The Durston X-Mid 1: EVERYTHING You Should Know (And why I LOVE it)

[@DoseofDirt]

⚙Gear Links⚙ -Durston X-Mid: www.kaviso.com/products/durston-gear-x-mid-1p-tent (currently sold through Kaviso, but Durston will be selling directly soon) -Trekking Poles: www.kaviso.com/products/kaviso-x-fizan-compact-trekking-poles-pct-edition?variant=43837749002468 -Same Poles, different design on Amazon: amzn.to/3TVUz7t Sleep System Used in Video -Hammock Gear 0 Degree Econ Burrow Quilt: -Sleeping Pad: shrsl.com/4bwl4 -Inflatable: amzn.to/4cEpCMC -Camp pillow: amzn.to/46Ho54b Some of the links above are affiliate links. Buying things with the links doesn’t change the amount you pay, but helps support the channel since Dose of Dirt would receive a percentage of the sale. Using the links is a free and easy way to support Dose of Dirt so I can continue bringing you great content! 🏕👉Help Support AND Shape Dose of Dirt through Patreon: www.patreon.com/DoseofDirt

[@UberleetYO]

do you have an affiliate link (or normal one) for that tiny little white inflating thingy you used around timestamp 14:30? Im just getting back into backpacking after 12 years and trying to figure out all the new fancy gear!

[@BackcountryPilgrim]

Agreed 100% - the Xmid is amazing! So glad your channel is taking off you've earned with great quality stuff!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you! Sincerely appreciated! This tent is awesome right?!

[@stpetie7686]

Man, I like this guys gear reviews.

[@DoseofDirt]

Much appreciated!!

[@SladeEisenhardt]

This is one of the best reviews I've seen!

[@DoseofDirt]

Much appreciated! And thanks for your input on what you'd like to hear over on Patreon! 👊🏻

[@darrendazzertodd]

I have just purchased this tent and I would also like to add a little comment.... The customer service is outstanding. Customer is king and crap customer service means no customers...... Great vid

[@nebraska_rod]

It is not often that I buy something before you review it. But this tent is an exception. It meets and exceeds all my expectations and your review is spot on. This weekend I set it up the tarp only at first and hung out during the rain. I then deployed the inner and sleep very nicely, and dry out of the box. Thanks for what you do.

[@DoseofDirt]

I was a bit late to the game with this one. I wish I had bought it when they first came out! Glad to hear we've had the same experience with this tent. It is excellent!

[@_crane_7475]

Great video! I use the pullouts on the outside of the tent (by the door and magnetic toggle) to pull the fly out, which also pulls the bug-net out a few inches where the mitten hook connects the 2 layers. This usually makes it to where my shoulders don't touch the net too bad and gives me a bit more head room. Love the channel!

[@DoseofDirt]

This is an excellent tip! Thank you! I'm definitely going to try that next time I set it up. Another two stakes and guyline aren't going to cost that much in weight, but I can see how it would bring the interior room up even more! Thanks again!

[@_crane_7475]

@@DoseofDirt no problem!

[@reginapetty2042]

I love how you couldn’t wait for the rain to stop before doing a trial pitch. That’s some upper level excitement-rock on! I love what Durston is doing. I don’t have/need one of their tents yet, but I’m digging their Kakwa 55 pack.

[@DoseofDirt]

What can I say, I get a little excited about some gear! haha! I've wanted to try one of their packs as well. That's awesome you have one!

[@TheNypenfan]

Review is spot on, but I am curious why so many people buy the 1p version? I have the 2p and I never brush up on the mesh at all. Even sleeping solo it just makes more sense to me and it’s only 7ish ounces heavier. I’m more than happy to carry the extra 7 ounces for all that extra space.

[@DoseofDirt]

I've never used a 2P tent for my solo trips. Maybe I"m worried if I try it I could never go back to less space! LOL! A few others in the comments have said they love the 2P, which is making me feel like I want to buy it!

[@jedsmith4988]

It's a good point. As I said in my comment, I'm already at 28-03 lbs and do a lot of wilderness, off trail backpacks out west - steep climbs, few good pitch spots. Also getting old so anything to help the knees! But, it is tempting. Coming from a 28 oz SMD Trekker that has 48" of space at center and peak of 48", 103" length. So, used to elbow space sitting up.

[@JRoss707]

I have both the Lanshan 1Pro and 2Pro, and they weigh not much different, as well, possibly around 4 ounces, I believe. I find myself going with the 1 P on long distance hikes such as the JMT mainly because it has such a smaller footprint and takes up much less space. I am the type of person who will hike as long as possible, stop and set up count have a quick bite to eat and then go right to bed, often just laying on my back or side even for 2-3 hours in quiet meditation before dozing off. What I really like about this X-Mid. Is the minimalist set up. If you are in a pinch, and have hiked until you’ve run out of daylight, like I do sometime, and you just need your tent up and to get it inside it in a hurry, the fact that you just need to stake the four coroners and set the two poles and you’re literally done is very inviting. Yes, for an optimal pitch you would use 6+ stakes, and spend some time tightening the guide outs, but to know that’s not really a necessity if you just want basic shelter for the night. The price is very good as well.

[@liamc1633]

Your review style and amount you went out of your way to give to us in this video is sensational. I feel that, and I hope your channel growth matches the effort you put in

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks for this kind comment! Sincerely appreciated! I'm so glad you enjoyed the review! I'll keep them coming!

[@one2869]

I just posted a link to this awesome video in the Durston Gearhead page on Facebook. Love my xmid 1p and xmid 2p. Most bang for your buck tents out there in my honest opinion!

[@GarryCollins-ec8yo]

I've got the same setup, 1P and 2P.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks so much for sharing the link on facebook! I've got to find that group now! This is my first Durston tent, but dang I love it. In fact I loved it so much I ordered another Durston tent! Dan is doing awesome stuff with backpacking gear! And you're absolutely right. This tent has GOT to be the best bang for the buck out there!

[@one2869]

@@DoseofDirt search durston gearheads page. You will love being part of the #notacult

[@dontall71]

Thanks, your review is clear and concise. I have the X-Mid 2P and it's the mac daddy of all the tents I've owned. The build quality is awesome and I really like the water proof zippers. Getting a rain flap stuck in a zipper in the middle of a down pour is the pits.

[@arsenic9475]

I've watched about 5 hours of tent review videos over the past week, looking to upgrade from my Lanshan 1 ( I hate how large the footprint is with the 150 foot guy lines). Thank you SO MUCH for including that comparison picture with the analog competitors. This is the one for me.

[@rachelbrain]

Love my X-Mid 2. Sadly, I've only gotten to actually use it twice. It really made those trips better though. The 2p is a palace for one person and not that much heavier or expensive. Great review! I enjoyed how you went through it.

[@DoseofDirt]

I'll admit I'm envious you have the X-Mid 2! Every time I've set up the 1P, I've thought 'dang, the 2P would be amazing!' I often go backpacking with my brother. Our go-to tent has been the Zpacks triplex, but now I'd like to try the Xmid 2P. Seems like it would be a lot more affordable and with all the benefits of the Durston tents!

[@jeffdavidson9231]

Excellent tent! I own the X-Mid 1 and the X-Mid 2 and couldn’t be happier with both of them.

[@DoseofDirt]

I'm curious which you bought first and if you tent to favor one over the other for solo trips?

[@jeffdavidson9231]

@@DoseofDirt I bought the X-Mid 2 first,I like the space for shorter trips. The X-Mid 1 I got to compare space for a AT thru hike I’m planning in a couple years.

[@mobius9818]

Much much love for this tent, which should imo have a place in the Smithsonian...I have the X-Mid 1p Solid, wonderful for three season (gets cold hereabouts).

[@DoseofDirt]

So good, right?! I originally was considering the solid version and then went with the standard. I appreciate that Durston has a few different options with very similar configuration.

[@Mandyanne31]

I love this tent. The first night of my last hike it poured rain, it was easy to set up in the rain and the inside stayed completely dry. The fly also dries super quickly. The first tent I bought was a bivy style and it felt like a literal coffin. I then went to a 2 person tent. I was a little hesitant to buy this as I did like the extra room of the 2 person tent, and was worried about it feeling like the bivy tent. But this tent does a great job of feeling roomy. I’m only 5’2 though lol even paying a small fortune as a Canadian (exchange, shipping and duty) it was well worth the price.

[@DoseofDirt]

Sounds like we've had really similar experiences with this tent! Have to love it when a piece of gear meets and even exceeds high expectations!

[@GIRLplusDOGAdventures]

Thanks for showing something different on the Durston!

[@DoseofDirt]

Hey friend! Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words on the review. To anyone else reading this, check out her KZbin channel! I love it!

[@jhartetube]

I have an X-Mid 1. I love it. I take it bikepacking using my homemade shock corded poles and backpacking using trekking poles. I've messaged Dan Durston a couple of times, he is very responsive and super helpful.

[@ArbitraryLifestyle]

I feel you on that tall pillow setup! I also like a tall, but squishy pillow and finding the right setup has taken forever.

[@jackvoss5841]

My X-Mid 1 person is a year or two older than yours. I don’t have the magnets. About getting a near perfect rectangle on set up: it does make a bit of difference. But not much. If I’m tired, I found that a bit squee jawed is good enough. In summary, I agree with your findings. Best tent I’ve ever had. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@DoseofDirt]

ya, mine is a gen 2. And you're right about the pitch. The rectangle doesn't have to be PERFECT. I think the first time I pitched it my rectangle was really bad, but ever since then I've gotten it perfect enough on the first try. Seriously so easy to pitch! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on the tent!

[@jackvoss5841]

@@DoseofDirt G’day, Dose. I’m not a user of trekking poles. So when Durston offered the extending rods to replace the poles, I jumped. Now, everything fits into the tent bag, and is lighter. I recommend the extender rods for vertical support. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

[@DoseofDirt]

@@jackvoss5841 Yes! Those Z Flick poles are awesome! I bought some as well! Super light and compact!

[@matthewclarke1812]

Great to see a review with such attention to detail! Thank you!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks!

[@JRoss707]

I’m still debating the purchase of this tent. I currently use the Lanshan 1 Pro. It’s done the JMT three trips now with no huge issues. Triple crowner You Tuber Quadzilla hiked the entire AT and CDT in a Lanshan 1P. 2022 was super wet on the JMT, the sil-nylon did great. My only issue with the Lanshan 1 pro was the L opening screen door where you can only open one side of the screen not both like you can with the Zpacks Altra Plex, which I think it’s the perfect tent, but I don’t have $700 to pay for a tent. Now 3F UL make the Lanshan with a T door fly that opens fully on both sides. This design is perfect imo. It’s honestly a tossup for me I was set on buying the XMid, but at less than $150, and frankly a better stealthier kaki brown color option, I’m leaning on sticking with the Lanshan 1 Pro.

[@ericb.4358]

Great tent! I have a Tarptent NOTCH Li (DCF) and Tarptent sells a peak hiking pole HANDLE adaptor so you can put the handle UP, and not down in the dirt. See If it may work with your X-Mid 1.

[@DoseofDirt]

Interesting! I'm going to have to remember to check that out. Also, that's awesome you have the Notch Li. I've been wanting to check one of those out!

[@David-qr2dk]

I'm using the X-Mid 2, your video was a great review for the 1P!

[@DoseofDirt]

NICE! I like the 1 so much, I may just have to order an X-Mid 2!

[@cavemandancer]

Exactly the same reason I have carried the extra pound and use a traditional tent. Just don't like to spend a lot of time at the camp setting up. I already carry poles and have been strapping my tent poles to the outside of my bag. I like about traditional tents and my hammock is to be able to pack just my fly outside of my pack if it is a rainy day. Thanks for the video.

[@c0rnd0g_19]

Looks like a great tent!! Just wish there was a 1.5P version. I'm so used to my 3f UL 1.5P leaning tower and love the extra space inside (39" wide) as well as the huge vestibule (which the Durston also has)! I would most appreciate having the sil-poly as well as the top-notch build quality of the Durston. Lots to think about.

[@DoseofDirt]

A 1.5 version would be awesome. Maybe get rid of one of the vestibules and make that interior space. They would be awesome, but hard to figure out how to do that with the second pole.

[@dontall71]

I think there may be a 1.5 in the works?

[@jonnytentpeg]

Great vid mate can't wait to get mine it's en route by the way buddy and I'm sure dan knows you're out there I don't think he realises yet he's like the santa claus of tents I'll be leaving a cookie or two outside the door just in case fingers crossed he drops by peace my brother love from Lancashire UK ❤

[@DoseofDirt]

lol! The Santa Claus of tents! That's SO TRUE! Love his tents! Awesome you got one in the UK. This seems like a PERFECT tent for that area! Must be some beautiful wild camping up that way!

[@JK-re8zn]

I got the xmid 2 and those same matching trekking poles the website recommended. The 2 is huge. Like really big. We had a big front come through in FL a few months ago and I slept in the tent with the minimal number of stakes and it was fine. I even took videos and posted them to reddit. I'm not enamored with the twist lock sections of the poles but hey they keep on working...

[@DoseofDirt]

These tents are absolutely storm worthy! Like you, I've just used the minimum number of stakes and it's always been perfect! With the trekking poles, the twist lock mechanism took some getting used to. I like them because they are a lot easier to get out of my trekking pole straps on my pack. All my other poles have those bulky lock mechanisms that get caught on the straps. Do you have a link to your reddit post? I'd love to check it out!

[@expatadventureturkey9324]

Great review, I’m currently eyeing this tent “X-Mid 1” for possible 2025 PCT, any thoughts on issues finding camp spot on trail in comparison to other tents? Thanks in advance for the advice 🤙🏽

[@DoseofDirt]

I haven't had any issues where I've used it, but I've never been on the PCT. And I like that there are doors on both sides so that if there is an obstruction on one side because of a tight camp spot you can get out the other side.

[@twloughlin]

The price really blew me away on this tent. I do not own nor have ever used a trekking pole tent. This one may make me re-think that.

[@DoseofDirt]

I still can't believe it's just $240! I was hesitant to try a trekking pole tent for a long time. Setups were hard for the first little while, but this one is so dang easy. And one thing I didn't mention in the video, if you're not a fan of trekking poles, Durston also sells something called the 'z flick poles' that are basically poles for trekking pole tents. They are half the weight of my lightest trekking poles and work REALLY well. I've been testing them quite a bit and am super impressed.

[@gabrielkujawowicz2472]

Did you end up getting it

[@gabrielkujawowicz2472]

@@DoseofDirtdid you think it’s smart to get one and use only one Treck pole

[@jedsmith4988]

Thanks for measuring and spending time on the inside. The inner is supposed to 32", so a bit disappointed it only came in at 30". It narrows to "usable" width at 12" and 36" due to the wall slopes. So also helpful to know you were brushing against it (but not hitting outer). Peak height is listed at 43" so that also came in less than expected. May be just variations in pitch, but good to know. I'm a bit claustrophobic but have used a small 1p for over 10 years. Thinking about a solid inner for shoulder season, but probably need around 36" for shoulder width sitting. 2p is too wide a footprint.

[@barrypanaretou9124]

This dude knows how to make a video! 10 out of 10

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you! Much appreciated!

[@SmokeytheJeep]

After one cold, wet, condensation-filled trip in my Underwood Aggregator, I’m looking for a double-walled tent for my next trip. I keep finding myself landing on either the one-or two-person versions of the X-Mid.

[@SgtSpartyOutdoors]

Really nice review. I have the 1st gen Xmid and I put a pin hole in the trekking pole peak with a really terrible pitch (totally my fault) so it can happen, and while it's still more than serviceable i'm seriously considering upgrading to the 2nd gen. Also, you didn't mention it in your review but if the weather is complete trash, you can actually just slip your trekking poles in the peak vents to pitch it w/o ever opening the doors if you know the distance, for my poles I set them at between 120 mm and 125 mm and it always gives me a solid pitch. maybe not perfect but solid enough to get inside and I can tweak it by raising the poles or adjusting the guy lines.

[@DoseofDirt]

That sucks about the pin hole! Like you said, still more than serviceable and easy to patch as well. I'm glad you mentioned sticking the poles through the peak vents! That's an excellent tip for getting a dry pitch even in crazy weather!

[@sarahsue42]

Super glue fix job

[@patrickelliott5858]

I wish we had a distributor here in the UK for Durstan tents and backpacks. Great review, really looking to buy one after this review.

[@DoseofDirt]

Must be frustrating to find gear you want only to realize shipping it to you is too expensive or even impossible! Looks like they will ship to the UK. He gives some details here, but I'm guessing you've already read through all this: durstongear.com/pages/warranty-shipping-returns

[@shawnr6117]

It goes both ways, you've got some great gear we just can't get. It's really annoying when the company even has retail locations, Decathlon being a prime example of that kind of crap.

[@MarcMallary]

I just bought one. I'm concerned about those times when the ground is too hard to drive in stakes, or to soft to hold stakes.

[@DoseofDirt]

Nice! That's so cool you got one! I had this concern before switching from freestanding tents to trekking pole tents. I've found that most of the time I don't have a problem with ground that is too hard or too soft. If it's too hard I can usually find a rock to help me get the stakes in and if it's too soft I can find a rock to put on top of the stake. If you know you are going to be in sandy soil you can get awesome stakes specially designed for that. If the ground is just too hard, a few times I've had to resort to putting the stake (not in the ground) under a rock or two, or tying it to a nearby fallen tree or something. I guess to sum up, a few times I've had to get creative, but it has never been a problem.

[@DragonRoams]

You did a great job going over the tent and it's features. Not sure if you mentioned it but how tall are you? I'm 6'4" and finding a nice fitting 1p tent has been a challenge. I use the Mier2 currently when I tent which is basically the lanshan.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you! And I can't believe I forgot to mention that. I am 6 feet even and have a wider build. I bet being 6'4" makes finding a solo tent really tricky. I would think this would be one of the best bets because of the off-set two pole configuration. I was curious so found this reddit post from someone who is 6'4". Hope it's helpful! www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/bed0b4/dan_durston_xmid_1p_a_few_initial_impressions/

[@DragonRoams]

@@DoseofDirt awesome thanks for finding that post.

[@craig-olsen]

Oh great, I've been avoiding trekking pole tents for a while - but after this, my wishlist has been updated. ;) Currently, I'm using a freestanding tent (BA Copper Spur HV UV2) as I sometimes go where I won't necessarily have solid staking options (e.g., Southern Utah), but this might be a great option to try out in the Winds/Uintah's this summer.

[@DoseofDirt]

Sorry to expand the wishlist! ha! Ya, southern Utah can be tough with non-freestanding tents. As you said, they work great in the Uintahs though! I've never had a problem finding a good spot and pitching a trekking pole tent there.

[@craig-olsen]

@@DoseofDirt I can’t wait for the inevitable conversation later this year with my wife concerning yet another ‘new’ tent in the collection and what’s wrong with all my other tents and why I need to keep them all and not sell them off...🤣

[@jedsmith4988]

Exactly. I backpack the Winds every year. Those short corner guys can be a problem. No different on Tarptents Dipole or Stratospire though.

[@jenniferj7588]

That is about what I paid for my xmid 2p ..Love it polyester is the bomb ...

[@jenniferj7588]

I have 2 poly tents and 2 poly tarps so far sorry nylon sucks...

[@shawnr6117]

With the weight comparison to the lanshan that's also double wall vs single wall. I think if Durston had a sil-poly pro the weight would be similar or maybe even a little lighter.

[@DoseofDirt]

Excellent point! So for an additional 2.5 ounces you get double wall AND (I would argue) a much better tent all around. I would love if they did a sil-poly pro version!

[@GabagoolFool]

When you roll up the door roll it the other way. It will be better in rain and the bottom part won’t sag down. I love my xmid pro 1!!!

[@limitisillusion7]

Hmmm. I'm thinking of just getting the x mid 2 just for extra space.

[@tenzin044]

Hi. They just released new one . I’m sure you seen it. What do you think? It will be only one colour, I was asking already. But my big concern is how will be behave in strong winds. For me looks like light, I like standard poles. I though about Hilleberg Enan but it’s quiet pricey plus little bit low. 300£ it’s not bad compare to Hilleberg lol. So because you have an experience with this Dome- do you think new one will be stable?

[@jhgylugkfhfhlgf]

Nicely done review! Just a quick question: can you reveal how tall you are? At 1.96 I feel I might just be a tad bit too long for this tent (especially seeing how high your head is in the tent when sitting); but finding a double walled that really fits me seems to be quite a challenge!

[@steveragan3945]

Any significant issues with condensation? Great review....thanks!

[@DoseofDirt]

I would say this tent gets less condensation than other trekking pole tents I've used, especially 1P tents, because it has two vents that do a good job of staying open. Depending on conditions, there is still condensation (like any other tent) but I don't even give it a second thought because the mesh keeps me from touching the fly, and because it's a silpoly (rather than silnylon) the fly won't sag even with heavy condensation or rain.

[@steveragan3945]

Thanks for quick reply and good insights....I've had my eye on X-Mid 2 and plan to o ahead and pull the trigger.

[@DoseofDirt]

@@steveragan3945 NICE!

[@FreiluftJunky]

Hi, really nice review One question: Isn't the interior quite small for the overall footprint??

[@fkasol]

Brilliant review. Thank you

[@McBlamin]

Enjoyed the video, great info, thanks for the thoroughness of the review!

[@jjs811]

Is this the tent they sell for $260 ish? If so I can’t believe you get so much for that amount. Great review!!

[@DoseofDirt]

Yes! This is the $260ish version! I love that it's so dang affordable and so awesome!

[@jeffm5808]

just got mind a few months ago i got a Xmid1 mesh was looking at the solid but Dan mentioned it may get to hot in summer . and i was concidering a xmid 2 but i thought it may be to much room for just me. . Haven't even set it up yet. i am planning to get a set of zflick poles if i take this in the Canoe or Yak.

[@DoseofDirt]

I got some of the Zflick poles! They have exceeded my expectations! They are super light, easy to use, very adjustable, and sturdy. I've had them holding up several tents in snow and rain, so I'm completely confident in them. I'm hoping to take this setup Kayak camping as well!

[@jeffm5808]

That is my next purchase soon might have to use trekking poles for a bit though. Dan mentioned that if I didn't want to tldo tips up I could get some tarp tent trekking pole handle adaptors so I got those .

[@chriscook3120]

DCF tents and tarps are really light. But they tend to be bulky. And 3 times the cost. I could only imagine the tears after the first campfire spark hits.

[@DoseofDirt]

I love that this one (the X-Mid 1) is made of a sil ipoly. Compact and still pretty light without costing a fortune!

[@Fallline79]

I have one… awesome tent

[@DoseofDirt]

couldn't agree more!

[@troychilds6050]

sil poly has benefits over DCF besides price. DCF has benefits over silpoly besides weight... they're both great materials.

[@DoseofDirt]

You're absolutely right. To boil it down to those being the only two differences isn't accurate. Those are are probably the biggest differences.

[@calvin_E]

I've been eyeing that tent for ages now. Quick preference question, 1p or 2p for comfort, weight, space taken to pitch?

[@ddff5242]

I have both. Love the 2p but man it's a big footprint. Depending on the type of trails you are on would make me recommend one over the other. If tight campsites, the 1p. However if campsite space isn't an issue I think the 2p is worth the additional 5 oz.

[@DoseofDirt]

Thanks for sharing your experience. Crazy that the 2P is only 5oz more. I may need to check it out for some trips with my brother.

[@jonnytentpeg]

Am I tripping or did you pixalate out on the corner pitch part of your vid if so buzzin man 😀👍

[@jonnytentpeg]

If so that's cool I was brought up on 70's 80's kids tv so all's good my friend kinda trippy though 😀👍❤

[@DoseofDirt]

🤣🤣🤣 You're right! Not sure what happened there!!! 🤣

[@jonnytentpeg]

@@DoseofDirt buzzin mate 😂😂😂😂❤

[@Magnesius]

are those the new topo pursuit 2s?

[@DoseofDirt]

Dang! Excellent eyes! They are actually the Pursuit 1s. I just tried to look up the 2s online to see if they are available, but can't find them. Weird! I LOVE the pursuits. I've been using them for everything (trail running, backpacking, adventure racing, etc.) and they are always solid!

[@guelio_g]

I'm thinking about buying this tent but i fear that the walking stick will just fall or sum like that

[@brandoncrow1650]

Great video, thanks!!

[@DoseofDirt]

Thank you sir!

[@JimTaylor-t4g]

I totally agreed that this tent is amazing in so many ways. I've used my X-Mid 1 on three occasions while section hiking the Arizona Trail. I'm 70 years old and I'm usually pretty beat after eight or more hours on the trail but setting up this tent is so easy and almost foolproof. I also made a footprint following the directions on this link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qX_Lk4OniLysrKs. (Thanks to Brian Keenan for that!) Using the footprint to set up a perfect square makes it even easier to pitch the tent correctly every time. And having the trekking pole tips up and the handles down means you can have your footprint covering the entire area of the tent, including the both vestibules. There's a surprising amount of space in this tent because of the angle of the floor and I have enough room to bring everything inside with me, to keep the the varmints from getting at it. I hope I get to meet Dan Durston some day so I can shake his hand for a job well done!

[@DoseofDirt]

Excellent tips here! I hadn't thought about making a footprint and the fact that the poles are 'tips up' means you can cover the entire footprint. That's excellent! Thanks so much for sharing a link to that! And well done crushing the Arizona trail!

[@johneroyale]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@samuelfox8126]

Being a very tall person I'd like to know the usable length of the floor. They could easily show this number in diagrams on their website but choose to only show the 90" number. This tent could never be a serious contender for me until I know the rectangular dimensions of the floor.

[@DoseofDirt]

I should have measured this as well. Definitely going to next time I have it out. I did find a really helpful reddit post from someone who is 6'4" that you might appreciate: www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/bed0b4/dan_durston_xmid_1p_a_few_initial_impressions/

[@TDOLLA]

Dan Durston WILL find you and comment. All you gotta do is say SilNylon is 2x stronger than SilPoly or something… set the trap and wait…. and Dan Durston will come along and very politely correct you and hit you with some statistics and use cases.

[@DoseofDirt]

He definitely knows his stuff! I love how involved Dan is in commenting on reviews about the tents. I like the passion and hearing his perspective. And I think it shows that he listens as well, given the 2nd version of the X-mid tents. Good stuff!

[@AlexGonzalez-g7b]

have you reviewed quilts from cumulus or paria outdoors before?

[@blade1535]

If you don’t trek and want to buy light poles for this what do you recommend?

[@DoseofDirt]

Duration also sells something called Zflick poles. They aren’t trekking poles, but they are adjustable like trekking poles. I bought some at the same time I bought this tent and they are awesome. Here’s a link: durstongear.com/products/z-flick-tent-pole

[@Pasequale100]

I still can t decide between the 1 vs the 2 p version 😬 Is it possible with some creativity to put in the 1p version a pair of shoes or a backpack?

[@DoseofDirt]

You mean can you fit a pair of shoes and/or backpack in the tent with you? I know I can fit a pair of shoes in with me easy, even with my 23x78inch pad. Depending on how much is in your backpack that might be a little tough. I've done it (with a mostly empty backpack) but at least half of it is under the foot part of my sleeping pad. I usually leave my pack out in the vestibule.

[@TwoBlueScrews]

How tall do the trekking poles need to be? Mine are fixed height.

[@adoreos]

Do you have to use trekking poles? Also, how does it compare to the Solid version?

[@Horray4dpp]

Durston sells poles separate that you can use if you don’t use trekking poles

[@techguy9023]

Pyramid is easy too. Four stakes one pole.

[@jjs811]

What’s the difference between the original and the v2?

[@DoseofDirt]

I'm actually not totally positive on that. This is V2 though!

[@z0uLess]

What is your height in cm? I am 187 cm and am worried about the size and having a wide enough sleeping pad that I dont slide off of during the night

[@DoseofDirt]

I am about 183 cm. I found a really helpful reddit post from a guy who is 6"4' (193cm) talking about this tent. Here's a link: www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/bed0b4/dan_durston_xmid_1p_a_few_initial_impressions/

[@z0uLess]

@@DoseofDirt thanks! do you know what pad ("my long/wide (25”x78”) pad") this person is referring to? edit: found it! Big Agnes AXL

[@IrieMitch]

How tall are you?

[@misiacs3346]

What about the animals? I see there is a 10 cm gap. Do you sleep together with an animal?

[@madcolor]

Zpacks (USA Made) over Durston (Chinese Made).. all day. Worth the extra $ to support USA workers and the Zpacks is a lighter tent. Love my Plex Solo.

[@DoseofDirt]

The quality of a product cannot be determined by the country it is made in. I love my Zpacks triplex and other products made in the US. I also think that buying gear locally is a worthy ideal. If someone's sole criteria for purchasing gear is "made in the USA" then Durston would not qualify, and that's alright. It's an awesome tent and I think Durston is a quality company worth supporting. And of course Zpacks is lighter. It's made of Dyneema. Durston has tents that are almost as light, but have more room and (I would argue) better quality. But to each their own.

[@ericb.4358]

Kinda, sorta similar in shape to theTarptent Stratospire - but a bit better, IMHO.

[@DoseofDirt]

I’ve wanted to compare to the Stratospire but haven’t gotten my hands on one.

[@Em_Dee_Aitch]

As much as I like the build and the materials, it’s still a hard no for me. It isn’t freestanding. Dealbreaker. No exceptions.

[@DoseofDirt]

It's good to know what works for you and what won't! Although I'm a trekking pole tent guy now, I've been eying some freestanding tents to try out as well.

[@GraemeNiimi]

For 1P, there are too many cons. There are many different factors when choosing a tent between 1P and 2P. This design is designed for 2P.

[@DoseofDirt]

I know a lot of people opt for the 2P. I like the weight savings and don't need the additional space, so I went 1P. Thanks!

[@KatriinaKarlin]

1P inner tent has too little space. One person does not need 2 vestibules at all, which wastes space and occupies a large area. And one person uses 2 trekking poles? It is undoubtedly a huge increase in weight!

[@DoseofDirt]

I can see where you're coming from. I like the design, but it definitely isn't for everyone. Thanks!

[@nerduro]

The 2 doors are fantastic - great cross ventilation, dedicated gear vestibule, can use one as a dedicated washroom. I bought it for the 2 doors As far as poles - most people that hike with poles use two poles. A two pole design let's the tent have more headroom. If I'm carrying two poles anyway, I'd prefer both be used in the design. If I'm not carrying poles, then I'm using a free standing tent instead

[@johnmccarron]

I like the tent, but where I stay it costs me over 350 pounds, Tax they say so it does not go to Durston as a cottage industry....all tax, I'm cheaper going to China to shop...tell that to your next president.

[@homie-gtv322]

Dry as a bone? Bones are covered in blood and other fluids.

[@OdetteLausell]

Lanshan series much better.

[@DoseofDirt]

Right now I prefer the Durston. I'm curious what makes you like Lanshan more though?

[@OdetteLausell]

@@DoseofDirt Buy 2 lanshan at his price

[@nerduro]

​@@OdetteLausellCheaper is not the same as better. It's usually the opposite.

[@millieblue5014]

@frankdurston what a good video!