Thanks for the kind review. I’m glad you’re really liking the tent. I think the reason why the vestibules work so well is because the main area (deepest part) is beside the door instead of right in front of it, so you can tuck a pack here without it being in the way….and of course having the pole to lean it against is handy. Almost every other tent has the deepest part of the vestibule right where you get in. I love the user feedback and I am always trying to make it better. In this spirit of that, here are some replies: The v2 version that just started shipping recently does address a few of the suggestions here. As you mention, it adds the magnetic door toggles and also (1) adjusts the position downward a bit as you request, (2) adds a bottom strap to the pole handle connections so they no longer ride up, (3) trims the footprint by 5” of width and 2” of length (while keeping the interior just a spacious). It also has a few other refinements like added catenary curves make it easier to get a tight pitch. The stakes have been a tough one. I spec quite expensive titanium stakes, but they are a bit small and the V ones can bend on harder soils. I’m working on finding better ones, but stakes have been one of those things super backlogged during covid with many vendors not taking new customers. I will have improved stakes in early 2023. For the head to toe thing, I agree with you that it is roomier to be on the side with the steeper headwall, so both people could have this benefit if they sleep opposite, but often times that doesn’t work because the ground is sloped or people want to sleep the same way, so I deny that people HAVE to do this. Since the tent is more spacious than most 2P tents, I think it is still quite nice to use on either side and even the less tall side is still roomier than most 2P tents. With a buddy I might sleep opposite, while with a partner we’d sleep the same way and probably put the taller person on the side with the extra room. For the #3 inner zippers, these are something that can wear out after quite a bit of use but almost every tent uses #3 for the inner because there’s a lot of zipper length and using #5 is a lot of weight gain. I think every major competitor uses #3 as well, so I just couldn’t be as weight competitive if we added 2-3oz for #5 inner zippers. I did opt for tougher #5 zippers on the fly, when most tents this lighter are #3 there too. Your log house looks great! I’ve got a log house too - so cozy in the colder winter months. - Dan

The fact that Dan is updating his tents and backpacks according to feedback is just so cool imo

THIS is how a review video SHOULD be done! Thanks! (btw just recieved mine and used it the other night, its awesome!)

I appreciate your demeanor. Open minded. My X-Mid 1p v2 works nicely on canoe and motorcycle trips. Courtesy of Half Vast Flying

Hi, I just got a Yama Gear large DCF stuff sack in white for the Xmid 2p. It’s 12x8 so it’s wider in width and it has a rounded bottom. Its much easier to pack than the stock stuff sack. But man is it superbly constructed and pretty. Its non-sewn and has a webbing pull, you wouldn’t think it came from a cottage maker. It was also the most reasonably priced 👍🏻 My stock stuff sock didn’t last 2 weeks on the AZT before I tore it while packing it on a freezing morning.

Picked up the 2P solid version late last fall. Took it on a solo trip and was highly impressed. Looking forward to a group trip this weekend and will use it with my son. We are both 6’ tall and I expect we will fit quite well with two wide pads. We’ve slept in smaller… The vestibule works great for pack stowage, even when it’s not completely empty. My pitch was tight and there was no effect with the pack leaning on the pole. For the inner zipper, if you can tighten up the floor, that could help take out the slack that seemed to cause that area to collapse. I’m hoping my Durston ground sheet will arrive this week. Used some polycryo on the first trip, but would prefer to have more protection for the floor. Great review. Happy trails!

I'm glad you had an opportunity to get one to review! I have both the X-Mid 1P and 2P and love them both. I just completed 1820 miles of the AT before my knees died and took a Zpacks DupleXL as the interior space to weight ratio was better than the X-Mids for a through hike. I never did get used to the poor door and vestibule design on the DupleXL after being very happy with the X-Mids. Had the X-Mid 2 Pro been available I'd have certainly gone with that, and in fact just ordered one.

I just bought the X-Mid 2P V2 and stumbled across your video. I really enjoyed your presentation style and am now a subscriber. I'll look forward to watching more of your content. My name is Dax so I was also thrilled to hear your great-nephew and I share the same name. Keep up the good work and happy trails!

Great review! After watching your review I went ahead and bought one after seeing that Dan Durston replied himself and mentioned that he had addressed most of the issues you had mentioned. Hey Dan (Durston)! If your listening send Dan (ShastaBubba) an X-Mid Pro 1 Tent his way so he can review it will you..

I'm really glad you reviewed this. Mainly because I've looked at pyramid tents like the Duomid and Khufu and wondered if a mid or the X mid would be better for me. Based on your review, I think it's the X Mid.

Great review and information in the comments about the evolution of this tent line. The fact that Dan D. weighs in to inform and clarify makes a huge difference. I’ve seen his comments in a number of reviews about his products. As far as the solid aluminum nail stakes you use, I prefer two of them as well when pitching my Skyscape Trekker by Six Moon Designs. I use them at the two main guy points. I believe I got mine from Mountain Laurel Designs; they sell the Easton Nano stakes. Big Sky International out of Jackson, WY sells their version, in a variety of sizes, that is a solid piece of aluminum. The silpoly material in the Trekker performs very well with very little stretch and quick drying on those damp mornings. I assume it will perform as well in the Durston tents.

Nice review. Some very helpful and thoughtful points that others haven’t mentioned. I know it’s heavier (although once you add the trekking poles’ weight there’s not a huge difference), but I still like the design of the Scarp 2 best, mostly because of the vertical ends which seem perfect for someone tall like me (6ft3). Apparently it’s superb with condensation too. Just wish Tarptent would make it in polyester instead of nylon for the extra UV protection and lower water absorption / quicker drying.

Great review. The version 2 magnetic tie is excellent. However, the inner tie back is terrible. There are two other changes rather than complaints, and you've mentioned them here. The stakes I don't like at all so MSR Groundhogs for me and the lines are both too short and also I don't like the fact the action through the linelocs is too knotted and clunky so I changed those out. If those are mine only attempts at complaints then, like you, this tent is a winner! How many other two person tents accurately take 2 long wide rectangular pads???? Not many!

Really enjoy your videos and reviews. I have the X-Mid 2P too and love it.

Thanks for the valuable review. As usual, an enjoyable and informative review.

Cool and interesting reading on the shelf sir and a great vid thank you

Gotta admit that after the bucks I spent on the Zpacks Altaplex and the good service I'm getting from that tent (not to mention my age!), I'm probably good on tents for the next some years. With all that said, the Durston seems like a worthty tent, especially for someone like me that wants a solo tent with all the roominess of a two person tent. Overall, the materials and construction on the newest generation of backpacking tents like the Durston is waaaay better than the one I started out with so many years ago.

Re a review with two bodies, no miss without this test. Most backpackers know 2 in a 2 person, Ultralight tent means you’re going to want to really be comfortable with your tent mate, and a more realistic formula is to just add one to the number of people you’ll use the shelter with when selecting size, based on stated occupancy.

I really enjoyed your review. Thank you!

I still don't understand why people roll non-dyneema tents before putting them into a stuffsack. A stuffsack is called a stuffsack for a reason. Just stuff the tent in, it's quicker and easier. In regard to the stuffsack being too small, ditch it. In 50 years of hiking I'm yet to see the stuffsack that comes with a tent fit for purpose. Replace it with an ultrasil compression dry sack. That lets you compress the volume and allows you to pack a wet tent more easily.

thanks so much!

What a GREAT review!! You really helped me make my decision. Thank you so much!!

Durston for prime minister!

Have you considered doing a comparison video between the xmid and the Khufu? I’m stuck between the two as a foray into trekking pole tents. As far as I can tell, the biggest differences are where the trekking poles go and the footprint size on the Khufu being smaller. I think I’m splitting hairs and will be happy with either, I’ve just seen more on the xmid due to its popularity. Thanks for covering all the gear I want, hopefully it’ll keep me from making anymore expensive mistakes.

Nice review. Thank you. I ordered a one person solid a while ago and can’t wait for it to arrive!

Thank you for your information, very helpful for me!!

I just want see myself using a tent with struts, but so do love my Double Rainbow Li. Have you checked out the new HMG Unbound series Tent and Pack?

Great review! I’m considering the xmid solid 2p and the stratospire 2 solid for me and my 4 year old. Which one would you get, of the two updated versions? BR from Norway!

No thanks 3-4lb tents are just fine and some are more weather worthy than tents like this…..thanks for the review!

great thoughts thank you!

One issue that seems to be overlooked in all the videos I have watched, and maybe a deal breaker for many, is that you can't set up just the inner tent without the rainfly. Not sure about others, but I personally like the option to just set up a tent without the rainfly in order to 'sleep under the stars' in buggy seasons. If that is possible with this tent, and I just missed something, please let me know because if that's the case it will be on my Xmas list!

I own a Stratospire today which I really like, but the limited packability grinds my gears. I am very interested in the X-Mid and would love to hear your thoughts on the pros and cons of the two!

How durable is the floor? Do you feel that a footprint underneath the floor would is needed?

Hi! I happen to also have a Khufu DCF and am for some reason looking this tent up. Is there any chance you can give me a brief direct comparison between your experience of the two tents? Cheers!

You should put a link to the stakes you use.

Very nice review. Do you think the tent will work for a 6'6'' guy in the two person mode? Using it alone and slightly diagonal should work easily but how about 2 persons?

I hope he releases a smaller tent. just too big for me

Xmid or locusgear?

Which do you use more when going solo the 1P or 2P?

Well, head to foot doesn't work as nobody want's to sleep head downhill. You will have fights over this!

The jimmy carter of tent reviews