Altaplex Classic Tent (2024)

Altaplex Classic Tent

$669.00 USD Weight 16.5 oz / 467.0 g

Lead Time Ships in 1-3 Days

Super light and extremely roomy for a 6'2" person! Sets up very quickly and durably minimalistic! In essence perfect!!

– Dan B., ★★★★★

The ideal ultralight tent for hikers up to 6’6”, the Altaplex is the perfect place to wait out the rain on the Appalachian Trail or to recover after a long day of bushwhacking.

Specifically designed for taller backpackers and thru-hikers, this lightweight tent provides ample head and foot room while still easily pitching with a single trekking pole.

A great fit whether you are a triple-crowner or just out for a weekend in the Smokies. This tent is roomy, well-ventilated, packs down small, can be pitched quickly, and can be set up in the tightest of spaces.

An optional flat groundsheet is available for added protection here.

*If your trekking pole does not extend to at least 56" (142cm) you will need one of our Trekking Pole Jacks, 58" Tent Poles, or ourCarbon Fiber Staffto set up this tent.

**Our Plex Solo Tent has a similar design, sized for an average height hiker with a 52" trekking pole. The Altaplex Lite is also available in lighter fabric.

  • Sets up with a single trekking pole adjusted to around 56"-58" (147 cm). If your trekking poles do not extended to 56" (142cm), you can add one of our trekking pole jacks to increase the height or considering using one of our Carbon Fiber Staffsor Tent Poles. 58"poles and staffs may need to be angled a bit to get the perfect pitch. A trekking pole is not included but we have multiple Trekking Pole options to choose from.


  • Sets up with a minimum of 6 stakes but 10 stakes are recommended in windy conditions.Stakes are not included but we have a variety of Ultralight Stakes to choose from.

  • The storm doors can be opened or closed independently. Leave one or two doors open in nice weather for a breeze and great views. Close the upwind door to block cold wind, or close both for 360° rain protection. The overlapping doors are closed with custom made metal hooks, with a toggle at the center to keep them pinned.

  • Overlapping storm doors allow for a small amount of airflow without the need for additional venting. There are no zippers on the doors that could potentially fail over time.

  • A single closed storm door creates enough vestibule space for storing a wet backpack or muddy shoes, if you don't want to bring them into the tent.

  • The screen door has a rainbow zipper which allows easy entry regardless of which storm door is closed. You can access the vestibule area on either side. The screen door conveniently drops inwards rather than hanging in your way. No need to roll it up or secure it.

  • The canopy overhangs the bathtub floor and the screen doors by 4-5 inches (12 cm). In calm rain or under dripping trees the doors can be left open for air flow without water dripping on the floor space. In almost all conditions, at least one downwind door can be left open for air.

  • Stick on Magnet Toggles are also available for those looking to upgrade their storm door closing mechanism.

  • For even better rain protection with a door open, use the included elastic cords to pull the screen door back away from the rain spray as seen in the photo gallery.

  • There is screen between the bathtub floor and the walls around the perimeter. An elastic cord keeps the bathtub elevated, ensuring the screen slopes downwards away from the bathtub. Any condensation, which single wall shelters may experience, will run down the walls and out through the downward sloping screen, rather than onto the floor. Click here for tips to avoid condensation.

  • This tent has a seamless, sewn in 6.75 inch (17 cm) tall bathtub floor. The bathtub floor is a rectangle 40" wide by 90" long (102cm x 2.3m). Plenty of space for a wide sleeping pad with room to stretch out plus space for gear beside you.

  • If you are particularly tall, you might try propping up the side guylines using Trekking Pole Cups for even more headroom.

  • A Mesh pocket is conveniently located near the door so that it can be accessed from inside or outside the tent. It is a good place to store your cell phone, glasses, headlamp, the tent stuff sack, and spare seam tape (included). The pocket is about 8" x 6" (20 cm x 15 cm).

  • A separate groundsheet is not required for this shelter. The floor material is reasonably durable, and allDyneema® Composite Fabric gear can be easily patched in the field with repair tape (included). If you do prefer to use a groundsheet as a precaution,Flat Groundsheetsare available.

  • All of our tents do pretty well in the wind. 60 mph (100 km/h) gusts are no problem. The material can handle high wind loads, and as long as your stakes stay in the ground (use rocks if available) your tent will stay standing. Dyneema® Composite Fabric is not particularly noisy, however almost any tent will make a little noise in the wind. Earplugs are not a bad idea for windy nights.

  • Dyneema Composite Fabric is naturally waterproof and is not treated with any potentially harmful chemicals such as flame retardants or water repellents.

  • All Zpacks gear has a two-year limited warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. Please see our return / warranty policy.

  • Made in the USA.

Weight:

The total weight displayed near the 'add to cart' button shows the weight of the tent including guy lines, sewn in linelocs, and taped seams.

The following items are also shipped with this tent:

  • Medium DCF Stuff Sack - .28 oz (8 g)
  • 54" DCF repair tape strip - .14 oz (4 g)
  • Two spare zipper sliders - .16 oz (4.5 g)
  • Total additional items: .58 oz (16.5 g)

6-10x Stakes are required but are not included. We have a variety of Ultralight Stakes to choose from.

Exterior Dimensions:

Peak height: 56"-58" (147 cm)

Width at center: 52" (132 cm)

Width including vestibules:73" (185 cm)

Vestibule space:24" (61 cm)

Length: 100" (254 cm)

Interior Dimensions:

Peak height: 56"-58" (147 cm)

Floor width:40" (102 cm)

Floor length: 90" (2.3 meters)

Floor Area: 25 square feet (2.3 square meters)

Zipper entry height: 36" (91 cm)

Packed Size:

Rolled Tight: about 4.5" diameter by 11" tall (11.5 cm x 28 cm), 175 cubic inches (2.9L).

Stuff Sack Size: 6" diameter by 12" tall (15 cm x 30.5 cm) Size Medium.

Tents will be about an inch (2.5 cm) larger in diameter and length when rolled casually. The included stuff sack is intentionally large so that you don't have to fight with your tent in the morning. Roll it casually and let it squish flat in your backpack.


  • Our tents are made from Dyneema® Composite Fabric.Dyneema®Composite Fabric has several advantages over other materials:
    • High strength to weight ratio – the material can handle high wind force and does not tear easily.

    • Chemical free, PFC free

    • Waterproof – there is no DWR or coating to worry about wearing out. The material will not absorb significant water that will add water weight to your pack

    • Stretch-free – the tent will stay taut all night. Nylon material by comparison can stretch and sag, especially if it gets wet.

    • Taped seams – our seams are sewn for strength then taped water tight. The tie outs have bonded reinforcements for high strength. No seam sealing will be necessary!

    • Easily repairable – Any damage can easily be fixed in the field with our Dyneema® Composite Fabric Repair Tape.

  • The Altaplex Classic is made with more durable, thicker, darker, .75 oz/sqyd DCF fabric which offers more privacy.

    TheAltaplex Liteis available in our lighter, more transparent material choices, which offer more light.

  • This tent has fully enclosed .67 oz/sqyd (22.7 g/m²) insect screen. The holes in this screen are super tiny, so even the smallest insects cannot get through. Our tent screen is about 30% lighter than comparable Noseeum screen with no noticeable decrease in durability.
  • The bathtub floor is made from 1.0 oz/sqyd Dyneema® Composite Fabric. This material weight is more than twice as thick as the canopy material and is more resistant to abrasion and punctures. It is also easy to patch with tape.
  • Lineloc V adjusters are sewn to all tie outs. Bright yellow 2.0mm Dyneema® Z-Line cord is cut and attached for you. The yellow lines are very easy to see night or day, and Dyneema® has very low stretch.
  • The expected life span of this shelter is at least one full 2500+ mile thru hike, or many years of casual use with some care.
Altaplex Classic Tent (18)

Made with Bio-Based Dyneema® Fiber

Reduce your carbon footprint with bio-based Dyneema® fiber technology. Sourced from renewable, bio-based feedstock, it is the first ever bio-based ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (HMPE) fiber. Commit to sustainability and help reduce our reliance on fossil fuel resources and rely on the trusted performance of the world’s strongest fiber™. Clickhereto learn more about Bio-Based Dyneema®Fiber.

Made in the USA.

Altaplex Classic Tent (19)

.75 oz/sqydDyneema® Composite Fabric

This canopy material has a higher Dyneema®thread count which gives it a higher tear strength relative to our standard .55 oz/sqyd canopy material. Many thru-hikers like this feature for added peace of mind.It is also a bit thicker and darker than the standard weight. It is less transparent and offers more privacy.


Tensile Strength:
104 lb/in (911 N/5cm)

Puncture Strength:
3.1 lb (14 N)

Water Resistance:
20,000 mmH₂O

Made in the USA.

Altaplex Classic Tent (20)

1.0 oz/sqyd Dyneema® Composite Fabric

Our 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 is the standard floor material on most of our tents.


Tensile Strength:
104 lb/in (911 N/5cm)

Puncture Strength:3.5 lb (15.5 N)

Water Resistance:20,000 mmH₂O

Made in the USA.

Altaplex Classic Tent (21)

.67 oz/sqyd Ultralight Nano-Noseeum Insect Netting

Regular "No-see-um" bug netting weighs about 1 oz/sqyd. This ultralight version weighs roughly a third less without a noticeable difference in performance. It has extremely small holes which block even the smallest of insects including mosquitoes, noseeums, etc. Nothing gets through this screen.

Altaplex Instructions

Click here for a printable version.

Cutting Guylines:

Guylines are pre-cut and attached for you. Linelocs are sewn in place for adjusting the lines. If you choose to switch out your lines for a different cord these are the default lengths:

Peaks - Cut 80 inches (203 cm) and tie a stake loop at 18 inches (46 cm). The long end attaches to the tent and the short end attaches to the door hooks.

Side Walls (cut 4x) - 48 inches (122 cm)

Corners (cut 5x) - 24 inches (61 cm).

Setup Instructions:

In windy conditions orient the end of your tent with the overlapping storm door upwind. The Zpacks label at the corner indicates the upwind end of the tent.

Splash-up can occur when camped on hard packed surfaces during heavy rain. Our tall bathtub floor and overhanging canopy helps to keep mud and water from splashing up into your tent, but for best results please choose camp spots on leaves or pine needles when possible. Remove any pointy twigs and sharp objects to protect your tent floor but leave as much rain-dampening cushioning as possible to minimize the potential of splash-up.

  1. Adjust your trekking pole to around 56 to 58 inches (147 cm). If you expect your pole tips to sink into the ground, add a couple inches to compensate.

  2. Give your corner guylines some slack. Stake out all four corner guylines at a 45 degree angle, roughly straight off the corner points.

  3. Insert the trekking pole outside the screen with the handle at the peak and the tip in the ground. Stake the front line.
    • If the peak is too high, tighten the front corner lines. If it is too low, loosen them.

    • The corners of the tent should be about 6-8 inches (18cm) off the ground.

  4. If the walls of the tent aren't smooth, you may need to reposition the corner stakes or adjust the lines tighter.

  5. Stake out thefour wall tie outs.


Storm Doors:

Both of the doors can be clipped down, or rolled up independently.The storm doors can be clipped down to the front center guylines, or rolled up depending on the weather.Leave at least one down-wind door open for air flow unless the weather is very bad.

Seam Sealing:

All Zpacks shelters have taped seams and bonded tie outs! No seam sealing necessary.

Click here for full instructions on how to wash our Dyneema® Composite Fabric tents and tarps.

Altaplex Add-Ons

Neoair Uberlight Sleeping Pad

$199.95

Weight11.7 oz (332 g)

What I love most about this sleeping pad is its light weight, and that it packs up very small. I had to send the first one back because of a leaky valve, but received a replacement very quickly. I love the new valve design - it’s very easy to use, and very efficient.

– Constance D., ★★★★☆

As the absolute lightest insulated air sleeping pad available, the NeoAir UberLite is the top choice for thru hikers and ounce counters, setting a new standard for ultralight comfort. The unrivaled Triangular Core Matrix offers the best warmth-to-weight ratio of any air sleeping pad construction, creating a 2.3 R-value. The construction gives the 2.5 inch (6.4 cm) thick pad superior stability for maximum camp comfort.

The ultralight sleeping pad features the high-performance WingLock valve, allowing the pad to inflate three times faster thanks to a larger opening and one-way inflation. Like all Therm-a-Rest pads, the NeoAir UberLite is made in the USAto ensure quality and minimize environmental impact. The pad includes a breath-saving pump sack, compact stuff sack and field repair kit.

Tired of blowing up your sleeping pad manually? Check out the Flextail Zero Pump.

*Sleeping Pads are non-returnable if they have been removed from the packaging.

AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED STATES ONLY

Neoair Uberlight Sleeping Pad

$199.95 USD

  • Weight

    11.7 oz / 332 g

NeoAir Xlite NXT Sleeping Pad

$199.95

Weight11.5 oz (326 g)

With improved warmth and comfort at no extra weight, the NeoAir XLite NXT solidifies the legacy of its predecessor as the finest ultralight air sleeping pad for year-round backcountry adventures.The refined cutting-edge Triangular Core Matrix™construction technique integrates with the warmth radiating ThermaCapture™ technologyto reduce noise by 83% from the previous model.

At 3-inches thick, with a horizontal baffled structure, the XLite NXT delivers maximum comfort and support at a minimal weight and packed size. Weighing just 12.5 oz (354 g) in the Regular size, and providing a 4-season ready 4.5 R-value, the XLite NXT is the most versatile ultralight sleeping pad on the market and ready to craft better nights under the stars wherever you end up.

Tired of blowing up your sleeping pad manually? Check out the Flextail Zero Pump.

*Sleeping Pads are non-returnable if they have been removed from the packaging.

AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED STATES ONLY

NeoAir Xlite NXT Sleeping Pad

$199.95 USD

  • Weight

    11.5 oz / 326 g

Flextail Zero Pump w/ USB-C Battery

$49.95

Weight1.2 oz (34 g)

The Flextail Zero Sleeping Pad Pump is a game-changer for backpackers! Say goodbye to the chore of manually blowing up your sleeping pad and prevent moisture and mold from building up in your pad.

We know that in the world of backpacking, every ounce counts, and every inch matters. That's why Zero Pump is crafted to be the lightest and tiniest outdoor pump out there, designed to trim down the weight of your pack and swiftly inflate your sleeping pad.

This bad boy is smaller than a Snickers bar, with a packed weight around 2 ounces including the 1.2 oz pump itself plus the included USB-C rechargeable battery, and a nozzle to fit your specific sleeping pad.

The Flextail measures a compact 1" x 3" (about 2.5 x 7.5 cm). Yup, you heard it right – smaller than your favorite candy! Say goodbye to bulky gear hogging up space in your backpack, Zero Pump has got your back!

Flextail Zero Pump w/ USB-C Battery

$49.95 USD

  • Weight

    1.2 oz / 34 g

Thermarest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad

$47.95

Weight10.2 oz (290 g)

A little thicker than the Nemo. It’s lightweight and does the job quite well.

– Carl S., ★★★★☆

Always a favorite of the ultralight elite, the Z Lite SOL expands upon the performance of the Original Z Lite by adding reflective ThermaCapture™ coating to capture radiant heat and increase overall warmth by nearly 15%.

Factoring in the system of heat trapping dimples, the Z Lite SOL has an R-Value of 2.0, making it perfect for use on its own in warmer weather or layering under another pad for extra warmth in the cold.

The proprietary foams are softer on top for extra comfort and denser on the bottom for extra durability, making the Z Lite SOL an ideal closed-cell foam pad for those in need of an ultralight, highly compact and super-reliable sleep system.

AVAILABLE TO CUSTOMERS IN THE UNITED STATES ONLY

Thermarest Z Lite SOL Sleeping Pad

$47.95 USD

  • Weight

    10.2 oz / 290 g

Zpacks Inflatable Pillow

$34.95

Weight1.4 oz (40 g)

Pillow was lightweight and perfect height. A good option for a lightweight pillow.

– Linda M., ★★★★★

Relax after a long day of adventure with our inflatable pillow. Designed for ultralight hikers looking to save weight without compromising comfort, our pillowinflates withonly a breath or two and features a comfortablecrescent shape perfect for back and side sleepers alike.

*This Item is Non-Returnable if Removed from Packaging*

Zpacks Inflatable Pillow

$34.95 USD

  • Weight

    1.4 oz / 40 g

Groundsheet Poncho

$249.00

Weight5.9 oz (166 g)

LOVED the poncho on my 500 mile section of the PCT this year... it's one of my top 5 favorite pieces of gear!!! I used it in a downpour at the northern terminus as I completed 7 years of section hiking the PCT.

– Sandy B., ★★★★★

Get the most out of your gear with our groundsheet poncho. A dynamic 3-in-1 piece of gear; poncho, packcover, and groundsheet. This piece of gear can be used in tandem with ourPlex tents or other tent models as aFlat Groundsheet.

Be sure to check out the rest of ourRain Gear.

Groundsheet Poncho

$249.00 USD

  • Weight

    5.9 oz / 166 g

Flat Groundsheet

$119.00

Weight2.4 oz (67 g)

Very happy with purchase! No complaints - high quality and durable as all Zpacks products are!

– Henry W., ★★★★★

Your tent protects you every step of the way, from harsh rainy nights to dew dropped mornings. Shield your tent floor from unnecessary wear and tear, and add longevity with a flat groundsheet.

Our tent floors are reasonably durable as-is but an extra layer doesn’t hurt for peace of mind.

This is also available as Poncho which also doubles as a pack cover.

Check out more of our Shelter Add-Ons.

Flat Groundsheet

$119.00 USD

  • Weight

    2.4 oz / 67 g

Tyvek Groundsheet

$19.95

Weight9.2 oz (262 g)

I'm always happy to lighten things up in my pack. This durable and strong sheet does just that!

– Rob S., ★★★★★

Tyvek "Home Wrap" is an ideal material for ground sheets. It is waterproof, and very abrasion and puncture resistant. Tyvek is stiff, and foldable like thick paper. It will not bunch up or slide around under you like other fabrics.

Fold up the edges and tape the corners to make yourself a bathtub floor for your tarp. Cut it to size using regular scissors to make a tent footprint. It does not fray and you do not need to hem or tape the edges.

This material is white on one side, with a blue and red Tyvek logo printed on the other side.

Tyvek Groundsheet

$19.95 USD

  • Weight

    9.2 oz / 262 g

Trekking Poles and Replacement Parts

$14.95

Trekking Poles and Replacement Parts

$14.95 USD

6" Sonic Stake

$2.25

Weight0.3 oz (9 g)

These stakes are perfect to me : strong enough, really lightweight and the tiny string is very convenient too.

– Patrick M., ★★★★★

These Sonic Stakes have a "Y-Beam" shape which gives them great holding power in a small package. The three-sided design also gives them good bend resistance for an ultralight stake. The price of aluminum beats titanium or carbon.

These are bright blue, which makes them hard to lose. They have a cord on the end to make it easy to pull them out of the ground.

Never hammer ultralight stakes. While the bend resistance feels very solid, these are able to bend if you put your full weight on them. They can also be bent back reasonably well.

6" Sonic Stake

$2.25 USD

  • Weight

    0.3 oz / 9 g

7" Super Sonic Stake

$2.50

Weight0.6 oz (16 g)

Reliable, stays securely in ground.Peace of mind, especially in bad weather.

– Cheryl R., ★★★★★

These Y-Beam stakes are the largest and strongest that we have. The 7-inch length and large diameter give them excellent holding power.

These are difficult to bend. They are strong enough to withstand being hammered or pounded with a rock, however the top end may get chewed up so we would still recommend avoiding hammering. If the ground is too firm, turn them sideways and anchor them with a rock.

These are bright blue, which makes them hard to lose. They have a cord on the end to make it easy to pull them out of the ground.

7" Super Sonic Stake

$2.50 USD

  • Weight

    0.6 oz / 16 g

6.4" Carbon Fiber Stake

$4.50

Weight0.2 oz (6 g)

Easy to place into all terrain. Great holding capability.

– Zee S., ★★★★★

Increased surface area make these Carbon Fiber Stakes a great choice for soft terrain. Made with a Carbon Fiber shaft with a metal tip and metal end cap, these stakes have the best holding power to weight ratio of any of the stakes we carry. These stakes have an orange cord through the end to make them easy to see and easy to pull out of the ground.

The thick diameter allows them to grip the ground better than thin titanium. These are excellent in loose soil, and they have also proven to be very functional in typical dirt. On packed ground or on bedrock lay them sideways and anchor with rocks.

These are the only stakes that can reliably be carried through airport security. We have carried these stakes through US airport security a dozen times with no issues. Our experience with metal stakes is they are confiscated about half the time. Please report if you have any trouble with these.

6.4" Carbon Fiber Stake

$4.50 USD

  • Weight

    0.2 oz / 6 g

All Accessories

Altaplex Classic Tent (2024)
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