Zpacks has added a new model to its ultralight Dyneema tent line, the Plex Solo Pro, which aims to combine featherweight packability with a few convenience upgrades over the company’s existing Plex Solo Classic.
Design tweaks focus on ventilation and weather protection
The Pro differs from the Classic mainly in its zipper system. Instead of the Classic’s single arched door zipper, the Pro uses a split-L design with a central zipper and two lower zippers that run most of the length of the floor. This creates two triangular doors that can be rolled up and secured with magnetic toggles, allowing users to adjust airflow for hot, stagnant, or variable conditions.
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Both tents retain a hybrid single/double-wall construction: the inner mesh is sewn directly to the Dyneema waterproof shell, offering better ventilation than a full single-wall design while staying lighter than a fully removable rainfly. An additional vent at the top of the outer zipper further improves airflow.
The storm door on the Pro adds a center zipper that can be closed for a tighter seal. The Classic relies on an overlapping flap that must be staked to stay in place, which saves weight but can feel finicky in a hurry. With the Pro, a quick zip can shut the tent against an approaching storm and also create a small vestibule when the doors are staked out.
Weight, dimensions, and accessories
Base weight for the Plex Solo Pro is listed at 13.2 oz (374 g), a few grams heavier than the Classic’s 12.3 oz (348 g) claim of being the lightest full-featured one-person tent. Even with the added zipper system, the Pro stays comfortably under the one-pound (453 g) threshold.
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From a broader perspective, the Pro’s incremental weight increase mirrors a common trend in ultralight gear: manufacturers often trade a few grams for added functionality that can make a real difference on long trips. In previous generations, similar trade‑offs—such as adding a vestibule or a more robust pole—have been well‑received because they reduce the need for additional accessories in the field.
The Pro is marketed toward backpackers who are around six feet tall or shorter and who value a balance between ultra‑light weight and practical features like adjustable doors and a zip‑closed storm flap. Zpacks announced the product late last month, following the recent release of its 2.5‑oz camp shoes.
