Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 2 Superlight Tent Review
Brand: Durston Gear · Category: tent · Price: $639 - $739
This tent is for ultralight backpackers and thru-hikers who prioritize an exceptionally low carry weight for a legitimate two-person shelter and already use trekking poles. Skip this if you're on a budget, prefer a freestanding tent, or are new to ultralight gear and its specific compromises.
Specs
| Doors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Poles | 2 trekking poles |
| Weight | 17.9 oz / 509 g (Dyneema floor) or 19.9 oz / 565 g (silnylon floor); typical setup with tent, sack, and 6 stakes: 21.0 oz / 595 g or 23.1 oz / 655 g |
| Rainfly | Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) fly |
| Seasons | 3 |
| Capacity | 2 |
| Floor Area | 28.75 sq ft / 2.7 sq m |
| Packed Size | 11 x 5 in / 27 x 12 cm |
| Peak Height | 46 in / 1.17 m |
| Vestibules | 2 |
| Fabric Denier | 0.55 oz/yd² Dyneema Composite Fabric canopy; 15D sil/PEU nylon floor on silnylon version |
Strengths
- Exceptional weight-to-space ratio for a 2-person DCF shelter
- Dual doors and dual vestibules improve access and gear storage
- Trekking-pole pitch keeps overall carried weight extremely low
- Tall 46 in peak height gives good usable headroom for an ultralight shelter
- Symmetrical floor and efficient rectangular layout improve livability
- Strong consensus that it is one of the standout ultralight two-person tents in its class
Complaints
- Premium price is high compared with non-DCF trekking-pole tents
- DCF floor/fly versions are more expensive and may be harder to justify for casual users
- Requires trekking poles, so it is not stand-alone unless you already carry poles
- Ultralight materials trade off against conventional tent durability expectations
- Single-wall DCF design can be less forgiving in condensation-heavy conditions than some double-wall tents
- Pitch depends on staking and site selection, which can be limiting on rocky or frozen ground
Cost And Value
The X-Mid Pro 2 commands a premium price, generally in the $639 to $739 range, especially for the all-DCF versions. This is significantly higher than most silnylon trekking-pole tents like a Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo, but you're paying for the absolute lightest weight and top-tier DCF materials. For dedicated ultralight enthusiasts, the investment is often justified by the unparalleled weight savings and excellent space-to-weight ratio; for casual users, the price tag might be a harder pill to swallow.
Pitch And Features
This tent is supported by two trekking poles, which means you're already carrying its 'tent poles' if you hike with them, keeping your total gear weight down. It boasts two doors and two vestibules, a critical feature for two people, allowing each person easy entry/exit without crawling over their partner and providing ample 22.8 square feet of covered storage for packs and muddy boots. However, it's not freestanding, requiring stakes and suitable ground for pitching, which can be a limitation on rocky or frozen terrain.
Weather Performance
Rated for three seasons, the X-Mid Pro 2 is designed for spring, summer, and fall conditions, offering reliable protection from rain and wind. As a single-wall DCF design, it's exceptionally waterproof, but single-wall tents can be more prone to condensation buildup inside compared to double-wall designs where the inner tent and outer fly create an air gap. You'll need to be savvy about ventilation to mitigate this in humid conditions.
Livability And Space
Despite its ultralight status, the X-Mid Pro 2 offers 28.75 square feet of floor area and a generous 46-inch peak height. This isn't just numbers; it means you and a partner can comfortably sit up inside without craning your necks, unlike some more cramped ultralight options. The symmetrical, rectangular layout is particularly efficient, maximizing usable space for two hikers up to 6'4" (or a solo hiker up to 7'0") without feeling like you're playing sardines.
Weight And Packed Size
At 17.9 oz (for the Dyneema floor version) or 19.9 oz (for the silnylon floor option), the X-Mid Pro 2 is a featherweight contender, clocking in at around a pound and a quarter. When you add the stuff sack and six stakes for a typical setup, you're still looking at a mere 21.0 to 23.1 oz. This is incredibly light for a two-person tent, meaning less strain on your back and more space in your pack, which cinches down to a tiny 11 x 5 inches.
Materials And Durability
The X-Mid Pro 2 uses a 0.55 oz/yd² Dyneema Composite Fabric (DCF) canopy, which is incredibly strong for its weight and doesn't absorb water like traditional fabrics. For the floor, you can choose between DCF or a 15D sil/PEU nylon on the silnylon version (15D refers to denier, a measure of fiber thickness; lower denier means lighter, less durable fabric). While DCF is tough, ultralight materials are a trade-off; they might not feel as robust as the heavier nylons found in more conventional tents, meaning you'll need to be more mindful of sharp objects or abrasive surfaces when pitching.