Durston Gear X-Mid 1P V2 Overview

[@karniskavva]

I have the 2p version and want to trade it for a 1p after I got single lol. Great tents!

[@PaulandaPack]

They're fantastic, you're spot on!

[@rolfdenver]

I hope you really enjoy your tent! I used the 1P v1 on my thru hike of the Colorado Trail last summer and absolutely loved it. V2 seems to have addressed the very few areas where I thought the tent could be even better: 1. Inner tent is just a little wider. 2. The darker inner tent floor makes it much easier to tell which side is up when you've got the inner pre-attached to the outer and you want to set it up quickly in rain or wind. 3. The added guy points will make the tent even more bombproof in bad weather. I've absolutely loved that you can separate the inner from the outer so that you can keep a wet outer in an outside pack pocket for faster drying.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks a lot for watching, I'm looking forward to getting it out on trail. I know the V1 had/has a really good reputation, thanks for sharing your experiences of it - happy trails!

[@kitchenlebond1514]

I have never use this tent , wondering the Xmid 1p need 2 poles to set up the tent ? i thought only one...maybe mistake

[@PaulandaPack]

Hi, it needs 2 poles to set up the tent.

[@ИванСурменко-в4д]

Палатка супер!! Если выживу куплю такую!! Люди !!!ходите в походы пока имеете возможность,любуйтесь закатами,восхищяйтесь видами,пока есть любая возможность! Привет из Запорожья!

[@PaulandaPack]

I hope you get to enjoy many more sunrises and sunsets, Ukraine will endure. My best wishes to you and all the brave people of Ukraine.🇺🇦 🇬🇧

[@SashaVersus]

Привіт з Києва! 🐷🐶 в будь-якому випадку под***хнуть, а палатку треба замовити та вірити і донатити на ЗСУ!!! пс. Маю таку, тільки для двох, дуже раджу! Слава Україні!!! 🇺🇦😈💪🏻

[@ИванСурменко-в4д]

@@SashaVersus пасип! 🐷🐶 подохнут однозначно!!!

[@misterritter9854]

Been tryin to watch as many overview videos of the 1 person as possible, as I really want make it work over the 2 (obviously for the extra weight savings, but also the smaller overall footprint for setup). Appreciate how well you captured everything on video. I'm inclined to think (and hoping) that even though the inner isn't huge, the fact that there's so much room to the fly makes it feel less confined. Pretty well convinced at this point, thanks in large part to videos like this, cheers.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks very much. I was in the same position as you. The mesh inner definitely feels less claustrophobic than the solid. The big porches do help too. I've ended up buying a Pro 2 for longer trips, but still use the 1P for shorter outings. Hope you get sorted and have some great trips with whatever you choose 👍

[@richardharrison5622]

I was lucky enough to bag a Xmid 1P myself and have to agree that the build quality and sturdiness was pleasantly surprising, great review mate.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks Richard, good to hear you managed to bag one yourself. I was impressed too! Might treat myself to the Stargazer Kit for it shortly....

[@richardillingworth2271]

Good review. I had mine up on Kinder about a month ago and it was amazing in the wind. I have huge faith in the shape and construction. Goldilocks tent.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks Richard, nice to hear you're enjoying yours - long may it continue!

[@ManivanAdventures]

Great job highlighting the features and size. I just got mine and I love it! Can’t wait to take it out this weekend! 🤙🏼

[@PaulandaPack]

Excellent! Thanks, hope you get some good weather and have an enjoyable trip!

[@andymillis6716]

Great review. Nice and easy to flow. Thanks. From the land downunder

[@bradleysmith8846]

The reviewer makes some thoughtful comments on the construction features of the Durston X-mid tents. I have the original X-Mid 1 person and was fortunate to get the X-Mid Pro 2. Both are good, well-constructed tents; however, the Pro-2 is a substantial upgrade. It weighs less (about 20 oz vs about 31 oz) and is considerably roomier without having a much bigger footprint (same length, 100 inches, and only 13 inches wider (67 vs 80). The vestibules in the 1P are great, but in very buggy weather it is hard for me to manage my gear in the screened in area, which is about as wide as my sleeping pad. I can put all of my gear inside the Pro-2 when camping solo. The Pro-2 also seems sturdier. It is hard for me to get a good, sturdy pitch with the 1P without using the guy lines at the top, thus requiring at least a 6-stake pitch and a lot of tripping over the guy lines. In a recent two-night trip, I got a solid pitch using only 4 states for the Pro-2. It was raining and windy, so I added stakes near the vestibule zipper and on the mid-point of the short sides (8 stake pitch, no guy lines). That worked perfectly. In really rough weather, or with weak corner stake placement, I might add guy lines to the Pro 2-- but not if I do not have to. Finally, I have not had any problems with condensation despite camping on damp nights and waking up to heavy fog. In the future I might use the inside of 1P with the fly off for a stargazing option you do not get with the Pro-2 (which is single walled). I also might use the 1P fly for a cooking shelter or gear storage in snowy or rainy weather while I sleep in the Pro-2.

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey Bradley, thanks for watching and thanks for your thoughts on the Pro 2. Glad to hear that it's working out for you. I know what you mean about having the extra room inside for gear in buggy conditions, it really does make a big difference.

[@ernesthemingway9094]

Durnston is Canadian I believe and quite familiar with the colder temps ;-).

[@eric_festinger]

I’m impressed by your perfect first pitch! I hope mine won’t be terrible this Summer 😂

[@PaulandaPack]

Haha! Thanks for that Eric, I was actually surprised just how easy it was. As long as you get the fly staked out in a good even rectangle, the tent itself takes care of the rest! I'm sure you'll do a great job and I wish you happy trails with it!

[@Algorythmfpv]

They have a solid version now, as well as a semi-double wall single piece version in DCF for ultralight hiking. I'm sure you've known about the "pro" ultralight version but being you mentioned not having the solid version might as well mention both lol.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks - I've had the solid interior for a while now, I should put a note in the comments 😀 Currently considering the 2P Pro for the extra space! Thanks for taking the time to comment 👍

[@Kevinschart]

I have no idea why but my xmid just makes me happy. I can't wait for the 1st trip of the season

[@PaulandaPack]

Agreed! Really looking forward to testing it out in a few weeks time, hope you have a great trip too!

[@garylawton7441]

Great work, mate. Terrific review. Impressive amount of headroom in this tent.

[@PaulandaPack]

Cheers Gary!

[@jackvoss5841]

Me too. Same tent. Will start its use in May on a week long river trip. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@PaulandaPack]

Awesome Jack, hope you have a great trip, and many more with the tent in the future 👍

[@domo3552]

Nice Paul. Its kind of similar to my MLD Duomid. What I love about the Duomid is that it only needs one trekking pole to pitch, so I can use my 2nd pole to rig up the doors as a petite awning that I can fit my Helinox camping chair in no matter the weather.

[@PaulandaPack]

I really like the look of the Duomid. The simple but effective design of that and the X-Mid is brilliant. I might consider a DCF Duomid in the future, but the X-Mid will be my companion for a while yet I think. Sounds like you've got a nice place to sit and relax!

[@domo3552]

@@PaulandaPack Yeah! The DCF Duomid is expensive but spacious and tough, an investment £🙂

[@robbrigham5926]

I have the Xmid 2p - at the time when I bought, the 1p was too small to consider for me really and the extra weight of the 2p was not much - its still lighter than many 1 person tents. But at the same time its still reasonably roomy for 2 people. Its a palace for one! I might have got this new 1p if it hadnt sold out too quick for me, but bagged one of the DCF 2p which I cant wait to get. I have a 'stargazer' kit for the 2p which allows you to use inner only - I havent tried out yet but maybe one day it will be warm enough to give it a go...

[@PaulandaPack]

Good to hear that you managed to get one of the DCF versions! Was looking at the Stargazer kit myself, probably not much use for me in the UK but would love to have one when I go overseas - loved just having the Copper Spur inner without the outer in the Californian Desert.

[@andymillis6716]

Great review. Nice and easy to follow . Thanks. From the land downunder

[@PaulandaPack]

Cheers mate, glad to hear it was helpful!

[@Mike___Kilo]

Great review. BTW, and you've probably already heard, but I hink a semi-solid version is in the works.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks for watching - yeah, the next batch has a few minor mods, including the semi-solid inner.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

I have seen this pack more and more on the trail. Great review. New follower here. Crow

[@PaulandaPack]

Cheers Crow, appreciate it! Great channel you've got - the Badlands video brought back some great memories from my trip in 2012, thanks!

[@andrewhowie4217]

Nice review Paul, thanks. Unfortunately I didn't get one this time round, appreciate your well constructed thoughts on the new v2 tent. Looks very good, hope it serves you well on your travels. Hoping to pick one up in the next batch for my West Highland Way trek. Atb Andy

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, thanks Andy. Hope you manage to secure one in time for the WHW, it's a great walk and I'm sure you'll enjoy it. I'm hoping to post a follow up video soon after using the tent for the first time in some truly severe weather.

[@andrewhowie4217]

Thanks@@PaulandaPack. That sounds like it will be a good watch, look forward to it.

[@Bandare]

Cracking overview! Very jealous. I tried each time to order either the 1 or 2P but unsuccessful. The next batch in July is coming with solid inners!

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks! I think I was extremely lucky to snag one! That's great news about the inner, a solid one will make this fantastic tent even better and more versatile, thanks for letting me know 👍

[@robrobinson9162]

Solid inners?! That would seem to add extra weight and claustrophobia

[@Bandare]

@@robrobinson9162 solid inners rather than mesh do many things but certainly for the Uk market help to stop the wind blowing through and the inner area being mich colder.

[@TheWalkingKev]

Great review. Such a shame we get stung with the import taxes as without those it is a really good value and quality tent. It is now sold out until at least July.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thank you! I agree on the import fees, though I'm hoping I'm going to get enough use out of it to make it pay!

[@garrycollins3415]

I received mine yesterday and set it up last night. I think I will be happy with it. My Copper Spur blew away so this is a timely purchase.

[@PaulandaPack]

Good to hear Garry, hope it works out well for you. 👍

[@garrycollins3415]

@@PaulandaPack it did great on the first night out. I need to work more with the pitch, it can be difficult to find flat ground in Virginia mountains. The door zippers really impressed me and the tie back toggles work better than I thought. It's the little things that make me happy.

[@maxmiko6122]

i know this is an older video and this may have not been available at the time however i believe dan does make a "solid" version which is only 30g heavier

[@PaulandaPack]

Cheers Max, he does indeed offer a solid interior version now. I've had one for a while, just not updated the video!

[@maxmiko6122]

@@PaulandaPack I watched your updated video on the xmid and that alongside this video managed to curb most of my worries i had about this tent (storm performance especially) so much so that i've just ordered one. Thanks for the great reviews 👍

[@PaulandaPack]

@@maxmiko6122 thanks Max, I hope you get on well with the X-Mid when it arrives and have some great trips with it!

[@Cacodominus6969]

Can't wait for the dyneema version next year 🙏 From what I've read it's going to clock in around 8 ounces give or take

[@PaulandaPack]

Yeah, the DCF version is going to be on a lot of people's shopping lists! Think it says about a 1lb weight on the website, which is very impressive!

[@Cacodominus6969]

@@PaulandaPack God you're right I don't know where I read that 😂 see with the xmid pro 2 weighing only 20 ounces I feel like that Xtra 4 ounces might be worth all the room.. either way these are perfect tents

[@PaulandaPack]

Totally agree 👍

[@gavinhalm3016]

I have the 1P V2, and no doubt the "Pro" version will be a nice piece of kit, but the Dyneema material is rather see-thru by comparison, so instances of sunlight and moonlight (depending where one must pitch it) may be rather annoying. Personally, one pound difference isn't worth it from this regards, as well as price differential from the "regular" model...Anyway, when I go hard-core 4-season mountaineering and winter hiking, I crack out my trusty Hilleberg Soulo or Saivo with weight being a secondary concern...but, I get the attraction for the die-hard light weight-er minimalists out there, just not for me.

[@Olan...]

Well done on raising some interesting points on the benefits of the materials.New Subscriber :)

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks and welcome! Happy to hear you found it useful.

[@isaacchua3132]

a disadvantage of silpoly is the lower tear resistance c/w silnylon

[@PaulandaPack]

Good point, and one that is often overlooked.

[@Jake_S_]

They have a solid model now. Look on their website

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, thanks, I picked one up when they were released, I've just not bothered to update the video haha!

[@zhaoyunzulong]

I wanted to buy it because it was a lightweight and good tent, but it was always out of stock, so I just gave up. Instead, I bought a freestanding 1P tent, the Nemo Dragonfly 1P.

[@PaulandaPack]

I'm sure the Dragonfly will do very well for you Dustin, it's a great 1 person tent!

[@osceolaseminole5596]

Very nice review. Thank you.

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks for watching!

[@davidtraynor9128]

Great video Paul, I too have ordered this tent, and can't wait to receive it. I didn't pay the additional air shipping costs though, I was a little shocked when you said it was £70+ in taxes, but to be honest all in all it is still a great value tent for the cost. will you be posting a video when you use the X-mid on your trails?.......great job!!!

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks David! Great to hear that you managed to get hold of one too, they sold out crazily fast!! I agree that it's still great value for money. I'll hopefully be posting a video of it in use when I get my next time off work. Hope you enjoy yours when it arrives!

[@lakorai2]

Thanks Brexit

[@PaulandaPack]

Import fees certainly do suck!

[@antduke2361]

@@lakorai2 nothing to do with Brexit you have always had to pay the same fees to the US in import tax and most of the few is VAT not actually import tax only 5% of the fee is actual import tax then the other 20% is VAT and about a tenner will be Royal Mail or UPS or other couriers handling fee which is what they want to forward the tax you paid them on delivery onto HMRC. If the tent was European then it would have effected it's taxing since Brexit. So as it's a US product Brexit made no difference at all ! The dwindling pound rate to the dollar is the big factor due to bad handing of the scamdemic needless furlough and huge wasted money on other things to do with it the last two years. Hence hyper inflation and goods costing a lot more than they should!

[@skrub3761]

Been looking for this review! Not that I’m able to pick one up though hah

[@PaulandaPack]

Glad you found it and thanks for watching - fingers crossed there'll be more available to purchase soon!

[@Bygkakpolak]

"sorry for the gratuitous face shot" haha. thanks for the overview mate.

[@PaulandaPack]

😁 thanks! Glad it was some use 👍

[@handfulofearth1582]

Hi Paul. Thanks for posting this video. It was exactly what I needed: overview of inside space. I was debating between 1P and the 2P. Since it's so light I thought I may want the 2P, but I think this 1P tent will work great (I'm 5'6). I saw your video re: the heavy rains in Spain (that seems like a 'My Fair Lady" bit...ha) I was wondering if you use the Durston ground cloth? If so or not, how did the heavy rain affect the bottom of your tent? Do you recommend the ground cloth? Did you get a bunch of water inside the tent? Thanks again. Elie

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, glad that the video has helped you out. I've not used a groundsheet so far - I will be buying the Durston one at some point though - I think they help to prolong the life of the tent floor if nothing else. The heavy rain didn't enter the the inner tent - I think it would have to be some pretty ferocious weather for that to happen. The floor is pretty thin though, so you do feel the cold wet ground underneath if you're not using a groundsheet.

[@ALLWEATHERRIDERM]

Hello, Would you say the non solid tent let’s in a lot of drafts? I am thinking about getting a solid one as it could be warmer as I will be using it mainly in the south of France at altitude 1k-2k meters above sea level, 3 seasons but then again am thinking at lower altitudes the extra ventilation might be nice.

[@PaulandaPack]

Hi, the mesh inner is definitely more drafty than the solid. I used the solid in the French Pyrenees last September and found it really good. The solid interior helps mitigate condensation too, with the mesh inner there's more chance of it dripping onto you and your sleeping bag. You can always adjust the ventilation by slightly opening the doors at the bottom and/or adjusting the height of your outer fly off the ground.

[@ALLWEATHERRIDERM]

Yes I’ve seen your videos of parts of the GR10, they’re good, aswell as the photo on the durston website (which anyone who didn’t know the area would say it’s photoshopped) thanks for the reply much appreciated !!

[@levosgiendesforets]

Hi i notice on your instagram that you've changed to le solid version ! do you use both, or do you only sue the solid version for more versatility ?

[@PaulandaPack]

Salut! I use the outer of the solid version as it is a bit stronger, and I like the magnets on the doors! I have both the mesh and the solid interiors and I change them depending on the conditions 👍

[@1888mag]

Hi , Just out of interest what height did you extend the poles too . Thanks in advance

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, I actually never checked, sorry! I've always just extended them until the fabric is really nice and taught. The inner peak height of the tent is about 46" or 117cm, so I think the poles should be somewhere around 115cm - 120cm. If you shoot Dan an email over at Durston Gear, he'll be able to tell you for sure!

[@1888mag]

@@PaulandaPack That’s amazing thanks so much for replying

[@TravelswithRosie]

Nice review. Have a new subscriber

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks Rosie, appreciated. Some great aerial shots on your vids!

[@Fun_Dealer]

Awesome review! This is the only I want I’ve been looking for so long and you’ve just sold me. I do have a question about cooking inside or generally being inside it. Do you sit on you thermarest matt? I have the same one and I’m scared to sit on it as I feel like it may be too much weight in one area. Do you sit on yours?

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey, thanks for watching. I'll either lay on my side on the mat and try to distribute my weight if I'mcooking in the porch, or I'll stand the mat on it's edge behind me while I cook. I've not found there to be a problem so far. As usual, just do your best to remove any rocks/sticks/twigs etc before you pitch.

[@chriseidam7319]

I think Durston could have made this a much better and much more functional tent if he had made the inner net go all the way to the door wall of one of the vestibules. You don't need two vestibules on a 1p tent more than you need exterior interior room, in part to stow more gear where you can access it without letting bugs into the tent at night, when I am using my tent. This change would increase the interior size by 50%, and it would allow for a second person to sleep in the tent in an emergency. Of course, the interior trekking pole would have to fit through a hole in the middle of the floor, sealed with a tie-able hood. I think the hole should allow variable placement of the pole, allowing it's base placement within a 12-in diameter opening for the pole so that you can move the base of the pole back and forth, side to side, as to better accommodate your gear or a plus-one. I would zip keep the zipper access on the expanded side, as a back-up exit. I like my pack on the inside, not on the outside. This would allow you to put a backpack on the inside and still have lots of room to move around and lay out your gear. I think these changes would vastly improve this tent, for a nominal weight gain. I wonder if Dan has considered this for the new DCF 1p Pro version.

[@gavinhalm3016]

I don't agree...I thing the geometry is rather ingenious, with the offset layout helping distribute torsional forces better than a traditional pole-in-the-middle (or front with guy lines at the other end, etc) light-weight tent in gusty environments, and it appears that it'd sluff off snow rather well because of the design too (though I personally use Hillebergs in the snow)...I also like not having to situate the tent one way or another at a site with regards to the two vestibules; with two, you can set it up any way you want, and you now have a choice of where you want your gear in relation to where you want your entry. In short, choice is good...As far as expanding the footprint: well, that's what the 2P version is for :)

[@lanetaglio]

Super Cool Review,.....how tall are you?

[@PaulandaPack]

Thanks for watching, I'm 6 feet tall. Still plenty of room in there!

[@lanetaglio]

Thanks Paul!!

[@lanetaglio]

I'm on the fence with the Notch Li and this X-Mid1 in Dyneema !! NOW after watching your vid I'm seriously considering X-Mid1

[@PaulandaPack]

@@lanetaglio I've not used a Notch Li but it seems the interior is a bit smaller, which ended up putting me off it. I like a bit of space around me. The X-Mid is also extremely simple to put up.

[@lanetaglio]

@Paul Matley ...4 Stakes? ...yeah I think the only slight advantage to the Notch is the tiny footprint.

[@darrellharris9322]

If you fancy selling it please let me know - really want one but the wait time seems ages (that's if I can even get one on the next release!)

[@PaulandaPack]

Hey Darrell, sorry that you missed out, they sold ridiculously fast. Fingers crossed for you on the next batch. I'll be keeping this one for a good few years now I think!

[@marcusaurelius49]

I ordered mine back in January and still have no news on my order.

[@PaulandaPack]

Sorry to hear that, maybe drop them an email with your order details and see if they can shed any light on things. Hope it will turn up soon.

[@janeward1967]

Hi Marcus, email Kaviso, mine is 5 weeks overdue and I’m still waiting. Kaviso have been amazing. If you ordered with the air freight option let them know you haven’t received it. If you didn’t pay for that option, your tent should be getting shipped to you in the next few weeks.

[@josephclark7243]

I think you can get the solid interior on the new X-Mid 2P Pro

[@PaulandaPack]

That's great, thanks for letting me know - I'll have a look at that 👌

[@robbrigham5926]

The Pro is single wall - there is no inner.

[@PaulandaPack]

Ah yes, just had a quick look again on the site. It reminds me a little of the Tarptent Rainbow Li with the mesh. That DCF X-Mid 2 has a crazy low weight. I bet they'll have trouble keeping that one in stock no matter how many they make.

[@josephclark7243]

@@robbrigham5926 Thank you for the correction.

[@ZachBrimhall]

I worry the pointed tip of my trekking pole would rip the fabric to shreds. I like the tent design but would not use a trekking pole without the rubber tips on.

[@PaulandaPack]

The tip of the pole sits inside a metal ring, which I don't think the rubber tip would sit in correctly. The area around the metal ring is heavily reinforced and you'd have to be really rough to do any damage to it.

[@spuriouseffect]

Two doors in a one person tent doesn't make any sense. They should have done away with the 2 back zippers and simply made the floor bigger so that it wasn't so claustrophobic in there. More room to keep your pack inside, and probably less weight overall.

[@PaulandaPack]

Think we'll have to agree to disagree on this one! Two doors give you more options when pitching, more ventilation to dry out in damp weather, more/better views, more storage space - I can store all my gear at one side and use the other side for entry/exit, without having to climb over all my stuff. I went from 2P tents to this 1P, and for the first few nights I did feel a bit cramped, but now that I'm used to it, there's more than enough room for me and the few bits of gear I need inside the tent with me on a night. Everything else is in easy reach in the porch. I doubt I'll ever buy a one door tent again!

[@spuriouseffect]

@@PaulandaPack I'm glad you're happy with it. Most backpackers I've spoken with like keeping their packs inside the tent and enjoy the extra space. That's why so many choose the Duplex over the Plex solo. Rarely if ever are we in our tents to enjoy the views.

[@PaulandaPack]

Hehe, I have to confess to being a lazy ass! There's nothing better for me than laying in the tent on a morning as the sun is coming up, brewing a coffee and enjoying a great view!

[@muskadobbit]

It was designed around the easy pitch and geometry, and the large vestibules were a by-product of that geometry. Changing the size of the floor would have changed the geometry quite completely.

[@spuriouseffect]

@@muskadobbit Nothing changes but one side of the floor and netting, and it opens up a lot of interior space. They are represented by the blue line in this crude diagram that I just made for you. You don't even lose the tall usable portion of the back vestibule. kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4DLfGp-qbZ0jLs