Durston X Mid Pro 2 vs Double Rainbow Li Wind Test not Storm Test.

[@Bosko57]

Thank you this made my decision very easy. I love my Durston Kakwa backpack though!

[@durstongear]

Thanks for sharing your experience with these tents. To improve the X-Mid pitch, the peak guylines aren't going to help much because what is loose here is not the ridgeline but rather the seams that are perpendicular to the ridgeline ("crossline"). I believe you that the peak guylines were tensioned tight, but that won't help these side seams very much (the seams running from the peak to the lower corners). Usually the way to get those seams tighter is to extend the poles taller, as that will tighten up all the seams. It does look like you could have extended the poles another 2" here and that may have solved it, but if that's not working, then the base would be off square which does makes these sides loose, but can be adjusted tighter fairly quickly as I show here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nICtZXWBftR-fdUsi=7JNRjYtGlPKAIqCl&t=482 So that troubleshooting technique may of help. With the base square and poles tight, you will be able to get those seams much tighter. Of course this is more effort/hassle than a freestanding tent, but is doable. Also, for high wind performance flapping is worth noting but there are a few other things to consider such as the ultimate strength of the structure. An arch pole tent is going to pitch simpler and initially look good because it pitches the same every time, but eventually the wind load reaches a point where the tent poles can't handle that load and the tent collapses. With a lightweight arch like you have here, that'll happen at about 10 lbs of load (e.g. if you set a 15 lbs backpack on the tent it would collapse), whereas a trekking pole structure is quite a bit stronger so even if it flaps more it can ultimately take a higher load (e.g. you could set a 15 lbs backpack on the X-Mid and it would depress the top somewhat but it would stand). Best, Dan

[@evacoutdoors5867]

Thank you for the comments Dan, this was a basic test and by no means intended to comment upon which performed better. The DR sets quicker as the end corner points are at arms width so you can quickly get the oblong shape, in this case the X did take a couple of tries the get it square but for sure it was not out of square when set. The side seams were tight on the X when set up as there was still around 2 inches of line left when tensioning the corners. When the guy lines were removed the X was re tensioned to the max still with about 1 inch of line left. When I took down the X the poles had sunk into the ground a little but even so, I would not have wanted to put any more tension on the corner guy outs and this would have only raised the bottom of the fly higher off the ground. They are both great tents but as you say one is arch pole and one is trekking pole. One flaps more and makes more noise, but as you say this does not affect storm worthiness. The weight of both set ups is more or less the same. Both have pros and cons depending upon requirements.

[@Andy-x3i8y]

Note: in extreme conditions, the double rainbow can accommodate trekking poles for additional support. It’s not intended to be used this way, however it works very well. Place them vertically, inside, at the door peeks.

[@durstongear]

@@Andy-x3i8y What prevents them from sliding towards the center of the tent? Tents with crossbars that enable trekking poles always have some type of pocket to secure the pole handle because the type of conditions you'd want to use poles in, would also dislodge them if they aren't secured.

[@Andy-x3i8y]

@@durstongear yah, it certainly not the ideal set up. You just put a fair bit of tension on it and it helps a bit. I think it does but I don’t really have a scientific way of testing it.

[@evacoutdoors5867]

There have been a lot of unnecessary nasty comments regarding this video which I have had to remove due to language and bad attitude, resulting in a unsavoury atmosphere on the channel. I am a Meer backpacker who owns 2 different tents and I made a test to see how they performed in the wind. Many have said that the X mid was not pitched correctly and made numerous comments, but they were not there when it was pitched. I want to be clear to all of the "know it alls" that the X mid was pitched correctly when it was set up with all seams tight; however the wind resulted in the buffering of the panels at the windward end. I could not get any more tension on the guy outs and it was set square; however when it was taken down I did find that the pole tips were driven into the ground further than the initial pitch therefore this is likely to have contributed to the extent of buffering seen in the video. Again for all of the "know it alls" this was most likely due to leverage on the pole creating a hinging effect as the wind was compressing the end fabric and logically the pole will be forced down. The guy outs were all re-tensioned on the X mid when the 4 guy lines were removed. Dan himself has sent a nice email below with some points and tips which is much appreciated. I am not commenting upon which is the better tent, the video is limited to a visual test, with both tents erected as one would when backpacking. The Tarptent DR Li was pitched and did not require any adjustment during the test "Fact". The X Mid was pitched correctly and suffered more buffering as the test went on and continued "Fact". I own both tents, they are both great products and of different design. One will appeal to someone who uses poles and one to someone who wants an arch pole design. One is not better than the other, they are different designs. Both companies make premium products and provide good service.

[@PhilipWoodall-ob1zh]

Thank you for an excellent review. Besides this test, if you could choose just one for backpacking which of these tents do you recommend? I have my eye on both end having a hard time deciding.

[@evacoutdoors5867]

@@PhilipWoodall-ob1zh I kept the rainbow and sold the x mid.

[@ThomasJeffersonWolfcall-kn3bx]

​@@evacoutdoors5867smart man.

[@ThomasJeffersonWolfcall-kn3bx]

Did you delete my comment, you limey prick? 😂

[@tanvach]

Thanks for the comparison. Have you tried using trekking poles, handle up, to prop up the apex of the arch? I heard that can help to prevent the arch from moving and collapsing in strong wind. I know the silnylon version has grommets for this purpose, but I don’t think they are there for the Li.

[@williammay6879]

Very interesting review. Thank you

[@Andy-x3i8y]

The Durston seems to be a real flapper. Great tent and smart design but it’s hard to compete against a few poles under tension, one running the compete length of the tent. For me, there are so many occasions where I need freestanding ability. I’ll stick with my Rainbow Li.

[@philandminiphil]

Just sold my Durston X-Mid pro 2 (Sorry Dan if you're still reading this!) in favour of this tent, partially from watching review videos like this one. Thanks Evac, great channel.

[@evacoutdoors5867]

@@philandminiphil just had the DR Li on the Sky Trail in some winds. Rock solid man. Best tent ever in my view, ticks all the boxes.

[@semo7566]

Tnx for the review. The length of comment from Dan and 18 min pitching video on his site highlight one of the problems with Xmid, its not easy to pitch particularly on the uneven ground. Plus its made in China. Selling.... got Bofus Midus for solo and considering Tarptent for when with fam..the real question is DR Li versis Dipole

[@evacoutdoors5867]

Thx yes I also have that dilemma. DR has a very good sized footprint, and it’s lighter. Dipole may be bigger for 2.

[@ThomasJeffersonWolfcall-kn3bx]

+1 for Bonfus. Excellent little mid. It's my go-to for summertime Rocky Mountain trips.

[@woodchip2782]

I think the Rainbow has an advantage for being closer to the hedge. I have to say that I own a Rainbow (silnylon 1P)…

[@isaacchua3132]

its hard to call 25km/h winds blustery. thats hardly anything. wouldnt that be light breeze?

[@UzmanN5]

What’s your overall experience of the two tents?

[@evacoutdoors5867]

Used x mid once, sold it. Rainbow is the one!!

[@ronaldlemmer8491]

Gad---why do folks need to be uncivil-----very irritating. Can they not just take what they want from the video and keep the nasty stuff to themselves. The same religion goes on with the quilt vs sleeping bad topic. All not helpful. I have had both tents (non LI version of the Rainbow)with the x-mid more recently. Good job---ignore the haters.

[@jcblum1507]

Double Rainbow Li Wind win!!!

[@KevInpouich]

Brilliant mate! You'll piss off Durston Fans again be careful with them😂 bee eyeing the DR li for a while and your videos about it have been useful to me Still on the fence about it though because it's three time the price of my nemo hornet 2p and for me it's difficult to justify :/ how do you like it so far? Looks great to live in that lovely island of Mallorca! Hoping to come hike the Ruta de Pedra en Sec one day, even possible without taking the plane from where I live in France 👍

[@evacoutdoors5867]

Hoping not to pee anyone off, it was just a side by side test. People have already asked if poles were high enough, it was tensioned as much as I could go. I love the DR Li, fully loaded with liner and a footprint it’s 1100 g, same as Xmid with poles and pegs but no groundsheet. Don’t need groundsheet on smooth surfaces. DR li has small footprint and goes it faster.