I FINALLY Got To Go Backpacking With The Durston X-MID PRO 2
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- čas přidán 3. 07. 2024
- 00:00 Hey Y'all
00:43 Cost and Weight
01:36 Pros
06:28 My Gripes
11:51 Summary/health update
My Previous Video Overview Of The Xmid Pro 2: • This Could Be The 1st ...
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Thanks for putting it together and glad you were able to get out hiking at least a bit. Also thanks for the work you put into these videos - it's clear you do a lot of research and thinking and I appreciate you using our tents.
I am constantly working to improve the X-Mid tents based on customer feedback, new ideas, and continued testing so I generally agree with your gripes and have been working on many of these. As you mention, I made the magnets stronger and added pockets since the 2022 model. I also agree about the stakes not being good. Stakes were something that were super backlogged during covid so I had very few options. These stakes weren't as good as I would have liked, which is why I made them optional and quite inexpensive, but my goal is make great gear so I have been working on this and will have nicer DAC stakes starting next month that are much stronger and nicer for a similar weight.
Some other updates that have also been happening are steadily getting the tents lighter, so the 2023 version dropped about an ounce (from 20.4 oz to 19.6oz) and the 2024 version coming next month will gain a DCF floor option that is even lighter, plus with improved agreements with our suppliers I'll be able to lower the price for 2024. We are also added a larger 2+ size next month that has quite a bit less rotation on the ridgeline so the headroom is more similar on both sides and is better able to comfortably accommodate two people.
With regard to the setup, it is a fairly different process from the Zpacks tents and something I haven't communicated as well as I would have liked, which is why I finally got that new pitching guide released with a lot more detail. The suggested method is to stake out the base first because that provides a "wind stable" setup (not vulnerable to blowing over when half pitched). The main key to the pitch is to get that base fairly snug, as that is setting the tension for the sidewalls (e.g. a loose base gives loose sidewalls later). If someone focused on getting that base in a fairly accurate rectangle and tensioned fairly snug, then it should go up well from there - whereas if the base is loose it can turn into a lot of fiddling without much improvement.
Thanks so much for putting this together and for the kind words. Best wishes with your health progress.
- Dan
You are a class act Dan Durston.
I love the detailed comments you leave on these kinds of videos! I really like seeing a little about the decision making (especially during Covid challenges) and the constant improvements you’re making. It makes me way more likely to buy from you in the future
And this is why I own two Durston packs and one tent, and look forward to new developments. Thanks Dan, for putting in the effort to keep improving and keep listening.
I took my X-Mid solo solid on a paddling trip and found it super easy to set up on uneven ground, excellent in rainy conditions, and little to no condensation even though I was pitched by the river. I bought this tent for cooler conditions and was thrilled with the result. I love the large vestibules as all my gear fit inside keeping my camp tidy and snug. I bought MSR groundhog stakes as I bent two of the stakes that came with the tent. I’m dialed in now. Oh, I forgot to say that the carbon fiber adjustable poles are excellent. Perfect for kayak camping!
such a don you are, mister D
Always stake out the 4 corners first, step back to check it’s a nice rectangle and wooshka add poles and it’s done. Don’t do poles first ever. I watched Dans set up video a few times, it’s helpful and his tips are easy to remember. It’s cut down my set up time to less than 5 mins at most. Love my first time trecking pole tent. Love your videos, love from down under.
Yeah, in my experience it's an easy set up as long as I'm not pitching it on top of 5 feet deep snow.
This is the way. Make your rectangle, restake to square it off if needed. Add poles then stake any doors or guylines you want. The trick is to ignore the door/zipper stake points. The remaining 4 stake points are what you use to make a rectangle.
But it's 2 minutes for a Duplex
I have an X-Mid 1 person, version 2. It’s the standard silpoly, tent, stakes, & carbon fiber poles total 2.5 pounds. At 85, I don’t back pack. The extra few ounces are of no consequence when I camp from a canoe, motorcycle, or car.
This is the best designed tent I have ever had. Durston is still improving his tents. He reaps comments from users, and works to improve.
Today, there are a lot of good tents on the market; we’re lucky. And, Durston X-Mid tents a very good tent.
Courtesy of Half Vast Flying
Hi Dixie, welcome home and back to your online family and friends. I am so glad you are feeling better.
This is the easiest tent I’ve ever set up. I love my XMid 2p. He’s giving new options for the different inners/tents and coming out with an XMid Pro 2+ among other things real soon as well. That guys on almost every feed, blog, Reddit and video I’ve seen commenting and answering questions about his tent and pretty much anything else backpacking related. Love the Kakwa 55 too. The fact that he makes quality, functional gear at a much better price point than he could sale his stuff for and that he’s always engaging with his customers and making good changes based on our recommendations has definitely earned him a lifelong customer here. Edit: I see everyone mentioning the stakes, yeah they suck, definitely 😂 but I do love the matching stake bag they came in!
Glad to hear the heart monitor is off. I hope the stress test goes smoothly for you. 👊
First pitch me took about 6 minutes. First use was in 40-50 mph winds during Ophelia - worked like a champ
We carried 3 X-Mid 2 (poly, not dyneema) when our family hiked the AZT this year, and we LOVE THEM! The setup does have a learning curve, but after 90 days on trail even our 11 year old could put it up, and our 14 and 16 year old daughters each set theirs up quickly with no help. In fact, when our 21-year-old son joined us halfway through, he was chagrined that his little sisters were showing him how to use his gear :)
All in all, we had a fantastic experience living in these tents for 3 months through high winds, rain, rocks, slopes, even snow, and anything else Arizona could throw at us, highly recommend!
Here in NZ we're in the "roaring forties": we do wind. The X-mid pro 2 is great with the ridgeline guylines.
Adding the side-panels guylines make it rock solid.Tested it a few times at 950 metres (sub-alpine) in spring, in a place with "tumbling" wind (large bluff a few miles upwind). This tent is amazingly stable compared to others I have been in, even some older ones that were sold as "alpine" and were five times the weight. If you're expecting a severe gale (50 mph or above), two guylines at each of the peaks gives extra peace of mind. So far no stakes have pulled out though. We use small loops of shock cord at each tie point to try to reduce peak jerk loads on the stakes and the tie loop stitching from wind "hammer".
The dual vestibules feature is great when the wind changes direction in the middle of the night, as often happens here. A different view for breakfast is all. Handle-up poles and the low-cut fly are two other features we appreciate in our ground conditions (mud, glorious mud) and climate. All in all I'd buy it again in a heartbeat. Sign me up to the Cult of Durston. 🙂
MSR groundhogs are an outrageous price, but they do seem to last one or two nights. (That's Kiwi understatement.) Big Agnes J-stakes don't perform quite as well. We have four large and four mini groundhogs, four aerospikes, four round-section titanium hooked nails... and a few J stakes left.
Glad you're well, Dixie. All the best!
#notacult #nosecrethandshake #sageistheway
I purchased the x-mid 2 solid and used it on a recent 4 day backpack trip temps 28F mornings/nights and 65F days. Tent was fine to set up but I helped reduce the positioning of the head hassle during tent setup by marking where the vestibule openings fall directly on the ground cloth . Then I can position the cloth first to make sure the level was right and my back was comfortable when laying down. I set up the tent thereafter following my vestibule markers to ensure my vestibule doors were facing where I wanted (view and wind direction). It beat having to stake the tent, set the trekking poles and having to take it down because my back found that ONE ROCK. :)
Nice idea!
I think it is really cool that you mention that this price point isn’t for everyone. Thanks for being real always!!
But the same tent in SilPoly is. It is dirt cheap compared to any other like competitors.
Dixie’s tent here is DCF.
And that is a little cheaper than other competitors like, DCF TENTS.
The magnets are stronger on the newer models. That's not a problem anymore. Setup is 4 stakes at the 4 corners and open the doors to put in your trekking poles. I don't see the problem. Yes it does take some use before you get good at getting the bathtub floor perfect, but the initial setup is super simple. I don't have any idea what you were doing in the video. :-)
I was about to say the same thing. I have a 2023 model with the pockets and my magnets work great.
I have a one person Durston, I don't imagine it is that different, but setting up takes me a grand total of two minutes and it is very straightforward. Also same as you the magnets work just fine.
I’ve used the tent for 12 nights now and still find the tilted bathtub not super intuitive. I get what Dixie is saying, if you are in a situation where you need to align the bathtub in a direction, then work backwards to the corners, it tends not to go well.
This is compared to my other tents. I mean it’s no huge deal breaker, but you have to accept that you’ll spend about twice as long to pitch as a mirror symmetric tents.
There is a trick to setting up certain tents, like the 3F UL 2P, where you stake the 2 corners on one side then set the first trekking pole on the opposite side. To me, it looks like that's what Dixie was doing. Muscle memory can do things like that to ya.
I have had my Durston X Mid Pro 2 for three months now. Carrying a third of the weight of my old tent was worth the cost. I have used the tent on three trips, including a 5d trip where the last two days involved two days of downpours in a Queensland subtropical rain forest. The tent performed flawlessley.
You definitely need to watch Dan's video on how to set up the tent before using it. I have used the tent with only four tent pegs but the vestibules are much more usable if they are staked out. With experience, it is much faster to set up than my old MSR Hubba Hubba. The interior of the tent also doesn't get wet when being pitched in the rain.
I love your channel. Hopefully, your heart issues are temporary.
I have the x-mid pro 1 , I’m 6’2” and love it. No problems on the CT .
I own two Durston X-Mid tents, and I find them extremely easy to setup. Looking at your video, you put the trekking poles in before you staked out the four corners. Thanks for your review, but a little research and practice would probably have changed your opinion of the tent.
She did admit that she should’ve refreshed herself on the setup first and that practice would help.
Nah. She didn’t research it. She said the zpacks was easier cause you stake out four corners and put in the poles. She didn’t realize until later that this is the same. The above comment stands.
I got a Durston X-Mid Pro 2 earlier this year, replacing a tarp system that was a pain to set up and had a large footprint. I've found it to be pretty easy to setup, but it does take a while to become really proficient at it. Although the footprint of the tent isn't exactly small, its lightweight, lack of multiple guylines and ease in setup, more than made up for the price, especially after a long day.
It's sure good to see your smiling face again, Dixie! I hope the results of the testing will be favorable for you. Thanks again, for all you do and for all you are! God bless you!
Your gear reviews are always very thorough which is much appreciated. Glad to see you are feeling better. Keep up the great work, and thanks for sharing.
Great video Dixie! Thank you for the review, and I know everything will be fine with the stress test, you've got this!
Just hope you're feeling better, more yourself and all. Hope to see you return to some wonderful journeys in the future.
I used mine on the OCT this year and LOVED it. Super easy to pitch in all situations, super roomy, super light, and kept me bone dry!
Just fantastic to see you again Dixie, doing pros and cons! It's all lighter, lighter these days, and then there is performance, versus material, and design. A mix you might have thought would be accomplished in a, thrum. my vernacular spreads its wings. A lightweight ground sheet is the best idea, for protection over time. Incidentally Dixie, in 1976, I had an MI, into Nelson Hospital, for 10 days. I then had tests of all sorts, on the first treadmill I got up to 5.5 MPH for 30 minutes. All astounded! Being a tramper/mountaineer I was fit! So my answer is, keep on walking. BEST.
Amen to everything you said. I had the same frustrations with my MD-1. I think I’ve figured it out now. I got different stakes. I never could get those puny stakes to stay in the ground. Get better soon. ❤
Thanks for the review. I have the X-Mid 2P, the less expensive 2 wall version, and I love it. I motorcycle camp and packing size is important to me. I found it very easy to set up and really like the interior space and vestibules. Also how the interior can be kept dry during setup.
I love my X Mid 1. True, it takes a couple tries to get the pitch right. Just pitch out tent in a taught near perfect rectangle and you're good. I use MSR stakes as well, 6. As to setup, I place my poles in through the vents at 7/8 the recommended length, and when I get inside I extend the poles -or- you can unzip the fly and extend them there. My next purchase will likely be an X Mid solid, to offset the dust on the trails in our neck of the woods. The xmid 1 on its own sheds material in place of no-seeum for weight's sake. Storm-worthy? You'll see. The guy lines cinch easily and are placed ideally. Great video as usual.
Hey - good to see you here! - My LanShan2 has now used >50 nights without ground sheet, and no holes. It has a 20D Nylon floor, while the DD tents have 15D.
thanks stay healthy
I love my X-Mid 1P. I have the very first version and bought it via Massdrop in 2018. I used it on my 2021 thru of the AT and have put about 750 other miles on it. Setup is VERY easy once you've done it a few times. My biggest gripe about the tent is actually the footprint of the tent when you're setting it up. For a 1-person tent, it requires a lot of space. The best part of the X-Mid tents is Dan Durston himself. As you can see in his comment on this video, and just about everywhere else people have submitted feedback, he listens and he cares a lot about making his tents outstanding products.
My first pitch of the Durston X-Mid 1 in the wild required the help of my camp mates lol. One thing I discovered that helped me to later pitch solo was after staking out the four corners I would adjust the height of my trekking pole until the tent was taught enough to stand on its own. I would do the same to the other trekking pole, stake out the vestibules and adjust tension as needed all the way around the tent.
This is what it says to do in the instructions.
Thanks for the video, Dixie! I always trust your opinion on things like this. Looking to purchase my first “high quality” (dyneema) backpacking tent soon, so this was perfect timing! So glad you’re feeling better ❤❤
Thank you for another very informative equipment video. 😊
I’m glad you’re better
I used the silnylon x-mid strong last winter and it was -12F with 40-50mph winds and the tent was incredibly stable, no flapping, AND there was hardly a draft inside the tent. The best tent for bad weather I have ever used.
There is an alt-pitch to try with the DCF versions. Zip the doors closed. Then start staking out the non-zipper corners tightly. When you go to do the zippered corners, you can get a rectangle pretty quickly. You want the corner tension set well before the poles. I usually like opening the doors instead of coming in front the vents to setup the poles.
Nice, this makes perfect sense and I'll try this next week (though I've never had trouble...but this is really elegant)!
I do this with all my tent footprints. Just use opposite corners and stake tight. Then do the other two and bam. Seems to work best, for me too at least.
Great review!
Glad to see you back, Dixie. Been so concerned about you. Hope you get good results from the stress test and heart monitor. Will continue praying.
Thanks, Dixie. I'm a New Englander, now 70 years old, tore my meniscus just short of the halfway point of the mileage of an AT thruhike this year, and I am a dedicated hammock hanger, but I like to stay informed about the newest and best ultralight options available. If I EVER get to hike anywhere that a tent is necessary (due to a lack of suitable hanging trees) I will need a tent. This one looks like a great option.
Thanks again.
Oh, btw, I tried the Topo Terraventures 3 shoes last year on a 275 mile section hike and LOVED them.
On my thruhike, I got 600 MILES out of them before replacing them because they no longer offered support. They still looked nearly PERFECT and still had usable tread. I had developed plantar fasciitis due to either 1) putting off replacing the shoes, or
2) switching from O-Fit insoles to Superfeet hiker-specific insoles.
I took a month off (July) to recuperate and replace my shoes and insoles with the same items that I had started with, and skipped up to Massachusetts, heading north, still battling plantar fasciitis, until a slip in the New Hampshire mud and the resulting torn meniscus sent me home for good because my doctor expressly FORBADE me from returning to the Trail.
I will make an attempt at a 2025 SOBO if I recover from whatever surgery I might need.
Take care!
Got a X-Mid 1. Used it to camp at Blue Mtn shelter on Georgia section of AT on a very windy night. I did use the additional guide wires as a precaution but the tent held up surprisingly sturdy all night. I chose the 1 cause I was really trying to lower my pack weight and I was able to bring my pack inside since I am only 5’3” and it fit below my feet. I also opted for the attachment that allowed me to use my trekking pole right side up, cause I didn’t was to risk having my cork handles eaten by critters. I look forward to using this tent more in the future.😊
After so many years with your Zpacks, it’s not surprising that the X-Mid doesn’t feel as effortless to pitch. I suggest you give it more time. Lots of others have offered good advice in comments here. And of course Dan Durston gave his usual thorough answers to everything you brought up in this video.
I love your videos. Absolutely look forward to new videos and watching them. Been slowly trying to watch every video and short. Would love to see a video on your current backpacking gear.
I have the XMid 1p and 2p and love them both!
Ring looks good on that finger. Congrats to U. Very glad to see you back at again
Hi Dixie, nice to see you feeling better. You seem like such a nice person. And another solid review to boot. Take care
Hi Dixie sorry to hear that you’re I’ll you been fighting this for some time I just want to to know I am praying that you’re overcome this soon a really old fan as you are a inspiration to all of us all your videos have helped so many people in finding a way to get out into the outdoors and thank you for everything you do. JoP
Dan's latest setup video answers all the setup questions. I'm saving up for the 1P Pro! Can't wait!
Glad to hear that you are going to test this tent further in high winds. It will be interesting to see your results.
With a good taut pitch and 8-10 stakes (especially the ridgeline guy-lines) and the ridgeline parallel to the wind....this tent handles winds *waaaay* better than you'd imagine. 50+ mph easily.
I used my X-Mid on my almost 1600mi long thru-hike across the UK this year and slept in it for over 100 days straight. So far, no wear and tear whatsoever and it performed really well in all sorts of weather. Really happy with it :)
I have the X-Mid 2 (double walled), and really love it. The setup is easy with the 4 stakes and getting the 4 corners taut. Then put in the poles. I'll admit that it took me 4 to 5 setups to really start getting more comfortable/confident on my pitch. I do use the MSR Groundhog stakes.
The tent is light, and I like the condensation control. The version I purchased does have two small side pockets, which are very nice for my glasses.
The magnetic ties on the version I bought have not knocked loose on me. I'm assuming they're the stronger ones.
At $300.00, it's an awesome tent!
First time I put it up was a culture shock vs my duplex. Since then it’s been awesome and my wife has “acquired”. My duplex is circling the drain from years of use and I will be getting the Durston next. The doorway/vestibule is amazing
The tent I bought from durston had pinholes in the trekking pole cup. I wish I had found it earlier than 6 months after having it so I could’ve gotten it replaced. Check you gear as soon as you get it.
Looks like you have plenty of space inside. Bloody nice bit of kit. Great review.
Perhaps carrying a clothes peg with you for the door would help.
Also it's so nice to see you're looking so well again, no more heart monitor thank God
i did a gear test with the pocketed x mid pro 2 in the sawtooth's about a week ago. great tent, but def took me longer than 30s to setup, more like 30m (very rocky soil and having to re-orient the stakes a few times). i feel this tent has a slight learning curve and should be pitched a few times before going out on trail. ended up sleeping in line with the ridge line to avoid the quilt's toe box rubbing up against condensation from the lower-angled toe side wall. very happy with is tent. great job Dan D!
Good review as usual. I learned in Boy Scouts as a boy that you always stake out the floor with the corners first before you erect the poles on the tent. Seems that the Durston how to video does just that. I think this works for all tents with a floor...not sure about a tarp tent as I've never had one. Hope you are feeling better and they get to the root cause of your heart issue.
I also bought the X-mid 2 silpoly double wall version. I use it for kayak camping so the extra 15 oz. isn't and issue and I have other lighter but single wall tents if I ever go backpacking. The first couple of times it was hard to get it staked out square but once you take care with that it's easy. I decided to try a double wall tent again since I'm in FL and always near the water and condensation is a constant problem. So far so good with this one. The thing is huge though and takes up a lot of campsite area.
I've been messing about with the DD pro for a little while. Tips and tricks- put longer guys on the corners. About 3ft each. It makes it much easier to set up on platforms or rocky ground. (and you can pitch it allot higher for more ventilation if you like) I'm using some 1.3 spectra zpacks sent me but anything will do. I dislike the Nylon floor. It makes squeaky noises under my otherwise quiet XliteNXT. Sil nylon won't let water through but it will chemically absorb it. Feels dank. I go hiking in the Tasmanian highlands allot. It's beautiful, but very wet. The Duplex, with it's DCF floor, makes for a drier hiking experience. DCF repels water. I have never used a groundsheet under the Duplexs but I think the Pro1.3oz 15denier silnylon needs it. Or should I say, needed it. Past tense. I hated the Nylon floor so much that I attacked the pro with scissors and sewed in a 1oz DCF floor. It turns out that the pro is 44" wide and has 5 " walls. That adds up to 54", or exactly the width of a roll of DCF. What has Dan got in mind do you think? Anyway, it's a much nicer tent than before. The DCF floor is drier and feels nicer. For increased ventilation, you can have the doors half zipped, a bit like the Duplex door trick. I'll see if I can attach a link to some photos of what the heck I'm talking about. Not sure if this will work. photos.app.goo.gl/HYAnUDwnA7DYDM5i8
SCISSORS?! 😬 A bold DIY/MYOG move! Kudos! 👍👍
Thanks for your comments about the Deneen’s vs nylon floor, been wondering about it!
Totally agree. Setup is not intuitive for me last Friday. But quality build. Gonna keep practicing.
I made the same mistake: my first outing I was in a rush and assumed there would be instructions in the bag, lol. Nope. It was a struggle.
Once back in wifi and having watched the setup video, it went much better. Clearly something you should do before you head out.
Dan Durston has made some great tents! Not sure if I'll ever go to the Pro (if I EVER go with Dyneema, this would be the one I'd choose), but I plan to get the solid inners once they're available without the fly next year. The 1P is an adjustment when you're used to a 2-person tent, but it's still roomier than most 1-person tents, and as you mentioned, the vestibules are SO awesome. My 2P has become my absolute favorite for a very small weight "penalty". I think the only reason to keep the 1P is for places with really small campsites that can't accommodate the #sagepalace that is the 2P.
Thanks for the video
At this late date, any tent I sleep in has got to be a walk-in, or at least a stoop in, with sufficient center height to stand or nearly stand. I could probably get by for a night of fitful sleep on my self-inflating air mattress, but sleeping on the ground is a younger man's game and those days are, alas, in the rear-view - wayyyyy back there. But, I appreciate seeing what's out there for hikers and backpackers that I wish had been available back in the day.
Bless your heart, Dixie (literally, not in the bad way). I hope you get good news and the kind of care and treatments that will allow you to get back out there - maybe finish up in the Sawtooths. They're really worth spending time in. The wolves are up there - maybe you heard them during your recent stay. Best wishes for a full and complete recovery and resolution of all medical issues.
You look great Jessica. Great health update. One of the strongest women - mentally and physically. What an inspiration.
I just used my DD tent for the first time. It’s only my second tent. I have an REI 1/2 DOME 2 but it weighs in at about 5.5 lbs. so the DD tent is awesome for weight & space. So that alone is enough to have the DD tent. I did have a hard time setting it up @ first but after a few more attempts I got it to look pretty nice. I’m sure the next time I set it up I will be quicker. If it’s not set up properly it looks kind of jenkie & ugly. I hear that DD is designing a self-standing tent. That will be interesting also.
Thanks for the videos. They help out a lot.
I’ve had the same issue setting up my TarpTent that has a similar design. I found staking out the floor then doing the poles was easier. Takes practice but becomes easier. I ended up going with the Zpacks Offset Duo. About to buy the Trio.
Last week I got caught in a surprise snowstorm and had to hunker down inside my X-mid 1 Pro for 18 hours. The tent held up wonderfully. My two gripes about this tent is I still have troubles getting that perfect bathtub shape in the floor when I set it up and I would prefer another ounce or two of weight for a more durable floor. I already put one hole in it. But I would certainly buy it again and look forward to the new model next month.
I trust your reviews.
Awsome Video Dixie! I always appreciate your honest feedback, truly! I have the X-mid Pro 2 solid. The solid has the bottom part aka spike of your trekking pole goes into the top vs the Pro which goes into the ground. It did take me a few times messing with it and practicing since iv used it on a few trips now. I recently used it in a rocky area and I knew going into this trip it maybe challenging…. I was actually successful in setting up on hard ground/dirt and not having to stake into the ground and using a rock. I was surprised. So far I love mine 🙌 Happy Trails Dixie!
I used my xmid 2p (silpoly) for over a month this summer, and I gotta say, it's the best and easiest tent to set up I've ever had.
Stake 4 corners, raise the trekking poles, done.
If it's bad weather use the top guy outs too.
So much room inside, big vestibules, options to raise or lower the pitch depending on weather conditions.
I did find that groundhog minis didn't quite do the job in heavy wind, but regular groundhogs did just fine.
I save the stakes that came with it for extra guyouts if I think I'll need em.
Looking forward to when I can afford a Pro version.
Hiya Dixie. I have the standard SilPoly versions but I've found a great way to get a solid pitch. Everyone telling you that you stake the corners first is spot on, however if you take just an extra second with it there's a way to really help. The secret is getting the stakes at 45 degree angles from the point of the corners. That's tough to do if you have any slack in the corner guy lines, but if you don't, then it can be hard to adjust to compensate for any uneven terrain. The following will read like it's complex, but it's just a lot of words to explain a very, very simple pitch.
My advice is to carry 4 extra stakes (they can even just be rods or ultra-light shepherd hooks).
1. Keep the doors shut. Drive these in using the corner loops that the guy lines tie to. Stretch those tight to get your rectangle.
2. Set the 'real' stakes at 45 degrees from that and leave a little line between the stake and the fly for adjustment if needed. If it's stormy and you want it in 'storm mode' as near to the ground as possible, just leave the guy lines all the way choked in. The guy lines should be taut between the 'inner stakes' and the outer stakes.
3. Remove the 'inner stakes' that you started with. Now you'll see each stake is at 45 degrees and you should have a very nice rectangle.
4. Open one door at a time and slide the poles in, and extend them until things are moderately taut. Now close the doors again and put a stake in the short side door. This will pull the 'long side' slightly out of line. The base of the doors (the entire long side) should be nice and taut (from the short side to its nearest corner, and the long part of the door to the other corner).
5. Extend the poles until everything is a bit more taut. At this point, loosen the short door guy-line to allow the poles to extent fully to take the wrinkles out.
6. Optional: Drop a stake in the long-door side loop. This will make a nice, clean line and you'll only use 6 stakes total.
When I saw you set up the tent on the trail, it looked like you were trying to set it up like the Z. That's the opposite way to do it and you work off the short sides to get correct tension instead of the door side. Also, and this is true of the Z as well, or any other trekking pole tent, consider that you're not really building it from the ground up, but hanging it from the top of the trekking poles, and that the ridgeline is your base of reference, not the ground line.
The older Xmids had no pockets or hooks internally. I made a Frakentent and added stick on loops and mitten hooks from Zpacks. Installed a ridge line for hanging. Added another mitten hook near the head end of the tent. clipped off the stem of the mitten hook. It now holds my headlamp. Additional door magnets are also sold on Zpacks website. But I haven't purchased them. I have noticed since adding the Zpacks accessories to my tent. My tent thinks it's better than all the other tents and wants to charge me an exorbitant amount of money to camp in it. I'm glad I didn't find anything at HMG I needed.
…I’m taking credit for being one who told you that you need to get one of these 👊🏻Great Tents!!
Hey Dave - you had the Xmid pro 2 on the 2nd half of your AT? - Why 2 and not 1 - 1 is too small?
My 1P regular was smaller than I liked, and the 1P Pro did not come out until I finished my AT hike...@@Henning_Rech
Have one with stronger magnets and its one of my favourite features.
Just sold my durston xmid 1 pro for some of the issues you stated (good tent just not for me) I purchased a hyperlight mid 1 and I am in love. My first time setting it up only took 1 minute 8 seconds, that’s amazing and it only uses one trekking pole which is a big bonus to me. It was tight and lots of room, will actually pack down and fit it a pro 1 bag. Gear is personal for sure for each person and after testing several tents glad I found the mid 1.
I am sure these health challenges have tested you. Way to keep putting out valuable content info.
Durston has a great video for setting up the tent and different modes or styles you can put it in. I just used my x mid1 and love it for its easy setup specifically. You were not doing it right as you probably lnow by now. Give it another try, you're going to like it.
Mine is the newer one. If there are side pockets, I've never used them. There is a triangular pocket above that I use to put the Foxtail pump as a lighting source. I guess I've never had an issue with the magnets, so maybe that's a sign they improved them. The geometry is a little odd, so it always takes me a minute or two to get my head around how to stake it out. Its my main light tent so any issues it may have are not enough to keep me from using it. I enjoyed the video Wanderlust. Thanks for making it.
I do love my xMid2. Roomy, lightweight, quick set up.. Agree about the magnets 🙄 and the pre-set up visualization issue. Also use the mini groundhogs and LOVE them. But … I’m a hammock gal, so if I’m using a tent, I start out a little sad. 😢
Thanks for reviewing this tent, Dixie :)
I've been using the Gossamer Gear One as my solo tent and while it does a lot of things well enough the condensation it pretty tragic, so I was hoping that you might comment on the pitch vent(s?).
I got the Lanshan Pro 2 person tent as a starter tent as the price point of these is pretty steep but the weight savings is pretty big as my set up is 32 ounces so going to 19 would be a nice savings. Really like this tent and set up.
Inside skinny from a Durston X-Mid 1 owner. After I've pitched the four corners of the tent (you aim for 90-degree angles, that's the secret), I 'prop' up the tent by placing the pole in through the vents. I hike with my BD poles set at 125. But when I'm using them for the tent, I adjust them down to 115. I turn the tent so I can see (or feel) the grommet, lower the pole inside, place the tip of the pole in there (the handle sits on the ground), and then prop up the tent. When I eventually get into the tent, I reach out and extend the poles for taughtness. If it's cold and windy, I might keep the poles at that height. That way I can cinch the rainfly down to reduce cold air wafting its way to me. Need more ventilation? Raise the poles, extend the fly. I've even taken it snow camping with cheapy Amazon snow stakes and it performed well, even with 6" of new snow one morning. Well, that's how I do it. I've had my tent for a year and a half now. I also organize a backpacking group here in Central Oregon. Let's just say, it gets a lot of use. My next Durston will likely be the X-mid Solid--its better for that 3/4 season and dusty conditions. YOU GO GIRL! I've been following you for a long time now. AT '71.
I've been looking at a new tent and the Lanshan 2 and budget(non-dyneema) XMid are my top contenders. Durston is slightly more expensive but lighter and much weirder. But it is good to see your take on the unconventional design, it sounds like it mostly works and they are fixing the bits that don't.
Your accent is amazing!
One thing I've noticed with my non dyneema version, is that magnet will connect backward, but not with as much force. so make sure you're checking that the tab isn't flipped and getting a weaker magnetic force holding your door up.
I have the sil-poly X-Mid, and I struggle with the pitch too. I failed geometry in school, so I think I just don't get this tent 😂 I have a 1p and a 2p, and I was ot able to get the 2p to be liveable. You did much better than I did, even with your poles first method 😅
My Tarptent NOTCH Li also has hot-bonded seams. And, yep, I wish my tent had a bit stronger door magnets!
The NOTCH LI is NARROW. Well designed if a freak snowstorm hits me here in the mountain west but barely enough room to change your mind. In its favor the Notch design tents do have two doors and vestibules for gear and cooking.
Got my X mid 2 a few years ago and mine doesn't have the magnet system, it has the loops. Really like the tent as a whole. Went about 400 miles with it so far
I still have a half dozen sardine can keys, from the days before poptop cans, that make great "free" steel stakes in very hard ground.
I have the regular xmid. Poles go in tip up the regular. Less likely to puncture anything :)
New favorite word: "Bumpage". Thank you!
All my best wishes
That vestibule is a very handy feature. Wouldn’t pay that much for a tent, but it looks like a very good product.
The version of the tent that is made from polyester is less than half the price, though not quite as light, but still very light. Worth a look if this type of tent is a good fit for your needs.
Hey Dixie, You were talked about today. Do you remember Ron's shuttle service? He showed me the "I poop in the woods" sign you gave him on his rear view mirror....lol. Cool guy with a wealth of information about the AT....He was a treat to meet.
I got the one person version and set it up in my yard. It’s going to take a bit of practice with me for the pitch. Mine was a bit off.
I have a couple hundred nights in a Tarptent double rainbow with a silnylon floor and I’ve never used a ground cloth, and the only place I sustained any damage was Iceland camping on volcanic ash. And even with that, a small piece of gorilla tape fixed it and hasn’t needed a touch after several years. Silnylon is pretty tough.
I have original version of this tent. Agree, magnets not strong enough and and should have come with pocket for glasses etc., I added pocket for $10 from ZPacks. However, I found setting up tent easier than Duplex. You have to stake out 4 corners first, then add poles.
Bummer you had a tent giving you set-up trouble when you were not feeling well. I have the X-Mid 2 solid and love it. I am glad I practiced setting it up in my yard before going out with it. The only con I see is the large footprint of the fly.....just takes a little more planning when finding a spot to set up in the woods. I think this is a small issue compared to all the pros I found. Hopefully, you are totally on the mend. If nothing serious is discovered, perhaps you can consider once again that you had a bad (expensive) reaction to your RX.
Love you Dixie, but in all fairness, this may be the easiest tent setup of them all. Packing it up not so much if you keep the inner and footprint attached. I am on year 3 with my x-mid 1. I love this tent and live with the issues of packing it up. Ease of setup, roominess, weight, price and the tents ability to weather a storm make it a total winner for me plus Dan is a really good guy.
It's probably weird to set up cause the shape is different from any tent that has ever been made before. I'm an artist and this tent's shape confuses me too. But I'm sure once I get mine (I'm on the wait list for one) and set it up a few times it'll make sense and become intuitive.
I'm stoked Durston is making this tent accessible to Canadians without the expensive import fees and boarder crossing charges with gear from the states. And that he's Canadian! Awesome!
I think just tent shape is just awesome and the advances it makes to tent construction in the thru hiker world parallels the introduction of the Tessa to the drivers market.
I have the x-mid pro 1p, and the only cons that I found was that the tent pegs do suck.
Seems like this tent will eventually be a real winner once the quirks are worked out.
Durston stated that the tent is not intended to sleep head to toe. Both people should have heads on same side even tho the tent is asymmetric.