Initial comparisons from 6,000-miler! Xmid pro 2 vs Duplex

[@durstongear]

Thanks for putting this together and giving the X-Mid a try. I didn't have time to watch the whole video, but two tips for the pitch are: 1) The door stake is helping to anchor the peaks from that side, but the 2022 version has shockcord there that is stretchy so the tent is less solid. If you swap this out for static cord is makes things more solid. 2) Depending on how the tent is staked (accurate rectangle or not) and how the ground is sloped, as you extend the poles the tent will probably pull tight on ridgeline before it pulls tight perpendicular to the ridgeline or vice versa (e.g. it probably won't pull tight in all directly at the same moment). This means that once the pole is extended firmly it'll likely be able to wiggle either front/back (loose ridgeline) or side to side (loose perpendicular to the ridgeline). Once you recognize this, it's easy to adjust for. You just loosen the two corners that are pulling tight earlier which allows you pull the other two corners tighter and thus everything pulls tight more at the same time. When you do this it will also enable the poles to extend slightly taller. The pitching tab on my site has a diagram that explains this if you want to geek out. For the clothesline loops, Zpacks has some stick on loops that can be used to add a clothesline.

[@travelinbeat]

Thanks for checking this out and weighing in!! Still kind wrapping my head around the angles, etc, but I'm definitely excited to grow my familiarity and I appreciate your input!!

[@falkdroste9895]

Great review and thanks for the response Dan! In regards to the clothesline loop I am also wondering why there is non. There is no real weight penalty and I use mine in my Hilleberg tents all the time. Will receive my Pro-2 in April. Very excited about it.

[@derekhand7904]

I’m so impressed with your tent. I got the OG x-mid 2 and couldn’t wait till spring to test out. So the first time I ever set it up was during are biggest snow storm this season in NY. We got 3 feet of snow that night and the tent did amazing.

[@durstongear]

@@travelinbeat One further comment is that we did update the design to have stronger magnets for 2023. The magnets are the same, but there one less wrap of DCF tape covering them so they stick more powerfully. It probably is possible to peel the extra tape off the 2022 version to make them stronger.

[@Davidadventures]

I'm looking forward to the unveiling of the 2024 tent in 3 days, October 25. If it looks good and the price is right, I'll take one on my AT thru hike starting next March.

[@eddieknight2202]

Just got the tent can't wait to get outdoors

[@hush9199]

Ive watched your videos from the start and it is somewhat surreal to see what you have accomplished and the content you have produced along the way. Keep on pushing bro! -HusH

[@travelinbeat]

Thanks so much, Hush!! Glad to have you along!

[@pauliedavis49]

Lookin real familiar over there. I wonder where you wound up eating. Hoping Big Bear was good to you. Our cabin would not have been convenient, being all the way over on the other side of the lake. Enjoying your adventures. Thanks so much for sharing!

[@andrewconnelly4893]

Thx for the thoughts/differences of the two tents. Lots of great features on Xmid but still love my Duplex. This video helped confirm my plan to spend my $s on a couple of other items instead of tent. Keep us updated on add'l learnings. Take care!

[@travelinbeat]

I'll definitely keep pointing out differences as I find them. Thanks for watching! For the record, I still love my Duplex too ❤️

[@ChrisSchultz-hk5fq]

I really enjoyed this review; lots of good thoughts and conclusions. I have 2 observations to offer based on my experience. First, I thru-hiked the Colorado Trail in 2022 with a Tarptent Stratospire 2 Li, which also uses the same type of magnet setup to hold back the vestibule flaps. My experience with these magnets was the same as you described in this review. While really cool, and pretty good in calm dry weather, I found them to be almost useless when wet or in any kind of wind where they quickly lost their grip and slid apart, dropping the vestibule flap. Keeping the flaps open in conditions of heavy dew or light rain didn't work very well because the magnets just didn't hold very well. So, my conclusion about the magnets was that although cool and functional in calm dry weather they lost most of their functionality in any kind of adverse weather, especially wet or windy conditions. Second, I did a few sections of the PCT in 2021 in a Durston X-mid 2 (non-DCF version), However, I ended up switching out the X-mid 2, back to my long and well-used Zpacks Duplex, because the X-mid footprint was comparatively HUGE, resulting in having to pass by many campsites suitable for the Duplex but the X-mid 2 footprint was too big to fit well in the site. This, unfortunately, resulted in fewer camping options while carrying the X-mid 2. This problem was especially noticeable when looking for campsites later in the evening because the first sites to be occupied are usually the sites with the largest footprint and the X-mid 2 just needs more room to get a good pitch and take advantage of its unique design features, many of which I really LOVE. Consequently, I ended up switching back to my Duplex, but I then really missed some of the great design features that inspired me to buy the X-mid 2 in the first place. So, great review of a really neat tent. Thanks for posting, and Happy Trails!

[@travelinbeat]

Wow these are very worthwhile addendum, thanks for sharing!! The footprint of the Xmid Pro 2 really looks for all the world to be nearly twice the size of the Duplex, so I can totally see there being an issue with finding good campsites especially once other hikers have started pitching camp. Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[@LadySekhmetDJ]

Have you considered doing a skinny pitch with the XMid? You stake out the middle loop on the sides for corners. Yes you’ll lose vestibule space, but the footprint will be way smaller and that’ll help find better campsites.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Great comments/thoughts! Still debating. The size of the footprint is definitely a concern.

[@travelinbeat]

@Early_Riser_71 Yeah the footprint is HUGE. I don't have many conclusive thoughts yet, but so far I feel it is certainly not running-away-with-it better than my Duplex. I also suspect that if you're mosting doing East coast hikes, the Duplex may be better because one of the primary advantages of the Durston is it's wind / storm worthiness (a quality which I thus far cannot attest to), and in the East there is generally far less exposure. Stay tuned, I'll be sharing observations as they're observed!

[@brentonasmith]

What a great review, bravo!

[@travelinbeat]

Thanks very much! I have since hiked the PCT and released a newer video explaining why I switched back to my Duplex after 1,000mi

[@rifflegear4378]

If you stake the 2 doors out you’d solve your loose pitch problem 15:20 Some for your first pitch when you said it takes more than one hand to unzip the door. Durston sent 8 stakes to me. I always use 4 corners and 2 door stakes and the tent pitches very well. Cheers.

[@travelinbeat]

Awesome, thanks, Riffle! I'm definitely still learning this tents quirks. As much as I love my Duplex, it took me a while to earn my familiarity with it. Thanks for the pointers!

[@HikingWithWhiskers]

Outstanding review!!! I was looking really hard at the Xmid!!🥾🥾❤️

[@travelinbeat]

Hey Whiskers, good to hear from you!! I've enjoyed your recent videos. The Xmid is definitely neat, I just have to wrap my head around it a little more!

[@HikingWithWhiskers]

@@travelinbeat definitely understand!

[@muddyfeethiking]

Thanks for the review. I also use a duplex camouflage. Spot on its pains with the doors.

[@travelinbeat]

Love my camo Duplex!! I still really wonder why they stopped making them

[@markp0752]

Great new tent. New is always nice!

[@travelinbeat]

Absolutely! Get to work towards understanding a tent all over again!

[@hondosmith8092]

Travelinbeat, I was looking for reviews of the tent which I also purchased and realized you were in my neck of the woods as I live only about 20 minutes from there. Hope you enjoyed the area and NOT everybody plays a banjo around here. LOL

[@travelinbeat]

Hondo thats awesome!! I enjoyed that section of woods! I've always been a fan of WV's beauty, you don't have to talk me into anything!!

[@Kevinschart]

You can absolutely pitch the tent on inclines and unlevel ground. you just have to adjust the pole heights, and potentially move a corner or 2. Just survived the worst wind storm of my life in a Durston do exactly this.

[@travelinbeat]

That's good to hear! Looks like I'll be getting plenty more practice with this new tent!

[@Jimmy2Bits]

16:00 would you have the door opened, rolled up, and for a long enough period of time to need the use of the magnet during inclement weather? or even gusty winds (maybe at the beach)

[@travelinbeat]

Fwiw I definitely had my Duplex fully opened up on many a windy night on both the AT and the CDT

[@lyndoy3559]

Great interesting review, thank you 😎👍

[@travelinbeat]

Fwiw, after carrying my XMid for 1200mi on the PCT, I asked my wife to mail out my Duplex. YMMV

[@greg.jacobs]

Great review of the Xmid Pro 2; I recently picked one up and have similar thoughts on the tent. I am considering taking it out for the summer (PCT) and seeing what the floor can take; I have heard different opinions. One issue I have with the ultralight tents is that if you need to add the extra weight and space of a ground sheet, why not make the floor a bit tougher? I was supposed to be in Campo this week, but, you probably know of the current conditions, I've decided to wait for a SOBO later in the year. I was hiking in the 82-83 record snow year, and it was not fun, to say the least; considering the mountains are currently above those levels, id rather wait it out a bit. Anyway, thanks again for the great review, and I always enjoy hearing your perspective on trail life.

[@travelinbeat]

Wow that's awesome, Greg! How did you fair in '83??? I've been completely mystified by the dilemma facing PCT'ers this year, especially north bouneders... It's both entirely accurate and pretty darn humbling when one considers that there is literally not a human on earth who has hiked those mountains with this level of snow... UGGHH!!

[@greg.jacobs]

@@travelinbeat 83 was a crazy year, I was living in Crescent City CA and we had over 300 inches of rain that year. the sierras where completly buried until early August. The challenge was the passes, there was no trail just lots of ice and snow. the creek crossing were ok because the snow melted really slow that year. We used crampons and axes and basically went straight up each pass. Forester was the worst as the south face was a solid covering of hard snow and ice. We went straight up the chute as it had the best snow and wasnt solid Ice like the trail section. This year, I'll wait for it to melt and have a nice south bound cruise on dirt.

[@EarlyRiser71]

Great review Beats! I'm still debating. Not sure about that 15d nylon floor. Any deeper thoughts on it? I've had rivers of water flowing under my tent during downpours, never had to worry about it with a dyneema floor. Also, the translucency is crazy compared to my other dyneema tents. 🤔🤘🕓

[@travelinbeat]

Hey ER! I'm in San Diego and starting PCT in less than a week. I'm ashamed to report that the pitches in this video are actually the only times I've putched this tent at all so far, but I am starting the trail with the X-Mid and certainly expect to have plenty more observations in the early goings! Also, I've been thinking of you hiking style with respect to Early Rising-- seems like I may have a very strong reason to adopt this approach especially once I start getting to snow!

[@EarlyRiser71]

@@travelinbeat Awesome! Can't wait to follow your hike. Snow challenge will be epic to watch. Definitely need to hit it early! Go crush it!🤘🕓

[@karyn4875]

Regarding clothes line...I haven't tried this but I've seen posts where people tied a line to the top of one trekking pole, and then ran it through the top of the door zippers to the other pole.

[@travelinbeat]

On Dan (Durston)'s recommendation, I just went ahead and bought loop stickers from ZPacks

[@SummitSeeker546]

Backpackers underestimate the importance of a small footprint. Love my freestanding Marmot UL 1P. It’s bombproof and fits into the tightest of places. That being said, I do own a ZPacks Plex Solo for trips demanding the lightest of weights. It’s growing on me. Love the weight and the fact it does have a relatively small footprint. But, I hate dealing with the condensation issues. Trade-offs!

[@travelinbeat]

Yeah I'm definitely missing my smaller footprint here in the Sierra as I shovel snow for camp most nights!!

[@surfandstreamfisher5749]

huge footprint on that tent. some spots i've camped i was glad to have my TT Protrail! the DD XMid2 definately would not fit!

[@hikebot]

Had an x mid for a while personally I’d use 6 stakes but I also liked to guy out the peak so 8 stakes. You have to pull out the tent taught before you put in the trekking poles to get a proper pitch. I don’t like how the floor isn’t straight so it’s hard to figure out to get it on a flat spot I picked out. Overall I prefer the duplex for single wall, but the x mid solid for weather is the ultimate shelter. It’s super warm and can take all night rain storms without a drop of water inside.

[@travelinbeat]

Not my favorite tent I think, but certainly not a terrible one!

[@KrizAkoni]

Solid review!

[@travelinbeat]

Thanks, Kriz!!

[@TheTrailDancer]

Nice vid bro!

[@travelinbeat]

Thank you!! Hope you stick around for the entire PCT journey!!

[@deerless999]

Just stumbled on your channel, looking for Xmid pro reviews. Best review I’ve seen yet ! Maybe you’d like to buy and review the Xmid Pro 1…. LOL New subscriber, great video, thank you .

[@travelinbeat]

Wow thanks, Deerless! Happy you discovered the channel and delighted to have you along!!

[@kimberlypenney7216]

Great review Wish my duplex was due for retirement. Although I wonder about the pitch. As a 6 ft person, I love placement of pole to enable getting in and out

[@travelinbeat]

The offset pole is fantastic, as is the upward opening door. The ease of transitioning for weather worthiness is also fantastic. I still love my Duplex more than this tent so far, but I have WAAAYY more experience and familiarity with the Duplex, and I am seeing several design differences with the X-Mid that are enticing. We'll see!!

[@shawnsears7590]

02:10 The tent is symmetrical, so if you aren't sleeping with a lover then you would be head to foot anyway and both have the same amount of headroom.

[@janingham1823]

Couldn’t hear your review over the music

[@travelinbeat]

Aww so sorry about that, thanks for letting me know!

[@andydickson5400]

Good review. I look forward to hearing more as you use the tent more. By the way any plans to do the PCT?

[@travelinbeat]

There is a plan afoot to be sure, and a video forthcoming to announce said plan 😀

[@thesandman7621]

I just ordered the X-MidPro 2 for less weight on longer trips. I already have the X-Mid 2 and love it because of the stargazer capability. I've heard comments about the lack of the "ceiling" loops in the the X-Mid Pro 2 but most like Dan Becker talk about using it for hanging a light. You are the first one I've seen talk about clothesline capability inside the tent. I'm going to order stick on loops from Zpacks. Would you recommend the regular loop, molle loop or flat loop? They all weigh 0.7 to 0.8 grams each. Do you think these Zpacks stick on loops will hold a clothesline?

[@travelinbeat]

I have ordered and installed the "Stick on Loops" but not yet tested them with a line or weight. They feel fine so far, but I will be sure to report on my video once I actually test!!

[@JJ-mf8ru]

Just my opinion on the absence of loops to tie a clothesline-this can certainly be done as a hack by using those stick-on loops sold by Zpacks. I’m guessing Durston doesn’t want to include those as standard since it could potentially create unintended consequences, however minor. The loops could fail, the seams could fray, the clothesline, once loaded, could alter the tension of the ridgeline, etc. These are things the designer probably doesn’t want to be accountable for.

[@travelinbeat]

Yes thanks for the insight! I did wind up purchasing these loops from Zpacks and installing them in my Durston. I also carried that Durston (clothesline loops and all) 1,200mi along the PCT after releasing this video. I wound up disliking the Durston and swapping it out for my Duplex. For more observations and comparisons of these two tents, check out the video O made after completing the Pacific Crest Trail-- kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5zGimuYbtx9j6s

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Love the video! For what it’s worth, I have a regular xmid 1p and the magnets have given me no problems in the wind. Held secure just fine. It is a little different pitching it that other trekking pole tents for sure, but once you get the hang of it, it is pretty quick.

[@travelinbeat]

That's very good to hear, thanks!! Still deciding which I'll pack for a long hike I'm planning

[@ciscokid1999]

Great review, but just to note, almost all "2 person" tents are really glorified 1 person tents. I did a ton of research before purchasing and you'll find that the tent canopy will extend well over the tent floor, perhaps it has to do with setup? Not sure...Durston, covers all the points that Zpacks refuses to address with the door flapping on the floor, the toggels that keep the doors closed will fail in sever windy conditions, just ask Dixie, you need a boat load of stakes to setup the Duplex, you do get splash back from heavy rain into the tent and the Zpack zipper, you'll need 2 hands for sure. Zpacks makes great products but the common issues mentioned above stopped me from getting that tent. Also not sure but the new tents do have pockets in the inner mesh, strong magnets and a pinch light. The tent can pitch very close to the ground to prevent splash back....There are a few vlogs out there that show a config setup using on vestibule. Ah most importantly Subscribed!

[@travelinbeat]

Thanks for that, Cissco! Yeah I'm sure I'll get more familiar with this new tent, just gotta get in more reps with it. I should state just for the record that I still *LOVE* my Duplex, even with its few design imperfections, the overall design and construction is AMAZING. Thanks for the sub!

[@somedavehikes]

NICE! Two comments from a #DANFAN who has three XMIDs, including this exact one... First, I believe the new versions (2023) of the Pro2 will have pockets where the first-gen run did not. I can make pockets if you need them. Second, you dropped the sticker man!, that's more important than the tent!! ...ha! Thanks, good review!

[@travelinbeat]

Thanks for the comment, Dave!! Yeah I've brought this tent out with me on the PCT and I'm very eager to get some more experience with it. I never use the pockets on my Duplex so I don't imagine I'll really miss them in this tent. I did already purchase and install little loop stickers so that I can run a dental floss clothes line in this tent

[@jamicrawford6729]

You need more time with this tent and to use the advice already given. This tent is 10X better than the Zpacks and not having to deal with the trekking pole in the middle of the door is a major plus. Hands down best tent on the market

[@travelinbeat]

I'm thrilled to hear that you love it, Jami!! I have no doubt that I'll get more comfortable and familiar with it after many pitches. Looking forward to loving this tent too!!

[@jamicrawford6729]

@@travelinbeat after a couple of setups, it’ll be second nature like most things. I’m just not zpacks fan for my own reasons and there staff, but I know they’re good equipment but the Durston (to me lol) is just way better and the vestibule room is amazing and that pole placement can’t be beat 😁. Using two extra tent stakes on the vestibule changes the entire setup but getting that rectangle laid out is perfect when properly done 😁. Enjoy it, brother!

[@scotthopkinshikes]

The 2023 version has dual interior mesh pockets next to the door. When did you get it?

[@travelinbeat]

Thanks, Scott! I ordered this one while I was in the Bob Marshall Wilderness on the CDT, Aug '22. Glad to hear that they've made changes/ improvements, but to my mind I would have preferred a pair of clothesline points to pockets. All good though, if it's pockets they added, my FOMO is quelled 😀

[@swirlytwirl1089]

Did you see the blatant disregard for the sticker!?! 😳 #itisnotacult #notacult 😅🤣😂

[@travelinbeat]

Yeah I'm not really a huge sticker guy. I haven't actually thrown it away (yet), but being that I don't own a top-of-the-car-carrier box thing, I'm not really sure where to put it!!

[@mhe8545]

Cranberry Wilderness is beautiful. Just stay away from campgrounds with RV's. Plenty of trails to hike in to camp.

[@travelinbeat]

Sure is!! I didn't come across any campgrounds (or people at all!) on my hike😀

[@Jerrymc1975]

Let me guess, your favorite color is orange! 😜

[@travelinbeat]

It's a good one for sure 👌

[@MrsRhiannon1]

The whole tent seems to be quite sheer, I wouldn't fancy getting undressed in it, everyone would see you, obviously not clearly, but I would want more privacy.

[@travelinbeat]

Fair point! Personally I feel no kind of way about someone looking in on a blurry visage if my hairy, stinking body, but certainly I understand that some folks may be put off by the tent's thinness

[@mikkovalimaa1427]

I had to stop watching, got to sea sick…

[@travelinbeat]

Sorry to hear this!