Probably an Insane Mod to the Durston X-Mid Pro 2 - It's now a Tarp

We cringed as we took scissors to the X-Mid Pro 2 and converted it into a modular tarp weighing about 10.7 ounces.
We sold our Zpacks Altaplex to fund this "gamble/experiment".
Why?:
We hike with a dog (Willow) and it's super nice to have a lot of floor space to dry off a wet dog and cook. We can still attach either the bathtub floor or the Durston groundsheet as conditions warrant.
Weights:
DCF "fly" - 10.7 oz
Bathtub Floor- 6.2 oz
Durston Pro 2 Groundsheet- 4.9 oz
It's working great for us, but definately not recommending anyone "destroys" their expensive tent! We did this at our own risk!
We basically cut off the net from the fly and floor. The fly still pitches just like the tent, having lost no structural integrity. You might notice we added longer corner attachment cord to the floor and 2 additional shock cord pullouts to keep the floor taught. We had to add loops to the inside corners of the tarp to attach the floor pullouts with mitten hooks.
In most cases, we'll probably just use the tarp and Durston groundsheet. This seems to be the fastest to set up and allows Willow to lay wherever without crushing the bathtub sides. The groundsheet is also replaceable. If bugs are an issue, we'll use something like the MLD Bug Bivy or bring along our 2P net insert.
The carry and setup technique we like:
Fly goes in a mesh stuff sack attached to top of backpack (tied down so we don't lose it!). We don't care if it gets wet. The floor goes in a dry bag inside the backpack on top. Stakes go in the backpack outside mesh pocket. This allows us to quickly setup the fly in the rain before even opening the backpack. Once inside we can open our pack and dry off before setting up the floor.
We've shared this mod with Mr. Durston. It'd be awesome to eventually see a modular Pro 1 and Pro 2 tarp! Hope this is useful for someone!

[@jfifield20]

I admire the guts you took with such an expensive tent, but full props. Looks like it’s a winner! Good Job, thanks for sharing.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Man...took me several days to gather up the courage! After using it a bit, glad I did it

[@karlkeating2803]

I was particularly impressed by the four-legged videographer, who ought to go to Hollywood.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Haha, thx! She's tough on her GoPro...screen protectors critical

[@thewanderingsoul71]

That is a pretty rad experiment. Dan has to make tarps now. No ifs or buts.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

I shared this with him and he had some good design questions...so hopefully so!

[@cyrilhaessig27]

This is insanely versatile. Well done.

[@Jonathan-jn3tx]

You really gave us a lot to think about for our Durston tents. Thank you for this video, well done.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Thanks! We're still enjoying all the space!

[@osceolaseminole5596]

I really like your video editing. I would not be brave enough to do this to my Durston but congratulations. Looks like it is working well. Stay safe and have fun. You have a very nice hiking companion.

[@Tenacity38]

A job well done! I highly enjoyed the footage your doge POV. Nothing wrong with modifiying your tent/equipment, makes it that much cooler.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Glad you enjoyed! We have fun sharing a bit of Willow's perspective. And thx for the vote of confidence on the Mod. It's working exactly as hoped....thankfully. Also hoping Mr. Durston will offer tarp X-mid Pro 1 and 2s in the future! Happy trails

[@e2dub]

I like it! I actually had the same idea. I emailed Durston about it and he said they’re planning to release “something like this … in early 2025” Me: “Have you considered a Double Wall Dyneema tent? 1) Dyneema floor. 2) Mesh test walls. 3) Separate Dyneema fly. Why: • All the performance advantages of a double wall tent but lighter than poly. • Help protect occupants and tent contents from wet walls 💦 • Stargazer mode 🤩✨ • Better ventilation in summer🧊 • No silicone or PFAS DWR • Uber light tarp shelter option Maybe call it: Durston X Mid 2P Double Wall Dynema” Dan: “We are working on something like this. It'll be ready in early 2025. If you are on our email list we will send a message when it is released.”

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Nice! We think alike. Been using our Pro 2 Tarp for over a year now and it's probably my favorite piece of gear. We can usually get away with no bug net and just use Dan's groundsheet as a floor. I also suggested to Dan that he consider a modular DCF fly and inner and he asked some good questions on how the dcf fly mod was working. Will be interesting to see what his final version looks like!

[@andersnord8163]

Great!! Thats why I considering the tarptents statospire Li, (double wall dyneema) instead of the durston!!

[@lovedogsontheloose]

Not insane at all. I have the exact same plan if the tent doesn’t work well for us as-is (should arrive in April). I’m actually hoping Durston comes out with just a DCF tarp someday that’s made in the same way the tents are made. Great video!

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Haha, thanks! Felt insane when holding the scissors about to make the first cut, but had a hunch it would work out. We've shared this mod with Mr. D...also hoping to see a tarp only DCF version one day. If you hike with a dog, it's really awesome.

[@e2dub]

Durston tells me he is going to be selling something like this in early 2025. Get on their email list to be notified.

[@michaelmccown6407]

I came in wanting to hate this immediately, but this is actually really clever. I have the X-mid Pro 1, the X-mid Pro 2, and a plex solo. I'm now debating on doing this to either my X-mid 1 or my plex solo just because it would be kind of fun to take backpacking sometimes. Thanks for this!

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Haha! Definately understand...this isn't for everyone. The comments have been funny...some loved it, and some think it's crazy/dumb. Don't really care since it works so well. Glad you warmed up to the idea!! We used the Altaplex Tarp with Doors before trying the X-Mid 2P. Found we liked using just the 2P fly and groundsheet...so much room with 100lb dog. Figured a DCF version would be even better and it has been great for about 600 miles of AT sections. Was definately nervous when we pulled out the scissors. Luckily the mod was pretty straight forward...just cut out the mesh and left the "pole cups" at the peaks. Was wondering if more people might try this as their Pros get worn and develop holes in the mesh. Good way to breathe life back in to a Pro 1/2. I emailed Dan D and got a discount on an X-Mid Pro 1 that had damaged mesh so I could mod a Pro 1 too. Did a YT vid on that too. Maybe an option if you don't want to cut up your Pro 1. He was interested in how the mod worked and I understand he is considering eventually offering a DCF "fly only" option

[@BWORKZ_SouthWales]

Brilliant!

[@AndyShepard]

That rig is slick!

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Thx! It's been working awesomely

[@dalehilliard5535]

Very cool..i have similar set up..a zpacks .75 DCF pocket tarp and bath tub ground sheet comes in at 11 oz. ..your only 7 oz more (in that configuration) but have twice the room..even less weight if you lose the bath tub for polycryo. HAPPY TRAILS.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Nice! We used the Zpacks Hexamid Tarp w/ door and Altaplex Tarp w/door with bathtub floor for 2 yrs before realizing we wanted more room for bad weather. I hike with 100lb Willow and she fits so much better in the X-Mid. Loved the light weight of the pocket tarps, but loving even more the space in the X-Mid in tarp mode for just several ounces more. Either way, great to have a DCF tarp that packs up tiny and weighs less than a pound!

[@steveyost5530]

Grayson Highlands is the best place to test equipment that is for sure. Different climate just around the corner most of the time especially down in the Wilson's Creek area as compared to up on Wilburn Ridge. Love that place!

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

So true! Was a bit by chance too. Very unique up there...pretty epic

[@hinrichfuchs]

.... useful.... VERY MUCH! Thanksssss :-*

[@RC-qf3mp]

We are birds of a similar feather. I got the same jolly shirt and wear xero sandals. What kind of sandals are those? Might be good to do a video comparing / contrasting your set up to the normal Durston and compared to a normal tarp. I can see the many advantages of your set up. But worth spelling out from your end.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

That's awesome! We roll with Lunas...big fan of them. Tried Zero sandals but they broke on me. I do like their shoes in winter. Actually did a vid specific to our sandal experience while on the AT last month: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rGeceGecZpWUpq8 We got so many questions just decided to do a vid on them! Happy trails!

[@Junkorgem]

Too cool.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Thx!

[@bewhiskeredjuarez6851]

Hella bomber! 🔥

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Thanks! Happy trails

[@RC-qf3mp]

How do you like those zpacks tent poles as trekking poles? I just got a Durston tent. I’m lukewarm on trekking poles. Thinking about the gossamer gear poles or zpacks or a more heavy duty black Diamond. Great dog. I bet it was his idea to convert to a tarp! 🐾

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Big fan of the Zpacks poles. Several reasons: extended handles allows you to grip lower on the pole when going up something steep, plastic basket by the tip is the perfect size for the X-Mid (a bigger basket would be rubbing against the tent (or floor) fabric. I think also lighter and cheaper than the GG poles. Had ours for about 2 yrs now with same tips. Hope this helps!

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Wanted to make sure I didn't lead you astray...we're using the Zpacks CF Trekking poles: zpacks.com/products/zpacks-carbon-fiber-trekking-pole

[@stuartchester6899]

Durstons Zflick poles are great.Very strong and pack down to 12 inch and weigh 190 gr a pair , quicker to use too t..$70

[@elijahboulders377]

How are you liking it after a year of use? I’m thinking about buying one to do the same. Any lessons/takeaways after a year of use?

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

It's still working great! I would do it again. Only issue can be bugs depending on the time of year and where you hike.

[@KrizAkoni]

Interesting mod for sure! Very nice. 🤓

[@tippin.turtle]

I'm guessing the Durston $48.00 ground sheet was just a "bridge too far". Good Job!😂

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Haha! We actually use the Durston GS with the tarp...works great. Every time we had rain start to sneak in, it stayed under the GS. Big fan of the poly GS!

[@stuartchester6899]

I have the X-mid pro 1 and would prefer the interior of the x mid solid . I t does nt have an awful silnylon floor which is..very very slippy for air beds and sucks in water like a sponge and doubles its weight Also the solid is better for colder climates like the UK. i f I could buy it seperately I would .I don t care if it adds 200 grms to the total weight

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

That's good info. People have commented that Dan may start offering modular options. Sounds like there is a demand signal for that. You follow Durston Gearheads on FB? A lot of interesting discussions on that page

[@camm288]

How did you attach the peak of the xmid 2 inner net to the tarp?

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

We tied a short line to the net buckle and wrapped it around our Trekking poles. There has to be a better way though

[@fontpartners1695]

Hey: I have a X-Mid 2 tent, and want more space inside, but don't want to remove the inner total. Can I convert this inner-version to a Bathtub too? (Simply cutting all the upper-stuff of the inner)? Thanks ;-)

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

I think you could. When I cut out the mesh net, the bathtub was kind of left dangling, so I added several lines to the corners to keep it taught when attached to the fly. End result is I can still attach the bathtub (without net) if I want. Like you said, tons more room. Can see that at 0:51

[@fontpartners1695]

Hi Willow, Thank you ;-) Which lines and where do you attach the extra lines? Best, Morten@@WillowWalksTheAT

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

@fontpartners1695 I'll have to take a look, but it was to the bathtub corners where they would have flopped down without added line. Was pretty evident where I needed to add line to keep the bathtub shape up

[@TheNypenfan]

It’s cool. But why not just buy a tarp tent then without buying any inside bug stuff?

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Good question! Haven't used a TarpTent, so I think best answer I can give you is we like the features of the X-Mid. Space, simplicity, Groundsheet fit, etc. Do you know which TarpTent would be comparable? Would like to take a look

[@tomnoyb8301]

Certainly hope Mr Durston never ruins his magnificent design with this nonsense. You've just gone backward to the non-Pro design and added at least six-ounces by doing so. Not to mention the unwieldiness of any bug-bivy re-implementation. It works for you - fine. But it's a lot easier to cut-out a bug-net than to sew one in. Besides, thought Mr Durston had turned his attention to solving rain-duster/jacket deficit and sleeping-pad shortcomings/problems?

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Thank you!! Finally someone agrees with us...INSANE!!!

[@rungavagairun]

Madness. LOL

[@rungavagairun]

I will say, your clothesline makes me jealous. Someone needs to come up with a way to mod the mesh to allow for an overhead line between the poles. That could be useful for a variety of things.

[@rungavagairun]

One last question. Did you get the Kakwa 40 or the 55?

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

@run_gavagai_run You know...your idea would be way easier and more sensible than me cutting off the mesh to allow a clothesline! For real though, things dry amazingly fast when hung up by the open vents. That surprised me and I think a nice benefit on the wet AT

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

@run_gavagai_run Been using the 40. Struggled a bit to fit my winter loadout in there, but putting the X-Mid on the outside top freed up enough room for me.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Totally agree! But it's been pretty awesome so far

[@RC-qf3mp]

Cool mod and video. But at 0:21 misspelled “exactly”.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Haha! Thanks

[@edmolash3401]

Why? Cool doggo though.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

Definately not for the faint of heart! Covered in Description, but main reason is suits our style...light, spacious for dog and human, packs tiny, and can "dry pitch" in rain. The comments have been funny to see...some love it, some hate it. But we don't care because it works magnificently for us. Happy trails

[@kenwebster5053]

That's completely insane, the Xmid Fly is already a tap & the inner is already a bug free bivvy. So if you don't want the bivvy, just don't take it. Maybe take some kind of a ground sheet instead. Save the bivvy part for those trips you may want some extra bug protection in future.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

We modified the Pro 2 tent (not the regular X-Mid 2P) by chopping off the mesh. The usefulness of the regular X-Mid 2P fly only pitch gave us the idea. The DCF "fly" is 10.7 oz now compared to the 2P's 20.4 oz weight, so quite a bit lighter and more packable...hope this clarifies!

[@kenwebster5053]

@@WillowWalksTheAT Is the inner not also detachable in the pro version as it is in the regular version?

[@NikhilShahi]

@@kenwebster5053 There is no inner in the pro. It is a single walled tent.

[@WillowWalksTheAT]

@Ken Webster In the Pro 2, the net is (was) sewn to the DCF fly

[@kenwebster5053]

@@NikhilShahi The floor & insect netting is the inner.