Durston Gear X-Mid 1 Tent Review
Brand: Durston Gear · Category: tent · Price: $239 - $280
This is for solo backpackers and thru-hikers who already carry trekking poles and want an ultralight, surprisingly spacious shelter without breaking the bank. Skip it if you need a freestanding tent, don't use trekking poles, or want a bombproof shelter for extreme winter conditions without considering the heavier Solid version.
Specs
| Doors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Poles | Trekking poles required; supports 2 trekking poles |
| Weight | 25 oz / 720 g (Gen 3 tent body); ~28.9 oz / 821 g full kit with stakes and stuff sacks |
| Rainfly | Sil/PE polyester fly with about 3500 mm hydrostatic head |
| Seasons | 3-season; Solid version is 4-season-capable according to some reviewers |
| Capacity | 1 person |
| Floor Area | 21 sq ft |
| Packed Size | 12 x 5 in / 30 x 13 cm |
| Peak Height | 47 in / 119 cm |
| Vestibules | 2 |
| Fabric Denier | 15D sil/PE polyester fly; 20D sil/PE polyester floor |
Strengths
- Very strong space-to-weight ratio for a 1P trekking-pole tent
- Large 93 in length and 33 in width in Gen 3 makes it notably more livable than many ultralight solo tents
- Two doors and two vestibules improve access and gear storage
- Compact packed size for backpacking use
- Competitive pricing versus many ultralight shelter alternatives
- Mixed mesh/solid options let buyers prioritize ventilation or weather protection
- Uses trekking poles, which keeps carry weight low
Complaints
- Requires trekking poles, so it is not a standalone freestanding tent
- Learning curve for first-time pitchers because the offset pole geometry is less conventional
- Ultralight fabrics can feel less robust than heavier double-wall tents
- Condensation management can still matter in humid or cold conditions
- Vestibule and interior comfort are good for one, but not spacious for bulky winter gear
- Stake-dependent setup means site selection matters more than with freestanding tents
Setup And Design
This is a trekking-pole tent, meaning you use your hiking poles as the tent's main structural supports instead of dedicated tent poles. This saves weight, but it also means it's not freestanding, requiring stakes for pitching – site selection matters. The offset pole geometry is clever for maximizing interior space but does have a bit of a learning curve compared to more conventional tent designs. While it's largely considered a 3-season tent, there's a 'Solid' version available for those who want better 4-season capability and enhanced weather protection, though it adds a bit more weight.
Value And Tradeoffs
Coming in around $239-$280, the X-Mid 1 punches well above its weight class in terms of value. Many comparable ultralight shelters, especially those made from Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) like a Zpacks Plexamid, can easily cost two to three times as much. The main tradeoff here is the trekking pole dependency and the non-freestanding nature, which can be a dealbreaker for some. You'll also need to manage condensation, especially in humid or cold conditions, as is common with many single-wall or lightweight double-wall shelters.
Livability And Space
Despite its ultralight status, this tent is genuinely roomy for one person. With a rectangular floor measuring 93 inches long and 33 inches wide, even taller folks (up to about 6'4") can stretch out without touching the ends, which is a common frustration in many solo tents like the Big Agnes Tiger Wall. The peak height of 47 inches is also generous, allowing you to comfortably sit up without hunching over. The two doors and two vestibules – those covered areas outside the tent body – are game-changers, letting you get in and out easily and stash all your gear without it crowding your sleeping space.
Weight And Packed Size
The X-Mid 1 clocks in at about 25 oz for the tent body, or roughly 28.9 oz with all its stakes and stuff sacks, making it a true ultralight contender. For comparison, many solo backpacking tents easily hit 2 lbs or more. This low weight comes partly from its dependency on your trekking poles for setup, which means you're not carrying extra tent poles. When it's time to pack up, it squishes down to a tidy 12 x 5 inches – roughly the size of a fat Nalgene bottle – so it won't hog precious space in your pack.
Materials And Durability
The fly and floor are made from 15D and 20D sil/PE polyester, respectively. 'Denier' (D) indicates the thickness of the yarn used; lower numbers mean lighter, thinner fabric. While these fabrics are lightweight, they might feel less robust than the heavier fabrics found on more traditional double-wall tents like an MSR Hubba Hubba. The fly also boasts a 3500 mm hydrostatic head, meaning it can withstand a column of water 3500 millimeters high before leaking, which is excellent waterproofness for shedding rain.