Durston X-Mid Pro 2 vs. Zpacks Duplex Tent Comparison
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- čas přidán 4. 07. 2024
- #backpacking #ultralightbackpacking #tent
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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!
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.
@Jmsbohannon, you wrote probably the best comparison that I have read. I have both tents and think you are right on.
Unbiased review from the only one (on yt so far) who actually took them on thru hikes!
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!
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.
Great review Kelly! Only had my Durston out for 3 trips this year but loving it so far!
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.
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!
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 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.
I'm a long term tarper so I I love being to sleep without the outer on. it's the main reason I've not upgraded to the x-mid pro
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’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 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 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 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 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
Great review! I love my Durston.
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.
My zpacks duplex is coming in the mail today😊 cant wait! Thanks for the vid!
Heck yes! I hope you enjoy it!!
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 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
Great comparison video. Stay well and be safe. Florida is calling.
Great review, I'll take a tent with the off set pole anyday.But they are both good tents.
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 ...
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 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 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
The lunar solo is so underated, no body talks about it.
Great Review Kelly 👍, as a Newbie im thinking the Durston 🤷♂
I love mine. 👍🏼
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.
Used my X-Mid 2P Pro for the first time on Tuesday night, fantastic tent especially since it’s only 550gm.
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 ✌️
I've had them both in windy conditions and the Durston is much sturdier, in my experience.
@cheri7828 cool thank you. 👍 Not familiar with the Zpacks.
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 🥾💪❤️🔥✌️
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’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.
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.
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?
It would be great for the OHT. Only place I see these not freestanding tents getting tricky to set up is on loose sand or very hard ground that tent stakes could not penetrate
How waterproof is the floor of the durston?
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.
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?
With the duplex, you would have to restate the fly somewhat. With the xmid, you simply collapse the poles and pull them out. When you return to the tent, you just reinstall them. Definitely, a plus for the xmid, but it's not much extra work to do the same thing.
you can just put the trekking poles back in with both but you may have to readjust the fly doors a bit more with the duplex
@@kellyhays23
18 ounces is LIGHT !!!
I thought my Big Agnes was light, and it is considering, ..
How bout bomber winds though?
Thanks for the great channel btw, nice to see how you guys do it, my experience has been more Alpine, and I’m glad to see the Montbell puffer has made the crossover ! My favorite 2
Helpful video. Surprised that you neglected to compare/contrast internal space, both headroom and floor space. Cheers.
Headspace depends on where you are situated in either tent. Didn’t notice too much of a difference with the Internal space. Not enough to mention anyway.
Screw Z-Snacks!... Durston for the win, he is the official King of the tents!
Very useful vid. 😊
Great review. If you have 2 people, do they both have head room.?
Yes!
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 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...
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.
Just to add, the Durston has a dyneema option for the floor for people who want that.
They do now, at the time this video was made there was not a DCF version yet :)
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.
I’ve been looking at The Two! Might be trying it next year!
@AdventureswithSarahGibbs Sounds like a plan. I forgot to mention I managed to save a little by finding a valid discount code online.
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.
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!
Little rock, big rock method or tie out to trees etc.
KEEP BEING THE AMAZING WOMAN YOU ARE! MUCH LOVE TO YOU .STAY SAFE!!!!
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
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.
It's mostly because we do a lot of other things that add to the cost. The X-Mid Pro tents are hot bonded construction which is much stronger and cleaner looking, but also more labor intensive than sewing DCF. The Duplex sews the DCF together which is quick to do, but this method is not recommend or used by other companies because bonding is much better for DCF.
Aside from that, we also pre-shrink the DCF because if you don't it'll shrink a few percent over time and cause the material to deform and the zippers to become wavy. We are one of very few companies that does this, but it makes the tent higher quality and longer lasting.
And then we have added costs in a bunch of other areas like premium superlight zippers on the inner, the bonding requires bonding tapes that cost a lot more than thread, and we use Dyneema core lines.
Looks like way too many points in favor of the X-Mid. It’s my choice, thanks for the review!
Double D for me!!!!!
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.
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.
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 .
Nice review Kelly! And why aren’t you out hiking somewhere????😂 ⛺️⛰️🏕️🗻
I'm sure you could lie down at 6ft4 , sitting up without touching the roof though ???
Support this channel by letting the adds play. Turn the volume off and read the comments. Thanks Kelly
Thank you so much Bruce. I really appreciate yoy
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
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.
If she would have shown the Duplex with the vestibules deployed, they would have been very close to the same size. I have both tents.
Oh, good point, I feel like a dunce lol. But with the Durston deployed and the Duplex deployed the Dursten is fuller and covers more ground though
@@jasonthomas51 easy to do the "skinny pitch" which means the tent can fit in any site smaller tents can.
@@ryanb3908 but the Durston can be skinny pitched too I believe, Kelly most of the time she didn’t pitch the vestibules…never mind I see, the skinny pitch Duplex is 53” and the Durston is always 80” on each end 👍
@@jasonthomas51 The X-Mid can be skinny pitched as well to be about 50" wide on the ends. I'm working on video to show how to do this that will be out in a few weeks. There are already some other similar videos on YT.
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.
Wrong silpolyester, and made in the same factory as MSR tents.
There is only 1 factory in the world that makes pre shrunk DCF and it is in china, tarptent and and some other companies also use it but not zpacks
So expensive but i guess you pay for weight reduction!