Which Backpacking Tent is BETTER? - Durston X-Mid VS Zpacks Offset

[@durstongear]

Thanks for putting this together. I appreciate the balanced video and kind words.

[@CaMuzzy77]

Keep up the great work Dan!!!

[@petersherman2552]

His notion of a closed rear vestibule is a good one. An eve a bit like the back of the Altaplex. The Pole would go inside, with a rubber stopper on the end and a stick on reinforced spot on the floor. Which should be 1 oz/sqrd DCF. Since that doesn't need a groundsheet it's simpler, and lighter in total.

[@ryanb3908]

@@petersherman2552 Can just do a "skinny pitch" and not lose the second vestibule for cross wind ventilation.

[@rolfdenver]

I love my Durston X-Mid Pro 2, having used it for about 50 nights. Setup is awesomely easy for this 65 year old hiker. The “skinny pitch” option is great if you’re setting up in a limited space. I also love my non-Pro 1P which performed like a champ on the Colorado Trail. For a few ounces more it’s great to be able to pull back the fly on warm, dry nights.

[@durstongear]

@@rolfdenver Thanks for the kind words Rolf!

[@rudy427]

I have the Xmid pro and had to have a repair due to a freak accident in a storm. Dan’s support was second to none. He stands behind his products and I’ll probably never get another shelter, unless it’s a Durston 😊.

[@david_onthetrail]

That is a HUGE selling feature right there.

[@peterc5167]

Out of interest, what broke?

[@rudy427]

@@peterc5167 a loop that secures the trekking pole to the basin.

[@RayHikes]

7:00 there's a way to pitch the Durston where it takes up way less room, look for dan's video where he talks about the "skinny pitch". With the proper guylines, tent footprint can be reduced to almost the footprint of the floor. Takes a bit more effort than the standard pitch but saves a ton of room.

[@callmedax6532]

Came to the comments looking for skinny pitch rep! I had to do a half-skinny pitch in Colorado this summer with my Xmid, and was able to figure it out (or at least make it work) pretty easily even though I hadn't memorized the technique yet.

[@richardmatthews6503]

I am glad both companies are in the market. The competition will make everyone better.

[@johnmccarron]

Ballocks.

[@bertnerny]

Even if you’re solo it’s nice to have dual vestibules because you can choose which direction your head is in and still be able to have access to entering or exiting in which ever direction is most clear.

[@adriantodd4183]

I dont do dual vestibules for solo tents anymore. After the one time I had one of my trekking poles snap on me. It was a pain to have to constantly rig up my tent with a broken pole. I favor the simplicity of just one vestibule now

[@calvinminer4365]

agreed. cross ventilation is nice, even if it doesn't guarantee theres no condensation, it helps keep you cooler. it's also nice to have a vestibule you won't use for enter/exit to throw you backpack and whatnot in there. I am tantalized by Darwin mentioning the nice views from the Plex Solo's rainbow door. but I do like not having a pole in the middle of my door with my X-mid pro 2.

[@bertnerny]

@@calvinminer4365 I am intrigued by the views also, but being 6’4” the space helps a lot. I’m glad to hear you like the X-mid, I’m thinking about getting one soon.

[@dawnsteisslinger353]

My last trip I didn’t realize there was a slight down slope the door I was supposed to sleep by. When I laid down decided to deal. Then after 15mins decided just to flip around no big deal. Two doors no problem. I have the X-mid one solid. Other than accidentally kicking my trekking pole down at 4am I love mine.

[@smellybearc7411]

You also get views from both sides which could be helpful in certain situations

[@travisbard4670]

I have a durston xmid 1 silpoly tent. I LOVE it so far. I cannot afford dynema, and the weight difference is not enough to worry about. This tent was a budget friendly game changer for me. I spent a night that dipped to 29 degrees in a valley, next to a stream. I had ice on the inner mesh where my nose and mouth were close to it but really very minimal ice from condensation on the tent walls themselves. Sure, single wall tents will have condensation, but it was pretty minimal in this tent. The next night it was 45 degrees and not one drop of condensation. It is a really good tent. One of my best investments.

[@GenX_outdoors]

Ditto! Xmid 1p silpoly for me too. Great budget option. And I added longer guyline. 😊

[@CJoy076]

Same....a great cheeper option for those of us with a poor US exchange rate. Would like slightly more internal room though but overall it's been a great tent.

[@sandraschmelzer9961]

Pretty sure the xmid silpoly is double walled.

[@travisbard4670]

@sandraschmelzer9961 some were . I think they are called the xmid solid. Mine is single wall and only has the bathtub floor with mosquito net that clips to the inside.

[@GenX_outdoors]

@@sandraschmelzer9961 Yes, my XMid is double wall, which I appreciate.

[@EricTheDane]

Love my Durston Pro2... so much. The pitch is SO easy. So much room, even for 2 people.

[@trailtramper6551]

I love the dual vestibule on the xmid1pro. It’s one of the reasons I bought this tent. So Dan, if you’re watching, hope you don’t change the design! It’s great to be able to open both sides of tent for airflow and views, even if it’s raining.

[@hikingmovie]

Loved my Durston tent on my AT thru hike.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I keep seeing more & more of them!

[@helpfulcommenter]

​@@DarwinOnthetrail When I had mine on the PCT 2022, people would literally think I was this other guy who had one too, from a distance coming into camp, only to disappoint them because he was still a day ahead lol - because they were that rare still. I saw maybe a half dozen the entire hike. On the JMT section, JMT hikers were coming up to me to inspect this mythic tent they'd "only heard about" - it was wild. Amazing to see how fast Dan has grown the company from reputation alone.

[@Andy-Mesa]

Dual vestibules allows for cross ventilation, which is *major* when you want to reduce condensation or keep your tent cool. You also don't have to concern yourself with which way you need to set up the tent, and having two vestibules is twice as good as one. Last week I camped in the Olympics next to a big river, in 88% humidity. I set up the tent with the sides high off the ground and it was bone dry in the morning. It's anecdotal either way, but with the proper set up I've seen no enclosed tent do better with condensation.

[@almashburn1770]

I went with the X-Mid 2 pro +. Same setup, longer guy lines, enough room for two 25 inch pads (in a pinch), and unfortunately an even larger footprint. For me, the large size is worth it, because I don't sleep in my tent, I live in it. I do trail work, and need room for wet clothes and other things that I don't want to sleep on top of. Plus, it's only 4 ounces more than the Pro 1.

[@MattVHulst]

If I'm looking at having to set up a tent in hurry, I'm going to value the versatility of being able to set it up in smaller spaces due to footprint size way more than not having to deal with an extra small pole. The x mid just feels odd to me having such a big footprint and such a narrow interior. Always enjoy your videos good sir. Glad to see you back making content more often.

[@michelstronguin6974]

Thank you Darwin for this review! For me the X-Mid Pro 2 with DCF floor is the best IMO, has the internal width room so I can fit my pack in it, and it weighs practically the same as the pro 1 I had with woven floor. Easy switch.

[@tanstaafl1960]

And now there's the 2+ for those who want a little more room. Looking at you, Steven 'MLO'.

[@erick6715]

I’m a plex solo guy …. No ground cloth… easy set up lite weight…. SIMPLICITY I LOVE in my tent … Great video 🍺

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Nice! If only I weren't 6'1, that would be a go to for me as well. 🤙

[@madcolor]

@@DanielOutdoors Take my Plex Solo into the high Sierra often.

[@madcolor]

@@DanielOutdoors Yes, I was specific.

[@karldied]

​@@DarwinOnthetrail I was going to say that it sounds like you're looking for a Plex Solo as your ideal tent: single door and vestibule, and only requires one pole to boot! I love mine. But I’m only 6’ 0”. Thanks for the great analysis! I really like how you don't get distracted by minor details, and stay focused on the truly significant aspects!

[@fuzzybuddywizard]

I bought the Altaplex on your sage advice, two years ago. It has worked flawlessly. Thanks Darwin!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

A Damn Fine Tent!

[@janefreeman995]

I'm not tall and I love my altaplex... I'm older and it's easier to get in and out of.

[@Zapruderfilm1963]

I know, it’s not a single person tent but I absolutely love my ZPacks Duplex. With that being said, in more confined areas I could go with either tent.👍

[@jck197]

Can you recommend some tents that have the morning features you like for morning routine? I’m looking for something lightweight but I’m just getting started in backpacking

[@KevinSmith-wr1sy]

Darwin you haven't lost your gear testing touch! Always the best out there.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks!

[@LynxOutdoors686]

I used the Xmid Pro 1 for a CDT through hike this past summer and it worked great for me. I'm with you on the poles/struts as well. I really don't like having to deal with them and they make storing things more annoying. It's certainly preference, but for me I prefer the Durston for its 4 staked corner pitch, quality construction, and costing $200 less. There are some trick/tip videos on Durston's website about its "skinny" pitch, where you can fit it in smaller spaces by pitching it with the vestibules tucked in. I saw on a forum that there might be a double wall DCF Xmid and that has my attention as I love the versatility of just tarp to cook under in the rain and just mesh for star gazing and max breathability.

[@mrtru1te]

Dan told me via mail or instagram that indeed he was working on a double wall Xmid Pro that should be ready at the end of 2024 if all goes well.

[@robopecha]

i am going to get a durston tent, haven't decided which one yet. their geometry makes me happy.

[@vitaflo]

Good point about personal preference of having your pack in your sleeping area vs the vestibules. I'm one who doesn't want extra stuff in my sleeping area so I really like the X-Mid because the vestibules are huge. It's great that we have choices now to accommodate different styles of camping.

[@tanstaafl1960]

I have the MassDrop OG 1-p in silpoly, and yeah, while it's a little claustrophobic, I can put up with that for the pluses of less weight and bulk. Also: in the shoulder seasons, I can leave the inner tent at home. Setting up just the fly with a Tyvek or polycryo groundsheet/footprint results in a palatial one-person shelter. I didn't make it out for any snow camping this winter, but I figure (based on Dan's experience) that it would perform adequately in all but the most severe winter conditions.

[@theartofbackpacking6717]

Hey Darwin, it’s Ferrari! It’s always a pleasure to see you and remember our now distant in time PCT Thru hike! Talking about the video…Have you ever considered to use a stick instead of carrying that extra carbon pole? I always do that to extend my headroom in both the duplex and the altaplex! It makes just way more sense for me to use something I can easily find on trail instead of carrying a specific pole… I wish you a beautiful spring and summer and still waiting for you to come here in the Dolomites! 🤗

[@idrewwood]

I have two Durston X-Mids and LOVE both!

[@Mandyanne31]

I have the. Mid 1 (not pro) and I love it. I don’t usually like 1 person but it feels very roomy and comfortable. It poured rain the first day of my last hike and it was so easy to set up in the rain without the inside getting wet. The only downside is as a Canadian the exchange, shipping and duty made the $240 American (I think) about $500 Canadian. But it was well worth the price.

[@freeman47]

Sponsored! Well done bro. I can’t believe it, yet happy for you as well.

[@TheTdwilson]

It’s great to have you back! Thank-you for the excellent content.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching!

[@kevincrooks639]

Bought the xmid. I've set it up twice. The first time took 10 minutes. The 2nd, today took 5 minutes after a six pack. I laid down inside and had a ton of room. I'm 6'3. Still ample space for gear. So, with air mattress, pillow inflation and throwing out the quilt, 10 minutes.

[@tomwilson8190]

do you have the 1 person or 2 person? also 6ft3 and considering a x-mid

[@kevincrooks639]

@@tomwilson8190 1 person.

[@freeman.walking]

I have been using the pro 1 for a year now after using the zpacks plex. Both great tents, but the pro1 with more room is my go-to tent. Just used the pro 1 in crossing the Tramuntana mountains of Mallorca.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Nice!

[@enva1n]

I got the Durston from drop a few years ago when my friend worked for the ultralight department before they shut it down, So stoked i was able to while it was up.

[@tanstaafl1960]

Yes! Drop is not what it once was, that's for sure!

[@PapaBoiOutdoors]

I am in complete agreement with you Darwin! I use the Plex Solo and love the ease of set up. I can pitch this thing almost anywhere, it is light, and I love the rainbow door. Thanks for the awesome detailed review of these two tents.

[@traviskinchen2265]

Flat tarp and bivy is my go to in any situation that doesn’t involve truly heinous storms or insane insect clouds. Once you nail down a few useful ways to pitch it it’s easy and most of all versatile and by far the easiest for dealing with those awkward camping spots. For trips where I don’t feel comfortable tarping, I have an X-mid. If you have to have a tent, the value of Durston’s tents is fantastic. I know over the course of years and many nights out a 200 dollar difference is not much, but I only have one day to convince my wife to release the funds, so…

[@cynthiajohnson5196]

I don't want my head or footbox touching a wet surface. Durston for me.

[@LuckyTown77]

Durston vestibule space was great when cooking for 3 days due to crazy spring rain north of Superior. Cook in one. Enter/exit through the other.

[@michaelslomka3973]

I like more interior room, so I’ve been thinking about the Offset Pro Duo. Zpacks customer service did me right several years ago, so I’m pretty loyal to them.

[@barrypanaretou9124]

You mentioned it at the beginning but should have also been put at the end that the z packs is also $200 more expensive! However fantastic detailed video!! Loved it!!

[@ryanriddell8376]

Exactly! Imagine the x-mid with 1 vestibule and a triangle interior space that would accommodate your pack. That’d be amazing!

[@kfouquette]

Yes!!!! I love the vestibule idea but I’d rather have internal space

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

I own 2 Durstans. I'm very happy with them. I do like 2 vestibules because I enjoy ridgeline trips. I can watch a sunset out one side then sunrise out the other. As far as size I've been experimenting with a narrow pitch by folding in one vestibule. I've also pitched with a bush inside my vestibule. Ambiance.

[@marcarmstrong1910]

Recently used the Durston X Mid 1 on the AZ Trail. Got hit with a downpour and really appreciated the ease and speed of set up. The double wall performed well. Only suggestion was to use a more substantial ground tarp to keep the tub dry. Had an issue with the point of the pole going thru the roof during set up. The hooks are tough to use when it's cold and rainy too. Overall I was dry and comfortable compared to my hiking buddy in a dynema one wall with a thinner footprint. It's a good 3 season tent.

[@markgreen6437]

You still got it dude! Glad you’re back / love your reviews 🎉 Altaplex is my favorite too!

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks Mark!

[@EricSchwartz-sk8id]

I now have a Zpacks Duplex that is about 8+ years old. Lots of good nights in it. I'm thinking of the Altaplex but the weight difference is negligible. A great video and IF I were in the market for a tent, and these were the two choices, I'd lean towards the Durston X-Mid Pro for the simple reason that offset design is interesting. But I'm not running out to buy either. I have a permit to SOBO the JMT beginning in late July and will take the Zpack like I did last September when I was on it. Thanks again for your reviews and keep up the good works.

[@tc2156]

I live in Colorado and several times have pitched in narrow spots. So I’ll be sticking with my old, smaller footprint Zpacks Solplex. I like that it’s wider than many 1-person tents, because like you, I prefer to keep my stuff in my tent. I do sometimes use a stick under my end guy lines (similar to what the offset does with that pole). It’s not something I have to do and if I’m setting up in the dark, I sometimes skip it. But it’s a nice little hack and I don’t have to carry anything extra. My husband has an old Zpacks plexamid. He prefers it over the Solplex, which is great since I prefer the Solplex. 😂 We got them both used and a bundle deal. Both DCF floors are still holding strong.

[@nikolaguscic5075]

Simplicity is the king 👍.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

You got that right!

[@helpfulcommenter]

THanks for the video Darwin. Most of us with X-Mids replace the tiny guylines with longer lines. They tend to get beat up anyway. I put 18" ones on mine and it was a great mod. Thanks again for a great video and honest assessment.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yeah... I just hate doing it though.😅 Seems like that is something that the company would take as feedback & put on longer guy lines if "most" people are doing that. 🤷‍♂️ Thanks for watching!

[@helpfulcommenter]

@@DarwinOnthetrail want my honest opinion? in the game of grams that is "ultralight" i think the tiny guylines put the weight juuuust under whatever he was wanting to compete with when it first came out. so that way he can sell it as the "lightest" or what have you... anyway - i have a bunch of that super thin dyneema cordage and it takes about five minutes to do it, nbd :)

[@oliverlu3346]

Thank you Darwin for the wonderful review! However, according to Dan Durston, it is said that the door could be opened with both panels. It might require an additional stake at the center of the side wall to establish. I do really enjoy my Durston tent with it's simplicity of setting up, and am looking forward to try Zpacks solo for the rainbow review you mentioned.

[@marckrone6669]

Had a durston about 6 years ago as one of the firsts om massdrop. Loved the idea of trying new ways of tentmaking, but boy did I hate the narrow-ness!! Had to stay in a day because of torrential rains... and almost went crazy. Since then a ZPacks duplex. little more weight but..... am I HAPPY.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yeah... a little tight on the inside. It is hard to beat a Duplex!

[@niks73gmailcom]

@@DarwinOnthetrail use X Mid 2 Pro. It has a LOT more space without much added weight. Solved. Also U forgot to mention 200 bucks price difference. It could be decision making point for a lot of ppl out there

[@yogipopp5524]

13:00 Hi Darwin. My shelter for several years has been a tarp and condensation also occurs under the tarp. So these are some myths that you can avoid condensation in tents thanks to additional holes, vents and other inventions. Concentration also occurs under the tarp - arranged in a gable roof shape.

[@donniebel]

Well done review due to your clarity of why you like what you like. To answer your question: neither one for me. I have the Tarptent Dipole 1 LI. The interior space is fantastic. The views and ventilation is fantastic. Being able to open all 4 sides is a unique feature that I value. Yes it has the two struts but the fold in half, stay with the tent and allow the tent to be packed horizontally in my pack. Darwin would take points off for not sitting in the open door as he’s accustomed to (L shaped mesh door). For the reasons mentioned against the review criteria and my personal preference I’m sticking with the Dipole.

[@dbv904]

I just ordered an X-Mid2 SilPoly yesterday and I'm really excited to get some time in it!

[@melonydodson8725]

So, I have an X-mid 2. Love it, but it does require more space for pitching. Great for weekend backpacking trips with my boyfriend. Because of the large footprint, i decided to try the offset solo for my AT section hikes. I value peak height and also enough internal room to store my gear. I SO wanted to love this tent, but I have had trouble getting a good pitch I feel confident in if there’s bad weather. So I recently bought a used tarptent double rainbow li. I was hesitant because of the extra weight, but wow, is it so much easier to pitch! So much space inside too! Totally worth the extra weight, IMO. I went with the double because the single has a solid wall on one side and I was afraid it would turn into an oven in the summer with no cross breeze. I’m excited to try it out!

[@workerant7874]

Love my xmid 1P. Light, quick to setup, simple, useable, sturdy and reasonably priced.

[@davidwarren6065]

Hey Darwin, your videos are great and very informative! Been watching them for years and I like how you never rag out another company. You are always fair when you are comparing different products. I have bought lots of gear solely on your advice. Thanks for all your great videos!

[@KB-ce7gf]

I've got the Zpacks Altaplex (older version) and still love it. I've also got the Durston X-Mid Pro 2 (second iteration) and love it! With that being said, I have different uses for each one. I do different things in life other than just hike. Like Motorcycle travel, and have 2 different kinds of motorcycles. A Dual sport and an adventure bike. Last year I took the Durston tent with me to California from N.Y. and a couple of years ago, same trip, Zpacks tent. They both were fantastic and set up so effortlessly but YES the Durston takes up much more room. I also Tour on my bicycle and I kinda like the Durston better for this for some reason. I think it's the interior room because like you Darwin, I like keeping my gear inside. But I absolutely love the headroom in the Zpacks Altaplex tent. I'm only 5' 5" and I can kneel inside it, get dressed much easier and the inside length is superior. But the setup on the Zpacks is more finicky. and the Durston goes right up with ease. My results, I wouldn't get rid of either one. It would be very boring if everything were the same. Great video and thanks again for entertaining us on KZbin, only don't leave us again. I can't take it. LOL

[@paulmason6860]

Nice review. I personally prefer the screen door setup of the Durston x-mid compared to his old tent. Especially when you have loads of pesky flying insects. You only want to open it just enough to get in or out quickly and it works better if the screen door falls behind you to somewhat block entry to those insects until you turn around and zip it shut.

[@Gandhiownsyou]

My preference too. I find the rainbow door probe to damage from falling on the ground, and it’s super irritating in a wet campsite to have your screen door fall in the mud. Doors should hang from the tent, not fall in the dirt.

[@ymg6754]

I appreciate your reviews. Just a quick comment, I appreciate dual entries because it will create more versatile of getting in and out.

[@alangauld6079]

Two vestibules for me every time! The wind changes direction overnight! And I put the gear I don't use in the rear vestibule and cook/live in the front one. But short guylines are a bummer, I'd be swapping those out pretty quick. Also, I don't like single-skin tents - too much condensation, too much daylight in summer and too cold! So I'm saving up for a solid-inner Sil-poly Durston... Oh yes, and it's a lot less expensive too, although it doubles the weight!

[@django02]

Great video and fair discussion of the pros and cons of each. The first time I saw the Offset, my immediate reaction was that the extra pole with associated guy lines was a straight up kludgy feature that I wouldn't want to have to deal with for all the same reasons you mentioned.

[@billsmith3250]

The 3 factors you mention make a ton of sense, but for many I think there's a 4th: price. I'm also 6'2" and not in the least claustrophobic. So the Durston for me would be the big winner in my case. On price, a $200 difference isn't a deal breaker, but as someone older, paying over $700 for a one person tent just seems wrong. So it makes me happy to see some competition with the big Z. That's actually a 5th factor as far as I'm concerned. Lower prices promote innovation. Can't wait for the 10 oz tent that beats both of them, lol.

[@Xhadp]

I'm not quite ready to go to an ultralight trekking pole tent so I don't have a say in this debate. I will say however, I am very keen on the X-dome, Durston's not-yet-announced freestanding tent. Z-pack tents have been around for a long time but they just seem way too expensive whereas Durston seems much more competitively priced.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

A lot of that has to do with where each company manufactures their tents.

[@photog1529]

@@DanielOutdoors In Darwin's review, the main difference between both is Durston has sil-poly floor, vs. DCF floor in the Zpacks tent. Is the DCF floor worth an additional $200? Not to me, but others may see it differently.

[@photog1529]

@@DanielOutdoors True...I have zero plans to be in the Norwegian arctic. As I said, others may see it differently...I guess you missed that part before you lol'd.

[@gerrylake]

Good one, Darwin. Close competitors, both look good. Thanks for the thoughtful review.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

You bet!

[@mrtru1te]

currently testing the meadowphysics abode after using the plex solo and the xmid pro 1 it's quite a bit more minimalistic lol. Like you, I really prefer single poles shelter for solo use. I hate to carry a second pole as I prefer to hike with one pole. I like the rainbow doors used by zpacks. Even though so many people are crying about it online, it seems that most people like it. Now with the abode, no door at all it taking bit of getting used to. Great video mate, happy that you are back with reviews. You're the one that got me into the ul hiking rabbit hole haha!

[@tanstaafl1960]

Seek Outside Silex has no zippers...

[@mrtru1te]

@@tanstaafl1960 I know about this tent but its too big for my needs and requires two poles and I use only one. For bug protection you need to add an inner and it's getting heavier than my zpacks duplex lite that I use with my partner. I think even the fly alone is heavier.

[@JayFAdventures]

Great video, Darwin. Thanks for putting so much thought into the comparison and presenting it in an unbiased manner. This comes at a perfect time as I was considering purchasing a new tent to replace my Altaplex....it's getting tired after my PCT, CT, and TRT hikes. I was gifted a Durston X-Mid (poly-sil) and love the design and simplicity, and the larger vestibule area. That tent will certainly serve its purpose for the right trips. However, I think I'm going to stick to the tried and true Altaplex....and buy another one for my longer adventures! Thanks again. ~Meat Grinder

[@debsmith7050]

Very thoughtful review Darwin! You are clearly a trusted source. TY

[@musingwithreba9667]

I have an OG X-Mid 1P, and I'm short, so there's room inside for my gear if I want. 😂 I can't afford DCF tents, so I'll stick with the double wall sil-poly. I also have an X-Mid 2P, which I got after I adopted a dog. There's more space for the 2 of us, and the minimal added weight is worth it. Durston gear is affordabel, well made, and just make sense.

[@frstesiste7670]

I love two basic designs for tents, a pyramid with one pole (including designs like the Altaplex) and dual pole freestanding like the Samaya you tested earlier. That doesn't mean that I don't see the point of a dual vestibule tent, but not for thruhiking where you spend very little time in the tent except when sleeping. To me the dual vestibule is for wet/cold weather when you want to keep wet gear on one side and cook in the other vestibule or maybe dig out a pit in the snow on one side. Those are conditions though where neither of the tents here would be favorites - I'd want a double wall design and maybe also better wind resistance (don't know how these tents handle high wind). I do see the point of the vestibules if you can buy only one tent for everything but don't expect to do any winter camping.

[@WilliamKapes]

I was looking for a new one person tent and wound up going with the new Duplex Lite. Its only 40" wide which is super narrow for 2 but really roomy for one. I added the end poles that they use on the Offset series and the little fabric cups they put on the pull out guylines on the Offset series as well. Makes a great, very roomy and very light, one person tent.

[@ThisMadWorld_]

I used the Offset Solo on the PCT this year and don't have any complaints. I never really had to think about where to pitch it, unlike the people who had Durstons. That said, they definitely could set up quicker once they found a spot, but only by a minute or so, so not a big difference. If the LanShan 1 came in DCF, that would be my perfect tent. As I only hike with one trekking pole, and I was a little jealous of the people with double walled tents, being able to set up without their fly, so they could see the night sky and still not get eaten alive.

[@Jeremysfl78]

What would do it for me is the sonic welded seams over the taped 👌

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yeah, those are nice. However, after thousands of miles, I've never had an issue with taped seams.

[@joisharp8857]

You make watching gear reviews enjoyable.

[@greg.jacobs]

Excellent review, thank you for taking the time to do an indepth review of both of these tents. Currently Im using the X mid Pro 2, but for future hikes Im going for the Plex Solo for its simplicity and small foot print. I agree with your thoughts on the extra pole on the Offset, I would probably break it or lose it at some point, so that is enough of an issue to not purchase it.

[@woodchip2782]

Dual vestibules have one practicality. It can help choosing the spot you need to set the tent. I chose the Tarptent Rainbow for the height

[@alantaylor688]

Great video, neither for me but the thought process is really useful. Thanks Darwin

[@DrJohn493]

Both look like great tents for one, and maybe a pup. I'm still liking the Altaplex that your review from several years ago sold me on for a one person, one pole tent.

[@MattAK]

I have an OG X-Mid 1 that I got on the second Massdrop drop I believe back before he was selling them directly. It's still a pretty solid little tent.

[@richardbendrin5410]

I would like the Durston in DCF to be a double-walled tent like the X-MID 1 so that I can set up the inner tent individually

[@kitl552]

I’ve just bought myself the silpoly xmid1 as a trial. If I love it I’ll probs upgrade to the dcf version in the future! Always used single pole tents. And my main issue I’ve found is the internal length, the big thing that sold the xmid to me is the internal length, I shouldn’t get any moisture transfer due to how long it is! Plus I love its set up, it looks great for setting up on uneven surfaces! And it’s pretty solid from what I’ve seen from others too! If I were to buy a zpacks it certainly wouldn’t be the offset however I’d love a plex solo or a altaplex. In fact I almost bought one over my xmid!

[@28105wsking]

So nice to see you again! Hope all is well!

[@SigfridSWE]

Awesome! My tip on the Durston. @Darwin, you should actually compair the Durston X-Mid PRO 2p to that Zpack. The X-Mid PRO 2p are a one person tent and it doesn't way that mutch more then the 1p and its at the same if not just under that zpack tent in weight. I used that Durston X-Mid PRO 2p on the pct last year and had no problem fitting it at campsites. But yeah, the only downside compaired to the tents in your video are a larger footprint. But with the footprint mentioned, I would always recommend the X-Mid PRO 2p (Dyneema) instead because I also prefer having my stuff inside the tent

[@YellowSock66]

I also like a shelter that is large enough to have my stuff inside but why does the floor material make a difference?

[@tomwilson8190]

Good vid! Personally im a fan of dual vedtibules when solo after picking up a cheap copper spur hv up2. I'll have one just as the entrance and the other becomes a kind of utility room and storage area which is great when sitting out a storm as well as being and to open up both sides for maximum views and airflow BUT this is for hikes where i might base camp for a few days to go peak bagging or day tripping before moving on. Fast n light trips n the forests where pitching space is at a preimum single vestibule works fine

[@billtidey]

I'm with you on the dual vestibule thing. Not necessary for what I am looking for. Both of these look like great tents. I wonder if the Duplex Lite would hold its own better than the offset solo due to not having the extra pole to deal with. I only hike with one trekking pole so my next shelter will probably be a Plex Solo Lite or the HMG Mid 1. Similar debate with those. The simplicity of slapping down the HMG Mid 1 with just 4 stakes in a rectangle and being done with it VS. the slightly more fiddly setup of a hex shaped tent. But then the weight difference is not really a minor thing between the two. Probably talk myself in and out of each one a half dozen times before I make the decision.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

I'll just never understand that when it comes to a one person tent. 🤷‍♂️

[@sherrilockwood4378]

I have the Durston and love it 😊

[@deirdresims9875]

I have Zack’s duplex w flex poles for versatility reasons. It allowed me to purchase 1 tent that could check all the boxes for all needs. I love my all DCF tent. With that said I also am curious about the Durston. I’m a tech nut that likes the weeds of the why behind products & Dan has put a lot of thought into them. I am also 5’8 and want my gear inside the tent. I enjoyed your assessment of both-thanks! Maybe I’ll try a Durston on my 2025 retirement thru party (hike) on the AT.

[@MoonShadow74]

X-Mid 1 Solid as it gives more storm, wind-rain protection that is common in my state.

[@duanehundley]

6’6” and I like the triplex but with they made a triplex XL or a quadplex XL for my family.

[@mtbmadman011]

I own both and like each of them for different reasons

[@victorayala1388]

So happy your back and you found new motivation. Any thoughts on the best Ultra light free standing tents?

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

SOON! 😉

[@WilliamKapes]

Zpacks just released the new Free Zip 2p which is freestanding.

[@photog1529]

@@WilliamKapes Its also $900. I have a Duplex, but just can't see 'upgrading' to this.

[@tc2156]

@@DarwinOnthetrailI hope the Slingfin in one your texting. 🙏🏻 I like my Zpacks trekking pole tent for 3 season, but prefer a freestanding tent in the winter when staking can be difficult with powdery snow. I heard Durston is making a freestanding tent that due out soon. It would be interesting to compare it, the Slingfin, and the new Zpacks freestanding tent.

[@macmurfy2jka]

I have the Six Moon Design Heaven tent, and find it funny that other companies are moving towards tents like that. For a long time the Heaven has bee much maligned for the exact issues that you complain of. Personally I am very happy with the tent. Often when I am by myself I will go the Tarp+Bivy sack route and only really break out the tent if it is a two person trip or if I foresee the bug pressure to be an issue. Simple tent sight selection can do allot to fix that but sometimes you don't get to choose. It is harder and slower to set up than my Appy Trails Mk3, but has more head room. The small vestibule thing is certainly true but, like you, I usually bring my gear inside anyway, and am short. That is one thing that the Appy Trails tent does have over it

[@petersherman2552]

• The point about the Pro1 needing only one vestibule is a good one. Incorporating one of the vestibules into the tent floor netting space would be a good move. Less coffin like and a spot to bring your pack into. • I’ve owned an Altaplex, still got the Duplex (more than one) and have been trying out the Pro 2 for nearly 2 years now. A similar sort of comparison to yours. Zpacks vs Dan. I spend allot of time hiking in the Tasmanian highlands. It's mountainous, rocky, cold and very wet. Temperate rain-forest. Beautiful. The thin 15denier 1.3 oz/sqrd nylon floor in the Pro made the tent much wetter than the Duplex. Nylon chemically absorbs water (feels dank) and takes allot longer to dry than DCF . Sil Nylon was very noisy under an xlite. You’ll notice that I’m using the past tense. I hated the nylon so much that I cut it off, and sewed in a DCF floor. Used I oz/sqrd DCF that, like the duplex, doesn't need a groundsheet. Very pleased with the outcome. DCF feels nicer than slick sil nylon. Drier , textured. Slightly lighter . • Dan Durston has since introduced a DCF floor. Unfortunately this is a 0.75oz.sqrd DCF that certainly will also need a groundsheet. Heavier. The Zpacks Poncho groundsheet would serve well. I use that poncho over top of my very breathable rain jacket and pants. It's near impossible to wet through with this combo and the poncho rides on the backpack, not me, so great airflow. You couldn't use it on its own, except in warm weather. • I put on longer guys. About a meter of 1.2mm spectra per corner. Much easier setting up on rocky ground or platforms. • I've found that I can hook back the bottom half of the doors (to the trekking pole straps) and zip it about down half way to get much more ventilation without letting the rain in. • So which is better? Zpacks or DD ? Depends. The Pro has a big footprint. Although you can skinny pitch it, its still bigger than the Duplex. You can open both doors if you skinny pitch/peg it and use the top guy attachment. The Pro gets more condensation than the duplex but you can do the door trick to help with that. You can do the ventilation door trick more easily with the duplex. The Duplex gets more splashback than the pro, but you can pitch the Duplex lower to counter that. I have a Duplex in a heavier Roof DCF option (Camo 0.62oz/sqyd) and it has proven to be very durable as a roof material, for a minor weight increase. I also got a 0.75oz/sqyd roof Duplex. That will last even longer. I did have a 0.55 oz/sqyd DCF Duplex that aged much much faster. The 0.55 oz/sqyd PRO is starting to show some creep on the bottom of the panels. No one other than Zpacks offers the more durable 0.75 oz/sqyd DCF roof. The Duplex has a free standing option that works well, but I never use it. They are equally good. It just depends on your particular needs. photos.app.goo.gl/HYAnUDwnA7DYDM5i8 • I had an Altaplex for short while. Because I use 2 trekking poles and the Altaplex needs 2 more pegs and either a pole jack or long trekking pole the effective weight difference was less than 50grams. A big loss of interior space compared to the Duplex. Not much of a different footprint with all the pegs. The bathtub length is the same as the duplex and since I prop the ends the Altaplex was a big loss of interior space and more condensation. It wasn't for me. The Duplex is so easy to pitch.

[@Tamara52211]

What I want most is to feel safe in bad weather. Not getting flooded in rain. Not have stakes ripped out in wind. I like how low the Durstons outer walls are cut (haven‘t used one yet, but camped with plenty of them). I also like to cram my tent in very tight spaces, and the Durstons have a huge footprint, never seen the skinny pitch but I don‘t think it‘s as stormworthy. I also love double walled tents. It‘s crazy that you said you got condensation on the PCT (which is a super dry trail). I got condensation in my notch li only once on my PCT thru and that was between the two lakes at Big lake youth camp. So I dunno, I‘m somewgat unhappy that Durston does not do a DCF double wall version, I would buy that in an instant.

[@Rippenharra]

Saving for a Durston mid 2

[@lukasholecek5911]

Thanks for the comparison. Though I'm a bit surprised that wind stability and the ability to resist elements is not on your priorities list at all.

[@jantomaszrogala4230]

thank you, very interesting points, if I understood it correctly Durston's floor is not DCF and this would be for me a bummer because I would need to have extra polycro to protect the floor and I know from the past, it's headache, especially while setting up during the strong wind or rain. that's why I opted for stratospire2 li, plenty of room inside, double walled, no problem with condensation and the floor is DCF as well. yes, I know it's heavier )

[@adkeric]

i've seen both of these on trail and i agree that the Altaplex still reigns supreme over both of these new tents.

[@wiskirz]

I have the x-mid pro 2 and love it, but for one person tents I've started using the tarptent protrail li instead because I like how much internal width I get for a one person tent and the ease of setup.

[@ciscokid1999]

You gotta Love Durston Xmid pros….I love my Xmid pro 2…..roomy, zip doors are easy to open, huge vestibules, can’t sit low to the ground for bad weather. You can pitch the tent without a vestibule setup, thus making the foot print smaller, I saw a vlog on it. I also think Dan has a vlog on this point as well…

[@northeastwildcamper]

xmid 1 for me

[@Truth-Seeker75]

I desperately wanted the XMid Pro 1 to work for me, but the width was just a dealbreaker. I stuck with the XMid Pro 2 and hope Durston makes a one person version just a bit bigger. The difference in manufacturing quality is vast. Zpack tents always look like they were stitched together by kids to me - rushed, loose threads, seam gaps, curling edges, etc.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Yeah, it is a bit like a coffin ⚰️

[@Mr7h21]

Watch the Durston setup video. He shows how to setup in smaller spaces.

[@amelialeatherman5786]

Hi Darwin. Dan Durston has a video that shows you how to minimize the footprint on his tents. Check it out. I have the X Mid 2 and I love it.

[@pikaoutdoors7414]

Very good insight on both tents.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

Thanks!

[@jackli2571]

Totally agree with your complaint on Xmid short guy lines. Because the tent requires only 4 stakes, the tension from the 4 stakes is huge and if any of them is not staked stable, the tent may collapse in a windy condition.

[@DarwinOnthetrail]

🤔 Hmm... The whole "4 Stake Thing" is a bit silly. Unless you don't want your vestibule doors, it requires 6.

[@somedavehikes]

Hands Down, offset solo... I already have 3 XMids and would like to give it a shot!

[@moss2309]

Currently looking into the Tarptent Moment DW Li. 28.5oz, single pole, double wall tent. Looks like a much lighter version of the Hilleberg Enan. But I think I'm going to stay with the Enan 🙈, because it feels sturdy and I'm currently not a pro/long-distance hiker who need to focus on saving weight. But I know, saving weight makes a huge difference 😊