?
I hope you are happy with your wife and son. I figure you are too busy with family and business. Whatever you do, be well and thanks for all the tips and experiences you have shared.
Tarps always sound like a great idea until there’s wind or rain. Then they suck no matter which one you buy.
website says 6.1 oz maybe they changed it?
So, is it not possible to pin the Pocket Tarp to the ground in windy weather. Being able to use a tarp as a windbreak is very important to me. Apologies if you covered this. I’m considering the Pocket Tarp or the MLD Cricket. I suspect the Cricket is more suitable for Scotland but getting stuff from zPacks is so much easier.
John Davis you can pitch it very close to ground but then internal space becomes very limited. Maybe if you are shorter, but for average guy like me (around 180cm) there is not enough space not touching walls
Jussi Jaurola: Thank you. I really only need to get the windward wall down low. As long as there is a windbreak, the other walls can have a decent gap. I realise the Pocket Tarp is not intended for sustained foul weather.
Thanks for this! I can't seem to get the doors taut. The bottom edges for both doors are loose and flappy. Any ideas?
@@brockrotter : Hi, Brock. Mine has arrived and it is doorless so pretty easy to pitch taut. With a complete structure made from DCF, there will be one precise pitch which works best. It isn't like silnylon which stretches to compensate for any flaws in our pegging out. Even then, when well pitched, on my Duomid, there is a little, not much, flappy looseness along the bottom hem. That's down, I think, given how much I've played with it, to the fabric. Silnylon is inherently easier to pitch.
If you are not able to pitch on a pan flat site, try to get all of the corners on to the same plane by varying the lengths of the guys.
Now, if you know how to get the corners on zPacks' bathtub groundsheet to form properly, please let me know.
Are you still keto? What’s then update on your weightloss?
Not at the moment, been off since last August. I have gained a few pounds the last few months with the wife pregnant and craving everything. I am in the middle of training for an FKT so I will be shaving some weight the next 45 days
Not for me looks too drafty a cold or windy night I couldn't sleep it looks like all the rain would come in also
Lets agree to disagree. Its the very cons you mention that allows this shelter to have the positive features you mention. A great review/tutorial yet if you really want a soloplex w/o netting... grab some scissors? Thanks for listening.
looks like a strong breeze would blow this thing away
Is your wife still holding you hostage Bigfoot? Blink twice for yes.
Interesting this has gone up $150 in the past two years
Z "don't talk black to me" packs
Expensive for tarp, i will pass, add 50-100dollars and you can buy a good 1kg tent