Thank you for watching! If you're already a subscriber, thank you!! If you haven't yet subscribed, please consider supporting this channel by subscribing. Comments, likes and shares all help as well! Share these videos so that we can get the word out, and help more people enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.
A hiking friend recommended I watch this video and do this to my Durston tents. I did it to both (X-Mid 1P and X-Mid 2P Pro). While backpacking in AZ, I literally could not use stakes at all one night. Had to do little rock, big rock and was soooo glad I had much longer guy lines! I just changed out the guy lines on my friend's tent as well. Thanks for this video.
JUST got back from the PCT and picked up a Durston halfway thru. It's crazy how short the guy lines are. They worked fine out there, but I was thinking about doing this the whole time. Now that im back and looking for ways to improve my next hike this seems like a no-brainer. Solid tutorial. Thanks.
Got my x-Mid this past week! The first thing I did was change those guylines! I was surprised how short they were - in the perfect campsite it's not a problem, but perfect campsites are few and fr between. Thanks for the info!.
They are that short because Dan wanted to claim as light as possible weight for the tent, and even a few grams from longer lines would add weight lol..... no shame in that game but that's why.
Yay! You’ll love it! I’ll definitely share any other tips that come up along the way. I just got my order from Hilltop Packs, and now I’m dying to try my new goodies out! I ended up getting a ditty bag, a shoulder strap bag and a Fanny pack. We have a big storm coming in, so I want to test out the Fanny pack’s water resistance this weekend.
I ended up taking the fanny pack on my trip to the Sierra this past week, since the rain was coming (thankfully got out ahead of it). I didn't end up using it in the rain at all, but I really liked the volume of it. I keep taking it out to test it, and it seems to work as a rain repellent- it doesn't rain on that hike! 😂
Second trip out withbthe Durston I experienced the problem with the short lines and trying to pitch on granite. I contacted Durston and they recommended extending bu 1-3 inches. I would have loved to see the tent pitched with the longer lines. How does it effect stability and change the required pole length? I can't imagine how you would not cause a large gap and how you would be able to keep the tent close to the ground. I appreciate the video. I think I'm going to have to experiment.
Great questions! I have had no issues with stability, but it has been WAY easier to stake in tough conditions, where rocks or roots may get in the way, or the ground is uneven. If you keep the lines long, I'd imagine the poles would need to be extended a bit more (I don't measure, I insert and adjust). If you use all the length, yes, there is a higher gap between the fly and the ground, which can be nice in the summer for breathability. I'd definitely pitch lower in windy or colder conditions. If I want to pitch higher, I'll put the stakes a bit further out. Another nice thing with this is being able to square off the tent better- you can just adjust the corners as needed.
might do that i just got my Xmid1 this past friday . haven't even set it up yet . ordered the tarptent trekking pole adaptors so i can do handles up and i ordered a tyvek ground sheet aswell
I have to use those longer guy lines SO often! I'm ALWAYS grateful to have the added length! Even when I want my stakes closer in, I can cinch them down snug, but if I have to work around a root or rocky terrain, it sure pays off! I hope you love your X-Mid as much as I love mine!
Wandering Switchback - added tip for Cord Tension things: tie a double double overhand knot near the end to the tag and then go up about 5-6 inches and tie a singe or double overhand. Knot #2 keeps the line from running through the line lock (as usual) and knot #1 gives you something to grab on to instead of that little stub sticking out of the line lock.
Why am I eternally confused about guy lines and those little plastic bits? I saw you remove the string and thought, “Oh, no. I’ll never figure out how to put that back in.” They are my Bermuda Triangle, lol.
I would be in your shoes too. If I make this change to my tents, I will first snap a photo of what it looks like. I should then be able to duplicate with other longer chord.
Thank you, Joaquin! I used approximately 18-24” for the 4 corners, and didn’t exchange the doors or peak guy lines. I haven’t used the peak guy lines yet, but you could add a good foot or so on the doors, at least.
@@WanderingSwitchback I swapped out my guidelines after watching your video because the originals are so short. I went out camping last weekend but the cordage that I used was either too small diameter or too slippery And I could not get a tight pitch. I rewatched your video so I could order the proper guideline but I wasn't sure what millimeter to get and I just read through the comments and got my answer! Thank you for the helpful video
Wait, are you sporting a Wandering Switchback hat there? Do you have merch for sale that I missed? Either way, great hat and great video! I don't have that tent, but could definitely use this trick on my tent as well.
I love this trick on any tent. And yes, good eye! I've been working with a local guy on some hats. He threw the one in the video together, but the actual ones are much better. I'm working on getting them posted up, and I'll be sure to let you all know! 😊
Ok, dumb question… what do you do when you set up camp and use your hiking poles to explore? Set up and tear down the tent constantly? Sounds awful! I stow all my gear in the tent while exploring all day, come back ready to crashhhhhh!
Not a dumb question! Some of my trips, I leave my tent in the same place, so this definitely comes up. I will set up my tent, including my sleep system, and then take the poles with me. If it's very windy, I would not recommend this, because your tent can be like a sail and yank the stakes out more easily when the poles aren't in it, not to mention that it's easier for dirt and water to get blown in that way. But otherwise, I just stick my poles back in when I get back, easy peasy. 😊
I felt the same way - No way I was getting a trekking pole tent, with that being one of the reasons. I only use one trekking pole when hiking, and didn't want to add another. But the Durston tents, wow! And then the z flick poles became available. I was sold. I own tent and 2 compact poles.
@@ldavis4428You’re right the flick poles are the bomb. Super light and fold up small enough, and I wanted to be able to hike with my sticks. Plus there’s pole redundancy.
These types of tents are designed by a long distance hiker Dan Durston. These tents aren't designed to "camp" in an area for multiple nights, they're meant for setting up end of the day and packing up the next day to continue on the trail. They are backpacking tents not "camping" tents.
Thank you for watching! If you're already a subscriber, thank you!! If you haven't yet subscribed, please consider supporting this channel by subscribing. Comments, likes and shares all help as well! Share these videos so that we can get the word out, and help more people enjoy the outdoors safely and responsibly.
Over hand knot. Thanks for sharing this.
Thank you! 😊
A hiking friend recommended I watch this video and do this to my Durston tents. I did it to both (X-Mid 1P and X-Mid 2P Pro). While backpacking in AZ, I literally could not use stakes at all one night. Had to do little rock, big rock and was soooo glad I had much longer guy lines! I just changed out the guy lines on my friend's tent as well. Thanks for this video.
I’m so glad it was helpful! It’s made all the difference on many trips for me, too!
Thanks Switchback! This is my rainy night project here in northern CA
We've certainly had our share of rainy nights lately! This is a perfect project for that!
JUST got back from the PCT and picked up a Durston halfway thru. It's crazy how short the guy lines are. They worked fine out there, but I was thinking about doing this the whole time. Now that im back and looking for ways to improve my next hike this seems like a no-brainer. Solid tutorial. Thanks.
Congrats on the PCT! I hope this makes your next hike even better!
Got my x-Mid this past week! The first thing I did was change those guylines! I was surprised how short they were - in the perfect campsite it's not a problem, but perfect campsites are few and fr between. Thanks for the info!.
Awesome! I hope they work out better for you- they've sure come in handy for me! Enjoy your sage palace!
They are that short because Dan wanted to claim as light as possible weight for the tent, and even a few grams from longer lines would add weight lol..... no shame in that game but that's why.
Awesome fix! Looking forward to delivery! Thank you, and any more hacks for the X-mid are welcome!
Yay! You’ll love it! I’ll definitely share any other tips that come up along the way.
I just got my order from Hilltop Packs, and now I’m dying to try my new goodies out! I ended up getting a ditty bag, a shoulder strap bag and a Fanny pack. We have a big storm coming in, so I want to test out the Fanny pack’s water resistance this weekend.
@@WanderingSwitchback Great! I'm interested in the fanny pack. Do let me know how it works out for you!
Will do!
I ended up taking the fanny pack on my trip to the Sierra this past week, since the rain was coming (thankfully got out ahead of it). I didn't end up using it in the rain at all, but I really liked the volume of it. I keep taking it out to test it, and it seems to work as a rain repellent- it doesn't rain on that hike! 😂
I ordered an xmid pro2 for February and I hope I like it!!! I’ll keep this tip in mind in case I need to change it! Thanks 😊
I’m definitely Pro-curious! Love the 1P and 2P so far. But I really like having long guy lines to give that versatility.
thanks just did this procedure with ease thanks to you.
I’m really glad it was helpful! I hope this makes your next trip easier!
great guide thank you
I appreciate that! 🙂
How thick is the cord?
I used 1.8mm guyline cord with a Dyneema core.
Second trip out withbthe Durston I experienced the problem with the short lines and trying to pitch on granite.
I contacted Durston and they recommended extending bu 1-3 inches.
I would have loved to see the tent pitched with the longer lines. How does it effect stability and change the required pole length? I can't imagine how you would not cause a large gap and how you would be able to keep the tent close to the ground.
I appreciate the video.
I think I'm going to have to experiment.
Great questions!
I have had no issues with stability, but it has been WAY easier to stake in tough conditions, where rocks or roots may get in the way, or the ground is uneven. If you keep the lines long, I'd imagine the poles would need to be extended a bit more (I don't measure, I insert and adjust). If you use all the length, yes, there is a higher gap between the fly and the ground, which can be nice in the summer for breathability. I'd definitely pitch lower in windy or colder conditions. If I want to pitch higher, I'll put the stakes a bit further out.
Another nice thing with this is being able to square off the tent better- you can just adjust the corners as needed.
might do that i just got my Xmid1 this past friday . haven't even set it up yet . ordered the tarptent trekking pole adaptors so i can do handles up and i ordered a tyvek ground sheet aswell
I have to use those longer guy lines SO often! I'm ALWAYS grateful to have the added length! Even when I want my stakes closer in, I can cinch them down snug, but if I have to work around a root or rocky terrain, it sure pays off! I hope you love your X-Mid as much as I love mine!
What is about a couple feet? I'm new to this and have no experience. I bought the Durston and would like to change the lines too.
Thank you
I'd say anywhere from about 18-24 inches should work well. :)
Thank you so much@@WanderingSwitchback
Love this video.
Thank you so much, Shirley!
Wandering Switchback - added tip for Cord Tension things: tie a double double overhand knot near the end to the tag and then go up about 5-6 inches and tie a singe or double overhand. Knot #2 keeps the line from running through the line lock (as usual) and knot #1 gives you something to grab on to instead of that little stub sticking out of the line lock.
Good to know!
Why am I eternally confused about guy lines and those little plastic bits? I saw you remove the string and thought, “Oh, no. I’ll never figure out how to put that back in.” They are my Bermuda Triangle, lol.
LOL definitely common! That’s part of why I wanted to do this video. I hope this was clear enough!
I would be in your shoes too. If I make this change to my tents, I will first snap a photo of what it looks like. I should then be able to duplicate with other longer chord.
Love the channel! Thanks for all the great info. I may have missed it but what length did you use for the 4 corners, doors and ridgeline?
Thank you, Joaquin! I used approximately 18-24” for the 4 corners, and didn’t exchange the doors or peak guy lines. I haven’t used the peak guy lines yet, but you could add a good foot or so on the doors, at least.
In millimeters, what’s the thickness of the chord you’re using?
It’s 1.8mm cord, part of this set with stakes: amzn.to/3LawAdF
@@WanderingSwitchback I swapped out my guidelines after watching your video because the originals are so short. I went out camping last weekend but the cordage that I used was either too small diameter or too slippery And I could not get a tight pitch. I rewatched your video so I could order the proper guideline but I wasn't sure what millimeter to get and I just read through the comments and got my answer! Thank you for the helpful video
I’m doing the same on my X Mid 2
I’m so glad I did it! I hope you will be, too!
The yellow string is that zing-it?
No, it's guy line. It's part of this set: amzn.to/3LawAdF
Which camera do you use to record these videos? Very nice!
Thank you! All of my videos are shot on my iPhone. I use a 14 Pro, and before that I used an 11. This one was with the 14 Pro.
Wait, are you sporting a Wandering Switchback hat there? Do you have merch for sale that I missed? Either way, great hat and great video! I don't have that tent, but could definitely use this trick on my tent as well.
I love this trick on any tent. And yes, good eye! I've been working with a local guy on some hats. He threw the one in the video together, but the actual ones are much better. I'm working on getting them posted up, and I'll be sure to let you all know! 😊
@@WanderingSwitchback oh awesome, I'm looking forward to seeing them!
Ok, dumb question… what do you do when you set up camp and use your hiking poles to explore? Set up and tear down the tent constantly? Sounds awful! I stow all my gear in the tent while exploring all day, come back ready to crashhhhhh!
Not a dumb question! Some of my trips, I leave my tent in the same place, so this definitely comes up. I will set up my tent, including my sleep system, and then take the poles with me. If it's very windy, I would not recommend this, because your tent can be like a sail and yank the stakes out more easily when the poles aren't in it, not to mention that it's easier for dirt and water to get blown in that way. But otherwise, I just stick my poles back in when I get back, easy peasy. 😊
I felt the same way - No way I was getting a trekking pole tent, with that being one of the reasons. I only use one trekking pole when hiking, and didn't want to add another. But the Durston tents, wow! And then the z flick poles became available. I was sold. I own tent and 2 compact poles.
@@ldavis4428 me too 💕💕💕
@@ldavis4428You’re right the flick poles are the bomb. Super light and fold up small enough, and I wanted to be able to hike with my sticks. Plus there’s pole redundancy.
These types of tents are designed by a long distance hiker Dan Durston. These tents aren't designed to "camp" in an area for multiple nights, they're meant for setting up end of the day and packing up the next day to continue on the trail. They are backpacking tents not "camping" tents.
haveAgooday
Thank you! You as well!
You could have shown us the difference with the higher pitch.
True, I should have shown that! Thanks for the feedback! 😊
This is why I love your channel!! You need to look into 'promosm'!!
😂😂😂😂😂 For sure! And thank you! ❤