Best Budget Ultralight Tent for Two; Durston Gear X-Mid 2p vs. Tarptent Stratospire 2

What’s the best ultralight tent for two that you can own on a budget? I’ve narrowed it down to just two possibilities, the X-Mid 2 from Durston Gear and TarpTent’s Stratospire 2, and today I’m going to run these through a head-to-head comparison, tell you all the pros and cons of both tents and reveal my pick for the absolute best UL shelter on the market today.
The links below are NOT affiliate links (just trying to be helpful) and I have no financial connection to either Durston Gear or Tarptent.
Durston Gear X-Mid 2p: www.kaviso.com/products/durst...
Tarptent Stratospire 2: www.tarptent.com/product/stra...

[@durstongear]

Thanks for the kind words. I'm glad you're liking the X-Mid. - Dan

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for checking in Dan!

[@jonathanbarber213]

Another thoughtful review from the Mr. Rogers of ultralight . Bravo

[@ShastaBubba]

🤣😎 LOL, thanks!

[@DrJohn493]

Mr. Rogers of ultralight...well said!

[@zinguliwa]

Dan, can’t tell you how many of your videos have helped me out. Your discussion of wind shirts, trekking poles, and tents have all been pivotal as I’ve chosen pieces of gear, and I really trust you because you do such a thorough and thoughtful job with your reviews. Enjoy your vlogs of trips you’ve taken, too. Thanks so much and take care.

[@zinguliwa]

p.s. I’ve also wondered if “DCF fever” in the UL community will be calming down soon…

[@ShastaBubba]

I've been on a bit of a hiatus from video making, so really appreciate these kind words of encouragment. The desire to help out folks like you is what got me started in the first place, so it's great to be reminded of that motivation, so thanks so much for this.

[@birddogfarms6981]

Hey, good to see you posting again, Dan.....Hope you're feeling better. I just got home from my western swing. Beartooths, Pintlers, Cabinets and finally Selway~Bitterroot area. I sort of like my tent but thinking about upgrading. Appreciate the info you shared here. Tom

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks Tom! I'm about to have surgery and so was rushing to get this one done before being laid up for a couple weeks. How was your trip? Sounds like you hit a bunch of high points (literally and figuratively)!

[@birddogfarms6981]

@@ShastaBubba Lots of driving but great camping and hiking and backpacking. Loved it all! Dan, best of luck with your delicate surgery. Check in when you are feeling up to it. Take care.

[@MTtroutfisher406]

Great review!

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for watching!

[@_Chris390]

Some points in favour of the SS (some you mentioned): Silicone coated on both sides of the fly and floor; Xmid is Sil/PE - PE is more susceptible to UV damage and degradation. Thicker 30D floor on the SS means less need for a groundsheet, saving money and weight, vs the 20D floor on the Xmid. Better ventilation / less condensation with the corner struts, top vents, and two-way door zip meaning you can open it nice and wide from the top; Xmid only has the two top vents, and a one-way single door zip. SS is apparently slightly more stable in high winds, according to several people who own both the SS and Xmid. Oh and the SS has toggles for the doors, not useless magnets which just come apart with the wind. So I think those are some quite significant advantages, overall.

[@ShastaBubba]

Hey, thanks for mentioning these important points! I agree with you on some: the SS is perhaps more stable in high winds (depending on orientation to the wind), the venting options are more extensive and the toggle on the door is more effective than the magnets (although, I wouldn't call the magnets useless, myself). Regarding the thicker floor: yes, 30d is more durable certainly; however, I personally find 20d to be plenty durable and would rather have the weight savings. Regarding the material, I think you're partly incorrect there. They are both silpoly -- SS is sil/sil, X-mid is sil/PE but the sil is on the outside, therefore equally succeptible to UV damage and, although TT states their fly material HH is listed as 3000mm versus 3500mm HH on the X-Mid, making it actually more waterproof than the SS. That's according to the respective websites, but who knows how they are tested and how accurate they are. No doubt the TT SS is still a very solid choice and not shading it at all.

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

I concur! So much that I have the 1P and 2P.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks, appreciate it!

[@philip771]

A great and thorough comparison, thank you. I've just ordered the Stratospire. With a 30D floor, dual zippers, full side opening and great ventilation options, at $270 it's a steal. I carry my tent on top of my pack anyway but I get that if that's an issue for you then the X-Mid might win through.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for your input. The 30d floor is certainly an advantage for the Stratospire (with the corresponding weight penalty); however, IMHO the two shelters tie in the other features mentioned. Henry and Dan seem to be in a price war; if I remember correctly, the Strato dropped from $360 to 300 to match the xmid2, Dan decreased xmid2 another $20 to 280, then Henry has now reduced the Strato to $269 -- a decrease of $90 over the last year! Interesting.

[@DrJohn493]

Good side-by-side review Dan! Just when I thought I wouldn't need a new tent to go along with (not necessarily replace) my Altaplex, things change with a new trail companion, a newly adopted English Springer Spaniel named Cooper. The X-Mid 2P looks like it would work well for us as I get him accustomed to camping and the trail.

[@ShastaBubba]

Happy hiking with Cooper (great name for a great-looking pup)!

[@clairemargaretcooper5230]

I’m following this channel. Other comparisons were just Durston Xmid vs Zpack. Seems like just a marketing video. This is the only one that’s Durston vs others. Thank you for doing this. I’m switching to UL packing as I have back issues and a bit on the heavy side. I hike with a porter in stow (LOL!) but would like to try carrying my own things.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much! It was knee problems that pushed me toward ul backpacking. That was 10 years ago and I'm still going strong!

[@clairemargaretcooper5230]

@@ShastaBubba same issue here.

[@andydickson5400]

Good review, my next tent is going to be the X-MID..

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy it. ;-)

[@starfilmsanimation]

Great vid! I’m debating between making a tarp and buying the xmid, it’s a hard choice

[@ShastaBubba]

If you have the ability to make a tarp, that might be cheaper and worth exploring tarp setup, just for fun. On the other hand, if you took the fly alone of the X-Mid 2, it would be 20 oz. for 360 degree protection. Whenever I think about going back to a flat tarp (which I tried about 20 years ago!), I do that math and stick with the shaped tarp of a mid or the x-mid. Thanks and good luck!

[@larryd9068]

Thanks for your clearly explained reviews! I hear many great reviews of the XMid 2p features but not much on the size/comfort for sleeping two people. Is it comfy for 2 adults?

[@ShastaBubba]

Depends on how friendly the two adults are! ;-) For a typical couple, I think the x-mid 2 is probably about the best on the market (but I still insist, they should sleep head/toe, not shoulder/shoulder). Thanks!

[@alexl8328]

Would love to hear your thoughts on your XMid vs the Locus Gear Kuhfu (I know it's not a direct comparison). I've got both as well (Xmid1 Pro + LG Khufu DCF-B) and as good as the Xmid is I still find myself sometimes reaching for the Kuhfu even though the Xmid is 'better' in nearly every way. Perhaps it's the purity of the design and exceptional storm worthiness?

[@ShastaBubba]

Well, if you have the pro version, of course the khufu is more storm worthy due to being double wall versus 1.5 on the pro, but in my case, it's the length of the inner that makes the X-Mid more comfortable because my head and feet rub again the mesh of the Khufu. Also, the view is better from inside the X-mid with the short vestubule door open since the doors on the Khufu are equal and block more of that even with one door open. I agree with you that there is something more aesthetically pleasing about the mid shape. Ultimately, just glad to have both to choose from for different trip scenarios!

[@Vweebs]

I love your videos. Do you think the xmid 1 would work well for a beginner backpacker? I’m trying to get into the hobby as light as possible since I have cervical spine issues.

[@ShastaBubba]

Yes, I do think it's a great choice for a beginner. Doesn't cost an arm and a leg, easy to set up (don't be fooled by all the chatter from foks seeking the 'perfect pitch'. Any pitch that keeps you dry is perfect in my book!), and durable. Good for you for not letting your disability get in the way of experiencing the great outdoors! It was knee pain the drove me to UL hiking and that was 20 years ago. Happy trails!

[@pianomoverr]

Tarp tent has great customer service.

[@ShastaBubba]

Great to hear! What was your experience? I know I personally had to return my first Kakwa to Kaviso and they couldn't have been nicer.

[@pianomoverr]

I’m 6’8” and got the an answers I needed before purchase. Broke a pole (my fault) quick response and replacement. Then had a question about seam sealing that got a next day reply. Just easy to deal with. Double Rainbow owner. Love it.

[@ShastaBubba]

Awesome, thanks for the response!@@pianomoverr

[@lt2246]

It would be interesting to see how the Tarptent Rainbow DW (double wall) compares.

[@ShastaBubba]

Yes, the Rainbow looks like a great tent and versatile with the option to use it freestanding. The original design is a hybrid, so single wall on top. I honestly don't quite understand how it becomes a double wall with the liner and how effective that is, but seems to add weight, expense and complexity versus the lighter X-Mid 2p.

[@lt2246]

@@ShastaBubba There are two versions of the Rainbow - one has a liner along the top of the inside to prevent condensation from dripping on you. The second one is a true double wall tent just like the Durston. It comes in dynema option as well.

[@JimmyDevere]

Do you prefer the X-mix 2p over the 1p? What are your thoughts/opinions? Thanks.

[@ShastaBubba]

This is probably a predictable response, but it really comes down to the obvious: 2p is more comfortable but 1p is lighter (and pitches in a smaller space). So it really comes down to the specifics of the trip planned regarding which to take; smaller-mile days, taking the heavier tent and enjoy spreading out the gear at night, big-mile days, worth the discomfort to save weight.

[@JimmyDevere]

@@ShastaBubba Thanks for the response. I have both right now but will probably return the 2p. The foot print is pretty large. My only concern with either of these two tents is the gap under the fly and the proximity that rattle snakes and other poisonous critters can get to me inside the 1P inner. I am wondering if I would be served better by another different tent that has more space around me to act as a buffer. I'm in the South West and event hough the X-mid is a great tent, not sure if there are better options. BTW I did purchase and read the Mike Clelland book ULBT and it was an excellent read. I though how much can you write about lightening a load, I thought one could say it all in few pages, but this was entertaining and expanded on a lot of topics. The illustrations were excellent as well and really explained the material.

[@ShastaBubba]

I'm afraid I don't have much experience is avoiding snakes, etc. (thankfully!); however, I don't think other tents provide more protection and my guess is that the distance provided in the 2p X-mid might be your best bet. Seems to me all the old survival books talked about snakes, being cold-blooded, might seek out the warmth of a human body (or boot) for the night, not trying to hurt anybody, just wanting to cuddle. ;-0 That's why I'm guessing the distance would help because they would push up against the fly and stop or retreat when meeting resistance, versus with the 1p when they would be able to snuggle right agains the warm body and then be pissed when you rollover in the night! @@JimmyDevere

[@emeliehammarstrom15]

Some say that the stratospire 2 sheds wind better than the xmid.. is that true?

[@ShastaBubba]

I believe there might be some truth to that, given the different symetry, but it's really more about pitching properly in the wind. Both shelters do better with the shorter corning facing the wind direction. Thanks!

[@emeliehammarstrom15]

@@ShastaBubba thank You!

[@johneroyale]

Sounds like you use the X- Mid 2 for just yourself?

[@ShastaBubba]

Mostly, since I usually travel solo; however, the reason for buying it (and the Strato) in the first place was they are the only two, reasonably priced, UL tents that fit two long, wide sleeping pads.

[@_Chris390]

I think from all your videos about Durston it's clear you're quite biased in their favour. The SS's corner supports are removable, so your main contention about not being about to stuff / fit the tent inside your bag (this of course also depends on the size of your bag), isn't really true: "Patented PitchLoc carbon fiber strut ends increase interior volume, stability, and ventilation; struts are easily removable" You also mentioned the SS's additional cost from the shop / time for the user for seam sealing, but didn't mention the extra cost for purchasing good stakes for the XM, as the ones it comes with are rubbish. You said the stakes are poor, but did not say that results in an extra cost from buying new ones... Reading the XM owner reviews on their official store's website, it seems some users have durability / manufacturing issues, as well as condensation, which the SS is better at handling due to better ventilation. So overall, not exactly a fair comparison, and some errors like the PitchLoc struts being removable which you don't mention.

[@ShastaBubba]

You make a good point about the stakes; although I did mention the great stakes that come stock from Tarptent, you would still need to supplement 2-4 extra stakes to use the tie-outs on the Strato, so the cost difference isn't huge. I personally use the same set of stakes with all my shelters, so didn't think to mention that as an additional cost because there isn't an additional cost in that case. Re: the carbon fiber stuts, anyone who has actually used the Strato will tell you they are far from being "easily removable." They are actually very tightly held in sleeves and are a PIA to remove, so the reality is no one would take them out every time the tent was set up/taken down. It would add another 10 minutes both directions and a large dose of frustration. Even if you did remove them, you still have 4 16" rods to store (inside the pack and they might get bent or poke holes in other gear, outside the pack, they might fall out of a side pocket), so I stand by that criticism. Condensation happens with all tents. Double wall tents don't have less, they just keep you from brushing against the outer wall. The standard X-Mids are no more or less prone to condensation than the Strato; the complaints about condensation are regarding the Pro versions, for which condensation certainly is an issue, because they are hybrid (single wall on top, double on sides). Focusing on a few negative comments on the website regarding durability and drawing the conclusion that the entire line has "manufacturing issues" is cherry-picking. Tarptent has been around a long time and, no doubt, has their gear dialed in, while Durtson Gear is still fairly new and working out some kinks with the factory; however, there are tons of stories on the FB site of folks using their original DG "Drop" gear for years and completing the AT or PCT with the X-Mid. Is it bias to like good gear? I'm hardly the only person making gear reviews that are positive toward Durston Gear. Dixie, Dan Becker, Adventure Alan, Backpacking Light . . . , pretty much anybody who has done a review of these shelters has raved about the X-Mid design. I have no financial connection to DG and paid full price for all gear reviewed, so where's the bias? The facts speak for themselves: the X-Mid 2 is lighter, easier to set up, easier to stow in the stuff sack and easier to carry.

[@mayjune8515]

$700 IS NOT BUDGET?! Six moons designs, mountain laurel, there are so many other ultralight, actual budget tents. These are the most privileged expensive tents you can buy on the market, what a joke!

[@ShastaBubba]

I think you misunderstood. These tents are both $300.

[@jonathanshaw6784]

there are DCF versions of both of these tents which are in the range of $700 but the Silpoly versions are under $300