The reality for most of us is that we are not buying a DCF/Dyneema tent. The xmid (non DCF) version is an amazing value at 280 dollars. It’s a great tent, light, durable and affordable.

I think the non pro durston tents should get more love. I know its slightly heavier but being double walled helps with that condensation issue and its cheaper. Plus on nights like you had durston sells the "stargazer kit" so you can set up without the fly. Or you can just use some paracord and do the same thing.

As I watched this, I was remembering how the first tent I slept in as a Boy Scout was a canvas tent with no floor and the poles were 2x2 wooden and square. Some tents even had a wooden beam along the peak. We used to have to dig a small trench around the tent so the water would drain away from the tent. Yes I am old but it’s great to live in a time when tents and gear have advanced so much.

I love how when Dan is talking that Darwin walks around and nonchalantly fixes the pitch on your tent.

I have the Dan Durston tent and havung 2 vestibules gets you air flow to prevent condensation and you can use one side for backpack and one side for going in and out.

While I am a Durston owner, you can’t deny Darwin takes on the tent. And as he mentioned it’s subjective and each person’s mileage may vary, enjoyed the content and the collab of this two great KZfaqrs 🤙🏽 Simplicity is key, have a great weekend everyone

I dont use hiking poles but have the X-MID which I combine with 2 foldable Carbon fiber rods. Lightweight and super easy to set up. Love it.

X-mid 1p has the clear advantage of having a non DCF mucho affordable version

I actually love the two vestibules. As a backcountry hunter the extra storage space has been invaluable for gear. To each their own I guess.

Great comparison guys! For the Durston, moving the base of the hiking pole towards and in the direction of the floor wrinkle a few cms should get rid of it.

I feel like a lot of the backpacking/hiking KZfaqrs are way off base with their videos. Focusing on ultralight $600 plus tents is a very small percentage of people who do this activity. Whereas the majority of people can afford a 100 to $300 light tent... I really wish there was a channel that focused on going light as possible yet cost effective gear.

Purchased durston xmid-2p Gen2. Used for a couple of nights on the N. Rim of the Grand Canyon. Fairly windy. Below Freezing. 4 corners staked. 2 poles inserted. Done. packed the tent with the interior still connected and laid it back out in new location day 2 on the rim. So nice. This tent is SO awesome. Darwin is correct that the narrowness and shallowness of the tent makes it difficult to do anything other than sleep inside. However, it serves that purpose marvelously. Room for 2 with 25" pads, comfortably. Great head and foot room. SIMPLE setup. Great price. very lightweight. easy to pack. packs up very small. I have ZERO buyers remorse on this purchase. Thanks Darwin and Dan for this side x side review! Always fun 😀

X-Mid has been a superb shelter for me. Manitoba in violent winds. Yes, condensation is there. Great vestibule space reduces claustrophobia when storm bound for three days.

Great video! Fun/helpful to see Dan and Darwin chat through these tents together. I've had an X-mid Pro 2 for a couple of years now and have really enjoyed it. Nice easy setup and very roomy while still being light. The build quality is really fantastic and I enjoy just looking over the tent seems and subtle design features. That silpoly floor has been too fragile and I would definitely prefer a thicker floor material, be it 1oz DCF or something else. None of my other tents have holes in the floor aside from my Durston, and I even use a polycryo footprint with it, which I wish I didn't need. Dang pine needles... I'm glad to see it is offered with a DCF floor now. I had always wanted to try a Zpacks tent, but I'm a bit type-A about cosmetic flaws and had noticed from videos that the build-quality of Zpacks tents seems to be pretty rough compared to most other manufacturers. Despite that, they're obviously performing well and holding up for many avid backpackers, so I finally decided to try one out. I was about to get an Altaplex, but decided to go with the Offset Solo. Still really want to test out an Altaplex though. I knew the build-quality was likely going to be an issue going in and I highly recommend you brace yourself for that as well if you're thinking of forking out the dough for one of these tents. I wasn't surprised to find that the stitching is not straight in a number of areas (really noticeable when a seam is doubled-stitched and the lines taper together and apart throughout the seam). The corners of the floor also don't want to lay out nicely (more of a weight-saving design choice than a build quality issue for the corners). The truth is, despite me not being great on a sewing machine, I feel like I could likely get a similar result making one myself with a little guidance. I've made a few box bags out of tent fabrics and have even managed some nice and straight seams on those. I'd assume that for someone with vastly more experience and expertise than me (and better equipment) straight seam lines would be a breeze. Despite the seams being being hard to look at, I really like the tent. The overall design is really interesting/functional and the feature set is a nice balance of comfort and convenience meets ultralight tent. The pitch is a little trickier, but not bad, and I really like the dual magnetic toggles. I wanted to emphasize the rough seams though, because I don't see this mentioned much and it's very surprising. You'll be sorely disappointed in your purchase if you're a little type-A and don't know that going in. I know there are quite a few people like me out there that really have a hard time liking an expensive product that has obvious cosmetic flaws. This is a pretty big deal in my book and something I wish Zpacks would address better. In terms of the cosmetic beauty of the seams, sadly, my Zpacks tent is worse than any other tent I own, some of which cost me under $100. The truth is, an inexpensive Lanshan tent has notably better cosmetic build-quality than my Zpacks tent. Please realize that I say all of this still loving my Offset Solo and appreciating Zpacks greatly as a company. I would buy it again (or maybe an Altaplex depending on my mood any given week, ha!) However, I've noticed this trend with cottage gear makers where we accept lower quality execution for that "Made in America" badge and some unique design features. I don't mind supporting the little guy in this for a bit, but when you get to the success level and size of a company like Zpacks, we should really be able to expect equal or better quality construction/seams to those of the Chinese manufacturers. I don't just mean in terms of performance, I mean in the cosmetics of the seams. You can purchase some excellently crafted tents with nearly perfect cosmetic seams for very affordable prices made overseas. I'm all about made in America as well and don't mind paying a bit of a premium for this, but that used to mean an even higher level of build quality and cosmetic beauty than what we could get overseas, not just supporting American-made for it's own sake or a clever design. I would honestly rather an outdoor company take Durston's approach of coming up with excellent designs, but leaving the construction to the professionals who can churn out the perfect/consistent quality seams you'd expect in a $600-$700 DCF tent. Yes, the fabric is expensive, but all the more reason the seam quality/cosmetic execution should match the price.

These two guys. I love these two guys. They are so fun and yet so different. So glad to see them in this video together.

As an owner of a Durston X-Mid 2 ( not a cult :-) ) I love the tent when it's me and my wife. I've set it up so much I can almost do it blind folded. I don't have any issue with condensation as long as I open the vents, if I don't.. it rains inside. I'm in the market for a 1-person tent and Darwin brings up a good point about single pole tents. As I'm beleive there's no perfect tent for every situation, I'll do my reading and youtubeing before makin up my mind. great review!

Love the Durston tent! Worked for me on my AT thru hike in 2023. Might be a cult member as a result....

Darwin seems to have a special bond with his dead cat. 😂

I love my xmid 1p, its not Dymema, and i have not experienced much condensation at all in it. Also not a huge fan that its awkward to get views out of or drink coffee out of in the morning, but really every tent has its pros and cons, its an awesome tent for the price/weight and I don't feel claustrophobic like I do in the bivy style tents.

Consumers :the tent walls hit my feet ,and my foot box gets wet. Zpacks: here ya go we added a stick with a cup , and if you run into any giants you can use the cup and string to sling rocks at it as well.

We have a medium sized dog and therefore a Zpacks TRIPLEX and like it mostly. If you buy a Duplex or Triplex I would highly recommend getting the zipped vestibule option. Ours does not have zippers and rain blows in. They told us, "you have to set it up according to the prevailing wind." Apparently they have never seen a thunderstorm !🤪

I use the x mid pro and I totally agree on the lack of tensioners on the lines. You should be able to tension those lines. It would make the tent better for sure

I have the first two Xmid's. The 1 and the 2. I love them both. Super easy to pitch, especially once you do the initial set up. For the common hiker, they're great.

Loved the Honesty of the review's. I like durability and is 1-2lb heaver tent a deal breaker not to Me.

Reason I have Dan Durston tent. 1. I am Canadian so I don't have to pay hundreds of dollars in duty to buy it. 2. I like you can use just the outer and have a tonne more space

Thanks for this. I used Tarptent for a while. A Notch was too narrow. I'd sleep dry but get wet from condensation getting out of the tent in the morning. Kelly Hayes videos brought Durston to my attention and I was near ready to jump then a friend suggested Zpacks. This head to head is good! I'm not sure what the alternative is yet but with your comments about each, I'm not as sold as I was on either an hour ago.

This is a great debate between two people on the opposite sides of hiking! I think it’s great! You both have great energy together! I appreciate this a lot!!

Ultimately, the decision for an ultralight 1p tent for me came down to a choice of 1 pole, which is a valid point, vs. many more stakes and lines. To date, the main tent has been free-standing and still is for bike packing, and I always found extra stakes and lines a total faff around and only bothered with if it was windy or I was staying more than one night, so why not. I chose a 2nd pole that I have with me anyway and fewer stakeout requirements. To be clear, though, the choice was between the X-Mid 1 (non-pro) and an SMD single pole tent because we mere mortals rarely pay for DCF. It is far too pricy to justify the value returned, and the bush here is brutal. I would cry if I ripped a hole into DCF.

Great video. I like to see the channel overlap. Coming from the 1P Lanshan pro cult, I would love to see one or both of you review my tent. I bought one a few years ago to try trekking pole tents and haven't found a good reason to upgrade as planned.

Darwin Should design a tent... seriously. His ideas is on point.

I hate to say this, but I will always chose a freestanding, double walled tent when backpacking. The easy of set-up, better condensation management, and usually better in storms (but not always). I usually use Hilleberg, Fjällräven; but i love Sierra Designs, Nemo, and BA. :) Yes they are heavier, but it's worth it to me. I have tried the Duplex and X-Mid; both are great tents (although I prefer the X-Mid)! However, just not as versatile IMHO. :)

The Durston is super easy to set up. 4 points, put in 2 poles, stake out 2 doors. So fast. Quick question for Darwin. He was pretty adamant about not using two poles. Is this for fear of one breaking on trail. How many times in his experience has this happened to him?

Great vid Dan

I'm 5'5" and have the altaplex for tall people, but Im older and it's easy to get in and out of.

The X-mid is really easy to set up only need 4 stakes, in the summer I only bring the outer in case of rain or/and wind and I use a Borah gear bivy when the weather is good to avoid morning humidity.

Love my duration 2 person, also love my Big Agnes copper ! Good to see Darwin back on the trail.

I like his shoes. Stated wearing Topo some time ago.

Well, this was a fun video for me. My Copper Spur zipper FINALLY gave out after 6 years of use, so I have been looking again at zpacks. I agree with Darwin, I wouldn't like the side up next to my face, AND I agree with Dan that extra pole opening up the side would be GREAT. Thanks guys for helping me decide... now I can order one and STOP USING CLOTHES PINS ON MY BIG AGNES. LOL

Two of my biggest complaints about the Durston pro is the condensation and just how slick the tent floor is. I feel like I slip and slide across the floor. My biggest complaint about the zpacks Duplex is the tent poles block the doors. Both tents are great. Both have issues

2 poles 4-stakes, versus 1 pole and how many stakes? Great to see the collab! Fun times!

I guess the weather is always nice in the states where these guys camp. As a person who hikes and camps in Iceland, northern Norway and Scotland, I would like to know how well these tents handle stormy weather...

This was like a low-energy Battle of the Backpackers. lol.

Looks like that Zpacks offset tent is a pain to set up. The fact that you guys are making a video on it and feel the need to try to fix the pitch in the middle of the video says it all. I'm looking to downsize from my duplex, so maybe I'll give the plex solo a shot.

I like the chemistry.. . Your reviews have really helped me learn. We’re aways from affording an ultra lite tent, saving for it. but researching . .. thank you. I’d love to a comparison between weights on tent vs. hammock. We’ve thru hiked the triple O ( NW Arkansas and Missouri) working on finances for Colorado Trail currently. Feel like you guys give us pros and cons straight up. Thanks. ❤

MSR are the best tents/gear in my opinion… 🇳🇴

Great Video Dan, thank you for sharing.

Durston Shape question: the shape is for its better wind handling characteristics. I have had some windy nights in the UK in my Durston, more so than what I get in the US. However in the US West i only carry the fly, and most nights cowboy it. (using the non pro, not a fan of single wall tents)

What is the best way to reduce condensation? Us a cover on the tent? Or no matter what u will have condensation?

Easier is always better! Good job, guys! TY!

@DarwinOnthetrail I like the comparison and pro/con gear, it really helps with my gear decisions. Anyway, what kind of trail runners are you wearing? I can't make it out in the video but they look too durable to be Altra. I went through a pair of lone peaks last year, even using the gaiters, in less than 50 Adirondack miles, apparently the trails are too abrasive, unmaintained and gnarly for them to survive. I understand the trade-off between Ultralight and Durability, but I've seen you guys have do some pretty rough terrain and I'm not being careless with my gear. I do have to give credit to REI/Altra(hero) for honoring the warranty when I brought them back in all torn up. I expected Apple store treatment but, it didn't cost anything to get the replaced. However, even treating the next pair with more respect, the lugs wore away after a couple hikes and the same material on the side and upper started to come apart. I can't decide between the Topo Pursuits or the Traverses right now. Any advice and what are you wearing this for this year? I remember you did a video a while back about trail runners, zero drop, and Plantar fasciitis(I have a very wide/flat foot) so I loved how they felt on my feet especially with wide toe box and the quick dry. The zero-drop and stack was less tiring on my leg muscles. But the lone peak's lack of Vibram on the bottom make them slippery on wet rocks and mud in steep sections. I switched from Merrell Moabs, which were grippy and indestructible, but they would never get dry and become even heavier when soaked. Please help, I can't afford a new pair of lone peak or Olympus every summer or should that be the expectation with trail runners now? Also, sorry Dan, I know it's your video but, any advice you have is welcome.

Love Darwin, this was an awesome collab!

Personally, I’d love to see more coverage of tents that don’t cost $600+. Darwin has mentioned that he is interested in doing more backpacking rather than just thru-hiking. I think the audience for that, and for Dan’s content would include more weekenders who might not be in the market for such expensive tents. Just my opinion though. Appreciate you both. 😁

Dan's embraced that 'trashbag over a bush' look that so many Zpacks owners seem to love 🤣. Darwin's pitch tweaking is exactly what I have to hold myself back from doing when I see such badly pitched examples🤭

Why has Becker's channel suddenly become anti-Durston? Used the X-mid 2p at Philmont last summer, and absolutely loved it. Consider me in the cult.

Now cover the Lanshan 2 pro Dan

I’d love to see your impressions of the ZPacks offset solo!

I think Darwin had it right. You have to pick the tent with the features the meet the requirements of the type of camping you do. If your simply using the tent (or shelter to encompass more types other that strictly tents) to sleep in (think thru hiker), then simpler is better. If you base camping and spending lots of time in the shelter "living", then you want more "bells & whistles" and can handle a little more complicated of a set up. No one shelter is perfect for everyone every time, place, and situation. Love this discussion.

Durstan all day.

I'm just here for the Gear show off

Darwin raises two great points right off the bat: 1 person, 1 pole and 1 person, 1 vestibule. Couldn’t agree more. Hope Dan is reading and can engineer something to that effect 🤞😝

Lots of the points Darwin raised resonate with my views on the durston and plex solo. Both are great, but both have issues

Dan and Darwin are a freaking power couple.

XMid pro 2 has been a Zpacks killa for a while now.....

So what problem do you guys have looking for a stick on the rare occasion? Maybe it's just not part of a desert loadout. As a tall guy with big feet who likes to sleep on a 3.5" Big Agnes Rapid SL with an extra 1/4" of EVA, I am constantly trying to get a good pull-"up" at the foot and head ends. I find the idea of a design made to increase my returns in that regard quit attractive. This case, however, is way outside my budget.

Seeing a lot of comments about how not everyone can afford a “$600 tent” and want options for cheaper tents because they’re not thru-hikers. People, it’s not a “$600 tent” ffs, it’s $600 worth of Dyneema. It’s an expensive material! Dont look at Dyneema tents and you’ll be out of that price range. It’s a specific material for a specific purpose. Good Materials cost money. But you may not have a use case that requires that material! So please stop whining! It’s like someone who just cooks at home with a $100 knife set complaining about sushi chefs talking about their $500 Japanese knife, because they can’t afford one too. YOU ARENT A PROFESSIONAL SUSHI CHEF. (Side note I thru hike with a $240 Silpoly X-Mid 1. So I suuuper don’t understand the whining)

LOVE THIS Darwin/Dan thing!!!!

Guys, If you like simplicity like I do check out the TT Protrail. I do wish it was a little taller. One thing I dislike about the 1 pole shelters like a plex solo or lunar solo is having so many guylines to not trip over in camp, as well as 7-10 stakes to pitch it adequately. I also don't understand the fascination with the Durston tent design. The walls totally angle in, making it seem smaller than it is. And as Darwin mentioned, who needs 2 giant vestibules for 1 person? I don't. Oh well, HYOH.

Dans backyard has grown a lot i size and gained a lot of rocks.

8 stakes?! That’s a nope.

Holy Moses my two favorite backpackers in the same place okay so ones also a through hiker🎉

The z-pack looks like its Durston influenced.

Where was this filmed at?

Great comparison

I’m with Darwin. I want simplicity, and easy set up

@Dan. Taking DCF out of the equation and purely thinking design, what about the Six Moons Lunar Solo? How come you've never reviewed that one?

Still digging my 2nd-gen Gossamer Gear The One for solo 3-season.

I honestly have never understood all the 'to do' in regards to the Durston. Is it just becasue of the different shape ? I thought I was missing something, maybe I'm not...Fast & simple are my primary requirements as well.

Simple and good sleep space is best

Having a nice and spacious tent is all nice and well, but if it takes 15 minutes to setup, it shouldn't cost what the X-Mid Pro costs. Light and simple is what I want.

You make a good duo

12 minutes to say what ? Durston Rocks.

I've heard twice now youtubers mention that they don't "get the 1 person tent and 2 trekking pole set up." Which to me just doesn't make sense. If putting another single trekking pole upright is "too much" for you, you may need to re-evaluate what consitutes as effort for you. The whole needing four (or five or six if you want vestibule stake outs or not) total stakes and setting up the trekking poles after you make a rectangle with your stakes is so simple that you're hard pressed to find anything easier to set up in complexity. Complex design, but simple user interaction is exactly where I want to be

I have a Durston XMid Pro-1. It works well enough and is a quality product/design/. I am thinking about a one person freestanding tent. I want a smaller footprint and a less fiddly setup. ~S

Is on x backcountry alsow for europe ?

Tarptent DiPole 2.

Counting at least 9-stakes on that (Altaplex?) tent in the B-roll (eight on the Offset). Thought that bearded-guy said he wanted "simple to set up?" Durston sets up with four-stakes and zero guy-lines. Although Simplicity-Sam used six-stakes, the door stakes are not structural and are optional. Can't help but notice Ridicule-Vestibule didn't open his peak-vents, as he complains about condensation? Bet he didn't crack-open his vestibule doors to get crossflow either? Would be surprised if Plagiarized-Enterprise didn't start selling those Chinese knockoff Xmids with his company's brand-name on them, since that's his normal MO?

Durtson +1

Well, for me, the zpacks is a no. I own the xmid 1 pro today, and by apperance, i find it simpler to set up and use, compared to zpacks duo. It combines other equipment to the tent in a smart way. Other than that I thought the video a bit akward, with two people trying to push a tent they weren't completely sold on ...

Great video - in the vein of “Simple, don’t have to mess with it” the Tarptent Double Li is amazing. Different category but still light weight enough. Semi free standing or fully free standing, massive foot and headroom, and actually space for two 25” pads. Never wanted to be in the Cult of Durston, but recently picked up a Kakwa 40. Seriously good pack.

Dan Becker your money🤑🤑

It seems that folks who use other trekking pole tents have *the hardest time* with Durstons, whereas those who haven't ever used them before do just fine. The theory of setup is just different. While you 'hang' all trekking pole tents, the Durston is one which benefits most from establishing a ridgeline parallel to the horizon, then letting the gap between the fly and ground vary as needed; this solves pitching issues as a whole. I think the most absurd statement in this video is 'Darwin' stating that the Durston is more complex. I get the 'one pole' rule, but I can sleep in a Durston if I have a broken pole; you can't do that in a single pole tent unless you suspend it somehow. Literally 4 stakes is all you need, then run the trekking poles or Durston poles up. There's no walking around the tent multiple times to get the 6 guy out points correctly tensioned like the Zpacks (or any other single pole trekking pole tent). There's also two less stakes to drive, and if you want the same room inside, you'll have to put two more stakes into the pull-out points head, and toe, for a single pole tent. The long and short of it is that this is another example of how people will resist change for the sake of resisting change. They'll very often just point to something, then completely dismantle their own argument by showing how they prefer their way that's clearly been fixed or improved by a new way/thing.

Issue with both is they are WAAAY too expensive outside USA.

I feel like Darwin is a minimalist and Dan trying for a fair opinion. One tent to rule them all doesn’t exist.

Great review! My friend has the Durston Pro 1 and 2 and the packs, and gotta say it IS a cult, lol. I love my Plex Solo… feels like a perfect balance between too much and not enough!

Darwin: if you need to tension a line that doesn’t have a line, lock in it, cut it. Replace it with opposing taught line hitches.

Does anyone else notice that onX is missing a lot of trails that gaiagps includes?

The Zpacks tent looks like a copy of the Gossamer Gear-The One.

Darwin 💙

There are way too many stakes and components required for the offset Duplex. The Durston needs half.

Cowboy camping and dew makes for soggy mornings.