Zpacks Free Zip 2P Review: a Freestanding Ultralight Tent Made in the USA

Last Updated on 23 September 2024 by Cycloscope

Lightweight, durable, and easy to set up, the Zpacks Free Zip 2P tent excels in challenging terrains, offering great packability for cyclists and backpackers alike

We spent a summer in Sicily and needed a tent that was cool and durable. The hard ground, thorny plants, and sharp lava stones near Mount Etna (pictured above) presented a real challenge, making it essential to have a sturdy shelter. Luckily for this review, shortly after receiving the tent, we also received the first real storm in over a year and were thus able to test the tent in different conditions.

For us who travel almost exclusively by bicycle, we often camp on challenging surfaces such as concrete, rocks, or sand, so a freestanding tent is crucial for us. Also, of course, packability and weight is very important.

Construction & Materials

The Zpacks Free Zip 2P is made of advanced bio-based Dyneema® fiber technology, which is crafted from renewable, bio-based materials. This innovative fiber represents the first-ever bio-based ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (HMPE) fiber on the market. The tent floor material is made with a membrane that is more than twice as thick as our canopy material. It is more puncture and abrasion-resistant.

This material is well-known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio, allowing you to carry a robust shelter without the bulk, which is a significant advantage for those mindful of pack weight. According to the official website, it is “A fiber that’s 15 times stronger than steel, yet light enough to float on water“.

Composite fabric material can easily be repaired in the field with the included repair tape if it gets punctured. You can add a groundsheet to be more safe.

Setup

Setting up the tent is straightforward. You start by inserting the tent poles into the designated rings located at the corners, creating an “X” shape ensuring that the tips at the peaks are crossed. This crisscrossing at the peak is essential for keeping the tent fully extended. Once the poles are secured, you can clip the exterior wall clips to shape the tent into a rectangle.

On both sides, take the two hooks located in the middle of the tent wall and secure them to the outermost pole where the two poles intersect to create the “X.” This will provide additional support to the lower pole.

If weather conditions require, stake down the storm doors, side walls, and corners for added stability. In strong winds, use all ten stakes to ensure the tent remains secure.
Unfortunately, stakes are not included. Zpacks sells different types of stakes, they are quite cheap, we have chosen the 6.5″ Titanium V Stake, you will need 10 of them.

For the storm doors, any of the four can be clipped down or rolled up independently. You can clip them to the front center guylines or roll them up based on the weather. It’s advisable to keep at least one downwind door open for ventilation unless conditions are extremely poor.

As for seam sealing, all Zpacks shelters come with taped seams and bonded tie-outs, eliminating the need for additional sealing.

Zpacks Free Zip 2P – Test Under Rain and Wind

Dyneema fabric is naturally waterproof, so you won’t need a separate rain fly, which simplifies the setup process and reduces overall weight.

We tested the tent during a fairly strong thunderstorm. The interior remained completely dry, and we didn’t experience any condensation, but if those conditions had lasted the entire night, some condensation would probably have been normal, especially with two people sleeping inside.

Transparency + Colors Available

The Zpack is available in Blue, Olive Drab, and White. We tried the last two colors and I have to say they are quite transparent, especially when exposed to the sun. There are pros and cons to that. Yes, you see the sky at night, but also the sun in the morning.

Also, if you are alone in nature it is fine but if you are at a campsite everybody can see inside your tent during the day. I might add, that when we cycled Africa, I would not want to have a tent that wild animals could see inside… So, if you mind your privacy a bit more or you are camping in hyena land, go for the blue version.

Also, the weight of the Zpacks Free Zip 2P tent depends on the color you choose. The blue and olive drab options are approximately 2 ounces lighter than the spruce green and burnt orange options.

Freestanding

The Zpacks Free Zip 2P tent features a freestanding design supported by four carbon fiber poles that create two X shapes, forming a clamshell structure. In calm weather, you technically don’t need to stake it down at all. However, it’s worth noting that this setup works best with one person, as the X shapes can tend to want to fold back together, reducing usable space inside for 2 people.

For a more comfortable experience, it’s advisable to stake down all four corners and the doors, requiring a total of six stakes. During storms, you can also attach the included guy lines to both sides of the doors and stake those out, bringing the total to ten stakes.

Inside Room + Vestibule

The minimalist design means that there are fewer internal pockets and storage options compared to more heavy tents, which might make organization a bit of a challenge.

One of the key features contributing to the sturdiness of the Zpacks Free Zip tent is its heavily tensioned concave door design. This structure effectively directs wind and rain away from the tent, reducing flapping and enhancing overall stability during inclement weather.

However, this design does come with a trade-off: the vestibule space is quite limited. While you can easily store your shoes there, it leaves little room for anything else. For many ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers, though, this minimal vestibule is often sufficient, as shoes are typically the only items they need to keep outside the main living area.

The interior of the Zpacks Free Zip 2P tent provides a generous amount of space for solo campers and minimalistic comfort for two. It measures 7 feet in length, with a width of 52 inches at the head and 42 inches at the foot. The peak height reaches 42 inches, offering enough room to sit upright comfortably. While it’s spacious for one person with gear, the tent can feel a bit tight for two people, particularly with wider sleeping pads.

Packability

The combination of carbon fiber poles and a single layer of Dyneema contributes to the ultralightweight nature of this tent.

As you can see in the photo above, the closed Zpack tent takes up very little space. Closing it is very easy and takes 1 minute. The folded poles are also very short, allowing you to place them where it’s most convenient, without needing a large bag, especially if you’re traveling with a minimal bikepacking setup. I actually could fit the tent, poles, pad, and sleeping bag in a 7L bikepacking bag.

When packed, the tent measures only 6 inches wide, and the poles can be compacted down to just 12 inches long, making it easy to fit into your backpack. Weighing in at just 2 pounds, this ultralight tent is incredibly packable, making it an ideal choice for backpackers.

Pro and Cons

Pros

• Lightweight & Packable
• Durable Materials
• Freestanding Design
• Weather-Resistant
• Easy Setup
• Compact Poles

Cons

• Limited Interior Space for Two People
• Minimal Vestibule
• Transparent Fabric for some colors
• Stakes not included
• Few Interior Storage Options

Conclusion

While it’s more expensive than many standard tents, its ultralight design and high-quality construction make it a top choice for serious backpackers and cyclists who prioritize weight savings and packability. The price reflects the use of premium materials and the fact that it is made in the U.S.A.

In conclusion, the Zpacks Free Zip 2P tent proves to be an excellent choice for those who prioritize durability, lightweight packability, and versatility in challenging environments. It delivers strong performance with its advanced Dyneema® fiber construction, easy setup, and freestanding design.

Despite some compromises in interior space and vestibule size, its compact and lightweight nature makes it ideal for minimalist adventurers. For those needing a reliable shelter that withstands the elements while keeping gear light, the Zpacks Free Zip 2P is a standout option.