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Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp Review

A super lightweight single-wall tarp with a vestibule for the absolute minimalist hiker
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Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp Review
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch
Price:  $350 List
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Manufacturer:   Zpacks
By Ben Applebaum-Bauch ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  May 30, 2023
64
OVERALL
SCORE


RANKED
#13 of 15
  • Livability - 30% 5.0
  • Weight - 25% 10.0
  • Weather Resistance - 25% 5.0
  • Adaptability - 10% 6.0
  • Ease of Set-Up - 10% 5.0

Our Verdict

The Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp lives up to its name. It's constructed from Dyneema material and it is the lightest tarp we have ever tested. For those hikers who want an absolutely minimalist experience, this is as little shelter as you can carry short of carrying nothing at all. It pitches with a single trekking pole, and its dual-flap door makes it possible to peel back the opening to take in the entire view. Though we did find that it was fairly challenging to pitch the first few times around, for those who really want to be able to fit their tarp in their pocket, this one is worth a look.
REASONS TO BUY
Incredibly lightweight
Adaptable
REASONS TO AVOID
Expensive
Small interior
Difficult instructions

Compare to Similar Products

 
Awards  Best Buy Award
Best Value for a One-Person Ultralight Tent
 Best Buy Award
Best Value for a Two-Person Ultralight Tent
 
Price $350 List$240 List$260 List
$260.00 at Dick's Sporting Goods
$197 List
$182.99 at Amazon
$179.95 at REI
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Bottom Line A tarp that pitches with a single trekking pole and is as light as it getsFantastic value for a tent that will take you happily across the countryThis is a roomy and well-considered design, but there's a learning curve to pitching it properlyA inexpensive tent we can not only recommend but implore you try outA high and light tarp that offers excellent value for the right user
Rating Categories Zpacks Hexamid Pock... Durston X-Mid 1P Gen 2 Six Moon Designs Lu... 3F UL Gear Lanshan... Kammok Kuhli UL
Livability (30%)
5.0
8.0
8.0
8.0
4.0
Weight (25%)
10.0
6.2
7.1
5.0
8.9
Weather Resistance (25%)
5.0
9.0
8.0
8.0
4.0
Adaptability (10%)
6.0
7.0
8.0
6.0
10.0
Ease of Set-Up (10%)
5.0
9.0
7.0
8.0
7.0
Specs Zpacks Hexamid Pock... Durston X-Mid 1P Gen 2 Six Moon Designs Lu... 3F UL Gear Lanshan... Kammok Kuhli UL
Type Shaped tarp Twin pole structure w/ removable bug netting Single wall pole tent Single wall tent w/ sewn in solid inner and floor Flat tarp
Weight With All Components 6.0 oz 31.3 oz 25.4 oz 39.2 oz 13.5 oz
Measured Weight of Included Shelter Parts Total: 6.0 oz; Tarp: 5.9 oz; Stuff sack: 0.1 oz Total: 31.3 oz; Fly: 17.9 oz; Inner: 10.9 oz; Stakes: 1.9 oz; Stuff sack: 0.4 oz; Stake sack: 0.2 oz Total: 25.4 oz; Tent: 24.8 oz; Stuff Sack: 0.6 oz Total: 39.2 oz; Fly: 34.0 oz; Stuff sack: 1.4 oz; Stake stuff sack: 0.3 oz; Stakes: 2.8 oz; Accessories: 0.7 oz Total: 13.5 oz; Tarp: 11.7 oz; Stakes: 1.4 oz; Sack: 0.4 oz
Stakes Included? No Yes No Yes Yes
Trekking Poles Needed for Set-up? Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes or Tree
Capacity 1 person 1 person 1 person 2 person 2 person
Max Floor Dimensions 107 x 30 in 87 x 28 in 90 x 48 in 91 x 51 in 132 x 88 in
Peak Height 47 in 43 in 49 in 47 in Depends on configuration
Fabric Dyneema Composite Fabric 20D Sil/PE Polyester Silicone-coated Polyester Fly: 20D SilNylon, Floor, 20D PU Nylon, Inner: 15D Nylon Patagium 15D diamond ripstop
Packed Size 2.5 x 4 x 5.5 in 12 x 5 in 11 x 4.5 in 13.7 x 5.9 in 3.7 x 7 in
Floor Area 22.3 sq ft 16.9 sq ft 30.0 sq ft 32.2 sq ft Depends on configuration
Doors 2 2 1 2 0
Number of Poles 1 2 1 2 0

Our Analysis and Test Results

This single-person shelter is made from ultralight Dyneema composite fabric. Its most differentiating features are what it doesn't have: no zippers, no storage pockets, no poles; there is nothing extra. This shelter is about keeping you warm and dry enough so you can get back to moving down the trail fast.

Performance Comparison


zpacks hexamid pocket tarp - the zpacks hexamid pocket tarp is just about as light as tarps get.
The Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp is just about as light as tarps get.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Livability


The Hexamid Pocket Tarp has solid dimensions for one person. At 107 inches, it has an ample floor length for tall sleepers. The max peak height of 47 inches is also solid, but that height is only at the single point where the trekking pole holds up the tarp, so it's not the most spacious interior.

The trekking pole is also offset toward the front as much as possible, but it is still in the middle of the usable space, so it creates somewhat of an obstacle to watch out for. On the plus side, the tarp pitches with the pole tip down on the ground, so it digs in and is more stable than models that flip the pole orientation. There are two door flaps that can be secured up for added airflow; however, they don't go up very high, so getting in and out of the tarp requires a roll or a hunched shuffle.

zpacks hexamid pocket tarp - there is enough interior space to lie down, but the door opening is...
There is enough interior space to lie down, but the door opening is low, even with the vestibule rolled back.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Weight


This tarp is designed to minimize weight at every corner. The Dyneema fabric weighs in at 0.38 pounds. Stakes are not included, but if you want to stick to a minimalist approach, an ultralight set of eight will add a couple of extra ounces. In addition to its low weight, this shelter packs down small and can easily fit into a water bottle pocket.

zpacks hexamid pocket tarp - the pocket tarp packs down in a stuff sack about the same height as...
The Pocket Tarp packs down in a stuff sack about the same height as a typical bag of stakes.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Weather Resistance


The Dyneema material does its job. It is thoroughly waterproof and doesn't stretch in heavy rain. Having said that, the single-pole design does leave it somewhat susceptible to strong wind.

If the trekking pole is set to the recommended height, the tarp perimeter sits about 6-8 inches off of the ground. This is great for airflow but also leaves the structure susceptible to gusts of wind and precipitation seeping underneath. The setup can be adjusted to mitigate this if you know that lousy weather is rolling in.

zpacks hexamid pocket tarp - despite the fact that it is see-through and paper thin, the dyneema...
Despite the fact that it is see-through and paper thin, the Dyneema fabric is waterproof.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Adaptability


The Hexamid has average adaptability. Despite its single-person width, the guy lines significantly expand the site size required to pitch it. It has a single configuration; that configuration has a little bit of leeway regarding whether it is pitched high or low. The two-door flaps can be rolled back to open up the front side if you find yourself on uneven ground.

zpacks hexamid pocket tarp - the door doesn't have a zipper but is held closed by looking rings...
The door doesn't have a zipper but is held closed by looking rings onto a hook attached to a guyline.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Ease of Set-Up


We struggled with this tarp the first time around. The instructions leave something to be desired. In fact, we wish we had just ditched them from the get-go and used our knowledge and the tarp geometry to figure it out.

We found it was easiest to stake out the four main corners leaving a lot of slack, then set the trekking pole inside, then stake out the remainder of the guy lines and adjust the tension appropriately. Having said that, the material itself adds another layer of challenge to the task. When Dyneema is packed up tightly, as is the case when carrying this tarp on a trip, it crinkles and creases, making it difficult to spread out and orient correctly.

zpacks hexamid pocket tarp - there's a lot of cord to make sense of with this tarp and the...
There's a lot of cord to make sense of with this tarp and the asymmetry makes it a little confusing to understand.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

Should You Buy the Zpacks Hexamid Pocket Tarp?


The Pocket Tarp is made for the ultralight fast packer who isn't concerned with creature comforts. For one person, it has sufficient space. It's not a shelter to hang out in, but it will get the job done if you just need something over your head at night. We don't think it's the best choice for the average backpacker — in many cases, it'd be worth carrying a little extra weight to have additional features. However, if reducing weight is a top priority above comfort, this one takes the cake.

zpacks hexamid pocket tarp - it's as minimalist as it gets, but this tarp does get the job done.
It's as minimalist as it gets, but this tarp does get the job done.
Credit: Ben Applebaum-Bauch

What Other Ultralight Tents Should You Consider?


If saving ounces is the most important consideration, the Hyperlite Mountain Gear Flat Tarp is another one of our favorites that offers way more adaptability and space. For a one-person shelter that's durable, adaptable, and provides more protection, the Durston X-Mid 1P Gen 2 is a fantastic and less expensive (though much heavier) option.

Ben Applebaum-Bauch