Durston Gear X-Mid 2p versus X-Mid Pro 2p; Which is Best?

Which is the best between the Silpoly X-Mid 2p and the DCF X-Mid Pro 2p? I'll walk you through all the similarities and differences, pros and cons of both versions to help you make an informed choice on which is the right ultralight backpacking shelter for you. (For reference, I'm 6' even and am using a 4" thick sleeping pad in the video).
Below are NOT affiliate links. Just trying to be helpful. ;-)
Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 2p (dcf): durstongear.co...
Durston Gear X-Mid 2p (silpoly): durstongear.co...
Skinny Pitch video: durstongear.co...

[@durstongear]

Thanks for the kind words and putting this together. Good summary. - Dan

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks Dan. Appreciate your innovative thinking and dedication to producing quality products at affordable prices!

[@Jennifer.4]

Another very useful video, thankyou again!

[@ShastaBubba]

My pleasure! Thanks for watching and commenting!!

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

I recently set up camp on a rock ledge with no place to use stakes. The Xmid pitch was not a pretty sight with many guy lines going long ways to far off bushes, wedged into cracks and even tied to rocks tossed over the edge. So I recently bought a favorite stand alone tent I've had in the past. Using it this past weekend I've come to realize even more why I like both of my Xmids so much.

[@ShastaBubba]

Was that because the freestanding tent was so much heavier? Or other reasons? Btw, do you know about the method of pitching called 'big rock little rock?' Might be an option when pitching on a rock ledge like that. Bet you had a fun night! Thanks!!

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

@ShastaBubba the heavier tent (BA Copper Spur) didn't bother me so much but the length of time to set up has become annoying compared to Durstan. Because of the wind I didn't trust rocks. I needed secure tie off.

[@walkyourdog6584]

I have a very old hilleberg 3 lb one person. Very workable in summer but not for fall and winter because of the very cramped inner tent with high levels of condensation.

[@ShastaBubba]

@@walkyourdog6584 Interesting! I always thought Hilleberg was the best for 4-seasion shelters. Thanks!

[@almashburn1770]

I have a pro 2 +, and I watched Mr. Durston's videos several times, and got fairly good pitches. However, I found it a lot easier for me to set the stakes along the seam lines diagonally first, then just pull the 3rd corner until it's tight in both directions (meaning a right angle) and then setting the rest of the stakes. I agree that the weight of a couple of small stakes to keep the vestibule in place when the door is open is not a big deal, or maybe you could find, somewhere out in the woods, a couple of sticks to act as stakes. :-) Using it in the Olympic mountains in Washington, where I live, I have been surprised at the lack of condensation problems. The only con I would ding on, is that with all the mesh, and air flow for stopping condensation, if you are in a very windy camp site, you will get a lot of wind in the tent and better have a good sleep system.

[@ShastaBubba]

This is great information, thanks for sharing! I was wondering specifically about how it would do in a rain forest like the Olympics, so appreciate you taking the time. I'll have to try your method of pitching!

[@DrJohn493]

Always like to tune in to your gear reviews and comparisons, they are top drawer. Even when I'm not in the market for upgraded gear. But gotta admit that some of us might want more of the whoops and hollers that come with your packrafting adventures 😉. And the scenery that comes with your hiking/backpacking treks.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks John! Working on my trip to the Beartooth Plateau right now. Should be out next Saturday!

[@DrJohn493]

@@ShastaBubba Patience is my middle name! Something to look forward to on the weekend next!

[@philliptaylor2870]

Other great informative video. Thanks. I love my XMid Standard 1p. Which your videos helped me decide on and so glad I did. Thanks again.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much, I'm really glad to hear that's working out for you!!

[@MTtroutfisher406]

Great comparison video! Both are such well-designed, high quality tents, either would be great but the DCF seems even better than my sil poly version in some ways. Thanks!

[@ShastaBubba]

You're a good American my friend. Thanks a ton!!

[@Mesol0vely]

Best comparison between the 2 xmids. Well organized, detailed, concise, and enjoyable. Subscribed! Ty!!

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much!

[@TheFleetcaptain210]

Thank you for your review. I have the 2p and agree it is an excellent tent for solo trips. I have been able to set it up on almost all sites I go to, however, if the site I am going into is really tight for space, which I know from experience or research, or if I want to save a bit more weight, then I use my single pole Zpacks Altaplex. Another great tent as an option for solo campers.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for sharing that! I haven't tried a Zpacks shelter since the Hexamid and found the door to be too short/tight for easy entry/exit. Have they improved since then?

[@petertresslar6843]

Thank you for the excellent comparison you hit all the questions that I had . I liked your comment about what is the extra pound of weight savings worth to someone on a thru hike because that is the justification I was seeking for buying the Pro . Subscribed .

[@ShastaBubba]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and the sub!

[@shades1959]

Excellent overview - thank you

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for watching!

[@shades1959]

@ I’m thinking about purchasing both their Tent Mid 2 and Pack 55L

[@ShastaBubba]

@@shades1959 My 55l Kakwa is my favorite all around pack!

[@praetoria_]

Love these comparison videos.

[@ShastaBubba]

Glad you like them! Thanks for the feedback!!

[@VandrefalkTV]

Hey Dan! Appreciate the video! I always enjoy hearing your experiences with things. Thank you! All the best from Norway. 😊

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks so much; always appreciate the support!!

[@user-nu8uc8wq8v]

Always value you input 👍

[@ShastaBubba]

I appreciate that!

[@Telthar]

Recently ended up with a X-Mid Pro 2+ (as the 2 was sold out in the sil poly floor). At least, as a tall person, I can guarantee not having my head or feet touching the walls, this is a major bummer in the first tent I bought (semi-budget 4 season tent).

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for sharing that!

[@randyclark5287]

Hi Dan, I have been watching some of your videos on this hot afternoon in East central Illinois. I wanted to share with you about ultralight equipment that I still use to make my pack lighter. The first is my short Thermarest pad @ 8 oz, I use my pack for my feet. It helps with relaxing my legs and is just comfortable. The 2nd is a trail design caldera cones. I have the keg-f, it weighs 8 oz. The GVP cook set, by Gossamer Gear. Weighs 3.8 oz. Like you cold breakfast and lunch hot dinner. But went cold soaking on a thru hike and didn't like it much. Plus having a stove if I want that hot coffee I can. I just turned 66 Friday so ultralight is important to me besides comfort and being safe. Enjoy your videos, do you do any big game hunting out there? Thank you Randy

[@ShastaBubba]

Great stuff, thanks for sharing! I tried the torso pad/pack under the legs combo about 20 years ago and didn't work for me, mainly because I'm a side sleeper and the pack was too lumpy for my tastes. I certainly agree that UL techniques are huge for continuing to hike as we age (I'm 62)! Happy birthday and keep on hiking!!

[@williamedmondson2360]

well done thanks!!

[@ShastaBubba]

Thanks for watching!

[@Mountian-Zen]

What is the fixed trekking pole length required? Does this length work on both tents?

[@ShastaBubba]

Afraid I don't know that length (probably can find it on Durston's website); I usually just raise the poles as much as needed to make the tarp tight. Don't thing fix poles would be a great option due to the variability of terrain when setting up, but I suppose you could compensate by re-staking the corners instead.

[@lakedistrict9450]

Excellent… thank you.

[@ShastaBubba]

Thank you too!

[@Nickregier]

Hi, I'm not yet a hiker so i'm wondering where is the picture taken at 2:45? thank you very much.

[@ShastaBubba]

Good eye! That's overlooking Island Lake, on the edge of Titcomb Basin in the Wind River Range, WY. One of the most beautiful places in the US and at least a two-day hike in to access!

[@DaftDart]

Excellent video. Saved me some money ahahah

[@ShastaBubba]

Glad I could help, thanks!

[@MTtroutfisher406]

Is the DCF version more noisy in the wind? Not a huge deal but sometimes it seems like they are.

[@ShastaBubba]

Wind isn't much of an issue, I think, since the shelter ideally is tied down and taut enough not to be rattling around. People often complain about rain being louder on dcf than silpoly or silnylon, and I suppose that's true to an extent; however, rain pounding on anything 4" from my face is going to be loud no matter what, so I don't really worry about that myself. Thanks!

[@christimartin8512]

Not more noisy, but it is way, way more translucent. Almost feels like sleeping in a see through plastic bag. I can clearly see the moon through my tent and I fell very exposed when changing clothes while camping in a group.

[@christimartin8512]

“The DCF fabric is a bit translucent,” is an understatement. I have the Pro version of this tent and I did my test pitch at home during daylight, so I was very surprised the first night I slept in it on trail. I could very clearly see the moon and stars through the tent and I felt very exposed when changing clothes and cleaning myself up in this tent. If I had been hiking alone, it would not have been as bad, but I was hiking with a group of people I did not know very well, including my new in-laws, and we were in tight quarters. Talk about awkward. I had to sleep with an eye mask due to so much light shining through the tent. I am working on some work-arounds for this, but there is nothing inside the tent to attach any kind of screening to.

[@Telthar]

@@christimartin8512 indeed, I think Dan is working on a less transparent one (Zpacks has more opaque option for DCF tents, although it adds weight). This is absolutely something people (especially female solo hikers) should probably be aware of. If it wasn't for DCF not absorbing water and not becoming baggy in the rain, I wouldn't have selected it. Dealing with a sagging shelter is a nightmare.

[@MTtroutfisher406]

Btw, what stakes do you prefer these days?

[@ShastaBubba]

I use a combo of 8" Easton Nail stakes (like these from HMG: www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=47cd1998-e608-4548-aa0f-3d33e964ad3a&website_id=345523ea-2f51-482a-8572-4d2f865d5022&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.hyperlitemountaingear.com%2Fproducts%2Fultralight-tent-stake-kit%3Fsrsltid%3DAfmBOoq_I2EBMXWlaI4esCEraY0imB-lizqcuwezMwcP_UQ04JsdVmOo) for the corners and 4 MSR needle stakes for the vestibules and mid-panel tie-outs. You can find negativer reviews of both these stakes, but I've never had one break or bend and I pound the crap out of them with rocks into rocks, so there's that. The Needle stakes are getting hard to find and the MSR Groundhogs (www.avantlink.com/click.php?tt=cl&merchant_id=e295c418-295a-447c-b265-734e25f82503&website_id=345523ea-2f51-482a-8572-4d2f865d5022&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.rei.com%2Fproduct%2F682543%2Fmsr-ground-hog-stake) seem to be more popular. They work great, but are a bit harder to clean the dirt from in the morning (with the flukes), but I'll probably drift toward using these as I gradually lose my needles. Thanks for the question!!