Tent Showdown between the Durston X-mid 1p, the Gossamer Gear 1p and REI quarter dome SL1!

This is a quick side by side comparison of three very popular 1 person backpacking tents. The Durston X-mid 1p, Gossamer Gear the One, and the REI quarter dome SL1. All three of these tents are priced relatively the same at around $250, and on paper all have similar specs. I tried to show size specifically with a large sized thermarest pad, plus myself at over six feet tall. Hopefully some of you find this comparison useful! Feel free to comment with questions or post your own experiences with these tents! As far as I’m concerned, all three of these are great tents if you are looking to add one to your collection. Thanks for watching!

[@durstongear]

Thanks for taking the time to put this together. Nice collection!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Hey thanks!!

[@mclostinthewoods]

I am 6' 2" also and have had my X-Mid for 4 years now. I have the Gen 1 version which is a little different (actually a tiny bit smaller). I love it. Double walled, light, and very spacious. 2 vesrtibules. I find the inner mesh is light enough that I hardly notice it when in the tent, so it feels like I have as much room as there is under the fly. In warmer months, being able to open both sides up is huge. Great ventilation. One feature I didn't anticipate but certainly appreciate is that you can reach the zippers on the fly without leaning out of the tent. The shape of the structure makes it easy to seal up and open up without crawling halfway out to reach the door zippers. My go-to shelter is a hammock and tarp, but when I can't use those I never hesitate to grab my X-Mid.

[@slaznum1]

Nice to see another hammocker on here...I prefer the Hennesey Explorer XL, super comfy to sleep in, but above the tree line I'm hoping this will fit the bill.

[@johncartmell1129]

Great vid 👍 A couple of things worth mentioning about the Durston (a major selling point for people like me who hike in a region known for poor weather), are - 1) It’s fast as lightening to set up. If your caught in a downpour you can get your shelter up almost as quick as putting on your waterproofs. 2) the inner compartment can be installed/stripped down whilst leaving the fly sheet up. If it’s raining you can have everything away in your pack,ready to move on, and then just drop the fly in a jiffy.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thanks! Those are great points for sure.

[@zafiradaima]

Thanks for reviewing all three, this is really helpful! I have such a hard time comparing tents without seeing them each set-up, especially side by side.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@warrenrosenthal716]

I’m a day Hiker & Car camper but I still watched the whole video. If nothing else because it was well made and thought through. You moved it along nicely didn’t waist time and explained everything & it was very interesting. Thanks!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Hey thanks!! Appreciate the kind words!

[@VoicelessScream]

We got the X-mid 2p for myself and my wife (6'3, 5'8). Made the move from a Marmot Limelight 3p (completely different beast). Only a single true outing so far but we are 100% happy with the move. The packed size and weight saving are monstrous and ultimately. it doesn't feel like we've lost anything comfort wise. With the extremely generous vestibules we've got as much room (close to, certainly more than needed), sleep comfy etc. That night was spent on a low summit exposed to incredibly strong winds and with the guylines out (first pitch!) it held like a fortress. In fact it was so windy that at sub 0 (-5-8C) we had no condensation in the morning on the fly. Plenty of pockets for storage as well, zippers feel nice and sturdy, can't complain. No comparison to similar tents but as someone else mentioned, I"d go 2p even for a single person unless you are extremely weight obsessed - it'd make for a giant tent for 1 and a perfectly comfortable one for 2. We love it!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

That’s awesome. Good to hear!

[@Rainyfeels]

Just wondering if you were using the solid version or not?

[@VoicelessScream]

@@Rainyfeels The good ol regular, not the solid :)

[@Rainyfeels]

@@VoicelessScream oh interesting! I'm mostly camping above the tree line, would you recommend the solid?

[@VoicelessScream]

@@Rainyfeels ah definitely too much for a rookie to venture into trust worthy recommendations :/ All I can say is that for our modest hikes mostly bellow tree line it was perfect. Can't comment too much on riskier conditions, not enough experience. It is a non-freestanding tent after all so structurally, even if incredibly well designed it won't support the same kind of beating a 'tank like' structure would.

[@peter123123st]

Nice comparison. For footbox protection from condensation, zip up your rain jacket and slip it over the foot of your quilt or bag. You don't even notice it and it keeps your footbox dry on those heavy condensation nights.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

I’ve heard this before. Great idea!

[@MrsStevenBrown]

I’ve used my pack liner garbage bag also, works like a charm and it’s easy to dry off with a good shake.

[@RollingSherman505]

Thanks for comparison. I like the Durston the best and may pick one up for my son.

[@brianbrown-cashdollar1171]

I have the quarter dome sl2 and just got the x-mid 1 for purposes of weight. I love the quarterdome nice and room and endless pockets. I’m excited to try out the x-mid. Thanks for doing this.

[@jesusoffthewalls]

This video is freaking awesome man. Thanks for your detail and time

[@OscarTavera]

This is a great review ! Love the comparison and very thorough! I definitely love the gossamer One because of the weight and packability

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thanks!! That one is my favorite for sure, but we’ll see after I take the Durston one out on a trip.

[@steezy_33]

Thanks for this! Had it narrowed down to the x mid and gossamer before finding this vid. Got me to make a decision, will be ordering the x mid! Thanks again for putting this together

[@Beardedbackpacker]

You’re welcome, glad it helped! I’m sure you’ll love it!

[@nickwinter991]

I'd say that was a really fair, objective, comparison of three good tents. Thank you! I was particularly interested in what you thought of the Durston because I've just bought one myself, it hasn't arrived yet but should be here in a few weeks. (Takes a while to get to the UK.) I'll look forward to your thoughts after you've tried it out, and to your other videos too, of course. Thanks again.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thanks for the kind words! I’ll be taking a trip with it in the next week or so. Should be a good test as it will most likely be cold and windy with winter blowing in here. I’m sure you’ll be happy with the tent once you finally get it!

[@command0z]

Thanks for the review. I’m going with the Durston

[@NealBenson]

Great video! Thank you for sharing. I've been looking at the Gossamer Tent.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

You’re welcome!

[@j3hikes444]

now that was a great review...looking forward to more of y'alls vids.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thanks!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thanks! I’ll have some more coming later in the week! I’ll be taking the Durston tent out on a trip next week. I have high hopes for it!

[@williamshepherd2543]

Great video my friend you have very easy style to your presentation.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thanks!

[@janmariolle]

Nice job with this review. You really thought everything out, and putting your pad and quilt inside really illustrates the point. Thanks!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thank you! There will be more to come for sure.

[@rosemaryphilips670]

Super helpful--thanks for doing this!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Glad you got something out of it!

[@syindrome]

Thanks for actually using a pad and quilt to show the real interior space.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

So many videos don’t lol. I’ve bought so many tents over the years, and then get them and realize I don’t fit lol. That’s why I wanted to do the comparison with a pad and quilt.

[@charlesblankenship539]

Great objective review. It would have been interesting to remove the x mid inner and compare the shell to the Gossamer Gear tent. I would be interested in how they compared space wise. Thanks for the great video!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

I can try to get that on another video. I still there the gossamer gear would “feel” bigger because of the way the poles angle out at the top.

[@Rx_Warrior]

My XMid2 without the inner can sleep 4 people!…

[@thomascopelliti]

Ho una tenda 1P. X mid Durston da due anni,semplicemente fantastica.Durtston number one!

[@duncdunc76]

Great video man👍 Appreciate the good info and comparison.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thank you!

[@michaelbrohl1625]

Thanks for the great video and information. I was considering the GG One but quilt touching single wall means no go for me.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

I am 6’2” if that helps. I’d say if you’re 6’ or less you’d probably be okay.

[@Mike___Kilo]

I'm really leaning towards the double wall non-DFC design.

[@Xerute]

Thanks for this, I am also around 6'2" and been looking into The One and the X-Mid 1. Thinking I am going with the X-Mid 1 because I also use a 3inch wide NEMO pad and move a lot while sleeping. The material also is what put me off The One. I do wish Durston made a single wall tent like The One but keeping the floor length for the taller people.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

I think you would be happiest with the Durston honestly. The one is a great tent, especially only weighing basically a pound, but you’ll be touching at the end.

[@Xerute]

@@Beardedbackpacker I've thought about the pro but can't justify paying 600+ for a tent because it's made of dyneema. Xmid 1 should suit me well I think

[@Beardedbackpacker]

@@Xerute I think it will for sure!

[@patrickdolan.]

Isn't the xmid 1p solid basically a single wall tent?

[@rayhill8283]

I saw a good video on the use of a hiking chair turned upside down on your foot box to keep your bag away from single wall tent condensation.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

That’s a great idea lol!

[@hope2someday691]

Great video! From what I’ve read, the only drawback to sil-poly vs sil-nylon is it’s durability. It sure is better at holding it’s shape.

[@hope2someday691]

BTW, I just subscribed. 👍

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thanks! I’ll give the durability a test for sure!

[@gregpatterson134]

Thanks for doing this review. Great help to see a real user first hand experience. Also, what puffy are you wearing and how do you like it? Thanks

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thanks! It’s the Decathlon Trek 100. It is awesome, very lightweight and warm. And under 100 bucks!

[@jamesthornton3339]

Looking at the durston myself, it has some tough competition from my six moon designs lunar solo.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

The biggest benefit would be the extra vestibule space and better ventilation having doors on both sides.

[@elr05]

I couldn’t help myself…I bought both. First the Lunar Solo then the X-Mid 1P. They are both great in their own way. I have a phobia of condensation so I was convinced I needed a double walled tent, even though I never had condensation in the Lunar Solo. But glad I have both bc they both do the job very well.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

@@elr05 glad I’m not the only one with this kind of problem lol

[@elr05]

Yes, sometimes it’s hard to resist :) and so I don’t come across as a “gear collector” but not backpacker, I’ve taken both tents out twice. They’ve both taken good care of me each time. I prefer both of these $200+ tents to our fancy Big Agnes Copper Spur MountainGlo 3P. Hands down, the two trekking poles are much better fit for me. Both Lunar Solo and X-Mid are great at what they do, without trying to be flashy like the BA, IMHO. Keep up the great content!

[@JRoss707]

I assume that is the X-Mid-1 version 2? There’s a considerable difference between the first and second version.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Yes, this is the version 2.

[@darthkek1953]

For me the real interest is in DCF, so the X-Mid Pro for example. But that's not (really) due to the cut of a tiny amount of weight, as a Scottish mountaineer the constant rain is depressing and it soaks into nylon. The "plastic" vibe of DCF is interesting for that reason alone.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

DCF is great for shedding rain, as it absorbs basically zero water. However, this is a feature of sil-poly as well, which is what the regular x-mid is made out of. I’ve had it out in a few rain storms now, and there is zero water absorption, and zero stretch in the fabric. I was shocked lol. I’ve owned plenty of DCF tents as well, but this one performed just as well in that regard in the rain.

[@darthkek1953]

@@Beardedbackpacker That's really interesting, thanks.

[@spuriouseffect]

After trying out the Altiplex, the Durston is definitely claustrophobic.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

So I actually owned an Altaplex this year too. I would agree to an extent. I’ll be able to comment more on that after an actually trip with the Durston tent coming up this week!

[@spuriouseffect]

@@Beardedbackpacker If I was going to buy an X-mid, it would be the 2 person pro. It would be worth the 4.9 ounces more to not have to deal with Zpack's terrible inner and outer doors.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

@@spuriouseffect I agree about the doors for sure on the zpacks stuff. I guess some people like them, but I wasn’t a fan of the rainbow door on the inner. The vestibule door system was interesting, but in the rain, because of the way they closed, the bottom third of the opening let rain in effectively shrinking the vestibule size.

[@spuriouseffect]

@@Beardedbackpacker Yep, and wind blows rain through the doors as well, plus leaning out to pull that cord away from you in order to tighten the vestibule door is a pain.

[@durstongear]

Making a tent a singlewall definitely increases the spaciousness. The singlewall version (X-Mid Pro 1) feels much larger than the regular (doublewall version. It's even more spacious than the Altaplex.

[@Craigsoutdooradventures]

Which one would you pick if you wanted to have a husky size dog in with you please bud?

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Honestly I think any of them with a dog would be too cramped. However all three of them have two person versions as well! I’m not sure how the gossamer gear tent would do with dog nails though… it’s pretty thin. I’d probably lean towards the Durston xmid 2p for that. Hope that helps!

[@billseay6399]

Hey Thanks great video insight keep on humping brother

[@ssam143]

Is the gossamer a single wall tent or double?

[@Beardedbackpacker]

It is a single wall tent. Gossamer gear the one.

[@MrT-dn5hm]

Hi! What is the burgundy hooded shirt you have?

[@Beardedbackpacker]

It’s a melenzana micro grid hoodie!

[@MrT-dn5hm]

@@Beardedbackpacker Thanks for the fast response! I will keep it in mind for when i'm in Colorado. Do you have a review of their clothes like this hoodie? Would you recommend it?

[@Beardedbackpacker]

@@MrT-dn5hm I do have a video on the channel all about clothing, and I talk about it in there! It is a great piece for sure! Here is my clothing video. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZvVgpKHaJygg6s

[@tdiler12]

Yup I totally get it you keep buying gear you really don’t ..need. It will never stop…

[@Mike___Kilo]

There's just no use case for a 1P tent. Go with the 2P every time.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Personal preference really. To me it’s more about not having a big of a footprint for camp site selection.

[@kennyevans6197]

MAYBE YOU SHOULD GET ON WITH IT

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Get on with… what lol?

[@kennyevans6197]

Take no notice just wanted to see the tents and didn't want to jump the vid

[@WitcherOnTrail]

Thank you very very much for doing this. I think it's crazy that people reviewing tents, packs, sleeping pads, etc. don't disclose their height/weight in the videos - which is the MOST USEFUL part of any review, because then the viewers can gauge/estimate how the gear might work for them. JustinOutdoors does this ask the time - he throws out his height/weight/chest/waist, and it helped me choose the right size Decathlon puffy for myself.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

That’s exactly why I did it! I’ve bought so many tents and found out I don’t fit lol. I figured this might help some taller people!

[@edmegens6317]

Thanks for the comparison. Well done. I have the Gossamer gear the one. Great tent, lots of room, condensation, an issue which I made manageable with a micro fibre cloth. One issue you rightly mentioned is the wind resistance, which is poor. On top of that is the issue I have not seen mentioned is that the floor of the tent is bigger at the hed end than the foot end. This brings the problem of positioning the tent in a windy condition. You do not want the wind catching the back of the tent with the opening. It will act as a sail. Sometimes, your sleeping position is with your head lower than your feet when on oneven ground. With shifting strong winds you'll might have a problem blowing up the tent. Durston might be a better choice for those conditions. No difference which is head end or geometric, as far wind conditions go. For mild weather, Gossamer is great for me. I think of buying the Durston, perhaps the pro, but considerably more expensive.

[@Sonja00]

My durston 2 man soild. No condensation

[@thetacticaltexan5105]

Great video bro. I’ve been on the fence about all 3.

[@ASTHECROWFLIESHIKING]

Well done. Yeah, I fall for the sales every time. Great looking tent. Nice comparison. New follower here. Crow✌️

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Thanks!

[@Sam-Icy]

Thoughts now that you've used both tents? (Gossamer and Durston) I can't decide between the two... I like to go out camping when its raining.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

If you know you are going a lot in the rain, I would go with the Durston due to its ability to keep from sagging. Just my opinion.

[@tylernblaney]

Great reviews! I have the GG the one and love it. I have the Durston 2P on order and looking forward to checking it out this coming season.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Awesome! It will give you more space for sure! More stable in the wind too!

[@samuelgoad7320]

thanks a bunch, i just found a REI SL1 for $125 at REI and im going to rocky mountain and wanted something more robust!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Sounds like an awesome trip!!

[@levshike]

Nice comparison, I am 6ft4 (using a 4" thick pad & quilt) do you think the xmid 1 will fit me?

[@Beardedbackpacker]

I would say yes, you will be contacting the bug netting, but not the outer walls. Because of the steep angles at the head and foot though, you still won’t have fabric right in your face. Still plenty of head room.

[@leeanderson5955]

Very helpful video, I'm leaning towards the Durston.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

You will love it

[@mitchymitchOutdoors]

I’m more than grateful you did this comparison. Currently stuck between The One and the X-Mid 1 and this video helped me decide. Thank you!!!!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Nice! Which did you pick? I just got my hands on the new OV Fortius 1p tent to test as well. It looks like another winner in this category!

[@mitchymitchOutdoors]

@@Beardedbackpacker I’m going with The One. I know I will probably have some sagging, but I already have the Quarter Dome and a UL2 and I want to try and go lighter. Heard a lot of great things about The One

[@Beardedbackpacker]

@@mitchymitchOutdoors it is a really good tent for sure.

[@mitchymitchOutdoors]

@@Beardedbackpacker I’m excited for it to come in. Hopefully you don’t fully convince me on the Fortius, my wallet would be hurting…

[@coopt7219]

I’m 6’6 you think the rei 1/4 dome will fit me?

[@Beardedbackpacker]

Honestly I think you’d be touching at both ends. It’s double wall, so you wouldn’t be touching the fly, but the bug net I’d think yes. I’d recommend going with the 2 person version. That way you could lay diagonal for more space. Good luck!

[@ericwilson4553]

Would love to see the lanshan 1 pro compared in the same way. Great video!

[@Beardedbackpacker]

I’ve never tried one of those, but I know they are popular!

[@ericwilson4553]

@@Beardedbackpacker I am the same size as you would love to know how the inerior space compares considering it is a 1 trekking pole design.

[@Beardedbackpacker]

@@ericwilson4553 I have owned multiple single trekking poles tents. I can tell you both the Durston and the GG have way more space inside. The single pole design is just too cramped for me.