Review & User Guide: Durston X-Mid 2P Ultralight Backpacking Tent

I love my 1P so much I had to get the 2P (2-person)! Here I'll tell you all the nerdy info, show you the features of this awesome tent, and show you how to set it up and break it down. The setup and break down are the same for the X-Mid 1P, so this video is relevant for that one as well. So many folks ask how to pitch an X-mid tent, so I hope this X-Mid pitching guide helps!
Get yours here: durstongear.com/product/x-mid-2p
See my review of my 1P: • The PERFECT Backpackin...
How I changed the corner guy lines: • EASY FIX!! | How to Ex...
Stake kit: amzn.to/3LawAdF
00:00 Intro
00:36 The Math
01:45 Additional Stats
05:07 Fly Setup
09:50 Setting up the Inner
11:45 Features
14:42 Take Down
16:46 Durston Gearheads
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[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you for watching! If you're already a subscriber, thank you!! If you haven't yet subscribed, please consider supporting this channel by subscribing. Comments, likes and shares all help as well! Share these videos so that we can get the word out, and help more people enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.

[@ChristinaFenske]

I just received this tent and set it up in my back yard as a trial run. Being a first-timer, I would have been absolutely lost without your guidance! Thank you so much for the excellent demonstration!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much! I hope you love it on the trail! Sometimes I end up making the videos I wished existed while trying to do something, and this is one of them!

[@thepandaknows]

This is such a well-paced but detailed video. You have such refreshing calm energy, thanks for sharing the setup process!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@jimtolan7967]

Hi from the UK, excellent in depth pitching demo. Love it, well done!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much, from California! 🙂

[@andymytys]

I’m going to say that you NEVER want to pull out the corner stakes before removing the poles. If you do that, you run the risk of a wind flapping your tent when a corner is loose. If this happens when you’re messing around with removing a pole the fly material could tear itself over a pole tip. I had that happen on a pyramid-shaped tarp.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

In windy conditions, I 100% agree. It's less of a big deal when there is no wind.

[@hikingwheather]

I love how you demonstrated this slowly and showed all the details. Excellent instruction here and also on your video replacing the guylines on this tent. Thank you!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I'm glad it was helpful!

[@apow8883]

Awesome Switchback! I'm looking forward to receiving my 1P soon. Your videos are so helpful and remove the learning curve for us!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you, Ajay! I can't wait to hear about your experience with the 1P!!

[@SG-qz5fg]

Thank you for the detailed instructions and tips with how to pitch the X-Mid 2P. This was one of the best "how to" videos for camping. Great job!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@CalvertE98]

One of the most thorough reviews yet! thank you for putting this together.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@tomasaur]

As I look at all the comments before me, I keep saying "Yes, Yes, that's what I was going to say!" So, thanks so much for this perfectly paced, calmly presented guide, and thanks everyone else for taking the words out of my mouth. You're a treasure.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I really appreciate that, Tom! 😊

[@OutdoorsPodcast]

Such a thorough and detailed video. Thanks so much for all of the pointers. I have the X-Mid 2P and this gives me some ideas on how to improve my setup routine.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Yay! Thank you for that. I hope you love your #sage tent!!

[@rozzie2478]

Thank you so much for the close-up details! I have been really (REALLY...) struggling with my pitches and have thought about selling it. I am going out next weekend and taking your video with me. It is the first one I have watched (and there are dozens as you know) that explains it in detail.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I hope it helps! It’s a great tent, but it can take some practice. Squaring it up before you try to insert the poles and having the stakes solidly in the ground will help immensely. Have a fantastic trip!

[@johncotter8434]

I'm glad I saw this because trying to interpret the instructions in micro font, and understand this tent on my living room floor was no easy job. First, which side is outside? Where or what exactly are the corners of this unusually shaped tent? What are all those little sewn on rings and slots actually for? Then I had to get it back in the bag. You can fold it a few times but the material quickly slithers out of line. So a fold and stuff method is probably right. I'm really looking forward to using this high quality, well thought out tent but, like a lot of hi-tech stuff these days, the instructions were an afterthought and are incomplete. Thank heavens, Wandering Switchback, that you have provided this excellent and thorough guide for clueless campers like me.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I'm so glad it was helpful, John! I hope you have amazing adventures in your wonderful tent!

[@Hilda_Hen]

Thank goodness we came across you 😊 we are planning on purchasing one of these tents and found your review/setup ever so informative . Being Aussies we totally appreciated the metric system being included 👍

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! I hope you love your X-Mid! And grams will always be included anytime I discuss weights! 🙂

[@LukeNetjes]

Great review and tutorial! Liked and subscribed.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much! Welcome aboard!

[@ldavis4428]

Excellent review. Great descriptions and to the point. Love it!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@cascadiahiking]

Excellent review, very thorough! Thanks for putting it together and sharing your knowledge throughout the video.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@durstongear]

Awesome video! Thanks for putting it together :)

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you!! ❤️ Great tents!!

[@FJGrimaldo]

I was looking for something showing set up and tear down of the x-mid and I'm glad I found your video. I just got my 2p in and set up was easy but I wasn't sure how I wanted to get it back in bag. So thanks!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Glad I could help! I know it's a snug fit!

[@Floki1624]

What an incredible, informational video! I haven't purchased one of these yet but when I emailed Durston Gear to ask a couple of questions yesterday, Dan Durston emailed me back the same day to answer. I was really impressed with that and am doing some more research today to see if I want the 1p or 2p...leaning towards the 1p to hopefully pitch it in tighter places.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Dan is awesome like that- just another reason to support Durston Gear! I hope you love whichever option you choose!

[@j.d.3875]

Awesome instructions, thanks

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@bradbalsters6257]

A very organized well presented, concise video. Thank you.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much, Brad!

[@kscott5285]

This is the best video I’ve seen on this tent. Thank you

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@FrancisWilhelmBlank]

Very good review 🤙🏼 thx so much!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much, Francis!

[@shirleyg6189]

Great instructions! Very helpful Thank you

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! I'm glad it was helpful!

[@williamdowell1006]

Thank you! This really helped

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I'm glad it helped!

[@ktrobert]

Really clear video!! Thank you!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@carl-corwin]

Thank you for the detailed info on the inner tent! Most videos seem to think this will be self-explanatory, and at least for me, it wasn't.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! I know sometimes I need to see something that goes through all the little bits that might seem "obvious" to some, but aren't for me. I hope you have a great experience with your X-Mid!

[@henryburton8987]

Excellent presentation !

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much!

[@jdolby513]

I should have watched this video before my first setup. Thanks for the tutorial!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thanks, Jeremy!

[@rickardbrandt4599]

Thank you for that video and great demonstration I just by one I hope it arrives in a week or something 👍

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! I hope you love your tent!!

[@ryanmcdonough6179]

Great vid 👍🏼👍🏼

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you!

[@kellyrhoads5629]

Such a good teacher!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I appreciate that!

[@dietzyfly]

Just got this in the mail! Thanks so much for your clear and well-presented vid!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much! I hope you love your X-Mid as much as I love mine!

[@dietzyfly]

Girl....I just spent well over an hour trying to put this damn thing up!!!! Granted, I failed Geometry in high school, and suck and spatial relations, but this was ridiculous!! I watched your video a million times and then realized I had staked out the wrong areas! Argh. Then I wasn't able to figure out the floor before it rained. Tell me about the "bathtub"...am I crazy, or are there only 2 points that have the double attachment or do all four corners look the same???? I'm so bummed about this tent. I loved my old Big Agnes freestander....:( You should definitely suggest that people try it out multiple times in their backyard before taking it out!!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@dietzyfly Oh no! I'm sorry to hear you had such a tough time with it. It's definitely a good idea to try it out at home before taking it on the trail, especially since you're often tired when you get to camp and have less patience! Two of the corners look one way, and the opposing two look another way (I don't have my tent right here to refresh my memory), I know the lines are longer on two and shorter on the other two, due to the way the inner lies within the fly. Keep trying with it, and check out Dan Durston's pitching guide as well. It may help to see it a different way. durstongear.com/pages/pitching It can take some practice for sure, especially if you aren't used to setting up trekking pole tents, versus your old freestanding one- completely different animal! I hope you are able to get more comfortable with it. 🏕♥ Keep me posted!!

[@dietzyfly]

Thanks so much for getting back to me :) I FINALLY figured it out. Yes, two of the sides are shorter and have only a clip, and two sides have a line attachment. FYI for all of your subscribers...easier to just clip the ceiling in first and then attach the floor! I got it up before we got hit by snow here in CO!! I watched a couple of your other vids as well....I'm a 56yo woman about to head out on the Great American Rail-Trail (walking East>West) with my dog and needed a MAJOR equipment upgrade (everything is soooo much lighter these days!!). Thanks for your thoughtful and well-presented videos!!@@WanderingSwitchback

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@dietzyfly that's amazing! Have the most amazing journey!!

[@Arbitrage69]

Very nice video - thank you.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you, Christopher!

[@Arbitrage69]

@@WanderingSwitchback you're welcome 🙂

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Nice review. ✌️

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thanks, Crow!

[@veritas5008]

Great video. Very clear instruction peppered with good humour. Will be watching your other vids 👍. PS: Do you take that hammer on all trips? 🤗

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! Welcome aboard! The hammer goes alongside my hatchet! 😂 Luckily, this was filmed during a car camping trip, so I had more tools at my disposal!

[@daisybiagioli9305]

I cut a polycro footprint (heavy duty patio door shrink film) and that really helps make sure it is square when setting up. The first night was cold so I didn’t open the vents, but the inside became very moist. It was pretty easy to reach up and open it from the inside though. It’s a great value of a tent for a roomy 2 person tent. Plus, I love having a separate screen as sometimes I just want the mesh.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I haven't tried opening the vents from inside, but it's a great idea! I've used the inner mesh alone before with my 1P, and it is fabulous under the right conditions. I'm glad you're enjoying yours!

[@Rigus208]

Thanks so much great info 👍😇🇺🇸

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I really appreciate that! Thank you!

[@leahstancliff951]

Great video! I really wanted this version. I love the separate fly and inner. I got ordered the pro because weight for a thru. But I still might snag one of these one day! Your setup looked really good👍

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much, Leah! I can understand choosing the weight savings for a thru hike. I love being able to use the Stargazer kit for the mesh inner on a nice night, but I am definitely NOT a thru hiker! Yet, anyway! 😉 Good luck on your thru hike! Which trail are you doing?

[@leahstancliff951]

@@WanderingSwitchback The Stargazing kit I thought was the coolest part too! I will be tackling most of the thru in 2024. Hoping to knock out most of Oregon early this year. It seems like so many hikers have to skip a lot of Oregon anyways due to wildfires lately. I live in the Southern region so I'm grateful to be able to do that.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@leahstancliff951 Awesome!! Oregon is so beautiful!! Stay safe and have an amazing time!

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

@@leahstancliff951 I'm assuming it's very intuitive like the rest of the tent, but any issues with the star gazing kit?

[@leahstancliff951]

@@sundaymorninghikes6275 I have the X-Mid Pro which isn't usable with the stargazer kit as it is a hybrid tent. Opposed to the standard X-mid which is double wall and compatible with the stargazer kit.

[@daveyyc9784]

Best x-mid tent setup demo I have seen. Thank you, liked and subscribed. Just got the x-mid 2 solid. Where did you get your stakes?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much, and welcome aboard! These are the stakes I use and showed in this video: amzn.to/3LawAdF I also have a video talking about them and others here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fH-YZneffK-Xjq8si=DNJL6L8hzolXsnIa

[@daveyyc9784]

@@WanderingSwitchback thank you 👍🏻

[@NikhilShahi]

Excellent review. I purchased the Pro version and then cancelled it as I realized that I would have issues with it being single walled (condensation, wind drafts and cold). Have decided to go for the regular X-mid 2P but the solid version.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

The Pro certainly has its place, but I've been so happy with my 1P and 2P. I kinda wished I'd had the solid this weekend in the snow, but there's always an excuse to buy another X-Mid! 😂

[@NikhilShahi]

@@WanderingSwitchback any idea if the 1P solid is wide enough (1 person only) or should I just get the 2P? Still dilly dallying about 1P or 2P. Too many choices. 🙂

[@WanderingSwitchback]

If I could only choose one, I'd probably go with the 2P, especially if you're used to a 2-person tent. The 1P has been an adjustment for me, space-wise, and on some trips it's fine, on some, I really wish I had the 2P. The biggest downside, IMO, to the 2P is the large footprint, but if that's not an issue for you, I say go for it! Plus, if you do end up going with someone else, or taking a dog, or whatever, you have space for that as well. It's nice to have options.

[@UnlikelyHiker]

I can’t wait to get my Xmid Pro2 in February! I hope I like it…I like my BA Tigerwall but I need a lighter tent. Fingers crossed 🤞🏻

[@WanderingSwitchback]

If I get a Pro, it'll be way harder to convince my wife! 😂 But it looks amazing!! I hope you do love it- I would bet good money you will!

[@UnlikelyHiker]

@@WanderingSwitchback I hope so 😬

[@WanderingSwitchback]

How is the Pro working for you so far??

[@UnlikelyHiker]

@@WanderingSwitchback pretty good! I just posted a video about it lol. I love the weight and the space! The geometry messed with my brain though 😂

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@UnlikelyHiker Yeah, it can do that! I've been offline a lot lately, but I'll keep an eye out for your video!!

[@sundaymorninghikes6275]

Great review and demonstration! Not that I needed much arm twisting, but you sold me on it! Have you tried setting it up with just the inner?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much! It really is an excellent tent. I have used just the inner of my 1P, not yet the 2P. You'll need to get the Stargazer kit for that. I show it briefly in my 1P review, and if you see my videos along the South Yuba River Trail, it's in those with the Stargazer kit. I hope you love yours!

[@MariaSimpson-rp1os]

I just made this purchase, and before I found your demo, I was feeling very lost. Thank you so much for sharing from beginning to end. I'm just getting started in hiking and wanted a decent tent. In your experience, what is the best cleaning method for this tent after a long excursion?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Congratulations on your new tent! I hope you love it as much as I do! I don't clean mine regularly, but when my tents do need it, I just hose them off and use a wet rag to spot clean areas that need it. Avoid any soaps or harsh cleaners as much as possible. If you end up needing to use soap to clean something (like spilled food, poison oak/ivy, etc), use unscented Dr. Bronner's and spot-clean with a wet rag or soft sponge, then rinse thoroughly. I hope that helps! Enjoy!

[@robbhultman]

Nice vid, I noticed they moved the vents to the ends instead of above the doors on the V2. Also, parallelogram, not a rhombus. 😉

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Ah, yes, parallelogram! Thank you for the correction! Math was never my strongest subject! 😂 I noticed that about the vents, too. I was surprised when I went to set this up the first time that they were on the sides.

[@herwanderdiary]

Thank you for your super detailed setup video. Could you please share whats the height of the pole that was being used to pitch the tent please?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Ooh, that’s a great question. I’ve never measured, and I swear different poles use different measurements. I will try to make a point of measuring the next time I can and update you. 😊🏕️

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I didn't forget you! I just got home this week from a trip, and I took a pic to be able to measure once I got home. It looks like I extended my poles to 49.5 inches/126cm. I hope that helps!

[@herwanderdiary]

@@WanderingSwitchback aww thank you very much! this is really helpful! :)

[@aileenporter1676]

How warm is this tent? Loved the video. Thank you

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! I find it gets warm quite quickly in direct sun, and overall stays pretty warm overnight, certainly warmer than outside. The 2P will stay even warmer with 2 people, of course, and the 1P will be more heat-efficient for one.

[@aileenporter1676]

@@WanderingSwitchback so you wouldn't buy a 2p tent to have space if you are 1p?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I'd say it just depends on the trip. I'm doing a trip to the snow this weekend, for example, and I'll be taking my 1P for the warmth. If I knew I had the space for the 2P, and I knew I'd be spending a lot of time in my tent, I'd take that one. The not-straightforward answer is it depends. Anytime you have more space that needs to be kept warm, it will take a bit more energy to do so, and you will be warmer in a smaller space, just like with a sleeping bag. You don't want a ton of empty space that needs that warmth.

[@pdmack7]

😊

[@WanderingSwitchback]

🤗

[@jayinla228]

Where did you find this for 280?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I think it's $300 now, but if you buy it from the official site, it should be that price: durstongear.com/product/x-mid-2p

[@jasonlav4945]

Silpoly is not inherently more waterproof as you suggested in the video.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Interesting, I'd love to see your sources on this, because all of the sources I've seen and my own experience are consistent with silpoly being more waterproof than nylon. But I'm open to being wrong.

[@flythenride]

Great tutorial, thank you! I can’t wait to use mine this coming summer. 🏕️

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much! Have fun in it!!