Winter Camping by a Secluded Loch: Durston X-Dome 1 Tent First Test!

[@StephenJReid]

I'm officially blaming you for me pre-ordering the solid version of the X-Dome this week 🤣

[@WalkWithWallace]

Haha, you won’t regret it mate. 👌🏻

[@StephenJReid]

@@WalkWithWallace Went for the short poles version so I can use for bikepacking too.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Not a huge weight penalty, if it gives you more versatility. I reckon I’ll probably sell my X-Mid. 🤔

[@DaveGoodman1959]

Hi guys, what a fantastic area and I do keep looking at it on the map as I’ve not been around there, so this year. Well done Kev on the last Cairngorm Munro, the tents look good and I will take a look at the little table as the larger ones would be too heavy to add to my kit. Cheers 🥃🏕️

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Dave, aye it’s a really nice spot. The wee table is ideal. It’s just the right size it’s not a faff.

[@durstongear]

Nice trip and beautiful scenery. Glad you're liking the tent. - Dan

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Dan, and so far so good on the tent. ⛺️

[@summitwithstevie6934]

Nice one Robin, what a lovely morning just as you'd packed up. Great wee spot that and glad you liked your new tent ⛺️

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Stevie, aye the morning looked so promising only for the clag to roll in.

[@GazTheExplorer]

That spot was nice Robin. I did enjoy doing those Munros but got a little bit more luck with the summit views than you and Kev got. You do a good job testing out new gear for your viewers Robin. Always enjoy your gear reviews. I’m sure Big Monty has those shoes you tested in the video which he enjoys using around his tent. This time of the year can be hard. The weather has been rubbish but hopefully we will get a better summer this year and maybe we might see you complete your Corbetts..

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Gaz, hope you’re good mate. We’re so unlucky for a view on Sunday morning as it was looking good before the cloud closed in. Looking forward to Spring, you reckon you’ll finish the Munros? You’re over 200 now if I remember correctly.

[@GazTheExplorer]

@ I’m on 201 Munros now. The plan is to finish in July on Ben Vorlich but it all depends on the weather this year. If it’s later in the year or even into next year then I’ll just need to settle with it. You, Kevin and Stevie are welcome to join for my final Munro.

[@WalkWithWallace]

7 behind Kev. Would love to attend mate. Ping me an invite when the time comes. 👍🏻

[@milesfromanywhere.]

Cracking spot to spend the neet, epic. Tent looks good, it’s on the list. Cheers bonnie lad. Atb 👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers mucker. ⛺️ 👍🏻

[@scottishclimber7630]

Good to see you and Kev back out on the hills. Nice spot for your camp in the new tents next to the loch. Weather was much better up at Glenshee than down here last weekend even if the summits clouded over. ATB Derek

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Derek, we were totally unlucky not getting a view as it was all clear when we left our pitch. You win some, you lose some.

[@anthonypayne1]

Great video Robin, nice to see you back out. Looks like Durston have another winner on their hands! 👍👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Tony, aye promising on the Durston front ⛺️🤞🏼

[@DAoutdoors]

Hi Robin, great to see you out and about again with Kevlar. I cracking location for a wild camp. Shame about the views on the summits but you can’t have everything. I’m hoping to get out on Saturday, weather permitting. They keep changing the bloody forecast so it’s hard to make my mind up. All the best pal 😀⛰🥾🏕️

[@WalkWithWallace]

Kevlar! 😁 Cheers Dave, we were so close to getting a good summit view then that pesky cloud rolled in. Hope you get a good hike in this weekend, think a storm is passing through?

[@DAoutdoors]

@@WalkWithWallace I keep looking at the forecast and it's forever changing. It looks like Friday might be our windy day and by Saturday it is going to be OK.....However, there is three days between now and Saturday, it will change another half a dozen times between now and then. 🤣🤣

[@WalkWithWallace]

Haha, annoying when the forecast won’t commit 🫠

[@Fellmandave1]

That Rockfront gear looks excellent. I especially like the overbooties. I have some exped ones, but they are pretty bulky. Looks like the rockfront hit the sweet spot. Top , wrap o'clock performance from Kev. Scenery..... speaks for itself, the best. Thanks for sharing all Robin.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Dave, it was a fine trip. The booties are excellent, pack away tiny in their wee stuff sack. All really nice gear imho.

[@Moffatmountainadventures]

Wrap o clock 😂😂 loved that. The spittal munros are on my radar so I’m no gonna lie, I recon I’ll be stealing that pitch. I’m holding off for the X-2 as I recon it’ll be too snug for me. Looks a class tent. Good to see you back out Robin. ATVB Robert

[@WalkWithWallace]

Haha, go for it mate, it’s a mint location. Tent is spot on , hard to fault it just now. See how it goes with a few more camps.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

Great video as usual. Like the tent but I'm ok with the x mid. Like the overshoes. Might get something similar. Yeah, losing the mojo happens but a wee walk somewhere and a camp brings it back. I haven't been out for a year😂😂😂

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers squire, I might end up selling my X-Mid. 🤔 hope you’re back out soon mate!

[@BrokenBackMountains]

​@@WalkWithWallace The x-dome has the same space and about the same weight and is more of a 4 season job than the x mid so would make sense. Just the lack of entrance and no solid inner. I have plans for a wee overnighter once all these storms go away and get the go-ahead from the docs. Somewhere not too strenuous in case the back or head gives me trouble. Fam got me an inreach just in case.

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@BrokenBackMountains there’s a solid inner now available in the April batch. The entrance is huge by the way. 🤔 inReach Mini is a wise investment tbf, worth it for your family’s peace of mind.

[@BrokenBackMountains]

@@WalkWithWallace It only has one entrance though. I prefer two, even on a one man. My helium only has one entrance and if the wind changes overnight then there isn't another to get out of the wind. The good thing about Dan Durston is he tweaks his designs so who knows how the x dome will be like by V3. It is the messenger I have which is good but not a lot of mounting options. I will probably keep it in my trouser pocket.

[@WalkWithWallace]

The second entrance on my Scarp is largely redundant to be honest, belts and braces it is handy if the wind changes direction. Doing away with the extra entrance means they can utilise that space for the inner instead.

[@EllipticDawid25]

Nice hike and good spot for camp

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Dawid, hope you’re good mate.

[@EllipticDawid25]

@WalkWithWallace 🍺 Busy moving house atm, can't find time to go out 😃👍 very nice tent and bag too 🎪

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

A stunning spot there Robin. Nice one 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏔️😎⛺️👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Davie. 😎 👍🏻

[@scotbotvideos]

Great wee camp to blow the cobwebs away. You are so right about cold weather camping being miserable if you're not fully prepared. I think that was exemplified on Liam Brown's latest trek in the Austrian Alps when, despite having cold weather gear, he still suffered from the cold because what he did take was insufficient in the wind chill up the mountain he ascended. I think that underlines the point not to overestimate one's ability whilst underestimating conditions.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers mate and agreed. Your food plays an important part too. Gotta keep the furnace topped up to be warm enough.

[@stevenanderson5404]

Nice one looks a cracking wee spot/base camp 👍. Definitely know what you mean about getting out. Not done a decent hike since early December Had two camps this year and both were only a short walk. At least the one in the Pentlands had some knee deep snow and to contend with and spent a while shoveling a 💩 load to dig the tent in. Can definitely feel it's affected my fitness along with all the eating and drinking over the festive period. Need a decent hike camp soon 😔

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Steve, your camp in the Pentos looked the biz, could have been the Gorms tbf. Hopefully get a big hike and camp soon mate, days are getting longer already.

[@mcm9998]

Dustin looking great Robin.. 🙌.. Chin up man.. Get plenty big camps in this year.. 👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers mate, aye just a blip. Got the bug back. 😎

[@stevesdaysoff2759]

Good video. Really enjoyed that. Nice light weight tent. Thanks Steve 👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Steve, nice to speak to you again mate.

[@stevesdaysoff2759]

@WalkWithWallace 😀

[@AndrewFaulds-x9u]

Great vid as usual mate Thinking about upgrading from my heavy msr elixir 2 thoughts on that kevin ? Oh you going to Peat and Diesel tonight at the Emirates?canny wait apart fae dry January 🎸⛺ 🪗😂

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers mate, what tent you after to replace the Elixer? Would love to be through in Glasgow for P&D. The place will be rocking!

[@AndrewFaulds-x9u]

@WalkWithWallace wit a night sir ,aye fancy the Durston X dome 1 looks sturdy enough ,in my price range out of 1-10 what would you rate it? think there's a waiting list

[@WalkWithWallace]

@@AndrewFaulds-x9uI really want to give it a 9 out of 10 but it’s too early to say with only having used it once. It’s looking really promising. P&D looked brilliant from what I’ve seen on Instagram.

[@thelifeofbrian282]

Great video Robin and some good honest reviews, nice to see the Kevster bagging another Munro 🏔 atb Brian 👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Bri 😎

[@Robert-p4n3c]

Good post lads

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Robert. 🏕️ 👍🏻

[@fittappintrails8731]

Cracking vlog. Man, I am so tempted to pre-order the 2-person version of the X Dome when it's released. The Rockfront gear looks good quality compared to Nature hikes gear. Sold my Lan Shan 2 with both inners, so would agree X Dome needs a proper winter inner as well. I'm getting the itch to get out but need to hold off till bairn arrives. Kevins in fair fettle. Atb.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Tariq and for the pasta fungi 😁 Aye the solid inner is an option in the April batch. Feel for them with the pole issue particularly if it’s with Easton.

[@2407ewan]

Cracking spot to camp mate. I've have only just started to go out again from a long time away from the hills, glad I did.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Phil, seen your pics on Insta. Good to see you back out too. Bit longer than me mind you.

[@leecooper1612]

Fab vid as usual Robin. Look forward to a weekend away with you and Kev again soon, cheers 👍🏻

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Lee, we’ll definitely have to organise another trip. The bothy was a laugh.

[@natalieminnis]

This looks like another great tent from Durston. Re-losing your mojo, I wonder if it was your body telling you to slow down. I was floored by a nasty bug in November, and by an even nastier one in December - a big shock, as I rarely get ill. It left me feeling worn out and fatigued for 2 or 3 weeks. I was desperate to get out again and was binge-watching camping and hiking KZbins, but I just didn't have the energy until just over a week ago. Did 2 hillwalks and some climbing, and then felt really tired again. It's a pain! There have been some nasty viruses about.

[@WalkWithWallace]

If I’m honest, I think I much prefer it to the X-Mid. Feel like I’m moving away from trekking pole tents. I think you’re probably onto something there. November from memory was a write off with poor weather and December I fell ill, probably needed the festive period to recuperate. Glad you’ve been back out too and hope you get yourself back to full fitness soon too btw.

[@totomesch1940]

Good to see you oot & aboot again Robin. The X-Dome looks to be a cracking l/w jobbie, can punch well above it's weight when it comes to UK conditions, although wouldn't be sure in 'proper' winter conditions. I've just pulled the trigger on a Nortent Ly2, cannae wait for it to arrive and get in among it somewhere. ATVB

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers mucker, it’s definitely not a 4 season tent but it’s a capable backpacking tent. I’m looking to getting more camps with it. The LY2 is a totally different beast! lol. Bit of a palace too. Quite liked the look of their tiny tent 🤔

[@NameisLeon]

That tent looks really good. Way more headroom than my Terra Nova. I need to stop watching yer vids though, cos I ended up with a Trailstar (which I loved but since moved on and regretting it!) and now I’m thinking about how I need one of these!!! Good to see you and Kev back out. Cheers

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Leon, the headroom and space in general is excellent. Ah the Trailstar, I regret selling mine and to date is still my most used shelter.

[@NameisLeon]

@ nice, I’ll check out the specs and price, but reckon it’ll be beyond my budget right now. Something else to go on my list…. Yeah, I get pangs every now and then for the TS when I go on certain trips. Ah well, maybe there will another one in my future! Cheers

[@WalkWithWallace]

I think I look at the TS through rose-tinted specs tbh. Midges and drafts, not to mention wet knees getting in and out 😆

[@NameisLeon]

@ aye, the wet knees was defo an issue! Not sure there a shelter out there that ticks every single box. Durston seems to make good gear though that ticks quite a few.

[@WalkWithWallace]

@ no, the holy grail definitely doesn’t exist, the X-Dome could come close for a 3 season backpacking tent though. They could create a beefed up winter version. 🤔

[@MyScotlandBeauty]

Absolutely stunning video 📹 😍. Spectacular scenery 👌 😍. Thanks for sharing 👍. Stay blessed and connected 🙏 ✨️

[@WalkWithWallace]

Thank you so much 👍

[@jackmccann7147]

Good to see you back out. I had my eye on that Durston but the waiting time was too long. Waiting for a Trekkertent Saor instead. Too much waiting TBH. Choking to get back on it. 👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

Yeah, I was in no rush for it. Took me ages to do the initial garden pitch. I had the Trekkertent Stealth. Wasn’t keen on it but the craftsmanship was spot on.

[@bonpecheur4565]

Cheers Robin !

[@WalkWithWallace]

Thanks Bon. 😎 👍🏻

[@_carhartt_]

Amazing. Where did you buy this tent? best regards

[@WalkWithWallace]

Direct from Durston Gear 😎

[@WyeExplorer]

Good going, Robin. I thought you might be pushing it with the quilt. I imagined you sleeping in your fleece. Re-the tent that looks a class b it of kit. It still has to have a real beast of a night a s test but good so far. Well, a lovely pitch there. Is that the snow already gone? Mark

[@WalkWithWallace]

Hey Mark, the quilt was a gamble. I got away with it just. The tent and pitch was perfect. The snow was bonkers but no time to consolidate as there was little or no old snow pack so it just turbo thawed.

[@WyeExplorer]

@@WalkWithWallace Good job the temp never plummeted then Robin. Good to hear of the pitch. The winter snow? The white stuff usually lingers up your neck of the woods especially up high. Hopefully, you'll get a tad more.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Should get at least another two decent dumpings 🤞🏼

[@WyeExplorer]

@ Hey, that's cool Robin - after the storm me thinks....

[@andrewkingdom]

Hi Robin, cracking video that’s a cracking camp spot I remember looking at the loch from the summit of An Socach one year brilliant the Rock front gear looks good I am going to check them out cheers Andy. PS hope that was not South Korean markings I saw on Kevin’s tent ⛺️😢

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Andrew, it’s a fantastic location. Really felt the isolation when we reached it. Really impressed with the gear from Rock Front. I hope I didn’t upset the people of NK 🫠

[@andrewkingdom]

@@WalkWithWallace you will never upset people of NK ❤️

[@WalkWithWallace]

Phew 😮‍💨

[@andrewsadventures5747]

Nice vlog Robin. Still to do these Munros so will deffo consider a wild camp there. I lose my Munro Jo sometimes. When you don’t get out you deffo start to lose interest. I need to get back out again soon and it will soon come back. All the best for 2025! 👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Andrew, it’s easy to just slip out of the habit when life gets in the way. Get yourself out a-sap mate. 🫡

[@Kev_Russ]

Guid video mate. Another fine trip away. 😎 I'll Lanshan bob cat & wee Kev ye 😂 you always get gear chucked at ye eh. Fancy one of they wee tables. Smaller than the AliExpress yins eh...Mojo always goes around the crimbo period eh.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers ma pal (sweetcheeks) 😆 Mon the LB100. Aye the wee table is ideal. I’m sure my boil time improved annaw! 🔥

[@gregoryoutdoors]

Very nice video. Im loving that Rock Front gear! Very envy of you having all that puffy, pants, booties I want then too haha I actually bought their UL Waterproof Jacket for my long distance hikes etc and just waiting to receive it atm but yeah seems great. I was also checking Kevs tent from Asta but I prefer MLD Duomid and hoping to buy one later on just because these are awesome for winds in Scotland and lightweight.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers Gregory. The down gear was spot on but I won’t take the quilt again until it’s a bit warmer. Will be good to hear how you get on with the jacket. Duomids are the Daddy. ⛺️

[@PhilDodsworthOutandAbout]

Great camp, absolutely brilliant. Just subscribed from a fellow KZbinr 😉👍

[@WalkWithWallace]

Cheers mucker. 😎 👍🏻

[@PhilDodsworthOutandAbout]

Nee bother 😉👍

[@peterq1978]

Scottish Summiter and Black Crag said the wind was really bad, in fact Blacky, had to turn back as the snow and ice and wind were too much (recovering from illness), (down near Ska Fell).

[@WalkWithWallace]

We were lucky, was windy when we arrived but relatively calm by the time we returned. Glad we didn’t summit camp.

[@peterq1978]

didnt seem that windy later on. true. pleased you have your mojo back.

[@WalkWithWallace]

Nah, the odd gust but mostly calm. 😀

[@peterq1978]

you got lucky, compared.

[@bilaltahir9978]

Would this be suitable for 3 season mountain wild camping in our UK mountain weather conditions e.g. is it storm worthy?

[@WalkWithWallace]

Going forward it will be my main mountain tent for 3 season use. I wouldn’t deliberately go out in stormy conditions but would trust it to winds around 30mph. You can beef it up using trekking poles too. Durston believe it’s storm-worthy. I need to use it more as it’s early days.