My First and Last Ultralight Tent: The Impossibly Light Durston X-mid Pro
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 ส.ค. 2024
- The Durston X-Mid Pro is the lightest tent I've ever used and it completely changed my opinion on ultralight tents. For hikers and backpackers looking for a super light tent that also has a spacious interior, you gotta see this.
Using and in some cases gluing magnets to my tarps was one of my favorite hacks. So many thing you can do. Bug nets, gear lofts, storm flaps, connecting other tarps...the list goes on!
I had never thought of doing that before but yes! Modify!
This tent may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I’m surprised by how many people are dismissing it out of hand.
It’s certainly expensive, I winced when I clicked purchase on mine, but you get what you pay for:
The first night I had mine set up on the trail, we got absolutely pounded by hail. The wind had the hail hitting directly perpendicular to one side of the tent as well; if it was gonna break, that was gonna be the night. Not a rip, not even visible wear on the fabric. Even with ankle high piles built up all around the footprint that lasted through the night. I’ve been in bad hail before, I know what it looks like.
Positioning the bottom tray is certainly trickier than it looks; I’ve messed it up multiple times and not managed a perfect rectangle despite fairly flat ground. However, perfect or not, I’ve had water pouring all around and under that tent - yet was dry as could be inside. People love to espouse a tarp. Tarps won’t do that.
Again, it’s expensive and not a perfect tent by any means, I get the skepticism; but dismissing it out of hand isn’t fair to the quality of the build Durston managed. I’ve hiked several hundred miles with it now, through mountains, forest, desert canyons, etc.
It weighs basically nothing, and leaves plenty of room in my pack so I can poorly choose OTHER pieces of gear that I will regret carrying for a whole trip lol.
If I’m not car camping, this is what I’m using, no question. I’m excited to try other styles eventually, like hammocks; but this has worked great for me with only minor minor issues.
i tarp/bug bivy camped for four years. probably the best set up for lightweight and to staying dry. with the tarp I was always able to get the water to drain away and into trenches.
the problem for me is it limited campsite options. finding two trees for the ridgeline is ideal. I'm often above treeline and there are no trees. using my treking poles worked fine but was more time consuming to set up. after learning to set it up the x mid 1 it goes up in 5 minutes.
I bought the x mid 1 after trying it and the pro 2. condensation was a problem with the pro 2. it is also very big. wonderful to have that space but it needs a big space to set up compared to the x mid 1. my buddy owns both so I got lucky to try them both before I bought.
Re getting a perfect rectangle. Stake one short end tight, then bring the corners of the other short end together and pull until tight, stake the middle point / loop then stake out the remaining corners and you’ll have a perfect rectangle. Geometry wins again.
Funny you mentioned how well this tent withstood hail because DCF is well known to be more fragile than polyester or nylon (fabrics that are WAY cheaper) in hail ;)
my buddy has both the x mid and the x mid pro.
condensation is a real problem with the xmid pro especially if you are using a down bag.
convinced me to get the double wall x mid 1 instead.
totally happy with it.
I just got mine and can’t wait to put it to use!
Yep. Love mine. Survived some nasty weather.
There's zero chance your surviving a heavy wa rain storm in that dam thing
@IStripesIgenuinely one of the stupidest things I’ve ever read. My base weight is 9.6 pounds including gear for my dog. We are very comfortable in the backcountry. We both have inflatable pads and warm down quilts. Our shelter can withstand nearly any storm and we eat hot food (i’m not a fan of cold soaking). You are just flat wrong. Your ignorance is screaming rn….
@skip1860 why?
@the_ultra_robot6884 why what ? Why you wouldn't survive a wa rain storm well that should be obvious
@@the_ultra_robot6884 or a retarded way to be outside? Because I like camping comfortably even if that means a heavy pack so marmot tungsten is what I use, 1 person and the rain fly provides enough room for the pack and foam pad to sleep on with nemo flyer boom not wet and comfortable
So cool! On the top of the list when I finally go ultralight.
Me to for definite but right now I still like to have the illusion of having that added security from bugs crawling over me that zipped inside tents give.
@@lorianderson6072This also has a mesh inner to keep te creepers out afaik. Eric just has it open in the video. :)
@@roelfo I guess there may be very little worry of bugs here. You know, since it's winter time. :)
@@lorianderson6072this tent has a mesh inner which fully protects you from bugs.
With that being said, I sleep with just a tarp and have never had any issues with bugs annoying me. (I live in the white mt’s of NH so its not like we don’t have bugs lol)
Funny everyone complained about the magnetic snaps, but I agree it’s genius 😅
I don't know why people would complain. I love it.
the magnets DID generate complaints, but Durston upgraded to a stronger magnet
Seen magnets first on the Nordisk Svalbard, bomber tent also 👌🏼
Have the same , good tent !
X-Mid by Durston. Yes it has a floor. Yes it's more than you can afford. It still exists, deal with it.
Definitely getting one
The original was invented back in 1860 for the Union Army. It was called a pup tent. They were still issuing them when I was in the army.
That was not the original tent tf you on
@@EthanDurantYes, the original pup tents were used in the US civil war. You are a toddler. Touch grass
I was checking them out while on the CT and the magnets were awesome
It’s a beauty!
Definitely my favorite one person tent!
Don't threatened me with a good time sir.😂
Magnet, as in condensation magnet!
Might very well win “Loudest Tent on the Planet” award 😂
Guess im sticking with my hammock gear or dutchware cuz these are way to expensive to sleep on the ground
Apparently even though it wasn't mentioned the floor is removable
@@skip1860 Not on the pro models.
That’s how I like it, get a good bed of veg down, 4 corners! Wake up fresh, makes the coffee taste better 👍
it’s like Saran wrapping a bear’s food
Looks really 💰💰
TarpTent has been using magnetic closures for a long time.
Magnets always stick to each other like that I’ve seen Magnets do that since I was a little kid😊
Are u serious ?
Them magnets are fun and games until the wind changes to directly at you 😂.
MAGNET'S!!!!
Do you have any suggestions for a family of five (two adults and three kids (13, 9 & 5)? We thought about setting up two tent against one another to help distribute weight between the adults. Better suggestions out there I'm sure. You're channel rocks by the way! Always watch your channel when prepping to go out.
Without knowing needs and budget I can only recommend you get 2 tents. A 3 person free standing tent and a 2 person light tent.
If you have the kids carrying weight try to make sure they are carrying no more than 20-25% of their body weight.
For UL options there zpacks has a 3 person tent.
For budget options: if you are only out for a short amount of time in a low bug area a large tarp can be great. There are many ways to set one up from using tarp poles, trekking poles, or just using ropes and trees
I'd love to see this in Alaska ,where the misqito is bigger than a blue Jay in the lower 48.
It has a mesh door just inside the vestibule, he just didn’t show it.
@@EthanDurant 10-4
Bros never seen souther bugs
That’s a fancy tarp with two fancy sticks under it.
We used to just call them ‘Tents’ back in the days before sponsorships
Seems to me in my camping that a hammock is the way to go . Sea to summit pad , insulated , nice warm big Agnes bag and a gortex S.F. military bivy if needed and a net if needed , super comfy , all packs up in one little stuff sack . 🤷🏼♂️
Except when you need to bring trees
At that point u might as well use an ultra light tarp and have more space. Plus the gaps at the bottom allow every mlsquito and black fly in. In the backcountry the bugs get so bad you want a place to escape to at the end of the day
It's fully enclosed. I had the doors open in the shot but it is an actual tent.
@@eric_hanson ah ok. I did not look that way 👍🏻
Why don’t people tell the full story of these tents? I invested in one and it’s not what I expected. You want a flat site to pitch it on so don’t forget to pack your tractor and plough. Try and pitch on anything else and the wind will destroy you. You had better hope it’s not raining as well as the gaps at the bottom on uneven ground are massive and the rain pours in. It is great for summer use as long as there is only a light breeze at most.
Because they're getting paid to "review" the shit lol
@@menichellia yup, I have to agree. So much hype and really impractical for wild camping that I do. 👍😎
I thru hiked (nobo at 23)with the durston xmid 2.
Pitching it: takes a lot of space and puts a lot of force onto your tent stakes but never had much of a problem with either one of those and was in some tight stealth spots
Rain: very rainproof make sure to bring the tent as low as it will go when you know there will be bad rain. Had about 3-5 inches one night and woke up dry
Wind: didn't have a problem but can be loud when very windy
My final review: honestly loved it and most people I knew with one loved it as well. Wished I got the 1 person because it takes up so much room making finding a spot hard some nights
@r_nelly1180 typical response from across the pond by someone that can’t take the time to read what was written. Or is unable to comprehend the English language.
These tents are rubbish on uneven ground and when it’s windy. FACT.
You’ve obviously not used one - most likely another armchair camper or another car camper who camps on golf course greens.
Nor did I mention incredibly harsh weather or 4-season camping. You dreamt that up. Poor little Nelly.
@r_nelly1180 you really don’t know what you’re rambling on about do you. That’s a statement, not a question. Those tents do not work on uneven ground without lifting at least one side massively. Their footprint is huge. When that happens in poor weather you create a sail. Your ignorance is dangerous. Clearly, you have zero comprehension of what’s involved. Yet another person who does all their hiking whilst parking their xxxxl oversized rear end on a big sofa whilst snacking on a few dozen Big Macs. I guess the song Nelly the elephant is poignant. Stupidity cannot be accounted for by crass statements.
Looks like it almost see through, spose at that weight it would have to be made of rice paper 😊
I remeber my first magnet experience.
Bears love them to. Not much to tear through to get to the meaty center.
Unless the meaty center has a gun
What brand is that jacket
I’m curious too
Big Agnes Zetto
If he uses and still likes in 5 years, will consider.
Snakes, spiders and mosquitoes love that tent
They don't come out in the winter
Yeah, cold-blooded things can't live in that environment lol.
Why?
do you know how loud they are in the wind??? 1 night is doable...2???
Mine is the best tent ive ever owned
I agree.
Free standing tents only, for me. I know they weigh more but I don't care. I slept in a military issue canvas A frame with no bottom in the Army. Just wait until it rains. Those little trenches you build won't stop the rain.
ZPACKS IS AWESOME
I like it
16 oz. tarp - could make this with old rain jackets too
I'm good with mine
Why can’t they bring the cost down and make the profit on volume sales? It’s impossible for most people except pro influencers, and they get one free to demo. Seems a little whacky to me.
There is the non-pro version which is only $250 if you’re looking for the same design, but made from poly rather than DCF. DCF is just expensive stuff. Nearly all ultralight gear is expensive sadly.
@BeedeeEx your insights are that of an ultralight backpacker. If you're not ready to commit to the ultralight gear (financially, frequency of getting out), there are a lot of options. The point is to get outside.
@@BeedeeEx and the "non pro" still only weighs 38.4 oz / 1085 g. That's including the stuff sack and 6 stakes. To bad VAT and import duties let that 300 buck sky rocket when buying in the EU... :(
1. They make cheaper versions.
2. Most of the cost comes from the DCF fabric, that cost cannot be reduced unless the supplier did so.
3. They already do volume sales, that’s why they are so hard to come by rn.
4. $600 is not that much if you’re going to use this every day all summer (like the thru hiker would). If you won’t be using it so much you don’t need such a high quality tent, like I said just get the cheaper version. It will work for 99% of people.
Might be light and very cool, but how much $$$ is it?
High winds????
Did I miss something? What do you hate about it?
2 worries: does it condense in cold? And how is it on rocky (Alpine) grounds? Thanks man and great short! 😉
I've camped in the snow with it and had it be perfectly dry. But my last trip was very rainy and humid and it got pretty wet. It can be a little tricky to set up clean on uneven ground.
Thanks Eric! :) @@eric_hanson
How long do they last? How do they hold up in 4 season conditions?
Many people have used the Xmid for entire thru hikes of the long trails. So needless to say, very durable.
I always liked having a floor tho. Helps to keep everything dry
It actually has a bathtub floor
@@e2dub f i
16 oz tents seems quite small, once I put my 8oz coffee in it, I will only have 8oz left 😂
This is why the imperial system is gahhhbage.
After leaving the military I saw people talk about using tents when camping and being like, Why?
Haven't used a tent for 40 years....they are a waste of space and weight. 10x10 tarp is all one needs. Who likes to wake up to a raining morning stuck in a tent?
While I definitely agree (fellow 10x10 tarp user), tarps take a bit more skill to set up and even if you have those skills they can take longer to set up. Some people don’t care about the amazing versatility given by a tent and just want something fast, easy and secure to set up after a long 30 mile day lol.
@@EthanDurant For the extra weight and bulk, it just started to make no sense to me years ago when I brought a tent and a tarp! I hate waking up in a tent when it is raining out
Tent? Or zip lock bag for bears?
Good thing the wind isn’t blowing at all
If mission is extreme lightweight, why have a heavy magnet, when lighter weight velcro would do the job?
They don't weight that much more than velcro. They are just so convenient to open and close.
Yup I only use A-frames, I hate dome tents and those finicky poles
MAGNETS? HOW DO THEY WORK?!
Magnets in your pack invites iron shavings which grind against stuff in your pack as it moves around. This problem was solved before it became a problem.
Seriously. And how light is velcro compared to magnets 💀
How did you do on a really windy rainy night?
Wind blows through it? Yikes.
What puffy is that?
Noice! How long are the stakes?
Usually they're far too short. If not a foot minimum, the wind can push the tent over; I would make some of aluminum.
Is it 4 season tent? I didn't see in video.
How does it hold up in.a full on blower?!
...Magnets, How Do They Work?
No loops on top to grab a toggle?
How’s condensation inside of it?
but will it stop bear thou ?
Name something that can. If a car can't stop a bear, what would?
How bad is the condensation?
I feel like showing these guys an oversized walmsrt plastic bag would a be a turn on... BRO THAT TENT ONLY WEIGHS .5 oz!!
It's far from being simplest tents. Pitching this tent is a nightmare, especially on uneven surface. Almost every freestanding tent is faster and easier to set up. And yes, I do have x-mid, so I know what I am talking
That was how tents were put up 50 years ago
thats not a tent its a tarp shaped like a ten and how much you say that was?
Im getting cold watching your video
Hi What sleeping bag is that
How waterproof is it
how do you keep warm
That's not a tent, that's a fancy tarp.
there is an actual inner tent. It's not a tarp
No floor? Just tarp them
Durston Gear
X-Mid Pro 2 Superlight Tent
$679. - $689
🤮 NOPE !!
how much?
Its only light if you don't weigh the things required to make it a tent!
If you already use trekking poles then you’re not adding that weight!
And you can make tent stakes with local materials.
@@domotime19you are adding to the actual weight of the tent, maybe not your overall pack weight.
@@garyboyle695 That's my point. It doesn't really matter how much each individual item weighs. All that really matters is how much your total pack weight is. So if you use trekking poles and you're trying to cut your packs weight, a tent like this makes perfect sense.
How does it handle heavy sustained winds?
It's very good actually!
@@eric_hanson Thx for the reply. Have a great day.
Is ot a tent tho? More a tarp as there is no bottom....
I don't understand why something so light is so expensive. Shouldn't it be cheaper the less material you use to make it??
You don't use less material except in thickness, but you do use more expensive materials.
If Im not wrong DCF is handmade and past years the demand was so high that you had to wait to get it to manufacture a tent. DCF is also special material as it is really strong as it is stronger that steel.
what is ounts?
one stormy night and you'll need to be admitted to the looney bin. The flapping sound will drive you completely mad.
How much is that in civilised units?
16oz
0.45 kg
I camp out in the Holiday Inn,.....bears can't afford to stay there. Thanks Joe Rogan
But what about wind
Very susceptible to cross Wind which pushes the walls together.
Not true due to its offset pole setup. Not to mention all faces are designed to shed wind. It does this better than most freestanding tents.
Multiple examples of these tents performing poorly in windy conditions.
it's a trekking pole tent not an alpine tent
it still perform better than the duplex though
No floor?
Cost?
Because magnets are not strong enough to hold the weight, they will constantly disconnect you will constantly be re-connecting it will get annoying
No ground cover???
It has and also bug net. Its visible in the video.
Most tents are heavier and a magnet wouldn't be reliable over time.