Episode 62 | Dan Durston Talks X-Mids and More

In this episode, Andrew chats with gear designer and biologist Dan Durston. Dan is an accomplished backpacker and longtime Backpacking Light member. He went from gear enthusiast to gear tester to successful gear designer and small-business owner in a remarkably short time. His most recent shelter, the Durston X-Mid Pro 2 (see our review, link below), is one of the buzziest ultralight shelters to hit the market in quite a while. All this in spite of the fact that Dan doesn’t have a background in engineering or design.
In this wide-ranging interview, Andrew and Dan talk about design philosophy, the difference between designing for shelters and packs, his journey from tester to designer, upcoming projects from Durston Gear, and more.
** Show notes **
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** How to watch the EXTENDED version of this video podcast **
An extended version of this video podcast goes into even more depth, and is available to Backpacking Light Unlimited Members here:
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** Related: Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 2 Review **
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[@natehoover5266]

Dan actually gets on his gear fan pages and answers questions and interacts. He's a great dude.

[@907-q7u]

This guy hiring? I'd quit my job and move to Canada to help his production.

[@starlinoldaker2039]

My fingers are cramping from being crossed for so long in hopes of getting ahold of an X-mid on the next release. I pre-ordered the backpack so I’ve got that going for me.

[@daviddejong2756]

"I'm not going to make a tent that's got crazy bomber fabrics and then, like, tiny little zippers." THANK YOU! I wish ZPacks would figure that out, having replaced my #3 zippers on my Duplex with #5 at a cost of $200!!! Can't wait for my Pro to arrive!

[@praktika1082]

Nice guy making good gear at great prices. Or is it great guy making nice gear at good prices?

[@natehoover5266]

Dan, you are the luckiest SOB with that Xmid deal...I mean you're a genius and deserve it. And the marketing is genius.

[@gabbette999]

Sad we won’t ever see The Durston Hoop.

[@jpanosky]

Love the interviews with designers. Hope there are more in the future!

[@gabbette999]

Love you all so much- so glad I’m a member - it was worth 50x the price of admission!!! Thanks for this interview- I just ordered his new pack!!!

[@BackpackingLightUSA]

Thanks Gabby!

[@dirtbagoutside]

Very good. Thank you Backpacking light and Dan!!

[@sammarsh6475]

Great interview, very insightful!

[@stevesampier527]

It is easy to be stoked and support products that rock! Awesome approach.

[@82ogo]

I couldn't find any useful camping gear, so I made it. It should be easy, fast and stable without being annoying. We call it an invention.

[@tomnoyb8301]

Surprised and somehow gratified to hear the design was birthed in Excel and PowerPoint vs fancy 3D modeling software. Once the sleeping centerline angle departed from the ridgeline, didn't the wall angles become complicated (difficult to calculate?)? ** Second question: When Xmid 1p Pro comes out, will it have a 0.8oz/yd^2 option? ** Third question: Using 4.5oz, GG twist-poles (discontinued LT4's) set to hike at 53" (which are sticky and difficult to adjust every night), what might you suggest, since Xmid Pro recommends 46"? New trekking-poles? If so, which poles (in the sub-5oz, >52" ballpark)?

[@olympic-gradelurker]

Just pre-ordered my X-Mid 1p and I'm super excited for the z-flick poles since I bikepack. It's so hard to find a sub $500 tent with 12" poles. Dan is so considerate.

[@2323buster]

Seems like Durston took a lot of inspiration from the Sierra Designs High Route tents.

[@clarkansas6590]

Good job

[@williamrobinson1115]

😀

[@ittotaq]

podcasts like this need subtitles to elevate the video

[@IgnazKevenaar]

Great interviewing style!

[@dougstroudphotography]

Dans audio is too low