fastfoxengineeringwrote:
>Durability. I've used and abused alot of DCF gear over the past few years. I'm now on the side of MLD, Yama, and HMG's mindset towards DCF gear. I know there are plenty of .51 shelters out there with a >decent amount of miles on it. However, I prefer .75DCF by a long shot. It's a much bomber shelter for a minuscule weight penalty. I use my gear alot in inclement weather so I'm willing to carry the extra >ounce for the durability and storm worthiness.
>I much prefer .75 over .51 shelters. My old .51 shelters were "delicate". Functional but delicate. My .75 shelters just seem that much sturdier in all conditions. I know you can go to .74 for their tents but it >just doesn't seem right to me. The mediocre stitching and lack of reinforcements just don't install confidence to me anymore. Once you setup an MLD Solomid... You realize what a true ultralight "bomber" >shelter is. I trust a solo mid in a gnarly storm over any ZPacks design. To me Zpacks tents are for mild weather. I know.. they get carried on the triple crown trails. That doesn't prove much though >seeming you can go the whole PCT with setting your tent up a dozen times. Serious weather and your gonna feel it in a Zpacks tent.
>Stuff Sacks. Simply put 0.51 DCF stuff sacks do not last. Honestly, DCF stuff sacks don't last in general. DCF is a bad choice for a stuff sack. Just the abrasion of taking it in/out of your pack will degrade it >quickly. You'll notice MLD uses Silnylon for all his stuff sacks, including DCF shelters for this reason. I agree.
I agreed with your thinking, and my first Soloplex was 0.75 mil. It had a tragic death after 3 full seasons (after minor repair it probably would have lasted a fourth but more likely would have been a backup for many years). I then bought the "standard" .51 mil Soloplex to 1) save money, 2) save weight, 3) it rolls up and fits in the stuff sack easier. The second Soloplex is in good shape after 2 seasons and should last a third season (The zipper has stuck twice recently; Does anyone know if Zpacks has good customer service for repairs?) I should get a Duoplex for backup and then maybe save the now discontinued Soloplex for faster hikes. I need two stuff sacks for three seasons. About the same frequency for their much heavier food bag. So, it seems you are piling on due to a defect and POOR CUSTOMER SERVICE. I cannot say I have had great customer service. They are so popular now, I just assumed they were out buying convertibles for their mistresses (or maybe still hiking).