Durston for me. While the foot print does seem larger, once you deploy the vestibules of the zpacks duplex it's just as wide so really you're "occupying" the same amount of space. The Durston has the ability to be set up with a "skinny pitch" which stows the vestibules (one or both) away while still being able to use the door zippers. In the skinny pitch configuration it is best to run guy lines from the peaks though. And the skinny pitch would require more thought in the direction of wind for the pitch as it results in flat side walls. The wall angles of the Durston give much more usable interior space and the angle of the walls makes it much more easy for any condensation to run down and out of the tent. And the peak vents do a good job helping reduce condensation. Smaller pack size, half the number of required stakes and ease of pitch, massive vestibules and the zippers gives the Xmid the win for me.

Unbiased review from the only one (on yt so far) who actually took them on thru hikes!

Own both (Durston and DuplexL, requiring 8-stakes). Not a close call. Those 8-stakes extend away from tent, and are trip-hazards galore. And those 8-stakes provide way less stable/sturdy pitch. Durston requires only 4-stakes, and those stakes are in-close (within inches) of the tent corners and are virtually no trip-hazard at all. In many/most places, a rock-on-stake is required, lest stakes break loose (at the worst possible moment) for any tent, so it's not just 4-stakes vs 8, but also 4-rocks vs 8. Most thru-hike spots have four rocks, but 8 is pushing it. Each stake also incurs a chance of hitting an underground rock and having to re-stake. (more...) Doors: Gotta pitch DuplexL oriented for wind, lest doors catch wind and balloon-out. Wind-shifts and chaos ensues. DuplexL's rainbow mesh-doors require both sides of the rainbow be fully unzipped to safely enter (without risking some sort of ripping) and essentially must be done on every entry/exit. Where Durston's may be mostly left completely unzipped until securing for the night. This is because Durston's doors hang closed, so few bugs can enter, even unzipped. While DuplexL's rainbow doors lay in the mud/dirt. Splash: DuplexL suffers way more splash than Durston. This is not a close-call as Miss Kelly implies. Durston is a revolutionary advancement in trekking-pole tents. There are none that compare atm. Love Zpacks, but it's time they upgrade their game.

I have both tents also. I loved my duplex until the xmids came out. Now, I hate the rainbow door on the duplex. It was never really a problem until it became a problem. I still have no real complaints about the duplex. It is a great tent. After getting the xmid, I just prefer it. Sets up super fast and easy. No pole in the way getting in or out. No crawling over the door anymore. Using the "skinny" pitch, I can get in places I couldn't get the duplex if I ever needed to. So, I have just the one minor complaint about the duplex and none with the xmid. Both great tents. A person couldn't go wrong with either!

Excellent comparison, thank you. I'm going to get the Durston based on this and another comparison I saw on here. Your descriptions were astute and that really helps. Enjoying your content!

I bought the Durston X-Mid Pro 2 earlier this year for hiking the Larapinta Trail here in Australia. I used a Tyvek footprint with it because of all the spinifex and super sharp rocks in Central Australia. I LOVE IT! Took me a bit to get the pitching of it right as I've always had a semi/stand alone tent style tent before, but once I got my angles right it was a cinch to set up. Would recommend guying it out in windy weather though!

Great review Kelly! Only had my Durston out for 3 trips this year but loving it so far!

I bought a Durston X-Mid Pro 2 this year to replace a Golite tarp system that I've been using for 20+ years. I was looking for a lightweight tent with at least a slightly smaller footprint than my tarp. I started researching the tent after it was brought to my attention via one of your videos from the Florida Trail. I've only had it out for two trips so far, but I like it so far. Thanks for the inspiration!

I love the Zpacks Duplex, but I do wish that I would have seen the Durston at the time that I ordered it. That trekking pole location being the big advantage. Being over 40, getting in and out of Zpacks isn't easy, especially after a 15 to 18 mile day.

Hiked 4000+ miles in my Duplex and the love is big but… when the the time came to replace it I went for the Durston XMid 2 Pro. Ahhhh the feel of new love!! Both great tents tbh but the Durston is winning.

I own the xmid 2p original version 1. In my opinion it's worth carrying the few extra ounces for the benefits of a double wall tent. Still considered ultralight light, And yes it has pockets also. Not to mention you can use inner netting only or rainfly only. Lots of options.

Absolutely love my Durston XMid 2p. Very versatile,super easy setup and I’m 6’3 so the headroom and room period is great. Great Review as well, one of the best I’ve seen on it!

I have the Durston XMID 2P. I love it. Since it has a large footprint, it could present a challenge when out on the trail finding spots large enough to pitch it. I have the "Stargazer" kit that allows me to set it up without the rainfly if I want. Great comparison review.

I’ve settled on the X-Mid Pro 1. It should arrive in a few days! I compared “all” of the popular DCF tents and the X-Mid Pro series is a winner all around for me.

I also hiked the PCT with the Duplex and now have the Xmid 2 Pro (though only used in my lawn so far). The biggest problem I have with the Duplex is the rainbow door dropping to the ground. I had numerous issues with it - had to have the zipper pulls replaced in S Lake Tahoe and still had issues with the other side. Many other hikers had the same issue. With the Durston the door folds up out of the way.

I have the Zpacks duplex in burnt orange. It just came in the mail and taking it out for the first time this weekend!

i have the Zpacks duplex camo. the only issue i had while hiking the AT was condensation the solution was to have a rag to wipe down the inside and waiting to pack the tent until just before hiking out. i did use the extra tie down points as well. a major thunder storm tested the tent on the first night of my hike .40 mph winds. glad i used the extra tie down

I have a tarptent notch li and I have loved it for the last few years, but I think I’ll go ahead and get the durston xmid pro 2. Having the extra head room and and the trekking poles out of my way will be such a huge quality of life upgrade for my 2024 ATC hike. The only thing I’ll miss is the double wall construction to buck moisture. I have never had a single wall tent

I've had a Zpacks Duplex. My current Zpacks is a Plex Solo. I also have Durston X-mid Pro 1 and 2 tents. I generally prefer the Durston for the layout and stormworthiness as well as ease of setup. But the 2 man tent, you mentioned, takes up a lot of square footage, and it can be hard to find a big enough flat spot. The 1 man is about right in square footage, but I really want the interior mesh covered space to be bigger. A 1.5 man space under the same amount of tarp would be ideal for me. I fear that the close mesh walls (which go up vertically, meaning it's cramped for me at shoulder height) will hold droplets in foggy weather, leading to wet gear and hypothermia.

Great review Kelly. I do fancy buying the Durston but it would probably be the one with the solid inner. It would suit the Scottish weather I think. All my tents are free standing, Naturehike and MSR tents and have always wanted a trekking pole tent but when you get to the point where you have 4 backpacking tents, do I really need a fifth?…yes! Of course I do lol

Thanks for the info! I'm about ready to replace my Duplex. I have loved it but like the options of the Durston...

Great review! I love my Durston.

My zpacks duplex is coming in the mail today😊 cant wait! Thanks for the vid!

If you want to add an external foot print just make one the same size as your foor and add bungies to the corners that tie to the main floor and leave attached when take down .Then it will go up again as you setup tent .. This is what I did for my x mid 2p tent to keep it clean on bottom ...

Great review, I'll take a tent with the off set pole anyday.But they are both good tents.

Great comparison video. Stay well and be safe. Florida is calling.

Thank you for your great review! I think the Durston X Mid Pro 2 is the one I will buy. I’ve seen some people complain about how it can be hard to pitch when you can’t find flat ground , but that’s not a common thing that you can always find in the back country.

I had a Duplex, I ultimately sold it because I hate the rainbow doors and the lack of zippers on the storm doors (back then anyway). It was also slightly too narrow to fit two 25" wide pads when I take my son in overnight hikes. These days I am getting away from DCF, I find that I prefer being able to cram a silpoly tent I to a stuff sack rather than needing to neatly fold and roll it. My main tent now is a SMD Lunar Solo that I customized a bit and am planning to take on the CT this August

I have the Duplex and SO wish the zipper fly option had been available last year when I bought mine. The clips are a bit difficult to do up from the inside of the tent.

I have the mis pro 2 v.2 The Durston service is amazing!!! Dan and his wife😉 are incredible ✌️ The tent was amazing on the AT The Lost Sloth 🥾💪❤️🔥✌️

Used my X-Mid 2P Pro for the first time on Tuesday night, fantastic tent especially since it’s only 550gm.

I just ordered an X-mid 1 Pro tent, with woven floor, last week and it shipped and should arrive this week (1 week delivery time). The version with the dynema floor is not available until August. However, the day after I ordered, the availability of the Xwas changed to not available until June-August 2024. I may have gotten the last one out of this batch! Whew. Just wanted to let your viewers know the X-mid 1 Pro is currently sold out, in both versions, but will be back later in the summer.

I’m a fairly large guy (Think line backer), I like a large tent, ventilation, and absolutely hate getting wet from the sides of the tent. To sleep good I must change positions constantly throughout the night. I am not a speed hiker so a little extra weight is okay. I was considering a Zpack Triplex for more room but now I’m thinking that the Durston might be perfect. I absolutely hate sleeping on the ground and would love some info. On hammock camping warmer climates.

Great Review Kelly 👍, as a Newbie im thinking the Durston 🤷‍♂

If I blowout my Duplex I might consider the Durston (if it’s available). Duplex is running strong currently and I’ve got its setup dialed in. I use eight full size Groundhogs and it’s solid as a rock in the wind. Zipper option wasn’t available when I bought mine. Would have preferred the zipper. Pissing at night ain’t a problem; I just roll over to the downhill side or my Gatorade bottle and let er’ rip. # 2’s take some forethought.

Definitely the Durston for me, but the ouch in the price tag keeps me with the lower-cost version that isn't made from Dyneema. Otherwise, everything except the weight is the same.

Perfect review 9L. One question..is there a difference under wind between the 2? Durston for me as well. Not a fan of guy lines, and the pole placements were huge differences. I like the vent holes and the Durston seems to pitch tighter. Very thorough review, thank you! Take care ✌️

Screw Z-Snacks!... Durston for the win, he is the official King of the tents!

Helpful video. Surprised that you neglected to compare/contrast internal space, both headroom and floor space. Cheers.

I bought the wife an Xmid 1P. I prefer a hammock. We're not thru hikers so ditched the Dyneema and saved over 300 bucks. In winter without the insert screen, 2 people could sleep in the 1P like a hot tent.

I like the design of the X-Mid…but I like the fact that Zpack’s gear is made in America (I have a Arc haul 60). But honestly been heavily considering the Tarptent Stratospire Ultra because of new material and its projected longevity compared to dyneema. The Stratos also looks like it might handle condensation better. I’ve been using a Hyperlight tarp with a Paria bug net shelter for a few years because tarps do so well with condensation.

How waterproof is the floor of the durston?

I assume the Durston also doesn't have any metal hook. I hate those hooks on the Zpacks. I am careful packing it and haven't ripped anything yet, but the key word is yet...

Very useful vid. 😊

Great reviews! Have you ever needed your poles for a day hike with the tent pitched? I wonder if you’d have to re stake the fly, or just shove the poles back in?

based on your experience would this tent work decently on OHT (or anything in the Ozarks) due to the need to stake it out? And what other trails that you have done would this type (not freestanding) not be good for?

Just to add, the Durston has a dyneema option for the floor for people who want that.

Great review. If you have 2 people, do they both have head room.?

I sold my Duplex and bought the X-mid pro 1. The X-mid's are much better tents. The trick to setting up the X-mid's is to stake out one end and then grab the other end and pull side to side. You can feel when you're in the center. Perfect pitch every time.

Nice review, I have a z-packs altaplex and really like it's even smaller light weight configuration. And it only requires 1 trekking pole. At 6'5" it's perfect for me.

I considered the Duplex but the cost being a bit high for me, I went with Gossamer Gear's The Two. So far it's done quite well for me.

Looks like way too many points in favor of the X-Mid. It’s my choice, thanks for the review!

I own an XMid 2 solid, but I find it curious why the cost of the Durston XMid Pro is essentially the same as the Duplex when the Duplex is made in the US and the Xmid Pro is made in China.

Those are both nice tents but for me unfortunately I travel with a dog 130 pound German Shepard -Blood hound, Enjoying your videos and be well

The duplex free standing kit takes the trekking poles away, the door opening is then HUGE! And it gives a ton more space by holding the sides out. I got them because I rarely use 2 poles when hiking.

KEEP BEING THE AMAZING WOMAN YOU ARE! MUCH LOVE TO YOU .STAY SAFE!!!!

Nice reviews of these 2 outstanding UL tents! How do you get these types of tent staked out properly on rock ground? Ive always depended on freestanding tents but I am looking to lighten the load for my next long distance hike! Thank you!

I'm sure you could lie down at 6ft4 , sitting up without touching the roof though ???

I have a X Mid 2 solid and i love it.! 2.3 lbs with four stakes. I would love the Durston X Mid Pro just about 300 dollars more than the x mid solid and 1 lb lighter. Love that my poles are not in the way of the entrance XMid s are the Bombdigity .

Double D for me!!!!!

Support this channel by letting the adds play. Turn the volume off and read the comments. Thanks Kelly

It’s crazy looking at the overhead. I always felt the Durston footprint looks and is larger than the Duplex but the measurements say otherwise. Then I hear others and yourself say the Durston is a larger harder to fit footprint. 🤔 I have the Duplex and my only complaint really is the none zip vestibules. Oh, and my ocd can’t get over the geometry of the Durston, love the classic squared A frame of the Duplex.

Both are nice tents. However, why would I buy a Dyneema tent that is 40% Sil nylon? No freaking way. And they still charge like it's 100% DCF. WTF!?!? I get that the nylon floor is supposed to pack up smaller but having a waterproof floor versus a water-resistant floor is a big difference. I think Zpacks might have just taken the lead with their new Offset Duo. All the goodness of a Durston, but all dyneema! We will see. Thanks for the video.

8:41 It's either silnylon or silpolyester (nylon fabric impregnated with silicone, or polyester fabric impregnated with silicone). I am guessing that Durston uses nylon fabric which is more durable (by weight) than polyester, unless it is exposed to direct sunlight for extended periods of time, unlikely, with the floor of a tent. Durston is made in China. Zpacks tents are made in America.

Nice review Kelly! And why aren’t you out hiking somewhere????😂 ⛺️⛰️🏕️🗻

I went with the Zpacks Duplex solely for the extra versatility. Meaning it offers a freestanding pole kit where the Xmid doesn’t. Not that big of a deal, but being able to convert it to a freestanding tent, while still weighing less than every other 2 person freestanding tent was the deciding factor

She is a beaut I mean the girl and not the tent 😉

So expensive but i guess you pay for weight reduction!