I Love / Hate the Durston X-Mid Pro Ultralight Tent

[@durstongear]

Thanks for putting this together and nice to hear you're largely liking the tent. As you mention, it's certainly not a tent for everyone. It's our superlight version, so for less ultralight focused hikers our regular version that is more affordable and doublewall is often a better fit. With regard to pitching the tent, I recently put together a new pitching guide that is a lot more helpful than the old one. It has a ton of great tips that I think even experienced users would find helpful. In explains how to get a tighter pitch in general so you can get more space without the side panel guylines, and at 8:00 it explains how to get a tight pitch on uneven ground: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nICtZXWBftR-fdUsi=31Py713rz3TpTf72&t=484 That video also has some other cool tricks like porch mode (near the end) which shows how to prop up one door as a porch for more room and venting in rain conditions. Thanks again, Dan

[@eric_hanson]

Nice! Thanks for the video to refer to, it is worth a watch if you have Durston! I think it takes a little getting used to the nuances of getting the pitch right, but when you do it's really clean and satisfying! It's my favorite tent of the year!

[@RyanBransonTK]

Dan is also the only tent-maker I know who is actively helping, commenting, and listening to countless backpackers on their input on his design. That alone is worth supporting! As soon as I saw this video, I knew Dan was going to have an indepth helpful comment on it :P I have the regular version of the X-Mid 2 and it's complete luxury at 2 lbs.

[@Canadian_Craftsman]

Yeah and he'll attack you if you disagree 🙄 😂 every shelter had limitations and advantages

[@durstongear]

@@Canadian_Craftsman Certainly every shelter involves trade offs and limitations. I'm happy to discuss those. If someone says something that isn't true I will share what I think is more accurate but always in a respectful way.

[@CordCrenshaw]

@@RyanBransonTKglad you pointed this out. Dan personally replied to my general email asking about a ground sheet for my x-mid 2p. I’d buy the tent for the value and performance but I LOVE the tent because of Dan’s values, ethics, and innovation.

[@RubenArrieta]

Please metric conversions for the rest of the world! Every time you mention some weight, mesure, temperature, I have to stop the video go to the calculator or google and make the metric conversion. Please! It would make your videos more fluent for us metric viewers. Cheers from Mexico!

[@ultima8250]

The Durston X Mid 2 (Non Pro) is much more worth the cost ($300). Double wall as well ans still super light

[@jonathankobbe6073]

its 1,7 times as heavy so its not close, it depends what you want and what youre willing to pay for it.

[@GabagoolFool]

Light not super light

[@MixMeister5000]

By tent standards, 2lbs super light. 1lb is hyperlite

[@jonathankobbe6073]

@@MixMeister5000 doesnt matter what you want to call it. Thats just your perspective. Its 1.7 times as heavy though, so camparing these two tents you will carry a good amount more weight with the non pro xmid.

[@palbal]

Super, ultra, hyper light, adding tent poles or hiking poles, you end up with similar weight as the lightest 1p tents on the market.

[@trickofthetrail]

Fab review Eric. A fair critique of the pros and cons. For most I think the standard non pro version will be the best option. Especially the 2 person variant. Living in the UK I think having the solid inner is the best way to go for our climate. Dan has done a superb job at offering so many variations of this amazing tent, so it suits different needs.

[@CombatBanana]

You can always get the full double walled version with polyester fly. It's only 2lb and it will last a lot longer while still being less than half the price.

[@markall8641]

Maybe some of what he said is factually incorrect? But for the average person the non pro version is great.some of the same issues Eric mentioned are still there. But less than half the price and it showed up at my house the next day! The stakes I got with it are light but suck. Unless you need the around a # weight the non pro is the way to go in my opinion. But you have a right to have yours and others have there’s. @@layne4376

[@CombatBanana]

@@layne4376 Care to link the test/research to prove your claim? I can link lots of resources to people displaying how short of a lifespan dcf actually has. Dcf, when pulled repeatedly like it would be in a tent fly, falls apart over time. You say a polyester fly will degrade in UV light but did you know polyester is actually more UV resistant than nylon?

[@WesleyKor9]

Literally the best tent on the market and almost no one from youtubers talks about it giving all the attention to Pro. I have Solid version and absolutely love it.

[@mikelovesbacon]

@@CombatBanana Why is polyester vs nylon UV resistance relevant in a discussion about polyester vs DCF? DCF also has much higher UV resistance than nylon. So what?

[@CombatBanana]

@@mikelovesbacon I just brought up Polyester's UV resistance to say that it wasn't a concern. If DCF is more UV resistant then great, but it's still going to fall apart after a few hundred nights.

[@Croseb2]

I have the X-Mid 2p and can’t imagine a better tent, especially for the low price tag. Sure it’s about 1 lb heavier but it has a full mesh double wall interior. There is no moisture issues which I’ve experienced with other Dyneema tents like the z-packs Duplex. It also offers 53 inches wide floor for two wide pads. Finally, if you don’t like, carrying trekking poles Durston offers two small foldable carbon poles that fit easily into your backpack.

[@eric_hanson]

yeah for the price the X-mid regular is great! Love the double wall version. I haven't tried the Durston flick poles but I'm curious about that for non-trekking pole trips.

[@jackvoss5841]

I had one, single wall tent. I learned to never make that mistake again. I have an X-Mid 1p for camping from a canoe and motorcycle. Not perfect, but the best tent I ever had. And, I started camping about 70 years ago. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@eric_hanson]

Nice! You certainly have the experience!

[@GenX_outdoors]

I got the Xmid 1p double wall tent and love it. I’m fairly new to backpacking and wanted a double wall trekking pole tent that was easy to put up and didn’t break the bank. It’s not DCF, but is great for weekend warriors and people like me just getting into backpacking. I’d love to see you and Kristi try the regular Xmid 2p plus when it comes out.

[@eric_hanson]

That's great to hear! Finding an easy, quality tent that isn't pricey is gold. I'm definitely wanting to test out the new versions as they come out! If Kristi joins that probably means Kovu is too and then we'd need the 3P version to have space for the doggo.

[@Suncity4]

Ditched my 1P for a 2P for some of the reasons you mentioned. I realized however that the right pitch is key to these tents. Dan put out a video addressing pitching issues and performance, it’s outstanding and made love the tent better.

[@MrBadjohn69]

The best part of the tent is that it has the seal of approval from a Federal convict.

[@Suncity4]

@@MrBadjohn69😏good point, illegal camping…yea that’s top cred. Dan should include that.

[@MrBadjohn69]

@@Suncity4 Well he is an admitted Federal convict and he has BRAGGED on social media he now has street cred since he has a rap sheet. I wonder if his rap sheet will curtail his international travel? Perhaps he is confined to the USA as part of his Federal probation. (Street cred)

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

I found that if the ground is not perfectly flat I just raise my poles lifting the corners up then adjusting the lines at the corners accordingly. That fixes most sag. This also increases the air flow helping with condensation. Setting up on grass doesn’t help condensation either.

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

it is pitching it close to the ground which is difficult on uneven ground. Raising poles up is going to make more of a gap.

[@davidshirley6850]

You can get adjustable folding poles if you don't use hiking poles

[@michaeldoran9531]

KZbinrs really seem to struggle with the xmid pitch

[@20yearsagotoday1]

I know! I don’t understand as it’s really easy.

[@eric_hanson]

Do you get a perfect pitch on uneven ground?

[@michaeldoran9531]

@@eric_hanson Not every time, no. There are ways to mitigate a sloping ground and keep a good pitch, like adjusting pole height. But none of it matters if the tent isn't square. Your pitch in several of your shots didn't look square because the ridgeline wasn't taut. I only say this because several KZbinrs (Dixie included) have struggled with the pitch, but there are many videos showing how to get a perfect pitch, the key primarily being to peg it out square.

[@frankworsham7301]

I've got approximately 12 to 14 nights in with my x mid pro 1 and I agree with all of the points you've made about the setup and laying diagonally trekking pole to trekking pole inside the tent. I have found using the 2 side guy lines with sticks to hold the height of the guy line up from the ground increases the interior living volume greatly. I keep a 24 inch by 24 inch microfiber towel handy for moisture management in the mornings to wipe away condensation. For me having a 1 pound tent that scores a 9 out of 10 on the pros of the tent allows me to have a sleep system that is not ultra light but provides the maximum amount of comfort in the back country. Anyone want to buy my 2 year old altaplex? Great review Eric.

[@CaMuzzy77]

Alta-pass on that and stick with my Durston collection ha

[@behindenemylines9033]

Great info. Due to the cost I think I'll stick with my Big Agnes Tigerwall 2

[@tylernblaney]

Carried the TW UL2 on the Great Divide. Such an outstanding tent.

[@glacierfilmco]

I loved the weight savings of the tent but the condensation was a deal breaker for me, too, so I sold it. Also, NW Montana is super buggy and flies loved to get stuck between the mesh inner and the DCF at the peaks and just buzz and buzz. Tip: If you guy out the peaks, it stands up better and tightens the sides. But I'd rather carry a couple of more pounds and use a freestanding tent. Switched to the Hilleberg Niak and I really like that tent so far after a couple of months. Of course it weighs 2 pounds more, too and is more expensive.

[@umaiar]

Thanks for including information for us tall folks. This tent was actually of interest based on everyone raving about how big they are. But yeah, apparently it's not big enough for me 😂

[@МихаилРусин-ы1о]

I have a regular 2p with double wall. Went for this option primarily because it fits two 25 inch pads. We use Zenbivy Double and it is a super hotel for our family. Lightweight and still cozy. My personal experience is somewhat similar to what Eric mentions for his 1p Pro version. The key to this tent is the pitch. After several weekend trips I am getting used to it, but still on the learning curve. This tent is so much more complicated to set up comparing to free standing tents! Especially on uneven surface. You should have some decent 3D thinking to set this tent right :) Set it, then loose, repitch some of the corners. I also started with using additional guylines, just as Eric. In fact, my trekking poles were used for a tent, and my wife's poles - for guylines. Now I can confirm, that if the pitch is ideal, you indeed need only 4 stakes! Normally I bring now 4 MSR large groundhogs (staking the corners) and 4 lightweight hooks provided originally with X-Mid - two to stake out the doors (for a more comfortable use) and two more just in case, you now ;) All in all, this is a real masterpiece tent, in my opinion.

[@shaggyterrell8460]

I agree! I am waiting for a dcf fly with a full mesh inner like the regular XMid though. I read that he may be coming out with those options.

[@e2dub]

I heard the same thing and I am stoked to buy that model when it comes out. I prefer double wall vs single wall 1) double wall offers more protection from condensation. 2) Also allows more versatility, like 3 tents in one: mesh only star for star gazer mode, fly only when you just need basic roof but no wall, full on double wall when needed. I hope he makes it in a DCF floor and DCF fly to maximize weight savings.

[@tullochgorum6323]

Very smart design, but to me the main limitation is wind-resistance on exposed high-level pitches. I had a couple of chats with Dan while he was prototyping, and it's not really designed for winds above around 40mph. He has prioritised ease of pitching and livability instead, which makes a lot of sense for most hikers. But in areas like Scotland and Scandinavia I'd prefer something with smaller panels even if I had to sacrifice some space. The same for steep ground where finding pitches is hard - the large double vestibules do add to the footprint. Shelters are always a question of tradeoffs - we just need to be sure to pick the right option for the job in hand.

[@lovedogsontheloose]

Great review. Have heard a lot of people with the Pro 1 say they've felt like the walls close in on them a bit. I've got the Pro 2 for the dogs and myself, and I absolutely love it. I use the Durston Z-flick tent poles, since I don't use trekking poles, and they've worked really well for me.

[@TheNewGreenIsBlue]

Yeah, this is what I was considering as well. I was going to pick up the SilPoly X-Mid 2P but I'm really not a thru-hiker. I just want something light and roomy and not too crazy expensive as I'm camping with a 12 year old (translation: I get to carry most of the stuff). I was thinking of picking up the flick-tent poles as well... I'm not AGAINST using trecking poles, but I don't want to resort to it all the time. That being said, I'm super curious what Durston has in mind with a new X-Dome tent in development.

[@eric55406]

I have the Z-flick poles and they are great and more sturdy than other brands of poles I've had. I just used the Z-flick poles this past weekend (with the XMid 2 regular tent on an overnight backpacking trip) so I could keep my trekking poles out for day hiking. The Durston tent geometry is unusual but it's really great in practice. (I'm leaning towards buying the XMid1 Pro for solo trips.)

[@bradtremblay2111]

I’m looking at the same tent for myself and dogs as well. Do you use the ground sheet as well for extra protection?

[@lovedogsontheloose]

@@bradtremblay2111 I do use the groundsheet even when it’s just me and no dogs, simply bc the tent cost a lot of $$ and I’m generally trying to keep it nice for as long as possible. Not sure it’s necessary, but it gives me extra peace of mind, and once attached you can keep it attached and fold it up with the tent unless/until it gets really wet and needs to be separated to dry out. With the dogs, I pack a 1/8” foam pad that covers pretty much the entire tent floor. It’s working really well, and adds some additional warmth under my pad as well. Hope this helps.

[@bradtremblay2111]

@@lovedogsontheloose awesome thanks!

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Better watch you back, talking about Durston - King of the Tents! haha

[@mikemclean2449]

Durston incoming

[@chrismoore600]

The tent is cool the biggest problem I have with alot of the ultralight equipment is the cost. I get the fact that the equipment is high is design and materials. But if I payed the high cost and it is damaged I'd loos my mind. Great video.

[@NewsViewsAndTruth]

Are you still hammocking?? I ask because I recently have made the change back to ground dweller due to my pups. One of the old ladies gets in a little bit of pain when I drag her into the hammock with me. So I now have a Durston Xmid 2p solid for me and my ladies. I thought that the solid was mesh, but it is fabric nearly the entire inner.

[@TeslaPrince]

I have used the xmid-2 (non pro and doube walled but 2 lbs) on multipe trips and no moisture inside the tent (sacrificial fly takes that) and i aso use the durston zflick poles as they are ultra light and easy to setup.

[@eric_hanson]

I'm definitely curious about the flick poles.

[@wr1120]

I have the Xmid 2 (regular) and it works fine for me. Apart from the higher price the pro will hit us europeans with a hefty tariff and the few ounces I would save just aren't worth it. I think you would save around 40% at least when buying that version if you live in Europe. Reviews on that one are a bit rare. It's basically the same tent, just different materials.

[@cherylkaye]

Great video. I would be curious for you to do a comparison with the X-Mid 1p. I purposely chose that over the pro when ordering for a few reasons, and would love to know your thoughts comparing them. Everyone seems to rave about the Pro, but for many the non-pro version is a better (and more affordable option). But you don't see many reviews of that, everyone is all about the pro. **I also bought the z poles set, because I have raging paranoia about breaking a trekking pole and getting stuck with no way to put my tent up.🙈

[@trakyboy5128]

Heres my personal take Single wall tents suck. 2. Durston isnt the only one that lays out tents this way ...i have a Tarptent 1p but its double wall. In fact it has a choice of 2 inserts . But hate that these tent s have no REAL pockets or interior storage for those multiple in door rainy days !!! Sucks. Tarptent has these shitty ground vent systems but they do vent there just a cluster fock !!! They both have great vestibule space BUT I DON'T LEAVE MY PACK OUTSIDE FOR RODENTS 😮. BUT WO A 2P TENT I GOT NO CHOICE. Livht easy detup sure bjt they both suck. Its literally a love /hate relationship !!!!!! Not to mention that ya cant lick up n move a few w/o major hassles. Unlike the more " conventional " tents !!!! Picking my next tent ....a 2p tent ,,, is the bane of my life. !!! Part of me likes the Durston and Shires Tarptent design and another part of me likes the old school style like Big Agnes, Nemo, northface, Diamond hardware and so on. !!!! And,,,,, im torn between the durston and the Tarptent.... But that old scool snap together tent on a loooong day of trucking in the out back country just begs for a super easy, roomy, Pocketed tent like MSR Huba Huba !!!!!! Shitt what choice delemaa !!!!! I swear if someone Built my tent my way id give a 1000 $$$$ for it !!!! Wow could you imagine a mix of Durston, Tarptent, Big Ag, dynema in a private coloring, storage up the woopy. Tent doors that allow N O... N O rain to come in no matter the traffic !! Room for my 3" x 27" x 78" 6.5 Rvalue pad. , my dog añd his backpack and gear, a quilt big nuff for both of us !! Pockets for phone, pad with books on it plus music ,movies . No condensation on my sleeping bag. Dyneema fly and walls with a composite floor for durability !!!!! AND ALL the stakes needed fo a full tie down !!! A miracle. !! Vestibules that latch at bottom !!! Water proof zips. Magnetic closure that doesn't come undone at the slightest boo !!!! A groundsheet INCLUDED!!!!!! ALL STAKES NEEDED !!!! PLENTY OF GLOW GUY CORDAGE !!!!! OH MY GOSH I NEED TO start my own cottage tent company !!!!

[@Get_Some_Nature]

All us thruhikers that couldn't afford a new ZPacks Duplex bought a lightly used Duplex from all the Durstan fanboys. 😂 Absolutely 💚 my Duplex!!!

[@mtadams2009]

One supports made in the USA and one supports China. I am sure both have the condensation issue. Zpacks makes a tent for bigger people and they also took their pole offset. Zpacks 100 percent.

[@natehoover5266]

The 2 person double wall version solves all your issues. You have to sacrifice some features to get others. Moisture management is why I don't think I'll ever buy a single wall. But if Dan does a double wall with dcf...look out because it will be perfection

[@eric_hanson]

I'm glad to hear that. I guess I'm curious if you carry the 2P double wall version to solve these issues though, is it not better than to just get a very light freestanding or semi-freestanding tent?

[@natehoover5266]

@eric_hanson I've never used a single wall because I don't want to have to wipe down the inside of my tent or wake up with a wet sleeping bag. And I have the 2p because I like a lot of room for me and my gear. I don't necessarily touch the wall when I'm sleeping, but my gear does and I don't want condensation all over my gear. I'll sacrifice an extra pound to not deal with water.

[@natehoover5266]

@eric_hanson oh and no I still think the 2p double wall xmid is lighter than most semi/freestanding tents. And I already carry trekking poles so it just makes sense to me I guess.

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Durston cloned this tent from the Sierra Designs - High Route 3000 1P Tent (2016)

[@nedanother9382]

It doesn't seem to make sense to buy a one person tent. I have one of the OG Copper Spurs and it was great w/ straight walls. If your going dyneema the duplex is still the best. 19 oz. The cost for me doesn't add up unless I'm in a roomy bug free tent rather than inner walls. I started tarp camping last year....even lighter. Takes getting used to. thanks for the vid

[@Bassandbackpacks]

I have the x mid 1 and when using 4 stakes all the walls are nice and tight. The only time I would use extra guy lines is in strong wind. I love the tent and the full mesh inner. Don't have to worry about moisture at all.

[@eric_hanson]

I only used the x-mid once but I definitely liked it a lot! I understand what you're saying.

[@hoser7706]

Why don’t ppl carry a super light USB rechargeable fan for ventilation? They work. Are under $10 at Walmart, pack flat and weigh very little

[@backpackingcapebreton]

I have the regular X-Mid which is full double wall. I didn’t realize the pro version wasn’t a fully double walled tent. Biggest selling point for me with the OG X-Mid is for the double wall. Keeps my sleeping bag dry even in super damp conditions. I’ll take the extra weight for the double wall feature. You’d probably end up carrying the weight difference in water weight in your sleeping bag anyway.

[@bobbafett1971]

I'm a casual packer...I use poles. I have this tent, switched from tiger wall ul2. Love it.

[@millerhoo]

It is just a matter of time before Dan chimes in here :) I feel most of these issues are addressed with the 2p pro. I have the non pro 2p for me and a kid or dog. I also have the 1p pro when I want to go light and tuck into smaller spots. When tucking in and going light, I put up with all the semi-cons called out. Also, when I do not want to bring trekking poles, I use the zflick poles. I only use one pole when I hike with my dog.

[@eric_hanson]

Dan found me! And yeah the 2P would solve a lot. I'd love to try that version out.

[@millerhoo]

@@eric_hanson haha. Yep - I feel like he has to have alerts or something. He is so responsive it is nuts. I have not seen anyone other “brand” (or person repping a brand) as active in the community as him. Feel like Outdoor Vitals could be more active in the non OV but are not. Also, HMG get torn up in the redddit forums and you never hear a peep. Oh well a first mover advantage for good ol dan. You should tell Dan to send you the new 2p+ pro he sent Justin outdoors to tease us with.

[@happilysmpl]

The corner space near feet canbe used by a dog. Opposite corner for backpack. Smart design

[@funnybeingme]

If you are a tall person, I would always advice getting the 2 person version of any ultralight tent. I'm only 5'8" and I always carry a 2 person ultralight tent in all my solo long distance adventures. I like my X-Mid Pro 2, which replaced my beloved (but now retired) ZPacks Duplex. I can setup my Duplex in any terrain without any issues unlike my X-Mid Pro 2. But honestly, if I do decide to sell my X-Mid Pro 2, I would get the Hyperlite Unbound 2 for the ease of setup.

[@eric_hanson]

Nice, thanks for the comparisons.

[@neemancallender9092]

I really don’t understand why people buy one person tents instead of two people tents The extra room for a nominal extra weight and cost Many of your downsides would be solved by the two person tent Also your closing remarks are not valid if you buy the double walled tent The casual hiker can get full service at a superb price

[@fontpartners1695]

Excuse me, but I believe that all tent brands must have a fairly flat surface to stand on in order to have a good pitch??

[@ctflower08]

Good video. At 6'3", I found the inner space of the 1 (pro and non-pro) had too much tent wall in my face or feet like you did. The footprint is a bit big, but I would have dealt with that in exchange for the low cost and low weight, but the inner was just too tight. Bummed, but I ended up going with a different shelter.

[@Evad13]

Thx for your experience. Same weight as you and wondered if the 1P would be too tight.

[@andreameigs1261]

Just put your footbox in a plastic bag or your pack liner so if it touches the sides, it won't get wet.

[@petaaaaa1234]

Living near mountains... I doubt I've ever had as much flat area as you do in this video. I'll probably never be in a situation where a trekking pole tent is viable, and it gets annoying seeing every youtuber treat them as the perfect tent. Thanks for acknowledging the downsides!

[@LiLBitsDK]

well if they are perfect for the youtubers needs doesn't mean it is perfect for your needs... just like your tent isn't much good for people that like to hang on the side of a cliff sleeping there... ;-)

[@LMay64]

I totally agree about referring to this as a "hybrid single wall." The huge mesh side walls provide me with more flexibility and security in bad weather. When speaking of moisture management, I'd have to include the issue with the tent floor. It's much more difficult to dry out the sylpoly floor vs. the dcf walls in the morning when trying to pack up. This issue will be resolved with the next generation that will have dcf floors. For those who believe the sylpoly floor is more durable, I'd possibly disagree when a thicker dcf is used for floors. I still use a ground cloth (polycro) for either type of floor due to moisture and dirt control. Does the sylpoly floor pack more compact? Possibly. The XMid Pro 1P is pretty close to the size of my other similar tents in my pack.

[@NordenzurZukunft]

There are numerous Reddit threads with the extensive debates about the floor material which I won’t get into but Dan has said he does not intend to use DCF floor material due to it being prone to micro punctures and bulky. DCF is tear resistant while nylon is more puncture resistant.

[@LMay64]

@@NordenzurZukunft In September, Dan posted on FB that the next version of the pro will have a DCF floor.

[@z0uLess]

I think the 20D Sil/PE Polyester version is just better.

[@hardwaterhacker]

Thanks for the information on the available space for taller people. I looked at this tent, but I'm 6'4" and I felt like it was going to be too short. I have a LightHeart Gear SoLong 6, and that does a decent job, but moisture management is a big problem there, too. Any recommendations on a lighter tent for a 6'4" person?

[@gavinhalm3016]

I'm 6'3" and I opted for the Mid Pro 2 as the 1 was too cramped for me...at only a few ounces more it was a no brainer. If condensation is something that really bothers you, then the double wall non-DCF Mid 2 would also be a great option...Also, look at SlingFin tents. Models like their 2Lite or Portal are exceptional choices as well. Cheers.

[@jaza4805]

There is one problem that no one is talking about. If you set up the tent on dirty ground, a lot of dirt ends up on the inside of the rainfly, especially if the rainfly is wet from the previous night. I believe that using a proper groundsheet is a must (I'm looking for the best solution for that, as it must cover the vestibules). I also replaced the black guy lines with white ones because they tend to disappear in the dusk. But overall, this is a great tent.

[@Andy-Mesa]

I've not experienced this in 400 miles of hiking in CA and OR, so your mileage may vary.

[@FlyingWind]

durston also makes tent poles for them. dont have to use your trekking poles

[@whereisbartek]

Tarptent Stratospire did that before Dusrton. Tarptent is great tent!

[@palbal]

Sierra designs was the first to introduce this construction, not Durston.

[@GabagoolFool]

Been using this tent this summer, best tent ive ever used. No complaints.

[@garyo4456]

Skip it!! Go ZPacks Triplex!

[@Greghikes1]

You don't NEED trekking poles! I use 2 x zpacks carbon poles -slightly cut down, (150g pair) and it's still waaay lighter than a poled tent! (650 incl poles and 5 pegs). Also I'm 6'2" & you're right - I wouldn't want to be ANY taller, I think that's the cutoff height plus it's pretty narrow and I'm only 82kg. Durston does has a "skinny pitch" video that's helpful. Great in depth review, I agree it's not the ideal tent for everyone.( I ended up selling mine and getting a duplex lite.)

[@duffers29]

So if your on a slope with heavy rain will the rain run into your tent ?

[@deKampeerwijzer]

I feel that lot of your comments are not specific for the X-mid but are true for all single wall tents. Using a tent like that, you have to adjust some things, like keeping spare clothes in a waterproof bag and have a quilt with a water resistant shell fabric and /or synthetic (APEX) filling.

[@rodrev_hiking6757]

Tarptent doublerainbow li >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

[@recentskepticism122]

Thoughts on the solid 2p or xmid 2p

[@rungavagairun]

Pro 2 FTW. More space on the sides inside the tent. More space head to foot and only like 3 oz or 90 grams difference in weight. I'll take the extra space and comfort and carry 3 oz more.

[@richardbendrin5410]

If youre really going for an ultralight 1P tent, go for ZPacks. If youre really going for an ultralight double wall 1P tent, go for Bonfus. A DCF tent without DCF-floor? I dont know...

[@babar69110]

Seems to be the usual syndrom with any costly gear. Bank account sucked, people tend to justify the spent money... ( See by example these totally overpriced goretex jackets which don t work in motorcycles rides. ) Yes I know, the R and D.... come on, no electronic lab needed to create a tent.... there are lots of tipi tentts, far cheaper, giving natural air convection, with space, easy to set up, etc... . Yes they are 1 kg. A big problem, half a liter of water weight carried more 😂😂 in meantime people carry powerbanks, cameras, etc... Is it serious ???

[@zooombaa]

why not use the 2P version for one person?

[@Andy-Mesa]

That is one of the saddest pitches I've ever seen. Like, impressively bad. Like, I have to wonder if you did that on purpose bad. I used this tent for 300 miles on the PCT, with only 5 nights of backpacking experience total before that point, and never had these issues, nor did I ever need more than four stakes even in 40+ mph winds. If you set the tent up properly, which you clearly aren't doing (you're not getting the corners taut enough before raising your poles) then you won't experience the kind of sagging you mention.

[@SummitSeeker546]

Your comments equally apply to ZPacks Plex Solo which I have been using for a year now. The dyneema trekking pole tents are definitely the lightest. Their biggest drawback is their large footprint and moisture issues. So if weight is your determining factor go with it. If more features/benefits are desired then I think a double walled, free standing, light weight 1P tent is the way to go. The 2 tents that fit the bill are the Marmot Tungsten UL 1P and Nemo 1p. For a slight bit more weight you get sooo many more features/benefits. The most important being their very small footprint (we camp a lot off trail near lakes/rivers in mountain/desert terrain where flats spots are usually small), large interior, lack of condensation problems, warmth, ease of setup in windy conditions, and a bombproof structure to withstand the wrath of Mother Nature… Tents are a very personal choice. For about 1 lb more I prefer my Marmot tent but find times where I need the Plex Solo to reduce weight.

[@johnarmstrong4053]

Might be worth a mention, this tent can be used without trekking poles. Durston sells optional carbon Z-Flick tent poles that are 6.6 oz for two. Kinda defeats the purpose, but technically trekking poles are not required, just use the Z-Flick.

[@robertwood6297]

poorly designed and overpriced

[@benskinner4673]

Thanks Eric. Have just bought one and you have some additional pitch tips I hadn’t heard. I’ve been so far impressed. Camped in 20mm of rain and all inside was fully dry. Had to pack up wet externally and was disappointed to see when pitching following night the insides had got wet. It was fine as the weather had improved and it quickly dried, but won’t always be the case. In a double skin I just pack the wet fly separately. Is there a trick for a single skin?

[@edwardstroud8245]

I’ve contemplating this tent, but I through hike mainly in the UK where we have a lot of rain, so would be quite concerned about condensation 🤔. I guess the x-mid solid would be the better option.

[@ulperformance4087]

My DIY Dyneema floorless tent weighs a mere 6.3 ounces, 5 feet wide, 4.42 feet wide at the 9 foot length and 3.72 feet high. A floorless tent provides greater flexibility for what type ground sheet or no ground sheet YOU prefer or a mesh interior tent that can be bought for a pittance versus the cost of a bathtub & mesh interior included in the price of .X-Mid Pro tent. A loop located at the' peak of my tent allows for 8 or more methods of hanging it from above as well as use of a pole. A loop is also at the interior peak of my tent for hanging a mesh interior tent and or hanging a light, your stuff to dry or other objects.

[@Acid741981]

The negative sides are the point why I opted to buy the non DCF version. The Non-Pro is a real double walled design - maybe a few ounces more to carry - but no problems with condensation - or at least coming in contact with it. The two walled design lets you opt to use the inner and outer tent seperately! No bugs around? Just carry the fly. Clear summer nights with no rain? just use the mesh inner with the star gazer kit... Thanks a lot to Dan for creating the most awesome tent I ever got to use! I currently use the 2p version because I often go outddors with my spouse but I think of getting myself the 1p too because it will fit even my ultrawide 30" matress I like to use in really cold months for extra comfort (we use 25" wide in the 2p which just fit in there really fine).

[@imridingwithstoopidohwaiti3948]

I really like my X-mid 2 .. I noticed the wet and thought it was condensation but its been 98% humidity here every night and the fly will drip from the humidity.. I had it setup with a star gazer pitch and woke up with the mesh raining on me.. I setup a slightly oversized ground sheet its worked like a solar still if I fold it back to the exact foot print of the inner its doesn't happen. Having the mesh inner its seems to avoid 98% of the wet.. I could see where the Pro version would be way worse with the moisture not having the mesh to run off of ...

[@derekhanson9915]

Great pros and cons review. With how crazy light this thing is, carrying extra stakes for more versital bomber pitches is worth it. Same with the ground cloth. Smart Durston! Nice design. Many versions of their tents to choose from.

[@peterjrmoore3941]

I live in a damp, rainy area and so I bought both the DCF and the double wall versions - actually both the solid and the mesh ones! Recently was up in some mild snow and 40 mile an hour gusts with the X mid solid two person and had a great time frankly, though, if it is pouring with rain, and with two people, the DCF is a bit of a problem. I jerryrigged my Moss tent wing on top of one of my X mids in my back yard to check for feasibility. An MLD dyneema tarp just arrived and I think for rainy weather I'll see if I can set that up as an awning for the X mids.

[@charlesquick3656]

i have the Xmid2P, not the pro, so its a double wall tent. and I have not experienced the problems with moisture except for once and that was only because it was pitched high and rain splattered up and onto the mesh, again my fault. I see you guys always talk about the pro and not the standard xmid or the new solid version which seems to address these problems and don't weigh that much more and is half the price...

[@dangerpudge1922]

The flat ground issue: This plagues every single trekking pole tent and yet it is in no way related to the tent itself but in our perception of how to pitch it. A traditional tent has always required that you build it up from the ground. Makes sense. That seems logical and intuitive. It's not how you pitch a trekking pole tent though. You 'hang' a trekking pole tent. The Durston design is particularly forgiving and exceptional in its ability to work for uneven terrain. You need to focus on the ridgeline, not on the distance from the bottom of the fly to the ground. If you keep your ridgeline constant, you'll wind up with uneven distances to the ground at each corner, which is a good thing. This will keep the tent in good form when pitched.

[@kaitlenredner4897]

Is there a video for camping in a thunderstorm? I'm always concerned when a storm rolls in while camping and wondering what to do for safety

[@matth2214]

You know you can purchase poles for these tents right? That way if you don’t have to carry trecking poles.

[@davidcressey]

Here in the UK i think the Xmid does not perform well. It is like a massive sail in wind and you end up having a torrid time. The new Duplex Zip is a far better option.

[@stevej.6674]

Damn, no sleeping in with that tent as you’ll be up with the sun at 5am and I think here in Australia, it’ll be a little sauna/greenhouse. It’s hella lightweight, but damn there are some prices to pay.

[@roastntoast7550]

Can you please make a comparison between the Durston x-mid and the ASTA GEAR YUN CHUAN ? The Durston is almost 5 times the price of the YUN Chuan from ASTA GEAR! In my opinion the Durston is not worth that price specially if we know Durston is nut the investor of the pyramid tents.

[@eric_hanson]

I don't plan on making a comparison video. Looks like the Asta Gear tent is a direct knock off. It's probably okay but I bet it's not great. Sounds like you want the cheap version and that's totally okay! Go for it!

[@roastntoast7550]

@@eric_hanson I have it already. My friend has the Durston. There are pros and cons on both tents. BTW it's not a 100% knock off like Durston x-mid is not 100% knock off the pyramid tents which were invented in 2016.

[@richardrankin7488]

With no floor I do not see from your video how bugs would be kept out. In the north east you would get eaten alive.

[@CaMuzzy77]

Durston doesn't make any floorless tents... so you're safe from getting eaten alive... unless it's an apex predator ha

[@nickmail7604]

I bought the original version back before the world went crazy, I got it in October 2019 and its the two person twin walled tent thats not DCF and for how much more it weighs it's a fantastic 1 person palace of a tent, and because it's bigger and twin walled I get hardly any of the issues you have high lighted with the 1 person "pro" version. Nice film.

[@christimartin8512]

I wonder if some of the moisture issues come from the large vestibule, over bare ground? It seems the moisture would evaporate from the ground into the tent without some kind of moisture barrier. It would be interesting to see if a piece of tyvek covering the ground in the vestibule would make a difference.

[@dustinkittel2830]

I love my x mid pro. September I got caught in a surprise snow storm and had to wait out 18 hours inside. Aside from slapping the side walls occasionally to get the snow off, it held up great. And I didn’t even have the guy lines staked out

[@digiay]

You mention tour de mont blanc a lot here. Do you have the video uploaded yet? I can't find it. A link would be nice if it's out

[@danrustly7979]

I love my gossamer The One. I had the non-pro x-mid and I didn’t care for it. A buddy has the x-mid pro and is now trying to sell it. The Gossamer doesn’t get enough love

[@peterc5167]

Great video. I find the toggle doors on the original zpacks tents better than a zip from the point of view of moisture control. If you fasten the door using only the middle toggle, then you can keep open a big ventilation gap even during heavy rain (depending on wind direction). Consequently I almost always keep the door flaps at least part open and have never had any big condensation issues. If you try to do the same with a zip door, then you will most likely break the zip. So for DCF single wall, I would always choose toggle doors.

[@Cperez2002]

If you’re on a slope, It doesn’t matter what tent you have. What kind of review is this 😂

[@chiara54813]

Hi eric, it was super cool to meet you on the tmb. I saw quite a few of these and I think they are awesome. but I think there are better gear choices I could make to go lightweight as my current tent is just 2,5 pounds for a 2person (so only 1,25 pp as i use it with my sister). I might go ultralight on the backpack though. any thoughts about the osprey eja 58?

[@levosgiendesforets]

That's WHY i bought the Durston XMID SOLID 1P version. In a slight slope, I use the pole to block my mastress. That's why it s not an issue for me.

[@scotbotvideos]

Good, balanced review. Wish more reviewers were like this, and not just gushing over the "latest-and-greatest" gear.

[@Direct19681]

Although trekking pole tents work best with trekking poles you can also use tree branches in place of poles, where available of course.

[@UnlikelyHiker]

Many of the issues you mention are not an issue for the XMid pro 2 for 3 oz more, if you are using it solo. I agree on extra stakes helping the pitch. Downside to the 2p is the footprint is huge. Overall I love my Xmid pro2p

[@danielfegley2735]

Dude where's the floor what did you pay for a paper thin tarp

[@eric_hanson]

the floor is there! it's just very lightweight.

[@tiannagangloff4457]

I have the x-mid soild 2 and i love it. Im new to backpacking, but the car camping trips have kept me very dry and warm. The 2p is perfect room for 1 person but would still fit 2. And, in the north the extra fabric is a lifesaver for cool nights. I agree with pitch and lines need to be perfect and all out for best experience. I used 10 to 12 stakes for a comfortable night thru a pretty bad thunderstorm. (Thats 6 groundhog stakes and the ones that came with the tent.) Of all the tents ive used, this tent is small and light but the best for weather.

[@lakorai2]

Most of these complaints go away on the 2p or 2p+ model

[@katlw136]

Eric, thank you for the solid review. I've been using this tent for the past few months and love it. Also been in rain storms and 30/40mph winds and had no issue. But I've struggled with the uneven ground issue and space that creates between outer wall and ground. And I've also not loved such a wide stake out. Your video validated what I've had problems with but was questioning whether it was user error. 😂

[@5863spence]

What's the difference in the x mid and the x mid pro?

[@gcvrsa]

I have to say, similar to what others are saying, that I would never use a 1P tent like this outside of an inherently dry environment. For the US Southwest, sure, but anywhere else? NOPE. Simply switching to the 2P version for only a few ounces more would solve most of the problems mentioned. But personally, I'd never buy the Pro version. DCF is ridiculously overpriced for what it is, and for the marginal weight savings it offers compared to the polyester version of the tent.

[@eric_hanson]

There are certain environments I don't think I'd take this tent to but I think it's better than being confined to only the desert. But I hear ya. I definitely want to try out the 2p version.

[@andrewh3118]

I love my xmid 1 pro. I’m 6’2” no problem. Did great on the CT. Thanks Dan 🙌🍻