REAL USER Feedback - DURSTON X-MID 2 SOLID - Trekking Pole Tent

We explore the pros and cons of the Durston X-mid 2 Solid trekking pole tent while on our latest backpacking trip. We discuss its ultra lightweight design, spaciousness, solid inner walls, and ventilation system. We'll also address any potential challenges with setup and limitations to consider.
This video is NOT SPONSORED, but we do have affiliate links if you are interested in these items.
⚙️ GEAR IN THIS VIDEO ⚙️
**************************************************
Durston X-Mid 2P Solid - bit.ly/3MEmioj
Big Agnes Tent - bit.ly/3Xx6zfc (REI)
Big Agnes Footprint - bit.ly/3ZUmiqg (REI)
Helinox Chair Zero: bit.ly/3YpRVYi (REI)
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad: bit.ly/3ih9AjU (REI)
**************************************************
⛺️ EXPLORE TREK ADVENTURE AMAZON STORE ⛺️
** www.amazon.com/shop/exploretr... **
📺 Seen on KZbin: amzn.to/46tkiYM
📱 Seen on Tiktok: amzn.to/3RPUP7r
🎒 Backpacks: amzn.to/46MQG8G
🏕️ Camp Shelters & Sleep Systems: amzn.to/3FfpyDe
🥾 Day Hiking Gear: amzn.to/46rzHbZ
🧰 DIY Solar Battery Box: amzn.to/46s2jSo
🍳 Camp Kitchen: amzn.to/3tuwdHe
🛶 Kayak Gear: amzn.to/3PUqqlE
🚽 Camp Toilet: amzn.to/45sLZ2o
🪑 Camp Chairs: amzn.to/3Qc5iIZ
🚐 Rooftop Tent Gear: amzn.to/45rN1vB
🏃🏻‍♂️ Running Gear: amzn.to/48QGP3u
📸 Camera Gear: amzn.to/3PQRcLY
🦟 Bug Defense: amzn.to/48RU2c4
**************************************************
🏞️ FAVORITE CAMPING GEAR FOUND AT REI 🏞️
⛺️ TENTS ⛺️
Big Agnes Tent: bit.ly/3Xx6zfc
Big Agnes Footprint: bit.ly/3ZUmiqg
REI Co-op Backpack Bundle - bit.ly/412Is9i
**************************************************
💤 SLEEP SYSTEMS 💤
Nemo Forte 20 Women’s: bit.ly/41HROb0
Nemo Forte 20 Men’s: bit.ly/3AkspII
Nemo Tensor Extreme Sleeping Pad: bit.ly/3tDWfHW
Nemo Tensor Sleeping Pad: bit.ly/3ih9AjU
REI Helix Sleep Pad: bit.ly/3ErDABv
Nemo Fillo Pillow - bit.ly/3J4oc1m
Nemo Fillo Elite Pillow - bit.ly/3QmNyuQ
Therm-a-Rest Z Lite Sleeping Pad - bit.ly/3CGiL5p
Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad: bit.ly/3Torz66
**************************************************
🪑 CAMP CHAIRS 🪑
REI Co-op Flexlite Air Chair: bit.ly/3ZtOjn2
Helinox Chair Zero: bit.ly/3YpRVYi
Nemo Stargaze Chair - bit.ly/45elUEq
Nemo Moonlite Chair - bit.ly/3qkfLIl
**************************************************
🔥 Cooking and Stoves 🔥
MSR Pocket Rocket 2: bit.ly/3XR8YSi
MSR Canister: bit.ly/3HbeQ2O
Jetboil Skillet: bit.ly/48MW3pV
Toaks 650ml Cup - bit.ly/3S53AdR
**************************************************
🌲 OUTDOOR ESSENTIALS 🌲
Bivvy: bit.ly/3RiM7ey
Eno Hammock: bit.ly/3UPESfj
Rainshield Pocket: bit.ly/43mol7o
Garmin Mini: bit.ly/468b7wM
Ruffwear Pack: bit.ly/3Oe4G4O
Dry Bags: bit.ly/3PeQmIm
Headlamp 330: bit.ly/3dQe2Uq
Headlamp 750: bit.ly/3wvJUnZ
**************************************************
Check out our Website: ExploreTrekAdventure.com
This post contains affiliate links, meaning we get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through the links at no cost to you.
FOLLOW US
**************************************************
Instagram: bit.ly/3kso9gu
Tiktok: bit.ly/3ihB9qD
#durston #backpacking #trekkingpoletent
0:10 Durston X-Mid Solid
0:30 Best Feature: Magnet Closure
1:00 SilPoly vs SilNylon
1:43 Rain Fly Footprint
2:19 Stakes - how many to have
3:38 Waterproof Zippers
4:11 Tent Door Feature
4:50 Setup Must
5:16 Door Closure
6:02 Giant Vestibules
6:54 Spacing between Outer Wall and Inside Tent
7:33 Door Size
7:49 Space inside tent
8:51 Inside pockets
9:41 Tent Collapsing
10:15 Taking Down Wet
11:23 Sizing without inside tent

[@robertbarke7335]

I use a small drybag to pack the flysheet. If you’re packing in the wet just stuff it and in the evening pull it out and set up after a shake. It means splitting the inner and outer but if you pack in the tent, drop the inner ( top clips first its easier to move around for the corners. Then once out, drop the fly, stuff into a drybag and off you go!

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Great info thank you. That sounds like the best way to handle it.

[@davehumpleby3440]

Greetings from the UK. Thank you for putting this edit together. It is really useful to hear real-world pros and cons after using the tent in inclement weather.

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Glad it was helpful!

[@valdius85]

I think there is a market need for P1+ and P2+ of this tent :) Many people, me included, want their staff to be inside the tent and want to sleep on wide mattress.

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Agreed. We always buy one size bigger in tents for that reason.

[@DartmoorPaul]

Great review ❤ covers well all the pros and cons which for someone like me who is looking at this as their first trekking pole tent is really useful. Thank you 😊

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Glad it was helpful. 😀

[@travellingDAS]

I’ve been using the original Xmid for a couple of years, I’ve had 3 different models and loved them. Based in the UK we get a lot of wind and rain so I’ve got good at the wet-weather-takedown. I keep the fly and inner separate with the inner in a tiny dry bag of its own to keep it dry. I use a footprint cut down to the same size as the floor ( plus an area big enough for my pack) to keep the inner as dry as possible. I put the fly up, lay out the footprint and then put the inner up and do the reverse to take the tent down. A couple of trips were so wet I got the fly up and guyed out keeping the fly as close to the ground as possible, got myself and my gear in the tent and then put the footprint down and didn’t bother with the inner.

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Great info thank you!

[@charlielatham3372]

What kind of footprint do you use?

[@travellingDAS]

@@charlielatham3372 For the 1P i used a Rab 1 person ground cloth. In the Pro 2 I use a piece of 20D ripstop that has a Silnylon coating. It’s cut to fit but slightly smaller than the tub. It’s fine as it is but I did have a problem on a windy day so I’m putting tapes on the corners with 1.5m cord to run it out to the corner stakes.

[@travellingDAS]

@@charlielatham3372 I used a Rab 1 person for the 1P, I’m making one from 20D Silnylon for the Pro 2

[@elizabeth4053]

There’s a guy from Finland here on KZbin who came up with 5 or 6 great hacks to keep condensation at bay in this bad boi. A new subbie from Alaska who is in desperate need of upgrading to lighter weight gear 💪🏻🏕️🙋🏻‍♀️🏔️💕

[@theoilingchief3114]

I just bought this tent and next week we are heading out for a month long adventure, I am looking forward to it. I've set it up a couple of times in the yard trying to get use to getting it taught, I had a 2 man Tarptent which I liked except when it rained, got to much condensation on the inside. We travel by bicycle so I think this is going to be a nice fit, light weight and easy setup. Great video review!

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Wow. Have fun on your adventure!

[@behind-the-gear]

I have the standard x mid 2. Love it!

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Nice!

[@ScreamPotato]

Great video, well executed sir!

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Thank you!

[@jays1594]

You answered sooooooooo many questions I had. I have the copper spur hv ul3 as well and looking to pick this tent up for my gf and I. THANK YOU!

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Glad it was helpful! And nice choice in tents. 😉

[@Chris9446]

Do you have any regrets with switching? I'm deciding between the x-mid 2 and the similar weight options from big agnes

[@jackvoss5841]

I have a 1 person X-Mid with full mesh. My sleeping bag ( a Wiggy’s) keeps me warm. Best tent that I have ever had Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@SyvakK]

Awesome video thanks! I think I'll end up getting an X-mid 2 Solid over the regular, I think the additional splash protection seems worth it!

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Glad you liked the video! Enjoy your outdoor adventures! 🏕️👍

[@monkshood6437]

Quality video, thank you!

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

😀

[@miami3863]

Wow excellent review! All the big KZbin “content creators.” Just regurgitate the same script they received with their free tent from the vendor. I appreciate your candidate, honest review, highlighting real life pros and cons.

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Thank you for the feedback!😀

[@philliptaylor2870]

Great review!

[@philliptaylor2870]

I have the 1P. I always keep the inner separate in its own bag. I can wet pitch and wet drop keeping the inner dry at all times. Also I don't like to cook inside of my tent because I hike bear country and don't like to feel like I'm sleeping in a "Happy Meal"to a bear woth trapped food smells . So I cook and eat under canopy then install the inner before bed. Works for me. Maybe works for you. Be well friend.

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Great info! Thank you. 😀

[@CBne1997]

The zipper clips are to relieve stress on the zipper.

[@MrsStevenBrown]

There’s a tighter toggle/pull on the inside to make the inside tighter, yours looked very loose…once installed, tighten them up abit for a better wall effect inside. ❤

[@ibizaamigos]

Where is this tighter toggle on the inside?

[@mobius9818]

@@ibizaamigos those are the two at the peaks where the pole end is....adjustable!!!

[@bertman4]

When wet, you need to separate the inner from the outer. I recommend you switch the inner guy lines such that you tie the line to the D-ring of the outer, and have the clips facing the shock cord loops of the inner. Also, I highly recommend you add four foot guy lines to the corners of the outer. You're not always going to find dirt to stick a stake in. And I would change the four main stakes to full sized groundhogs and not the minis.

[@mahmaw7]

i like this vid😀

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

😃

[@ALORDW]

Nice review. Mine came with 4 shepard hooks and 4 fake MSR mini-ground hogs. Of course mine was from the manufacturer who works with Durston not actually Durston. I wonder if that is the difference?

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Maybe they changed stakes with the version change? I actually found the shepherd hooks work well in soft soil on a recent trip but prefer the minis for most circumstances.

[@yourloved6741]

After using both tent what’s your fave? The copper or mid. Great review

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

If I am by myself I would definitely take the X-Mid. The copper spur has a huge amount of interior space and is great for multiple people.

[@Pasequale100]

@@ExploreTrekAdventurewhy would you prefer the xmid to the copper spur?

[@mattiacozzi1729]

hi there! I'm based in Australia and I'm currently looking for an all year around tent that would withstand the strong winds and light breezy enough for hot weather in Summer. how does the Solid perform in hot temperatures? would that make you feel too hot inside due to the Solid material? thanks!

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Hi there! The Solid material is indeed thicker than the mesh version, so it will be warmer in the summer. The upside is that you can keep both big doors open, creating a nice cross breeze to stay comfortable. It's a great option for versatility in different weather conditions.

[@stevegresty4181]

Got the Durston p2, don't like the magnet for the doors, if you're cooking with the door open, any wind could blow the door off the magnet. I'll leave you to work out what could happen, whilst cooking at the same time.

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

On ours the magnet is strong enough to hold the door open even on windy days. Hopefully it didn’t burn a hole or knock your stove over. 😬

[@Sam-nz9yn]

How well does this tent do in the summer with it being hot? Over the Next week its going to be thunderstorming in the midwest and getting hot like in the 90's during the day. Will the tent be too hot or is it still really breathable?

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

For hot weather I think I would skip the solid and go with the mesh interior. With the 2 big doors it vents well but we haven’t had experienced hot weather here yet.

[@kellybiele9647]

I had a backpacking trip last week with this tent in humid Catskills. The night started in high 70s and it was HOT! I came home and ordered the other XMid with just mesh inner. I will be selling my solid.

[@Sam-nz9yn]

@@kellybiele9647 Thanks for the heads up!

[@kellywinget5790]

How does it compare with the Copper Spur as far as condensation?

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Haven’t had any issues with either of the tents so far. The condensation buildup stays on the outside layer.

[@z0uLess]

Whats the benefit of the solid version. Do you have any referrence in terms of temperature or weight?

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

The solid version will help block the breeze into the tent and retain a bit more heat. You may check their website for specifics on weight and temp ratings. We have not tried the mesh version. That being said we are happy with the solid for cool climate camping.

[@hoser7706]

Why did you go solid vs mesh. I am debating between the two myself

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

We wanted a warmer tent since we live in a cooler climate.

[@Sonjaorleans]

​@@ExploreTrekAdventurelove my solid tent

[@MoosebearAdventures]

Durston (X-Mid) cloned this tent from the Sierra Designs - High Route 3000 1P 🙂 Sierra Designs - High Route Was realised in 2016 and Xmid came out 2018

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

Sierra Designs needs to ramp up the marketing. I haven’t seen much about them.

[@toroddlnning6806]

if you want a simple tent like this you can just but a tarp or a tarpaulin

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

A tarp does not have the inner tent body which we like for added warmth and keeping the bugs out.

[@bcbslc6942]

I keep looking at this tent for 2 people, but it seems it is just a big 1p. Can't find a single review with a pic of 2 people in it. Seems like it's just a hyped up tent for solo adventures.

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

You can check our Nemo Tensor Video which we end up using this tent for 2 people. It just perfectly fits two 25” pads and has plenty of room outside for packs. If you want to be comfy and have a bit extra room in the tent you just -1 from the person count when looking at backpacking tents. Our copper spur is a 3p but is perfect for 2 people. I really like the 2P X-Mid by myself but still works fine for 2 people. Hope that helps.

[@MediaRedia]

Can't believe the hype in the UK around this brand. Nice tent but don't think it's as good as a Hubba Hubba.

[@ExploreTrekAdventure]

It is a unique tent but definitely not perfect.

[@bobdubrow3673]

I have been using the Hubba Hubba 2P (3lbs 14oz) and love it's durability and inner space. I'm considering the Durston to save some weight. Can't decide if it's worth it. The MSR is a great tent.

[@dontall71]

@@bobdubrow3673 Two very different tents. Durston = trekking pole, poly or dynema, large vestibules. MSR =free standing vinyl

[@adventures_of_a_dale]

The inner pitch first of the Hubba Hubba is quite a negative for me.

[@muskadobbit]

Totally different class of tent. Hubba hubba is a great free-standing tent. Durston is a great trekking pole tent. There are no absolutes-it’s what works for you and your priorities.

[@chrishamilton2527]

Why do people say solid mesh? Lol.