Macpac Duo Light 2p tent – FIELD REVIEW

Category: Tents & Shelter 
Tested by: Jack
Location(s) tested: Fiordland, Queenstown area, tested in Personal trips.
Duration of use: 5 years. 

Quick Verdict

Macpac is one of New Zealand’s most popular outdoor brands so when I decided to buy my first tent, this is what I chose. Being an NZ retailer it is perfect for this site as the gear is very accessible, hence why I chose to review it. 

Key Specs

  • Weight: 2.3Kg – 4Lbs 

  • Price (NZD): $600

  • Intended use: Backpacking, Tramping, Travel.

  • Conditions tested in: multi day, rain, wind, remote, off trail, travel.

Pros

  • Really user friendly setup (2mins for an expert)
  • Can setup in rain
  • Clean design (1 pole) great interior

Cons

  • Weight, not as light as overseas alternatives

Real-World Performance in NZ Conditions

how the gear actually performed on real trips.

  • Comfort:  This is a really solid 3 season tent, it’s easy to setup, has a high enough roof and sits taut. Only rating a 4 because that is as high as I will rank a tent with tarps being less confining in wet weather.

            4/5

  • Durability: Great, the tent stands the test of time I have owned one for 5 years used it a bunch and have a couple minor holes that I can fix with the repair kit provided. Not as robust as canvas or tarps of course but for a relatively light weight tent this is good.

            4/5

  • Weather resistance: Great, it stays taught and hasn’t broken for me yet, this is another reason it is rated high in comfort. Not unbreakable and not 4 seasons so this is as high as I can rate it.

           4/5

  • Packability / weight: Great, This is a very easy to pack tent they have gone for a long thin roll up design making it easy to strap outside your pack also providing a larger then necessary bag which is really good for easy packing as some brands make small packing sacks to boast small size this is practical. Weight is OK not as light as some alternative overseas options but still very manageable.

          4/5

  • Anything that stood out (good or bad): I had a tent as a kid that was heavy and took ages to setup. the reason I say this as the first tent I purchased being the Duo Light, it felt easy, like so easy. its a really user friendly tent and if I were to recommend a user friendly tent that covers all of the basics this is what I would tell them.

Who This Gear Is (and Isn’t) For

This gear is a good choice if:

  • You are new to tramping 
  • You are wanting to buy a tent that covers most bases.

This gear is NOT a good choice if:

  • You are a specialist.. Not suited for mountaineers or winter campers.

Final Thoughts

Would you personally use this gear again? Yes

It is a great purchase for me has been great to use for years and I can hand it down one day easily, anyone would be stoked with it if you like camping. 

NOTE: The current model is V4, mine is an earlier model. I assume the V4 is a better version of my current one.