3F UL Lanshan 1 vs Zpacks Solplex (Or Plexamid) - Why Is Zpacks So Expensive?
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- čas přidán 9. 04. 2019
- 01:02 Double Wall/Single Wall
02:34 Setup Comparison
05:10 Weight and Dimension Comparison
06:12 Bells and Whistles
06:45 Overnight Rain Test With the Lanshan 1
09:08 Price
09:41 Why Is Zpacks So Much More Expensive
09:49 Material and Weight (Dyneema v Silnylon)
11:30 Where They're Made
12:50 Why Would Anyone Spend So Much More for a Zpacks? Who Are These People?
16:34 My Conclusion and Recommendations
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I've done multiple long distance backpacking trips totaling approximately 15,000 miles over the last 6 years and I'm still using my 3f ul gear lanshen 1. I've never had any major problems with it. I'm getting ready for my AZT through hike and I'll be taking my lanshen 1.
Here is my rain story with the Lanshan. I took it out to Arkansas to do a loop hike in the Ouachita Mountains. During one of the nights, a lightning storm arrived and it poured rain all throughout the night. That was enough to keep me awake and await the chance that water might leak in. The downpour was heavy and the little depression I had set up my tent in began to pool water. Through all that, the tent held up. No water leaked in through the walls or the ground. The pool of water on the ground did not seep in through the floor. It felt like a waterbed. My only concern was when the rain hit the ground, a few droplets would bounce up and hit the wall netting. With enough rain, water can get in. This can be fixed by fastening the walls of the tent closer to the ground. Overall, it has held up pretty good and hopefully I can have it for a long time.
A big thank you for mentioning that. I plan to buy a tent for emergency shelter and don't need a huge one as it's just for me and one more person. I do have a healthy amount of credit card points to save more money on it so I guess I'll go with that one.
Great story. Applicable
I used this lanshan tent for the entire Appalachian Trail and it was absolutely brilliant. It's 27 oz, dries faster than dyneema tents, and is warmer than dyneema tents, nice vestibule, and i got rained on like many many times and never once got wet. All that for $130.
Thank you so much for this ...You talked me out of trying to take my Big Agnes Rattlesnake SL2 ....it would only be 2 extra pounds.....
Lanshan means "blue mountain" in Mandarin.
Whooped means "conquered" in Alabama
Funny that we call some oranges ‘mandarines’.
At 76 I'm still hauling around the same surplus tent at 6 lbs but if I were moving every day for weeks on end like you young ones. I would consider selling one of the grand kids for a lighter tent STAY SAFE OUT THERE .HAPPY TRAILS
I hear you can just rent them out to fast food outlets these days too. They come back a bit greasy, but still serviceable.
I'm 59 and I hope I'm still out there tearing up the trails like you at 76. :)
@@johnd7564 Hello there young man as to you saying you hope your still crawling around the trails at 76 a little story . We have over the years lost many friends and to put it bluntly they eat and smoke to much no news with that statement just fact all but 2 out of11 can not handle altitude or the physical grind it takes to get to places so they have given up . Some still fish but none can hunt and when I say hunt I men hunt not sitting in a blind . it's a shame but we could see it coming years ago every one was told by there doctors to loos weight . Neither of us ever smoked and we have been eating the same foods that got my grand parents eat and in to there hundreds . Good luck stay safe out there . Happy Trails.
PS every man needs a very good hearted woman to share the joys with .
dude, 6 lbs? that's a third of my pack weight? you can get some awesome tents for very little that are half that weight
@@chollomo there is one thing about this tent I used it now since 1972 every year for probably 3 to 6 weeks at a shot the only thing I've ever done to it is re wax it about every 2 to 3 years let me know how long your 's last .
For the budget minded... the Lanshan hands down. I am not wealthy. I have to live and hike within my means. I pride myself on having a sub 10 lb base weight for around $500 total... including all jackets, base layers, shoes, and big 3! Not one piece of gear in my kit cost me more than $100. You do don't have to mortgage your house to go ultralight.
What are the big 3 you’re using? if you don’t mind me asking!
Ultimate Direction fastpack 30L 18oz $70 on Massdrop about 2 years ago... Six Moons Designs Gatewood Cape 11oz $80 barely used Reddit Gear Swap... Klymit Insulated Static V 19oz $60 Amazon black friday a couple of years ago (my heaviest piece of gear, but its 23in wide instead 20in and warm and comfy - i feel like i can get away with a light top quilt with the warmer pad)... Aegis Max 45 degree down sleeping bag (i unzip it and use it like a quilt) 16oz $75 Amazon black friday. SOL escape lite bivy - as my bivy sack - 4oz $35. Used with dyi head net head 3oz. I've taken this down into the 20s with every stitch of clothing on.
TOTALS: 4.25lbs... $320
Nice to see someone else using a UD pack for backpacking. I love my Fastpack 20, but it’s just a touch small for backpacking. Still my favorite pack I own though.
@@taylorbrawner2052 i actually have the 45L too. I'm super long waisted and most backs hipbelts dont fit right. Plus LOVE the Vest harness! Pa'lante Packs has the new Joey coming out with a vest harness... my dream pack... the only thing i dont like about my UD vest is that it has too many pockets for organizing... i just want 2 big water bottle pockets... the Joey is exactally that. Check it out... (at $200+ it breaks my streak though!)
I could afford a duplex or soloplex, but I am wise enough to know that it is a poor place to put my money.
I'm starting into backpacking myself just now having watched your channel as well as a few other for some time now in learning from all of your experiences. As I will be more like that weekend hiker/camper person I will be going with the 3FL Lanshan 2 and figure I can put the savings into lightening up some other gear and make a more personalized gear mix for my situation. The breakdown you gave for your preference is a great starting point for people to consider when trying to determine the value of their purchase. Thanks for sharing!
I used the 3F UL Lanshan ( 1 person) last summer for a 10 day hike of the Lake Superior trail. I am over 50 and over all I am happy with it. It held up well to 3 large storms and did not leak. I do think I will seal the seams before I take it out again. It is a trick to set it up at first. I do recommend trying the set up before you get out in the woods. For a ground cloth I cut a survival blanket to the shape of the tent and use it with the reflective side up. I also use the ground cloth for cowboy camping. It is not very roomy for changing or hanging out in. It is nice on warm nights to have the bug netting and look up at the stars. With the half door it took a while to learn how to get in and out with out hitting the sides of the tent. Thank you for the review.
Ive had the Lanshan 2 for over a year and have been extremely happy with it. I chose it because I was just getting into backpacking and if I didn’t like to backpack I was only out $100. Fortunately I love backpacking. I compare the 2 tents to a Ferrari and a Toyota. The Ferrari is awesome but you can buy a lot of Toyotas for the same price. Thanks for the review Dixie!
Hiking the 2nd 1/2 of life, I was hoping that you would reply to this. 😎
Bruce Fluth I’m going to do a 1 year video this week
@@Alanguz1 Well said.
I have had my Lanshan 2 for a year as well. I bought it originally as a cheapie tent that I could fit one of my younger children in. I ended up loving it and have since onsold my 'big brand' tents in favour of it. I have also just ordered the Lanshan 1 (Flames Creed green version) which is yet to arrive. Great gear.
Hiking the 2nd 1/2 of life, looking forward to it! We 50+’rs need to stick together!! 😉
Great commentary and comparison Dixie! Clear, balanced, informative, and entertaining as always. You are indeed a trail treasure! I'm on the wrong side of 65 closing in on 70 and bought a Z-Packs Duplex tent 2 years back. (Bigger, but the same dyneema fabric.) The weight and durability made all the difference in my section hikes of the AT (900 miles and counting). A pound does not sound like much, but each ounce makes a difference and reducing my weight by 1 whole pound? Priceless. Match that with a Z-Pack pack that saved me over 2 lbs. and my knees are thanking me daily. And my duplex so far has only gotten rain in it once, and I blame that on my setting it up poorly on a flood plain and then having the skies open up! But you are right to point out the price differential in the tents and give people a clear choice of pluses and minuses. You are great for that and we all appreciate it. (See above comment on trail treasure!) Hike on and keep the videos coming. Cheers, Tortoise
Dyneeema has a higher tensile strength, but far less abrasion resistance than nylon. In other words, it can't rip apart as easily as nylon when pulled, but holes can occur much more easily in it from rubbing (ground, sticks, etc). I'm tired of manufacturer claims that it us the "strongest material known to man". Not true at all when it comes to abrasion resistance.
Also, who needs more tensile/pull strength than nylon? In extreme winds maybe, but has anyone had a nylon tent rip due to high winds? Probably very few.
"Strongest material known to man" is an advertising gimmick!
However, as Dixie also mentioned, dyneema is much better than nylon as far as weight and moisture absorption goes. This is why someone would buy a dyneema tent.
Outrageous claims have always been with us. Even wax paper has one of the best properties known to man. Fight the fights you can win. Let it go. Go for a hike...
I've set my Zpacks Duplex up in some dodgy situations including an overnight trip where a nice pointy rock, that I missed during set up and didn't feel because it was under my air pad, did absolutely nothing to my Duplex. After three years and not using a footprint, my Duplex looks good as new, and it's much easier to repair if it does get a hole than nylon.
If you want a tent with no moisture absorption problems then get silpoly tent it doesn’t absorb water and sag like silnylon
Jay S I agree with you... “strongest material” that’s not true, take for example the hilleberg tents, they are widely known for their superior quality tents... they don’t use cuben fiber, something weird on that.
my hilleberg tent ripped, they aren't that strong ..i guess it's all relative.
I think the takeaway from this video is that there are really decent options for a budget, and also some really fancy gear if you have the money. That's what's wonderful about choice. Only YOU know what your priorities are. Is your priority weight and you have money to burn? Is your priority price? Dixie has given BOTH of you great options. You get to decide what's right for YOU. Thanks, Dix!
Thanks for the comparisons and insights. Another very interesting video. Good Luck, Rick
Nailed it Dixie! I just left this question on your Homemade Wanderlust Facebook Page and I feel like you're answering my question directly. Although, I would have preferred the video on the 2 person tent. Coming from tarp sleeping to a tent is going to be an amazing luxurious upgrade. I look forward to the stargazing option and I typically sleep cooler. Thanks for all of your time and help! Have your friend make more knives. A lot of us would like to have them! I found a comprable 1. Have him add a bottle opener and a can opener, that would be amazing. Cheers!
For years I used an REI Expedition two walled tent (still have it and am planning on doing a review). Had a lot of great miles on it. It sagged when wet, soaked up a bunch of water, the bottom got holes in it, and it weighed 8 lbs. Ripstop nylon. Do I regret a second of it? No. Am I supremely happy with my Zpacks Triplex as the new go to tent. Yes.
Dixie as usual your reviews are the best. These are two very different pieces of kit with wildly different costs. You, as always, lay it all out clearly.
Get the best you can afford and just get out and enjoy it.
Brand new here. Appreciate ALL your videos Dixie. Thanks for taking the time to do them. They are great for newbs like me and all the comments/ discussions over what to use is helpful too. Keep doing what you do.
Great video Dixie. I am 60 years old, and prone to portliness. I have a titanium hip (ultralight!, lol) that is a year old, and a few years ago started backpacking again, to have a healthy hobby again, and one that would get me back outdoors. You touched on this in your video, and I would like to just relate how lightening my backpack has given me new found freedom. I went from a fine Kelty backpack that served me well for years, but weighed 6 pounds, my old NorthFace Manatee 5 degree sleeping bag that weighed 6.5 pounds (and was huge-making the large pack necessary), and my North Face Bullfrog 3-man tent weighed 5.5 pounds. 18 pounds for the Big Three. I wondered if I could really go any distance with a 30-40 pound pack. It was not easy. Miles were short, and pain was long.
Now my ZPacks ArcBlast (25oz as I have it configued) my Enlightened Equipment 10 degree quilt at 26oz (40 degree quilt at 15oz for nicer weather trips) and my Duplex at about 24oz with stakes brought my Big Three down to under 6 pounds, a saving of 12+ pounds. Other Dyneema and titanium gear, (and less fears) have gotten my total base-weight down to 11 pounds for a weekend trip in nice temps for a weekend/4 day trip. I can keep the whole thing below 20 pounds with food and water on many trips.
I just returned from a 4 day trip to the Red River Gorge and had a blast. The loss of weight on my back has allowed me to take up a hobby I thought I had lost the ability to do. Whats that worth? $400 bucks is cheap over the life of a tent, or any piece of quality gear you ever purchase that you will use and depend on. My Grandpa said, "Buy quality, you'll only cry once." And he was right.
Love your videos. Take some shorter trips and bring us along with your camera. I'd love to run into you on the trail in the Red River Gorge like I have a couple other CZcams hiking folks.
I enjoyed your review of these weight vs. cost issues. I just bought a ZPack ARC Pack & Duplex Tent for the very reason you point out. I am 67 and have been section hiking the AT a week each year since the ‘90’s. The 4 lbs. this new gear shaves off of my load has become the difference between me being able to finish the last 200 miles of the AT with or without tearing myself up. I have tarped, solo tented (Mtn Hardware) and, for the past many years, hammocked (Hennessy) ... and I am really looking forward to luxury of a two person tent at half the weight. One thing I would also note is the value of the reliability of, and confidence in, ones gear. With the obvious quality of both materials and construction of the ZPack, this is a huge factor for me.
I have the River Rock 2.2 for my hike in May and yes it is a little heavy but I am new at the hiking world ! I have sealed it and used it a few time on the weekend and really love it so far !! At 60 bucks with poles I couldn’t pass the deal up !! But we will see what I think when I start using it a lot !! Happy and safe hiking !! ✌🏻✌🏻
"Mature" love it, thank you for being nice... for me once I was diagnosed with Addison's Disease and told I could no longer do the things I love. I found ways to make it easier on my body. Everything adds up, especially since now I have to carry medical items I did not before, emergency injection kit, etc. I totally enjoy my backpacking trips more now carrying less weight. This means longer and harder trips for me. Now I am the one feeling great at the end of the day while others are exhausted. Thank you for great video's.
I have both a ZPacks tent and two of the Lanshan 2 for when I go out with my family. Both work great. I did a setup and overview video a while back of the Lanshan 2 and the interest in that tent is huge! For the price, it’s hard to beat and mine have been flawless so far. Looks like you might have a couple of the guylines not quite the way they intended but getting those sorted isn’t too hard and wil make it even easier to setup. Thanks for sharing your perspective!
I recently bought the Z-Packs Altaplex with the plan to hike the AT in 2029 when I will be 62yrs old knowing it will last that long and serve me well. I’m hiking the Ouachita trail in Arkansas in January 2021 and will be giving it a good workout! Great review! To me the cost is worth the quality and low weight!
I just got my Lanshan 2 ($140 on amazon) recently and have camped in it twice, was bunking with my hiking partner in her tent prior too..have been practicing putting it up and taking down..it's quite easy to do now..getting ready for my section hike .. found this tent to be pretty reliable so far, but haven't been in the rain yet still waiting for that to happen :P..thank you Dixie for your informative blog have enjoyed following you and the information that you have provided for this old gal getting back into camping and hiking..
Excellent video as always Dixie! Been waiting for your review of these for a while now. You certainly helped me validate the decision I made. Happy trails!
Your comments regarding importance of weight for older backpackers is spot on I dealt with a fairly heavy pack until I was in my 60s and then started trimming weight.
I really like the way you do your comparisons. You don't show bias. You state the pros and cons and didn't forget that each hikers have different resources and preferences. You recognized that it's still our decision which to choose.
That 'mature' analogy is pretty spot on. About 5 years ago, I had to shift to carbon fiber bicycle just to shave off almost 10lbs on the bike. And the shift wasn't about trying new trend or technology but because my 45yo knees couldn't enjoy doing those long rides on my 7yo 32lbs bike anymore.
I loved that you mentioned the Chinese may not understand English instructions of 'western' products. I often hear a lot of non-Chinese complaining that Chinese products came with Chinese instructions (or none) and to be honest, they just sound entitled. I mean what are they expecting, they're buying products intended for the Chinese. A lot of folks go cheap & want caviar & champagne. You, on the other hand, you got the proper perspective.
Great points! You can’t go wrong either way. I’m older now and have invested in a quite a few shelters over the years. The three things I love most about the Duplex is the tight pitch, weight savings, and the fact that it doesn’t hold water like silnylon.
Great job as always! My first backpacking trip was the PCT back when my base weight was about 30 lbs. Learned a lot really quickly and survived.
I have the Lanshan 1 and used it 150 miles on Colorado trail. It has worked well. I just ordered the Zpack tent after saving up for it the past year. The Lanshan has served me well I just decided to try the Zpack to to lighten my load since doing over 300 miles this year on the Colorado trail. I am looking forward to see how they compare for myself. Thanks for doing this video.
Two or 3 years ago I bought my first piece of 3F UL Gear, a silnylon oversized poncho/shelter for $15. It has turned out to be great. Just as good as my Golight poncho/shelter that cost a lot more.
Now, I have several items of 3F UL Gear and am happy to be a customer of theirs.
We live in the _now,_ not the 1950s when only _Made in USA_ or European made items were high quality.
I was just discussing this the other day with someone on your channel. Thanks for doing the comparison!
Thank your for your video. Being one of the more "mature" generation of adventurers with multiple vertabrae damage plus wear and tear and arthritis in many of my joints, even for mostly overnight/short term expeditions weight is a premium consideration. If I want to star gaze I usually just sleep on a ground cloth unless I'm really "bugged". Oh, I use either a duplex or a tarp as a shelter for backpacking. Sometimes comfort is king.
I appreciated the mention of the "mature" hiker needs. I am at the point (73) where joints and muscle just are not what they were once upon a time. My normal pack (Gregory) checked in at 6 pounds plus a 4-5 pound one person tent. Recently I have lusted after the ultra light products and the Z stuff is well represented. The Solplex cost about one months social security check! To have the opportunity to hit the trail again overnight or thru hike is a wonderful option.
Dix, all I got to say is; “next witness” please. Great debate, argument and/or simple presentation of fact! Good objective facts presented here. This is from someone that has been hiking and climbing for too long.
Timothy Mason Thank you!
We have 3 kids so this gives us an affordable option with three Lanshan 2 tents!!! We hope to give it a good effort for our adventure to try overnight hiking. I am so glad someone made a lighter double walled tent! Somuch lighter than my trusty 3 person Eureka. I tested itat the local state park in a very strong rain and those two tie out points hadthevery smallest trickle as it wicked thru the stitches. I will seal those and look forward to get a chance to try it out again!
Hi Dixie, I just watched this video again after a year. You got it right with us older folks. My wife and I are in our 60s and on our last hike our joints let us know. I have a Zpacks Free Duo on the way. By switching out our two solo tents for the Duo, we'll drop 4lbs.
I'm not a camper or overnight hiker, but I love Dixie's videos. I'm avid mountain biker. A group of my friends talk about "value" all the time when it comes to the price of Mountain bikes. My current Ibis Mojo HD3 cost me close to $6K (3 years ago) where as my 20 year Ford Expedition with 160K miles (new tires and brakes) would sell for less than $2K.
i own the lanshan 1. i consider myself an active weekend / section hiker spending on average 50-70 nights a year on the trail. very happy with it's performance so far. you made some valid points in this video although the 2 tents are not really comparable and the lanshan is much closer in design to some SMD offerings
I love the rain drumming on the tent.
Almost 200k subscribers? Dang I remember when you had less than 1k! Way to go!!
Thanks for the review. I have a Duplex w/flexpoles and went backpacking with a friend with a new 2-person Lanshan. You didn't mention it, but the Lanshan has reflective bands in the tie-outs and all the cordage has reflective striping. The tent really lit up at night in our headlamps. As you noted, the Lanshan seems to have a more fragile floor and for peace of mind one needs to bring a footprint with its extra weight. My friend's Lanshan had a nice entertainment system, too. The overhead flat screen TV was a wonderful diversion at night. I want to mention that Zpacks has stood behind their products for me. They replaced my Duplex without charge no questions asked after about 18 months of ownership, so that brings the average price to $300 per Duplex for me. :)
One of the few things my old man managed to beat into my head was to buy the best tools you can afford. For a backpacker, a tent and a pack are their two major tools that get used constantly. A good tool brings pleasure to your life. If the best tool you can afford is the Lanshan, so be it, it sounds like it will do OK for you. If you're serious and can afford a better tent, go for it. I just spent $700 for a mixer, I never thought that would happen, but when my most recent Kitchenaid died I decided to bet the best I could find and bought an Ankersum, made in Sweden since 1939, and it is indeed a pleasure to use and I suspect someday my grandkids will be using it. Worth every penny to me.
Expensive doesnt always mean "best tool." The performance of more expensive tent in this instance is minimal in relation to the cost. The Zpacks tent is probably a $300 tent at best. Spending more on the Zpacks would be just an exercise in taking an extra $300 out of your pocket and giving it to someone else.
Hello Dixie, thank you for your fine review. You always do a great job in presenting the products. 🤗
Love your gear reviews and product appraisals. In depth and informative.
Lanshan...Zpacks. Zpacks...Lanshan?? These choices are making me cwazy! -I'm already too tents.
I own both the Lanshan 1 and Lanshan 2 and have used both a ton. I think they are great. Seam sealed both. I'm also a huge fan of ZPacks and their products. I'm 6'2", so the sizing on the inside of the Lanshan was noticeable enough that I chose to modify both the 1 & 2. I noticed the bug net sags a little inside because each of the plastic ring attachments that hold the net to the rain fly are 1.75 inches long, which adds up. I realized that if I reduced this length by at least an 1" on all connections excluding the top, I could increase the tension of the net and make it a little roomier inside. So I carefully took out the double hook rings on all the connection points (except the top), and just used the remaining single ring. Worked great so far and increased the tension on the inside which has indeed made it roomier. If you guys want to know how I did it, I could explain in more detail.
Thx for adding the review on dog son in tent. I dont go anywhere without my dog partner(SD) and knowing how comfortable the tents are with a dog along can be a deciding factor for me.
You're hiking the Camino Santiago this fall?? Me too! :D You have inspired me a lot to go hiking Dixie, thank you!
I used the lanshan 2 last year and will again this year. I'm 6'1" and had plenty of room. One night it rained and the guys I was with had bad condensation problems. I had no condensation problems whatsoever with the lanshan. As far as the zpacks being a bit lighter, an extra pound of weight on my frame is no problem.
Very useful stuff Jessica, thanks. I have the even lighter 3F UL solo tent ( looks like the Big Sky Wisp ) at 680 grams and it's excellent. From tomorrow I 'll be using the HMG Dirigo 2 which i hope will become my go too option for solo and and two up backpacking most of the year, will post a video soon to follow up on my vids on the 3F UL. Atb and happy camping. Andrew
I did the exact same thing with Naturehike vs Big Agnus. I spent around $100 instead of $300-$400 (CDN $). I shared the same mindset with you, if I didn’t continue hiking then I was only out $100. I ended up buying a second Naturehike to fit a second person when needed. So far no complaints! I’ve been through thunderstorms and used the larger one in snow for winter camping. Everything was hunky dory. 👍
What a great balanced and info-packed review! Thank you very much. You just got another fan X
Did the SWCP 630 (UK) with the Lanshan 1... absolutely loved it, no leaks, no tears, withstood 25mph wind although it was shaking as its a trekking pole tent... also have the same problem as you with the front Guyline... done over 1000 miles with her now and still dont have a clue lol
Thanks for the comparison video! I am a newbie, just gearing up to do some hiking, so $500 - $600 for a tent is just not practical at this stage. I would have to live in it because my wife would kick me out of the house. After considerable comparison research for a tent that's lighter than my 5lb Eureka, I just purchased the Lanshan 2 with the brand name MIER on it from Amazon for $129. Could get it for less from AliExpress but shipping time would be much longer. Got the MIER in 2 days with Prime. It's the Lanshan 2 though, it even says MIER / Lanshan 2 on the stuff sack. I haven't taken it on a hike yet but I set it up right away to check it out and I am very impressed with the quality and detail. If the Chinese start working with Dyneema in the near future, Zpacks and Hyperlite will have some serious competition. I also plan to hammock camp whenever possible so the tent is more of an alternative when there's no practical way to hang a hammock, which is common in AZ where I live. Great video as always! It seemed a bit biased toward the Zpacks but that's understandable since it's been a tried an true tent for you for multiple through hikes. If/when I get to that level of hiking I could maybe justify the cost. I'm sorry though, I think Zpacks and others are capitalizing on the exclusivity of the Dyneema material and being a bit greedy. When the material becomes more common, the prices will come down. Thanks, hope you do a review on the Lanshan 2 soon!
Great video. I really enjoy your videos. For my money, the answer is neither of these tents. I think the Dan Durston x-mid 2p or 1p is the better choice, especially over the lanshan. It's double walled, good abrasion resistance, has more space, and is 38oz for the 2p. However, I am not thru hiking, if I were I might consider dealing with a single wall. But probably not.
It’s expensive because they can make it that expensive. Not because it’s that much better in value or quality. Brand name profiting rather than giving customers value.
I've researched tent reviews on Amazon numerous times. You'd be surprised how many 2-person tents get 4 star ratings despite costing under $75.
Just finished my AT thru hike 2 weeks ago and carried the Lanshan 2 the entire 2200 miles. Used it maybe 15 times the entire trek as I was a shelter rat. Just couldn't beat the convenience of staying dry every night without having to spend the time and effort to setup the tent every night. Never regretted carrying the extra 18 ounces vs. a duplex and I could spend the $500 savings elsewhere on better gear or in towns. Just my $0.02, but 1 pound off my back isn't worth $500 less in the wallet especially considering I haven't made a dime since I quit my job to hike the AT 6 months ago. I put it through the wringer in all types of weather and never once punctured the bottom and I didn't carry the footprint, you just have to be careful with it as you would with any other tent. 10/10 would carry this on the PCT.
Good discussion of differences. You are going to take some swipes from both camps as there a few true believers on both. If I was a thru-hiker, I would so be all about Zpacks or Hyperlite gear. If I was just a 10-14 bag night a year hiker Lanshan might look great. Right now I am in that Big Agnes and Tarp Tent middle ground. When I go fast-n-light, three season in the Central Rockies, I go with my bivy sacks, now a OR Highlander, and a micro tarp (6x8). I am definitely looking at a Dyneema tarp that is 8x10 for my weather concerns. Having a tarp to cook under, change out, stir around under on bad days or just get out of the sun when cycling....my other passion is priceless. My winter tent (WY-MT) is a Black Diamond Firstlight with vestibule add-on, about the same price retail as a Duplex. Great points about age and UL gear. I am 66 and no way could I manage a day on the trail today with the great gear state of the art I had 40 years ago. I am averaging 35-45 bag nights a year for the last 10 years.
I use the Lanshan 2 on week-long section hikes. I’ve had it for a year, and it’s been just fine. I seam-sealed, and it’s been through a few serious storms and stayed bone dry. I do use a ground cloth. I’m glad I went the cheaper route as a beginner and a late-in-lifer because my body hasn’t quite kept up with my ambition. This is plenty of tent for where I’m at.
I have the Lanshan 2 Person tent and love it. It is just for me. I only use two person tents so I can have room for my bag and get to stretch out. I could not bring myself to pay 500+ for a zpack. Mine was right at $100 when I bought it a year ago. The first time I used it was during a really bad thunderstorm and it did great. I did have to find a video online to figure out how to set it up and there is a bit of a learning curve. I use a piece of Tyvek for a ground cloth. All in all a great buy, in my opinion.
Love your videos don't know if I'll get back into hiking or trekking but stay save and see you on the trail
This was a very helpful video. I now have a substitute to consider over the Plexamid.. thanks Dixie!
A company that sells $600 tents and no customer service phone number? Yeah right....
You don’t have to pay retail for dyneema gear. I got a Zpacks Solplex and Arc Blast in great condition from online gear swaps and eBay. I paid about half price for gear that has a lot of life left. So, check eBay, Craigslist, and online forums for used gear!
Dixie, I really noticed an upgrade in video quality and editing on this one. Good job!
Nice side by side. Way to stay objective and give a straight up comparison. I've looked at the Lanshan 2 just because I'm a hammock guy and want a lighter tent for the times I need to go to ground. On the other hand I'm looking to get a DCF tarp for my hammock setup mostly due to the water shedding ability of the fabric. My silpoly tarp is tough but it does soak up water after a night of rain.
With planning a thru hike I don't want to carry any water with me that I'm not going to be drinking lol.
I am one of those more mature hikers and I look at the ZPack Duplex tent that I use allowing me to hike longer and farther and it fulfills my need the best one need being space for gear. I also use a ZPack backpack. I have amaze some other not so young backpackers even though they are younger than myself, with my over all weight of my backpack. I can be close to 30lb for the long food supply routes and close to the 20lb weight for those short days. The older backpackers remember when 40+lbs were the norm for them so the weight, quality, and performance are key to me for having an enjoyable time on the trail.
Just for your info your videos got me out of my cubicle onto the trail.
Thanks Dixie and commentors too! I have the lashan 2 but haven't used it yet...I now feel confident to use it now and will be shaving 2.5 lbs off my weight on my next weekend warrior hike!
Very helpful Dixie! Thankyou for sharing!
Great analysis. I have the Lanshan 1 and Lanshan 2 and like them both a lot. But I've never thought the Zpacks tents are over-priced by comparison: the more I study the differences, the more I think I'll get something like a Duplex eventually. The differences all add up: the much lighter materials, simpler set up, lack of water absorption, increased room etc easily justify the price in my mind, but then I hate carrying weight and I like the idea that I can be comfortable if I decide to stay in a tent all day when it rains.
Much as I appreciate my Lanshan 1 for overnighters, I'd hate to spend a rainy day in it. You make it look a decent size when you are in it, but with me it's more like I'm wearing it as a mosquito head net:) Well okay, it's more like a luxury bivy bag, but for me it's definitely no more than a means to sleep while keeping the elements off.
Very helpful and informative product comparison. Thank you.
This was a great idea for a video, I learned a lot! Thanks Dixie 😃
I own a 3F Lanshan tent and I love it. I do use a ground cloth and I think that is a must with this tent as the floor is thin. Other than that, I'm very happy with it and I appreciate the cost savings.
Thanks, Dixie! I am thru hiking the AT next year & I'm section hiking this year to train. I've ordered the Lanshan 2 (not yet received) for my training this year and then I will decide whether to step up to Dyneema for the thru or keep using the Lanshan. I enjoyed hearing your perspective on the two. Thanks for the great video 😊
I would love to hear how the 3F works for you on the AT!!! I think that I would get the zpacks for an AT through hike especially for the waterproofness and consider the Lanshan 2 best for section hikes.
@@janetstarr9554 I do see your point there. I have 8 section hikes of 4-6 days each on my calendar from now til December. I live in GA, my family is in MD and my hikes are points in between (and possibly one way north if I can swing it). I think by then I'll have a more than fair idea of how the Lanshan is gonna perform....especially in the GA & NC rain 😂 My thru hike is a flip flop starting in Harper's Ferry in April 2020...so if I have to buy a new tent after sectioning, I'll still have 4 months to try it out as well. I actually could have afforded the Z-packs (been saving every penny of my money for the hike lol) but I was very curious about the Lanshan. I'll be glad to let you know! Just realized I wrote an essay...oops 😂 sorry, I'm excited.
@@normarinker3245 yay! So glad for your hikes! Will love to hear how it goes!
We went on a 10 day hike in northern Sweden (high winds, heavy rain every day, no tree cover etc.). We had three tents with us: the Duplex, the Lanshan 2 and the SMD Haven.
All three held up fine, were usable but a little crowded for 2 ppl each.
The Lanshan worked great, we had no issues with it at all. Ill go with the Duplex any day of the week but for those from our group who dont do several longer hikes per year, the 3F UL made more sense.
I'd be comfortable taking the Lanshan on thru hikes, as long as I know I can get to a town relatively quickly or at least there are other people on the trail.
I have the 3F Lanshan 2 and I really like it, especially when it's nice out at night and I can leave the fly off of it. I did seam seal mine immediately when I got it just in case. The only issue I have had is the 1st time i put it up, i put the trekking poles through the loops on the ground that is attached at the bottom, which then made the floor flat on the ground rather than it being higher up as a bathtub floor is. It's not a big deal at all, well......until you go to bed with it raining and it got to raining hard. Well i woke up and reached for something and got soaked. Water was covering 75% of the floor and got everything soaked. But that's user error. Now I unscrew the baskets and slide the stretch black loop at the base on the pole then screw the basket back on which then causes the baskets to hold up the bottom of the tent like a bathtub floor does. It's a great tent for someone on a budget or a beginner for sure! It won't compare to Dyneema at all but it's still a great tent.
Dixie, i love your critical analyses and deeply appreciate your thorough attention to detail, as you did here. Such a gift! Thank you!
Thank you for the in depth and comprehensive review. You did cover a lot (as always 😋)
Everything is relative to what you want, need, and expect.... which is the point you made! Thanks for posting this video!
Thanks for the review and things to compare. Very helpful to think about it gear spend in terms of cost per night. Definitely gives you something to think about if you are only doing hiking/camping a few days or weeks at a time vs. thru hiking.
Came here because of curiosity of the tents mentioned in your giveaway haha! Thanks for being another useful channel in my wife's and mine arsenal of appropriate hiking and camping utilities
I seen you and your mom in the desert so I thought you lived out west. Until I heard you talking y'all 😃😃. Yep you must be a good ole southern girl. Great review. I like seeing the rain test. To me staying dry at night is my main concern. Thanks for these reveiws. Like the dog love her colors. She's marked up real pretty. Looks like she might have a little bulldog in her.
Would you consider a video setting up your zpacks tent and a nylon tent during a rain storm and use a luggage scale hook the following day to see just how much additional water weight each takes on? Might make an interesting comparison video 🤷♀️. Love watching your channel!!
As family hiker/backpackers, we always have to consider price first. We tend to rock the Ozark trail brand for everything. One day we may individually upgrade. But until then, I appreciate you reviewing some cheaper options for those of us who just can't invest as much into better products. All that said, I'd always rather have American made if I could afford to choose. I think it's important to support 'locally' whenever possible, whatever country (and even town) you're from. Thanks Dixie for a great review 👍
I used the landshan 1 pro on my Florida trail hike...it held up great. I didn't have snow (no brainer) but I did have heavy frost where the temperature dropped below 28 degrees fahrenheit. I actually liked it and am thinking about doing a section of the AT with it this coming May.
My original thoughts were...if it holds up at least 2 months and I have to replace it a couple of times...it is still cheaper than a Zp. I did set it up, brushed sealant on the seams, and let it sit for a couple of days in my yard before I took it anywhere, (a 2 day test) and it rained heavily on night 2 but it held up well. The first leg of the Florida trail going from north to south is a stretch starting in Pensacola beach.. really windy. I was worried about it tearing and worried about the stitching but it held up fine. The Crestview/Eglin AFB stretch was just rain nearly every evening..I did have to hang my tent to dry once on this trip..not from leaks but condensation..it was a very bad night the night before..rainy, and so humid you could see your breath fog coming out of your mouth and it was really warm..60 or better..with all of that the moisture built up. I didn't have a puddle in the tent but over time moisture just hung and coated the inside of the tent..it cleared up and became sunny the next day so even without puddles, I decided to hang it and let it dry. I used this tent hard for the Florida trail..the only fault that I really have is the floor being a little too thin for the open sawgrass areas around Ocala. Never developed a hole or punch thru but definitely get something as a footprint for underneath..I used tyvek but I really would have felt more comfortable with something a little thicker. I kept expecting a punch thru the floor and so I was extremely careful during that stretch... anyway, long story shorter..I was happy with it for what I paid.. and will use it again... maybe the AT as I'm a combat injured vet who's always hiking on a budget. My joy isn't in the equipment but the journey so I do my own thing..Hope this helps
I have learned more from your videos than anything I have before. Who knew that Dyneema was that strong, and what a good comparison you did, thank you.
Hehe spider webs are stronger per pound than steel, but they'd make a crappy tent. That said, I recently bought a Tarptent made of Dyneema. :)
Thank you as always for this work. Very even-handed and objective presentation of information.
as usual, the best reviews I've seen TY
Love the way you compare the tents and price comparisons. I would buy the Pleximid just because it had a proven track record for Long distance hiking.
I used my Lanshan 2 on JMT & many other trails for over a year. Love it. Did 2 reviews on my channel. Actually bought a second one. I'm a Zpacks fan & own a Archaul & live by the factory. Due to price I am going to stick with Lanshan 2 but the weight of plexamid is tempting. Thanks Dixie.
I took the Lanshan on the UK Coast to Coast last year over two weeks. Didn't camp every night but for the 5 or 6 I did I had zero problems. It's a bit cramped - you wouldn't want to 'camp' in it, but for a quick put up, food, sleep, breakfast & move on it's pretty solid.
Great in-depth info. I've used a few 3F tents and have had no issues
Zpacks quality is sub par compared to HMG & Tarptent. If i'm gonna spend $600 on a tent i'd rather spend the extra $100 and get a better quality tent. The 2 zpacks Duplex's I've seen leave a lot to be desired in workmanship IMO
Great video i love the budget friendly review helps give people less expensive item ideas to get out there and hike
Another positive for the 3F 2. Sub 1kg. Took the chance and love it. I'm mainly a 2-5 day tripper and its a solid 3 season tent with some features of more expensive tents. The side guy rope is a bit different but once worked out is clever. Thanks for reviewing reasonably priced gear dixie.. Cheerd
They definitely both have their place for different people. I'll probably be in the market for a Z-Packs tent when my current one gets too ratty but I wish the Lanshan had been around when I was first starting out. $114 for a sub 2lb tent that isn't crap (and is probably pretty good) is a pretty affordable entry point into UL gear. The first "backpacking" tent I bought weighed 5lbs+ and cost ~$150. Cutting 3.5 lbs from that single piece of gear would've definitely made those trips much more enjoyable.
Very good comparison. Thanks 👍
I used canvas, when I was a boy. It soaked up rain like a cotton towel. We tried the oil/wax...heavy, like rain. Nylon was a wonderful new invention until silnylon came along. Both still soak up the rain. There are sprays to make them soak up less water. Then comes cuben fiber/dyneema, strong, doesn’t soak up water...expensive. Over the years I’ve paid the price. If I’m out for just a few days, I go truck camping, with a cot, a cheap tarp, and a table and a chainsaw. If I’m out for a while and have to carry it all on my back, I go light, as light as I can afford. Thanks for your nice discussion, Dixie. Texas
Love how you pointed out the cost each night you are paying by sleeping in it! Great break down review thank you!
Dude ur awesome wanted u or someone to do this video comparing these and ya did excellent
Just feel ya give to much credit to cubin fiber.....it's better in wind...but it's louder in wind and rain....double walled tent is always better in rain then single wall tent as general rule ....I'm thru hiking the jmt in August will see how the lanshan holds up ... maybe I'll end up wrong...will see haha
Great review video, Dixie. Weight and material seem to be the big difference (and thus price). How much does 14 oz make on a thru hike? That's up to the individual. Dyneema is pretty cool.