Here is how these two tents compare on the numbers. On the data the Pivot Duo is the stronger all-round pick, and the question is whether the Free Duo still fits your budget or priorities.
| Zpacks Pivot Duo | Zpacks Free Duo | |
|---|---|---|
| GearScore | 86✓ | 78 |
| Capacity | 2 | 2 |
| Packed weight | 19.4 oz✓ | 30.1 oz |
| Floor area | 29.2 sq ft✓ | 26.3 sq ft |
| Space-to-weight | 24.1 /lb✓ | 14.0 /lb |
| Peak height | 52 in✓ | 42 in |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Vestibules | 2 | 2 |
| Price | $849 | $849 |
| Type | Ultralight | Ultralight |
Highlighted cells mark the better spec: Pivot Duo in blue, Free Duo in amber. A blank spec is never counted as a win. GearScore is the overall rating (0 to 100); re-weight it on the full tent comparison. Prices are current MSRP.
The Zpacks Pivot Duo against the Zpacks Free Duo is a study in priorities. The Pivot Duo is the stronger pick on most of the specs that matter, while the Free Duo makes its case on price.
The Pivot Duo is 11 oz lighter, more floor area (29.2 vs 26.3 sq ft), and better space-to-weight. On the default GearScore the Pivot Duo leads 86 to 78.
Pick the Pivot Duo if you care most about low weight and floor space, which makes it the better call for counting grams on long miles. Pick the Free Duo if you would rather save the difference.
The Zpacks Pivot Duo. It is 11 oz lighter than the Free Duo.
The Zpacks Pivot Duo. It is more floor area (29.2 vs 26.3 sq ft) than the Free Duo.
The Zpacks Pivot Duo, 86 to 78 on the default algorithm. You can re-weight the factors to match your trip.
The Pivot Duo is the stronger all-round pick here. Choose the Free Duo if it is the better value for you.