Very well done testing. Personally was looking at the solo and mid-x 1p comparison. The differences are staggering. I will gladly spend a few oz on a tent with not one but 2 zippers and a lower fly for those unpredictable weather occurrences. Also, as a sidenote, having double doors means much improved ventilation and condensation management during periods of time with no rain.
To be 'unfair' the pitch on your Altaplex is just awful, why stake out the door so loose and saggy creating a tiny vestibule space? of course the space is going to wet out!
Thanks for your feedback. I was comparing different ways of pitching and the results in a "storm". If you pitch low like I did with the Altaplex you can prevent backsplash into the gutters, but you lose protection in the front. If you pitch at the Zpacks recommended height like the Plex Solo you get a bigger vestibule but then you'll get backsplash up into the gutters.
Durston has no equal. I have both an X-Mid Pro 2 and a duplex XL. It’s not even close for quality and design….Durston is just better. I’m hoping to get my hands on an X-Mid Pro 1 when Dan releases the next batch in April. Thank you for that fantastic test and comparison video. Well done as always
Thank you! Just from what I'd read I was pretty sure the Durston was going to be a great tent but it's exceeding my expectations. Can't wait to be out in it next weekend.
Man I wish 😄. Hiking and YouTubing are just hobbies. I have a full-time career so I can't make videos often enough for the algorithm. I do it as and when I can. Maybe one day I'll get popular 😅
Well, I was trying to point out that if you pitch Zpacks tents low (which I did with the Altaplex on purpose) the front doors don't provide any protection, whereas if you pitch at their recommended height (which I did with the Plex Solo) you get backsplash up into the gutters on the back and sides. The X-Mid is just a lot more forgiving. Maybe I didn't do a good job making that point :(
Great comparison Sir well done I feel that I may have made the right decision getting the X MID Pro and Solid as my two tents of choice. Thanks for the info..
Thank you! I would have liked to include more tents but I'm not popular enough to get sent free gear to review and not rich enough to buy it all 😅. So I compared the ones I had which I actually use (except the Plex Solo which I borrowed from a friend)
Durston all the way, it’s the zpacks killer……..just watch Dixie’s vlog with the zpacks in high winds and driving rain, back splash getting into the zpack tents….doors are the worst, including that mesh inner doors that flop on the floor…..they don’t listen to their customers feedback
Yep, that's exactly what happened to me, in simulated conditions for this video, but I've had it happen on trail as well. The Durston feels like a house in comparison.
Great video and detail. Comparisons of tents requiring two poles against one pole designs requires an extra factor. I hike with no poles so to carry two vs none is a consideration...or one. I realize this has been discussed under weight. When I hike I carry one trekking pole attached to my pack exclusively for rent pitching ...and I suppose the odd river crossing. I am talking in circles now lol. In any event thanks for this video I wish I had seen this two years ago. I have an Alta Plex and so far so good mind you I haven't had a weather event similar to your test yet. Had I reviewed the Duration previously I likely would have purchased that.
Yeah it was a consideration for me too. I used to hike without trekking poles but when I bought my Altaplex I started using one because I had to carry it anyway to pitch the tent and found I quite liked it. I don't like hiking with two poles though, so I bought one of Durston's Z-flick poles which is lighter than a trekking pole.
Hi there, good video. I would like for you to look at the following two tents: Tarptent Rainbow Li, and Tarptent Dipole 1. The first one is a free stand tent, the second one uses trekking poles. One thing you didn't consider is the time you need to set up the tents, which is also an important factor.
Thanks for the comment! You're right I didn't time myself on the tents in the videos, but I have set them up a few times since and I can get the X-Mid Pro 1 up in about 2.5 minutes. Some of that is trying to find a spot to get the stakes in because the ground where I live is rocky, so you could be faster in soft ground. The Altaplex and Plex Solo are about 3.5 minutes for a good pitch because I have to go around and adjust and re-stake after the initial pitch which the X-Mid doesn't require. I don't get sent tents for review by manufacturers, so all my reviews are equipment I've either purchased or borrowed from friends. I'll see if I can get my hands on those Tarptent models.
You can't go wrong with any of them. I think the Durston tents are a bit overhyped, but I do like the doors, and I don't like that the bathtub is too short compared to the Zpacks. I can see it allowing rain to splatter in duriing really hard rains. I prefer Zpacks Duplex and Triplex guy; I just love all their gear. I've been to the factory, and I love them and their customer service. The thing that pisses me off about all brands is that they need to be honest about a 2-person tent being a 1-person tent, etc. Until you can put 2 25-inch pads comfortably in a tent, it's not a two-person tent.
@@ozoutdoors Keep in mind the regular Durston X-Mid 2P tent ( non DCF version) is 4 inches wider at 52 inches vs the Pro 2P version at 48 inches... so in that tent, which is also very storm worthy, you can fit two 25" pads.
Hiya, Great review. I do have a Z-Packs Duplex, which cost a pretty penny, but I do love that tent. It has managed to work well in some extreme weather conditions, which I was quite happy about. I believe the extra room of a 2P likely helps with my experience of it too. TBH - I did consider the Durston X-Mid 2, but at the time of my needs/purchase they were "out of stock". Clearly, it is a good tent, and I look forward to watching more of your adventures using it. Cheers 😁
Thanks so much! Yeah I think 2 person tents add another level of weather protection. Durston tents are very frequently out of stock, whereas Zpacks are readily available which is a point in their favour. Pricing across the board is exorbitant :(
I have had the Duplex and now have the XMid pro 2. Even with the lack of zip i still think the Duplex is a much better tent. I did the Skye trail in Scotland with the XMid and i did not enjoy using it. There is a massive sail that gets battered down by the wind and the DCF isnt that strong (mine actually ripped on a later trip). With the new Duplex Zip i think ZPacks will definitely have the best tent on the market.
Interesting. Where I live and tend to hike is wooded so I'm rarely in exposed terrain like in Scotland. I think the Duplex Zip was a response from Zpacks to how well the X-Mid Pro 2 was received. A lot of TH-cam hikers switched. The zip, the magnetic toggles, and peak vents were all features seen in the X-Mids. I'm curious to see if there will be an Altaplex Zip in response to the X-Mid Pro 1.
No disappointments with your video! Super enjoyable. Glad i somehow held out for the xmid pro 1, despite buying and returning/selling because i was outside the return window on two duplexes, one hexamid with doors and a plex solo. Really a small miracle!
@@ozoutdoors great question. The plex solo was the only one i returned. It was supposedly new, bought new, but when i got the package, i kinda had the feeling that it wasnt. The two Duplexes and the Hexamid with doors were all sold on ebay. I do wanna mention that i had the duplexes out in my room, and i could never move past the packed volume and the lack of conveniences (the toggles, rainbow door falling when open, and the way the vestibule is tightened away from where the person is inside). I ended up having the inflate to at least break even on ebay since the fees were well over $100. I listed a few of these things on Reddit but ultimately it seemed risky and there was too much trolling and at least ebay gave me the chance to not go too deep in the red or at least break even. I really dont like ebay but it worked out ok. Theres too many scammers on Reddit- although the one experience i had of buying a montbell jacket for $350 was without issue. Hope this helps. Happy to answer any other questions. Be honest and give every last detail and youll get a buyer- especially now before thru hike season. Now now now is the time.
Dan durston for the win. This guy is a genius. This is the reason why I bought the X-Mid 2P, the ground sheet, and the kawka 55 l. Had four other tents before my X- Mid . Love seeing a small business like Dan's succeed in this field..
I appreciate the video and effort... and I think there is good value here regarding comparing the tents. However, on tension tents pitch is everything. As others have said, the pitch on the Altaplex in particular is so far off, it never stood a chance for storm worthiness or inside livability/space. When correctly pitched, you don't need to sacrifice either for the other. The reason Zpacks provides the long adjustable line-locks is to allow you to adjust pitch and level all around the tent etc. The length of the lines can be nearly all the way out, while still pitching reasonably low to the ground, providing the best of both worlds. Just my $0.02 worth. Thanks for the video and all the work that went into it. Much appreciated!!
Thanks for your input! I have pitched the Altaplex many times and I am a fan of it so I wasn't trying to set it up in an unfavourable light. Probably there are others who are much better than I at pitching Altaplexes but it has never been an easy pitch for me and I do find there are trade-offs which I don't have to make with the X-Mid Pro 1. I could only make the video about my own experience and try to show it with the different pitches of the 2 Zpacks tents.
Yeah, the packed volume of the Durston is quite a bit less because the bathtub isn't DCF. The nylon packs down much smaller. There's very little difference between the Plex Solo and Altaplex - both are about 12 x 6 inches. The Durston packs to about 10 x 4 inches. Hope that helps!
Thanks for the review and nice test. I did a similar comparison with the X-Mid Pro 1 and Altaplex, and returned both. The X-Mid was an incredibly crafted tent, and didn’t compare to Zpacks immaturity. As a tall person, I couldn’t lean up in the Altaplex without the side laying on my shoulder. In the X-Mid, it was so tight inside, I was always somehow laying on the sides. Both issues were dealbreakers, sadly. Still no decent DCF single person tents for tall and big people.
Thanks! That's interesting. I was actually thinking about making a video on the lack of tents for tall people using my son as a model. He's 6 foot 3 inches and he thought the X-Mid Pro 1 might actually work for him. How tall are you if you don't mind me asking?
@@ozoutdoors I’m 6’5”, 250 pounds, and wear a 52 extra long jacket. Basically, I’m a linebacker. Oddly, the single person tent that seemed to have the most usable space was Lightheart Gear SoLong 6. I wish it set up easier (trekking poles on the inside into little tubes to create the ride line is a pain), but front to back and left to right, so far it has the most usable space.
@@brianwilliams7769 Already have the Pro2, and it’s a much better option for someone my size. Just wish it was a bit longer with a smaller footprint. The construction can’t be beat otherwise.
Yama Ciriform and one of their bivies (both in longer version) could easily accommodate a man of your size. Comes out at 18-19 oz, depending on sizing. Not a tent per se, but the wind bivy in bigger and longer versions is very big inside.
I don't want to be cruel but you've gone and got some great information but delivered it in such a way that anesthesiologists will be worried for their jobs
I think they would work - the length is right compared to the length I set my adjustable poles at. Adjustable poles do give you a bit more flexibility if you want a higher or lower pitch though, or if you end up on uneven ground where you need one pole longer than the other.
Comparing Durston to Zpacks is like comparing car to bicycle. Zpacks looks more like shelter kids made to play in - loose sides, cramped interior, that sketchy pole in the middle and no protection from wind and rain. Xmid is a real tent made, thoroughly designed to protect you. I doubt that any tent will overcome Xmid in near future, it truly has set new standards.
Agreed. Zpacks kind of popularized the ultralight 1P category first with their Plexamids, then the Altaplex, but now they have been superseded by much better designs, and they have only responded with the Plex Solo which is just smaller. The Plex Solo is the leader as far as weight goes, but for me the benefits of the X-Mid are too many to give up for a small weight difference.
@@ozoutdoors obviously, backpacking community is moving from ultralight (hyperlight, crazylight, uberlight :D) to "comfortable ultralight", allowing backpack to be 2 pounds heavier, but having another level of comfort and hiking experience. Which is very pleasing.
The Zpacks is a poor value nowadays, with a poor design. The fact that the tent poles block the entry and the mesh falls on the floor is just unacceptable for that price. The Durston beats it by a wide margin.
@@ozoutdoors Yeah, there is something off about the Durston ones (Kakwa). They almost seem fragile (and not aesthetically pleasing either). I really like the ULA ones and the Seek Outside Flight 2 (which is really good in the ultra 400).
As a non-trekking pole user, I feel that X mid pro's "Z-Flick Tent Pole" are too heavy(2*93g = 186g), while Altaplex's "60 inch Carbon Fiber Tent Pole" is only (1*110g= 110g). In your spreadsheet, your X mid pro's tent poles weight only 147.4g? Do you have a link to buy that tent poles?
Hi there, the 74g tent poles aren't the Durston Z-flick poles, they are the Zpacks 48 inch poles zpacks.com/products/48-carbon-fiber-tent-pole. Those work with the X-Mid Pro, although since they aren't adjustable you just have to make sure that there isn't a big hole or lump right where you put the tip.
Yeah if I knew there was going to be a storm and which direction it was going to come from I would pitch the Zpacks accordingly. In unknown places with no apparent storm on the way that's tough to do. The X-Mid Pro doesn't require weather forecasting before pitching which I see as an advantage. It's equally robust from all directions.
You have no idea how to setup an Altaplex. Go watch some videos. I’ve used mine since it was re introduced by Zpacks and it’s awesome. I am 6’4” 250 and have slept in it for 11 hours with 17 degree temperature and raining with 40 mph winds and 50 mph gust. Seriously a child could have set it up better.
I bought an Altaplex a year ago, but haven't used it yet. Then I was recently lucky to get my hands on a X-Mid Pro 1. The Altaplex is a sweet tent, but the X-Mid Pro 1 is another level. Anyone want to buy a brand new Altaplex at a good deal? I bet Zpacks are scrambling for a new design concept.
Not a good comparison because the Durston is the clear choice for people who use 2 poles for their adventures, while the Zpacks is for people who use only 1 pole. If you love to hike with 1 pole you aren't bringing an extra one just for the tent.
Thanks for the thoughts. I did discuss the weight differences taking into account the need for an extra pole. I only hike with one trekking pole and I've switched to the Durston. For me it will be worth it to carry a tent pole (not a second trekking pole), but that won't be everyone's decision.
@@ozoutdoors Ok let’s boil this down, you need a comfortable tent to sleep in and you want weight to a minimum so your hike is comfortable, If you love to hike with 1 pole then think in terms of the overall weight of the solution. Zpacks is 15.4 ounces plus 6 Stakes of 0.5 ounces each. Total is 18.4 ounces for the solution. Durston is 17.6 ounces including the stakes and then 9 ounces for an extra pole which you will just be carrying all day, that’s a total of 26.6 ounces for the solution. Zpacks 18.4 ounces wins. Now if you like to hike with 2 poles then Durston wins because it’s 17.6 ounces vs Zpacks 18.4 ounces. This is why Durston is such an exciting new tent, because for people who hike with 2 poles this is the first tent to come out that finally beats Zpacks on weight.
That floor on the X-Mid Pro 1 is a deal breaker for me. The floor is critical in bad weather. I’ve had my Altaplex in some heavy rain, and it’s been great. The floor is durable. Why did Durston cheap out on the floor? To increase profits I guess.
Yeah I have the same concern but it remains to be seen I guess. Dan Durston has an explanation on his site for why he chose that silnylon floor over DCF but only time will tell if that was a good decision. It definitely feels flimsier than DCF. I did do a soak test in another video and left the floor sitting in a pan of water overnight and it didn't wet out. The X-Mid Pro 2 which has the same floor has been out for a while now so we should be getting durability feedback on that as people vlog their thru-hikes this season.
Interesting. I didn't find either particularly a hassle. Getting the trekking pole tip through the tiny loop at the inside door was a bit fiddly. Maybe I'll time myself at some point and compare how long they take me.
@@ozoutdoors My front yard is bumpy, on a slant and the ground is frozen so probable my impatience to get it set up. After three tries I gave up! My Plex is a breeze to set up and after hiking all day I don't want to wrestle setting up a tent. Plus, I wasn't thrilled with the bottom-too slippery. I loved the Pro 1 size when packed up, give that a thumbs up!
The X-Mid literally requires 4 stakes and two poles. Not sure how you found that a hassle unless you don't have the ability to push in 4 stakes into the ground. I guess the outdoors is not for you.
@@thewanderingsoul71 No need for snarky remarks! You try setting up this tent in the wind, on a slant, and on frozen ground in the Utah desert wilderness. I was going to use this on the Hayduke trail this spring but may opt for a free standing tent so I can setup on slick rock. Oh... you may not know about slickrock!
@@joannemaass5068 I have - in Reflection Canyon, Coyote Gulch and many other trails. Obviously you don't understand how to pitch one. Pitching on slick rock is not hard at all if you know how to.
Great comparison of 3 of the 4 tests on my "next tent shortlist". X-mid is still in the lead, for me. In fairness to the Z-packs for the wind / rain storm test, I don't think that many would set up with the vestibule facing the wind. Thanks a lot for doing this!
Yeah fair point. "Facing away from the wind" is tricky to know at the time of pitching because Ozarks storms seem to come without warning from unexpected directions in the middle of the night, so I was trying to cover worst case. You also wouldn't normally get the volume of water that comes out of a hosepipe in that small of an area when it's raining :) What's the 4th tent you're considering?
@@Ottawa9one9 yep, mine is 24 ounces (26 if I take the liner) and can be freestanding. I don’t like the zpacks doors, but the X-Mid is intriguing as it would likely fare better in a storm then my Rainbow Li.
And here I was completely content with my Plex Solo until this video lol. Great comparison video. Looking forward to seeing how the X Mid fairs on the trail!
Thanks for your input! Agree to disagree though. There's a lot of benefits to the X-Mid Pro 1 which to my mind make it an improvement over the Altaplex,. Pitch and storm resilience are only a couple of them. Maybe I'll do another storm test without the intentionally low pitch of the Altaplex and recap the points that I think make the Durston tent superior.
Great video! This is a great comparison. These are three of the most popular tents right now. I am actually saving for the Zpacks Plex Solo. So, this was very helpful. New follower here. Crow
Hi .Thanks for your work.Nice video,but,to be honest, your pitch with the Plex Solo tent is awful.....I want to note the fact that I own and use a Zpacks Plex Solo tent for over a year and I am extremely satisfied. I don't feel the need to upgrade. Best Regards.
I'm glad you like your Plex Solo. My Altaplex did well for a couple of years but for me the Durston is just better all round and it's the one I use now. But it's just my opinion and you should definitely stick with what works best for you.
As an often solo backpacker, the thinner DCF of the X Mid has been a concern of mine and the biggest con against purchasing it. I have a Duplex in the thicker DCF. Your video proved that I need not worry about it. WOW. What a difference!
Glad you found the video helpful! I did get a rip in the DCF on my first overnight with the tent 😢See the next video on my channel if you haven't already. But that was a piece of metal stuck in the ground that I didn't see in the dark and I think that would have ripped any DCF.
I also purchase the Durston ground sheet. It clips to each corner. I feel it is beefy enough while still being lite. Love the Durston and pitching it is a breeze!
I have to admit I'm a X-mid Pro (fan/owner) however, the Zpacks tents seem poorly pitched, the lower pitch shouldn't matter and all sided should be taught including the entrey of the Zpacks tents.
I wonder if I have a defective Altaplex. There have been quite a few comments similar to yours. No matter what I do I can't get the doors tight and I'm not that bad at pitching tents. I've had a friend check my pitch and he couldn't get the doors tight either. I'm thinking about ordering another Altaplex, pitching it, and returning it, just to confirm my suspicions.
WOW you definitely get a GOLD STAR for your efforts in making this video. I really appreciate the rain and wind tests to show the storm worthiness of each tent and the overnight wet through test on the X-Mid pro floor. Watching you pitch the Altaplex, I believe it was, that was painful. I am in the market for a new lighter tent and you definitely swayed my decision with this video. Thank you for this exemplary and unbiased review.
If I could afford it, Id buy a Dustan X Mid Pro. It wins hand down on space creation, being effectively a ridge tent with the ridge being across the diagonal. From what I read & see online, the build quality is excellent too!
I was trying to show that if you pitch the zpacks low you can keep rain out of the back and sides but it makes the front loose. If you pitch it at the recommended height the front can be tight but you get backsplash underneath the back and sides. The X-Mid Pro 1 doesn't have these trade-offs.
@ozoutdoors I'm not a fan of Durston I think is way hyped esp in uk I think in usa and wooded areas it's OK but open areas will be too windy I think. I saw Dan on another video say at 25mph it's OK. But lots more I'd question it. It does well in your test there. Thanks for reply it's good tent for some users 🙂
Sadly, I don't get gear sent to me by manufacturers for review so I have to buy or borrow everything myself and my budget didn't extend to the OV tent :( Hopefully in the future.
Great review! One factor that comes to mind is footprint. Personally I have had enough instances where a small footprint has really helped out in finding a suitable level ground to sleep on. For me a small footprint is definitely a characteristic that I value highly. Any thoughts on this, comparing these 3 tents?
Yeah I agree. I have the footprint dimensions in my spreadsheet which is linked in the video description, but in summary the X-Mid Pro 1 has a much smaller footprint. The Zpacks tents take up a much bigger rectangle than their floor size would suggest because of the front doors and guy lines.. However, I have found that pitching the X-Mid Pro 1 on uneven ground is actually trickier because it pitches much lower to the ground and you can't adjust by shortening or lengthening the lines like you can with the Zpacks tents. You have to compensate by extending or retracting the poles. It's not awfully hard, and like you said it's offset by not needing so much flat area, but it is a difficulty that I've only found in lots of pitching since making this video.
any idea why Durston chose Silnylon for the floor? I always use a large sheet of Dyneema for my footprint anyway so it is easy to clean and reduces condensation, but you are still going to have to deal with all the water Silnylon will absorb. the large sheet of Dyneema can also be positioned so you can prevent rain from blowing under the door.
This is from Durston's site about his choice: Q) Why is the floor nylon instead of DCF? A) We like DCF but think nylon better suited for a floor than the 1.0 oz DCF that is commonly used. DCF is super strong Dyneema fibers laid between two sheets of mylar. The dyneema fibers make for a really strong and light material that is great for a tent fly, but because the outer layers are just mylar film the abrasion resistance is relatively low. To be useable for a floor, most companies switch to the 1.0 - 1.2oz versions of DCF that uses extra thick outer mylar layers. This improves abrasion and puncture performance so it is good but now it has the downside of being bulky since it is about 3x as thick as a woven fabric (this causes the complaints about DCF tents being bulky). We think a woven floor makes sense because it offers similar durability and weight weight at a smaller packed size while also being easily repairable with tapes.
@@ozoutdoors I figured this would be the reason they would give, but for me, it doesn't make sense since the camper can just add a groundsheet to protect the floor. adding a groundsheet 1) easier to clean 2) when it gets too warn just throw it out 3) blocks moisture and lowers condensation 4) block driving rain and wind (pull up ground sheet to cover opening under the tent and move the pack to provide support) 5) ground cover for mid-day naps :)
I'm not sure because I don't have an anemometer. From having pointed the fan at some bushes and compared to what they looked like in real storms, my guess is 30mph, but obviously a bit different from wind because fans are consistent and unidirectional.
@@ozoutdoors my guess would be '20mph I think the tents would buffet more in 30. Its an interesting teat your lucky to have fan and space. Yeah the cuben is a problem at times with pitching and slack putting it in situation it can be tight. I've been using it 12 years on TH-cam its definitely fun though :)
I could ask the same question... why is the USA one of the only countries to use imperial. Metric is a global standard. Maybe you should educate yourself and learn both as I have, and I'm American. Plus it isn't hard to google to convert his metric to imperial. I guess its the entitlement of typical Americans.
Not even in the market for a new tent this year, I still have shelters I haven’t used yet but I love gear reviews. Well done, I’m looking forward to seeing how your first trip out with the X-Mid Pro goes so subbed to your channel.
That storm test was actually pretty cool! I did a similar comparison on my channel with the regular x-mid 1p and the gossamer gear the one tent. I’d say the Durston tent overall was the winter there as well! I’ve owned the Altaplex, and now I want to upgrade my Durston to the pro model lol😂
This is the initial overview video that I mention th-cam.com/video/1sNNb7Z3hcc/w-d-xo.html
Nice video. Thanks for putting this together.
Thanks for checking it out. I'm enjoying the tent. I'll have it out in the wild next weekend.
Very well done testing. Personally was looking at the solo and mid-x 1p comparison. The differences are staggering. I will gladly spend a few oz on a tent with not one but 2 zippers and a lower fly for those unpredictable weather occurrences. Also, as a sidenote, having double doors means much improved ventilation and condensation management during periods of time with no rain.
Totally agree. Glad you found the video helpful.
To be 'unfair' the pitch on your Altaplex is just awful, why stake out the door so loose and saggy creating a tiny vestibule space? of course the space is going to wet out!
Thanks for your feedback. I was comparing different ways of pitching and the results in a "storm". If you pitch low like I did with the Altaplex you can prevent backsplash into the gutters, but you lose protection in the front. If you pitch at the Zpacks recommended height like the Plex Solo you get a bigger vestibule but then you'll get backsplash up into the gutters.
Durston has no equal. I have both an X-Mid Pro 2 and a duplex XL. It’s not even close for quality and design….Durston is just better. I’m hoping to get my hands on an X-Mid Pro 1 when Dan releases the next batch in April. Thank you for that fantastic test and comparison video. Well done as always
Thank you! Just from what I'd read I was pretty sure the Durston was going to be a great tent but it's exceeding my expectations. Can't wait to be out in it next weekend.
Would be awesome if I carried 2 trekking poles, but I only ever carry 1, so the decision has been made for me.
How come you only have about 500 subscribers ? This comparison test is the best I’ve seen, kudos to you, keep up the good work !
Man I wish 😄. Hiking and YouTubing are just hobbies. I have a full-time career so I can't make videos often enough for the algorithm. I do it as and when I can. Maybe one day I'll get popular 😅
@@ozoutdoorsthat’s all I wish you!
This video is “in tents” seems like there’s a winner. Thanks!!!
An outstanding demonstration of the capability of these tents.
Thank you! I need to do a 6-month follow-up now that I've used the Durston quite a bit.
I swear by my xmid, but in all fairness, your pitch with the zpacks tent is pretty awful
Well, I was trying to point out that if you pitch Zpacks tents low (which I did with the Altaplex on purpose) the front doors don't provide any protection, whereas if you pitch at their recommended height (which I did with the Plex Solo) you get backsplash up into the gutters on the back and sides. The X-Mid is just a lot more forgiving. Maybe I didn't do a good job making that point :(
Great comparison Sir well done I feel that I may have made the right decision getting the X MID Pro and Solid as my two tents of choice. Thanks for the info..
I'm glad you enjoyed the video!
Brilliant video, really informative, the rain part was cool to see 🙌. Did you ever consider the HMG Mid 1 for this test as well?
Thank you! I would have liked to include more tents but I'm not popular enough to get sent free gear to review and not rich enough to buy it all 😅. So I compared the ones I had which I actually use (except the Plex Solo which I borrowed from a friend)
this is the info I was looking for. Thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Durston all the way, it’s the zpacks killer……..just watch Dixie’s vlog with the zpacks in high winds and driving rain, back splash getting into the zpack tents….doors are the worst, including that mesh inner doors that flop on the floor…..they don’t listen to their customers feedback
Yep, that's exactly what happened to me, in simulated conditions for this video, but I've had it happen on trail as well. The Durston feels like a house in comparison.
Great video and detail. Comparisons of tents requiring two poles against one pole designs requires an extra factor. I hike with no poles so to carry two vs none is a consideration...or one. I realize this has been discussed under weight. When I hike I carry one trekking pole attached to my pack exclusively for rent pitching ...and I suppose the odd river crossing. I am talking in circles now lol. In any event thanks for this video I wish I had seen this two years ago. I have an Alta Plex and so far so good mind you I haven't had a weather event similar to your test yet. Had I reviewed the Duration previously I likely would have purchased that.
Yeah it was a consideration for me too. I used to hike without trekking poles but when I bought my Altaplex I started using one because I had to carry it anyway to pitch the tent and found I quite liked it. I don't like hiking with two poles though, so I bought one of Durston's Z-flick poles which is lighter than a trekking pole.
Thanks for the pretty amazing "storm test".
You're welcome! I enjoyed doing it
Hi there, good video. I would like for you to look at the following two tents: Tarptent Rainbow Li, and Tarptent Dipole 1. The first one is a free stand tent, the second one uses trekking poles. One thing you didn't consider is the time you need to set up the tents, which is also an important factor.
Thanks for the comment! You're right I didn't time myself on the tents in the videos, but I have set them up a few times since and I can get the X-Mid Pro 1 up in about 2.5 minutes. Some of that is trying to find a spot to get the stakes in because the ground where I live is rocky, so you could be faster in soft ground. The Altaplex and Plex Solo are about 3.5 minutes for a good pitch because I have to go around and adjust and re-stake after the initial pitch which the X-Mid doesn't require. I don't get sent tents for review by manufacturers, so all my reviews are equipment I've either purchased or borrowed from friends. I'll see if I can get my hands on those Tarptent models.
You can't go wrong with any of them. I think the Durston tents are a bit overhyped, but I do like the doors, and I don't like that the bathtub is too short compared to the Zpacks. I can see it allowing rain to splatter in duriing really hard rains. I prefer Zpacks Duplex and Triplex guy; I just love all their gear. I've been to the factory, and I love them and their customer service. The thing that pisses me off about all brands is that they need to be honest about a 2-person tent being a 1-person tent, etc. Until you can put 2 25-inch pads comfortably in a tent, it's not a two-person tent.
Agreed, the 2 person tents are really 1.5 person tents. I don't find I need the extra space so I've been content with 1-person tents.
@@ozoutdoors Keep in mind the regular Durston X-Mid 2P tent ( non DCF version) is 4 inches wider at 52 inches vs the Pro 2P version at 48 inches... so in that tent, which is also very storm worthy, you can fit two 25" pads.
Hiya, Great review.
I do have a Z-Packs Duplex, which cost a pretty penny, but I do love that tent. It has managed to work well in some extreme weather conditions, which I was quite happy about. I believe the extra room of a 2P likely helps with my experience of it too.
TBH - I did consider the Durston X-Mid 2, but at the time of my needs/purchase they were "out of stock". Clearly, it is a good tent, and I look forward to watching more of your adventures using it. Cheers 😁
Thanks so much! Yeah I think 2 person tents add another level of weather protection. Durston tents are very frequently out of stock, whereas Zpacks are readily available which is a point in their favour. Pricing across the board is exorbitant :(
I have had the Duplex and now have the XMid pro 2. Even with the lack of zip i still think the Duplex is a much better tent. I did the Skye trail in Scotland with the XMid and i did not enjoy using it. There is a massive sail that gets battered down by the wind and the DCF isnt that strong (mine actually ripped on a later trip). With the new Duplex Zip i think ZPacks will definitely have the best tent on the market.
Interesting. Where I live and tend to hike is wooded so I'm rarely in exposed terrain like in Scotland. I think the Duplex Zip was a response from Zpacks to how well the X-Mid Pro 2 was received. A lot of TH-cam hikers switched. The zip, the magnetic toggles, and peak vents were all features seen in the X-Mids. I'm curious to see if there will be an Altaplex Zip in response to the X-Mid Pro 1.
subscribed when i saw the fan/sprinkler setup, lol.
Thanks for the sub!
No disappointments with your video! Super enjoyable. Glad i somehow held out for the xmid pro 1, despite buying and returning/selling because i was outside the return window on two duplexes, one hexamid with doors and a plex solo. Really a small miracle!
Thank you! That's a great outcome. Where did you sell your tents if you don't mind me asking? I now have an Altaplex I'll probably need to sell :)
@@ozoutdoors great question. The plex solo was the only one i returned. It was supposedly new, bought new, but when i got the package, i kinda had the feeling that it wasnt. The two Duplexes and the Hexamid with doors were all sold on ebay. I do wanna mention that i had the duplexes out in my room, and i could never move past the packed volume and the lack of conveniences (the toggles, rainbow door falling when open, and the way the vestibule is tightened away from where the person is inside). I ended up having the inflate to at least break even on ebay since the fees were well over $100. I listed a few of these things on Reddit but ultimately it seemed risky and there was too much trolling and at least ebay gave me the chance to not go too deep in the red or at least break even. I really dont like ebay but it worked out ok. Theres too many scammers on Reddit- although the one experience i had of buying a montbell jacket for $350 was without issue. Hope this helps. Happy to answer any other questions. Be honest and give every last detail and youll get a buyer- especially now before thru hike season. Now now now is the time.
Would love to see the Tarptent Dipole in the mix
Do you think the Dipole is the closest in spec to the ones in the video? I was thinking it would be the ProTrail or the Aeon.
Thank you for sharing this. I found it helpful!
I'm glad you found it helpful!
THX...... a ton for all the hard work putting in 😙
Thanks for the encouragement!
Dan durston for the win. This guy is a genius. This is the reason why I bought the X-Mid 2P, the ground sheet, and the kawka 55 l. Had four other tents before my X- Mid . Love seeing a small business like Dan's succeed in this field..
Agreed. I haven't tried a backpack of his yet but the tents are great
I appreciate the video and effort... and I think there is good value here regarding comparing the tents. However, on tension tents pitch is everything. As others have said, the pitch on the Altaplex in particular is so far off, it never stood a chance for storm worthiness or inside livability/space. When correctly pitched, you don't need to sacrifice either for the other. The reason Zpacks provides the long adjustable line-locks is to allow you to adjust pitch and level all around the tent etc. The length of the lines can be nearly all the way out, while still pitching reasonably low to the ground, providing the best of both worlds. Just my $0.02 worth. Thanks for the video and all the work that went into it. Much appreciated!!
Thanks for your input! I have pitched the Altaplex many times and I am a fan of it so I wasn't trying to set it up in an unfavourable light. Probably there are others who are much better than I at pitching Altaplexes but it has never been an easy pitch for me and I do find there are trade-offs which I don't have to make with the X-Mid Pro 1. I could only make the video about my own experience and try to show it with the different pitches of the 2 Zpacks tents.
I quickly saw the pic of the tents packed up, but any comparison or stats for packed volumes on the 3 different models?
Yeah, the packed volume of the Durston is quite a bit less because the bathtub isn't DCF. The nylon packs down much smaller. There's very little difference between the Plex Solo and Altaplex - both are about 12 x 6 inches. The Durston packs to about 10 x 4 inches. Hope that helps!
Love my Xmid pro 2. Easy to put up.
Yup, just put mine up out on trail, so easy
Thanks for the review and nice test. I did a similar comparison with the X-Mid Pro 1 and Altaplex, and returned both. The X-Mid was an incredibly crafted tent, and didn’t compare to Zpacks immaturity. As a tall person, I couldn’t lean up in the Altaplex without the side laying on my shoulder. In the X-Mid, it was so tight inside, I was always somehow laying on the sides. Both issues were dealbreakers, sadly. Still no decent DCF single person tents for tall and big people.
Thanks! That's interesting. I was actually thinking about making a video on the lack of tents for tall people using my son as a model. He's 6 foot 3 inches and he thought the X-Mid Pro 1 might actually work for him. How tall are you if you don't mind me asking?
@@ozoutdoors I’m 6’5”, 250 pounds, and wear a 52 extra long jacket. Basically, I’m a linebacker. Oddly, the single person tent that seemed to have the most usable space was Lightheart Gear SoLong 6. I wish it set up easier (trekking poles on the inside into little tubes to create the ride line is a pain), but front to back and left to right, so far it has the most usable space.
Perhaps just go for the x-mid pro2?- that's what I did - just because it says its a 2 person doesn't really matter .
@@brianwilliams7769 Already have the Pro2, and it’s a much better option for someone my size. Just wish it was a bit longer with a smaller footprint. The construction can’t be beat otherwise.
Yama Ciriform and one of their bivies (both in longer version) could easily accommodate a man of your size. Comes out at 18-19 oz, depending on sizing. Not a tent per se, but the wind bivy in bigger and longer versions is very big inside.
Superbe comparatif ! Cela va grandement m'aider a faire un choix. Merci😉👍
Merci beaucoup! Je suis content que cela ait été utile
Wow! Excellent testing video!!
Thank you so much!
I don't want to be cruel but you've gone and got some great information but delivered it in such a way that anesthesiologists will be worried for their jobs
And the award for the worst z packs pich goes too. Them front doors come on 😂
Awesome work, thank you!
Thank you for watching!
Quality video mate 👍
Glad you enjoyed it!
So on the durston can I use my 120cm fixed length collapsible trekking poles??
I think they would work - the length is right compared to the length I set my adjustable poles at. Adjustable poles do give you a bit more flexibility if you want a higher or lower pitch though, or if you end up on uneven ground where you need one pole longer than the other.
Is Snape narrating this?
Comparing Durston to Zpacks is like comparing car to bicycle. Zpacks looks more like shelter kids made to play in - loose sides, cramped interior, that sketchy pole in the middle and no protection from wind and rain. Xmid is a real tent made, thoroughly designed to protect you. I doubt that any tent will overcome Xmid in near future, it truly has set new standards.
Agreed. Zpacks kind of popularized the ultralight 1P category first with their Plexamids, then the Altaplex, but now they have been superseded by much better designs, and they have only responded with the Plex Solo which is just smaller. The Plex Solo is the leader as far as weight goes, but for me the benefits of the X-Mid are too many to give up for a small weight difference.
@@ozoutdoors obviously, backpacking community is moving from ultralight (hyperlight, crazylight, uberlight :D) to "comfortable ultralight", allowing backpack to be 2 pounds heavier, but having another level of comfort and hiking experience. Which is very pleasing.
The Zpacks is a poor value nowadays, with a poor design. The fact that the tent poles block the entry and the mesh falls on the floor is just unacceptable for that price. The Durston beats it by a wide margin.
Agreed. My Zpacks tent days are over until they revamp their design. I still prefer their packs to the Durston packs though.
@@ozoutdoors Yeah, there is something off about the Durston ones (Kakwa). They almost seem fragile (and not aesthetically pleasing either). I really like the ULA ones and the Seek Outside Flight 2 (which is really good in the ultra 400).
As a non-trekking pole user, I feel that X mid pro's "Z-Flick Tent Pole" are too heavy(2*93g = 186g), while Altaplex's "60 inch Carbon Fiber Tent Pole" is only (1*110g= 110g). In your spreadsheet, your X mid pro's tent poles weight only 147.4g? Do you have a link to buy that tent poles?
Hi there, the 74g tent poles aren't the Durston Z-flick poles, they are the Zpacks 48 inch poles zpacks.com/products/48-carbon-fiber-tent-pole. Those work with the X-Mid Pro, although since they aren't adjustable you just have to make sure that there isn't a big hole or lump right where you put the tip.
But you wouldn’t pitch those tents that way in that wind direction if you knew what you where doing.
Yeah if I knew there was going to be a storm and which direction it was going to come from I would pitch the Zpacks accordingly. In unknown places with no apparent storm on the way that's tough to do. The X-Mid Pro doesn't require weather forecasting before pitching which I see as an advantage. It's equally robust from all directions.
You have no idea how to setup an Altaplex. Go watch some videos. I’ve used mine since it was re introduced by Zpacks and it’s awesome. I am 6’4” 250 and have slept in it for 11 hours with 17 degree temperature and raining with 40 mph winds and 50 mph gust. Seriously a child could have set it up better.
lol, thanks!
I bought an Altaplex a year ago, but haven't used it yet. Then I was recently lucky to get my hands on a X-Mid Pro 1. The Altaplex is a sweet tent, but the X-Mid Pro 1 is another level. Anyone want to buy a brand new Altaplex at a good deal? I bet Zpacks are scrambling for a new design concept.
Yeah, I have a lightly used Altaplex for sale now as well :) It is a sweet tent and I've enjoyed it but the X-Mid Pro 1 is just brilliant.
🌝
Not a good comparison because the Durston is the clear choice for people who use 2 poles for their adventures, while the Zpacks is for people who use only 1 pole. If you love to hike with 1 pole you aren't bringing an extra one just for the tent.
Thanks for the thoughts. I did discuss the weight differences taking into account the need for an extra pole. I only hike with one trekking pole and I've switched to the Durston. For me it will be worth it to carry a tent pole (not a second trekking pole), but that won't be everyone's decision.
@@ozoutdoors Ok let’s boil this down, you need a comfortable tent to sleep in and you want weight to a minimum so your hike is comfortable, If you love to hike with 1 pole then think in terms of the overall weight of the solution. Zpacks is 15.4 ounces plus 6 Stakes of 0.5 ounces each. Total is 18.4 ounces for the solution. Durston is 17.6 ounces including the stakes and then 9 ounces for an extra pole which you will just be carrying all day, that’s a total of 26.6 ounces for the solution. Zpacks 18.4 ounces wins. Now if you like to hike with 2 poles then Durston wins because it’s 17.6 ounces vs Zpacks 18.4 ounces. This is why Durston is such an exciting new tent, because for people who hike with 2 poles this is the first tent to come out that finally beats Zpacks on weight.
That floor on the X-Mid Pro 1 is a deal breaker for me. The floor is critical in bad weather. I’ve had my Altaplex in some heavy rain, and it’s been great. The floor is durable. Why did Durston cheap out on the floor? To increase profits I guess.
Yeah I have the same concern but it remains to be seen I guess. Dan Durston has an explanation on his site for why he chose that silnylon floor over DCF but only time will tell if that was a good decision. It definitely feels flimsier than DCF. I did do a soak test in another video and left the floor sitting in a pan of water overnight and it didn't wet out. The X-Mid Pro 2 which has the same floor has been out for a while now so we should be getting durability feedback on that as people vlog their thru-hikes this season.
Zpaks is garbage. Cant even compare them to Xmids.
I found the X-Mid Pro 1 a hassle to set up, where as my Plex Solo I can set up in 5 minutes. Returned the X-Mid Pro 1.
Interesting. I didn't find either particularly a hassle. Getting the trekking pole tip through the tiny loop at the inside door was a bit fiddly. Maybe I'll time myself at some point and compare how long they take me.
@@ozoutdoors My front yard is bumpy, on a slant and the ground is frozen so probable my impatience to get it set up. After three tries I gave up! My Plex is a breeze to set up and after hiking all day I don't want to wrestle setting up a tent. Plus, I wasn't thrilled with the bottom-too slippery. I loved the Pro 1 size when packed up, give that a thumbs up!
The X-Mid literally requires 4 stakes and two poles. Not sure how you found that a hassle unless you don't have the ability to push in 4 stakes into the ground. I guess the outdoors is not for you.
@@thewanderingsoul71 No need for snarky remarks! You try setting up this tent in the wind, on a slant, and on frozen ground in the Utah desert wilderness. I was going to use this on the Hayduke trail this spring but may opt for a free standing tent so I can setup on slick rock. Oh... you may not know about slickrock!
@@joannemaass5068 I have - in Reflection Canyon, Coyote Gulch and many other trails. Obviously you don't understand how to pitch one. Pitching on slick rock is not hard at all if you know how to.
I've watched a bunch of these comparison videos and this is the most useful one. The stormworthiness is a big plus for the x-mid.
Thank you very much!
This is how all reviews should be done, you put real effort to this.
Thank you so much!
Great comparison of 3 of the 4 tests on my "next tent shortlist". X-mid is still in the lead, for me. In fairness to the Z-packs for the wind / rain storm test, I don't think that many would set up with the vestibule facing the wind. Thanks a lot for doing this!
Yeah fair point. "Facing away from the wind" is tricky to know at the time of pitching because Ozarks storms seem to come without warning from unexpected directions in the middle of the night, so I was trying to cover worst case. You also wouldn't normally get the volume of water that comes out of a hosepipe in that small of an area when it's raining :) What's the 4th tent you're considering?
@@ozoutdoors Tarptent Rainbow Li (one person)
@@Ottawa9one9 yep, mine is 24 ounces (26 if I take the liner) and can be freestanding. I don’t like the zpacks doors, but the X-Mid is intriguing as it would likely fare better in a storm then my Rainbow Li.
And here I was completely content with my Plex Solo until this video lol. Great comparison video. Looking forward to seeing how the X Mid fairs on the trail!
Thanks! Looking forward to being on the trail
If you had properly set up the Altaplex, it would have been difficult to explain the Durston purchase to yourself and the dear "TV" viewers as well. 😉
Thanks for your input! Agree to disagree though. There's a lot of benefits to the X-Mid Pro 1 which to my mind make it an improvement over the Altaplex,. Pitch and storm resilience are only a couple of them. Maybe I'll do another storm test without the intentionally low pitch of the Altaplex and recap the points that I think make the Durston tent superior.
Great video! This is a great comparison. These are three of the most popular tents right now. I am actually saving for the Zpacks Plex Solo. So, this was very helpful. New follower here. Crow
Thank you, so glad you found it helpful. The Plex Solo is still the weight champion it will serve you well if you decide to go with it.
Hi .Thanks for your work.Nice video,but,to be honest, your pitch with the Plex Solo tent is awful.....I want to note the fact that I own and use a Zpacks Plex Solo tent for over a year and I am extremely satisfied. I don't feel the need to upgrade. Best Regards.
I'm glad you like your Plex Solo. My Altaplex did well for a couple of years but for me the Durston is just better all round and it's the one I use now. But it's just my opinion and you should definitely stick with what works best for you.
As an often solo backpacker, the thinner DCF of the X Mid has been a concern of mine and the biggest con against purchasing it. I have a Duplex in the thicker DCF. Your video proved that I need not worry about it. WOW. What a difference!
Glad you found the video helpful! I did get a rip in the DCF on my first overnight with the tent 😢See the next video on my channel if you haven't already. But that was a piece of metal stuck in the ground that I didn't see in the dark and I think that would have ripped any DCF.
See my video on groundsheet and condensation and footprints.... you pretty much confirm my thoughts....
Thanks for your comment. Good video.
A great comparison video. I'm another one that was happy with my Plex Solo until I saw this. Looking forward to seeing this tent on the trail.
Thank you! You do still have the lightest tent though
what is that altaplex pitch? how do you want to compare the tents when you pitch it so weirdly
I also purchase the Durston ground sheet. It clips to each corner. I feel it is beefy enough while still being lite. Love the Durston and pitching it is a breeze!
Purchasing the ground sheet is a great idea for added durability
@@ozoutdoors it’s a unique footprint and easily clips to eat corner under the bathtub. Ours just arrived tonight and will be using them this weekend.
I have to admit I'm a X-mid Pro (fan/owner) however, the Zpacks tents seem poorly pitched, the lower pitch shouldn't matter and all sided should be taught including the entrey of the Zpacks tents.
I wonder if I have a defective Altaplex. There have been quite a few comments similar to yours. No matter what I do I can't get the doors tight and I'm not that bad at pitching tents. I've had a friend check my pitch and he couldn't get the doors tight either. I'm thinking about ordering another Altaplex, pitching it, and returning it, just to confirm my suspicions.
Excellent vid! Thank you
I'm glad it was helpful!
THE most comprehensive review ever! Well done! Honestly, is there anything to dislike about the X-Mids??
Thank you! For me the X-Mid Pro 1 is the reigning champ of single-person UL tents.
Only the availability
Maybe the price?
감사합니다 😊 많은 후기 중 최고 입니다 👍
Thank you for the kind comment!
WOW you definitely get a GOLD STAR for your efforts in making this video. I really appreciate the rain and wind tests to show the storm worthiness of each tent and the overnight wet through test on the X-Mid pro floor. Watching you pitch the Altaplex, I believe it was, that was painful. I am in the market for a new lighter tent and you definitely swayed my decision with this video. Thank you for this exemplary and unbiased review.
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoyed it
A the start it sounds like you said "I've been hiking with the Ultraplex a couple of years and never really liked it." haha
Ha, I'll have to work on my enunciation :)
If I could afford it, Id buy a Dustan X Mid Pro. It wins hand down on space creation, being effectively a ridge tent with the ridge being across the diagonal. From what I read & see online, the build quality is excellent too!
Yes, I'm really enjoying it so far. I don't get sent free stuff to review and it is expensive, but competitive in its category.
The z packs is very lose at end rain test its nor a storm tent
I was trying to show that if you pitch the zpacks low you can keep rain out of the back and sides but it makes the front loose. If you pitch it at the recommended height the front can be tight but you get backsplash underneath the back and sides. The X-Mid Pro 1 doesn't have these trade-offs.
@ozoutdoors I'm not a fan of Durston I think is way hyped esp in uk I think in usa and wooded areas it's OK but open areas will be too windy I think. I saw Dan on another video say at 25mph it's OK. But lots more I'd question it. It does well in your test there. Thanks for reply it's good tent for some users 🙂
Hey😕where's the Outdoor Vitals tent??
Sadly, I don't get gear sent to me by manufacturers for review so I have to buy or borrow everything myself and my budget didn't extend to the OV tent :( Hopefully in the future.
Great review! One factor that comes to mind is footprint. Personally I have had enough instances where a small footprint has really helped out in finding a suitable level ground to sleep on. For me a small footprint is definitely a characteristic that I value highly. Any thoughts on this, comparing these 3 tents?
Yeah I agree. I have the footprint dimensions in my spreadsheet which is linked in the video description, but in summary the X-Mid Pro 1 has a much smaller footprint. The Zpacks tents take up a much bigger rectangle than their floor size would suggest because of the front doors and guy lines.. However, I have found that pitching the X-Mid Pro 1 on uneven ground is actually trickier because it pitches much lower to the ground and you can't adjust by shortening or lengthening the lines like you can with the Zpacks tents. You have to compensate by extending or retracting the poles. It's not awfully hard, and like you said it's offset by not needing so much flat area, but it is a difficulty that I've only found in lots of pitching since making this video.
Thanks for the reply. Interesting input regarding the footprint. Again, I appreciate the work you put in to making this video@@ozoutdoors
any idea why Durston chose Silnylon for the floor? I always use a large sheet of Dyneema for my footprint anyway so it is easy to clean and reduces condensation, but you are still going to have to deal with all the water Silnylon will absorb. the large sheet of Dyneema can also be positioned so you can prevent rain from blowing under the door.
This is from Durston's site about his choice:
Q) Why is the floor nylon instead of DCF?
A) We like DCF but think nylon better suited for a floor than the 1.0 oz DCF that is commonly used.
DCF is super strong Dyneema fibers laid between two sheets of mylar. The dyneema fibers make for a really strong and light material that is great for a tent fly, but because the outer layers are just mylar film the abrasion resistance is relatively low. To be useable for a floor, most companies switch to the 1.0 - 1.2oz versions of DCF that uses extra thick outer mylar layers. This improves abrasion and puncture performance so it is good but now it has the downside of being bulky since it is about 3x as thick as a woven fabric (this causes the complaints about DCF tents being bulky). We think a woven floor makes sense because it offers similar durability and weight weight at a smaller packed size while also being easily repairable with tapes.
@@ozoutdoors I figured this would be the reason they would give, but for me, it doesn't make sense since the camper can just add a groundsheet to protect the floor. adding a groundsheet 1) easier to clean 2) when it gets too warn just throw it out 3) blocks moisture and lowers condensation 4) block driving rain and wind (pull up ground sheet to cover opening under the tent and move the pack to provide support) 5) ground cover for mid-day naps :)
How fast was the "wind"
I'm not sure because I don't have an anemometer. From having pointed the fan at some bushes and compared to what they looked like in real storms, my guess is 30mph, but obviously a bit different from wind because fans are consistent and unidirectional.
@@ozoutdoors my guess would be '20mph I think the tents would buffet more in 30. Its an interesting teat your lucky to have fan and space. Yeah the cuben is a problem at times with pitching and slack putting it in situation it can be tight. I've been using it 12 years on TH-cam its definitely fun though :)
Great review!
Thank you, glad you like it!
Why in only metrics? Many in your audience use only standard measurements.
I thought I was using standard measurements and put metric in my spreadsheet but maybe I got mixed up at some point :(
I could ask the same question... why is the USA one of the only countries to use imperial. Metric is a global standard. Maybe you should educate yourself and learn both as I have, and I'm American. Plus it isn't hard to google to convert his metric to imperial. I guess its the entitlement of typical Americans.
Not even in the market for a new tent this year, I still have shelters I haven’t used yet but I love gear reviews. Well done, I’m looking forward to seeing how your first trip out with the X-Mid Pro goes so subbed to your channel.
Glad you enjoyed the video and thanks for the sub! Next video is in the works.
That storm test was actually pretty cool! I did a similar comparison on my channel with the regular x-mid 1p and the gossamer gear the one tent. I’d say the Durston tent overall was the winter there as well! I’ve owned the Altaplex, and now I want to upgrade my Durston to the pro model lol😂
Thanks! I'll check out your video as well.