Durston X-Mid Professional 1 Tent Overview

Backside Line

For the tent that balances efficiency, value, and weight higher than another, the X-Mid Professional 1 tops our listing of the perfect ultralight tents. We beloved the easy setup, wonderful size, and storm-worthy design that made us assured regardless of the journey. When testing on the second half of the Pacific Crest Path, it carried out excellently mile after mile, whether or not we arrived at camp early and needed to calm down or needed to set it up at evening in the midst of a storm. After tons of of miles, the standard has held up nicely, demonstrating nice sturdiness.

The distinctive offset pole geometry supplies ample inside house, leading to a snug expertise, notably for tall people. That is one in every of our favourite shelters for these over 6’0”, and we discovered we had loads of headroom each sitting and mendacity down. One disadvantage is that whereas the inside width is respectable, it isn’t huge. This would possibly disappoint those that want to retailer their packs beside them at evening, though we discovered that storing them on the head or foot finish labored nicely. Total, the remainder of the options contributed to a considerate and cozy expertise. Wonderful zippers and doorways, nice pockets, and well-designed vestibules ensured we have been by no means left wanting for extra.

Though trekking pole tents could be tough to pitch initially, we should acknowledge that the Professional 1 performs higher than most with its simple four-stake design. The set-up follows a easy rectangular form, and the Lineloc tensioners on the corners make it straightforward to regulate the pitch if errors are made.

Total, we actually love the X-Mid Professional 1. It saved us comfy and dry for tons of of miles at a value that permit us bask in a couple of extra city beers alongside the way in which. Whereas it might not be the perfect tent for everybody, we consider it balances the vital elements nicely for most individuals, and we have now no hesitation in recommending it wholeheartedly.condensation drip out.

Consolation

Whereas some ultralight tents for one individual really feel little greater than a bivy, the X-Mid Professional 1 presents a spacious and cozy expertise. It is among the greatest choices for taller people, comfortably accommodating our 5’11” tester with a luxurious 20-degree quilt and a 2.5-inch pad, leaving ample head and foot room.

A big a part of this consolation is attributed to the distinctive geometry of the X-Mid, which makes use of two trekking poles in an offset configuration to maximise inside quantity. Durston Gear has printed a complete whitepaper on the volumetric effectivity of tent designs that explores this in nice element, and we’re impressed with the inside quantity of this tent in apply. With a peak peak of 45 inches and a sustained size of the inside, we discovered headroom to be distinctive.

A slight draw back of this tent form is its inside width. Whereas earlier variations of the X-Mid struggled on this space, the present design does a commendable job of offering sufficient width for consolation. Nevertheless, for many who desire bringing their packs inside, there isn’t sufficient room subsequent to the sleeping space. Throughout our testing, we didn’t think about this a significant problem, as there was sufficient house on the head or foot finish to retailer a pack successfully. T

he inside dimensions of 32 inches by 90 inches simply accommodate lengthy, huge pads. If the pad is shifted to at least one aspect, it creates ample house on the alternative aspect for widespread objects like a ditty bag, battery financial institution, or spare garments. The 2 giant pockets close to the doorways are among the many greatest we’ve encountered, providing ample house whereas remaining accessible throughout sleep. We usually place our headlamp and cellphone within the nearer pocket whereas utilizing the farther one to hold damp socks to dry in a single day.

The vestibules are monumental. Whereas we hardly ever used each on the identical time, the pliability of with the ability to enter by way of both door or open each for wonderful airflow was unbelievable. We particularly beloved that when the rain fly was rolled again, the remaining vestibule space was spacious sufficient for each our pack and footwear, guaranteeing they stayed dry when getting out and in of the tent throughout rain.

Throughout our testing of this tent on the second half of the Pacific Crest Path, consolation emerged as one of many largest benefits. No matter the kind of evening, we have been capable of calm down inside our tent and revel in a great evening’s sleep whereas having ample house for the whole lot.

Though we positively wouldn’t suggest this for normal use, we practically ended up squeezing two individuals into the inside on a very stormy evening, when a fellow hiker struggled to arrange their very own shelter after sunset, because the storm reached its peak. Thirty-two inches of inside width isn’t a lot, however in an emergency scenario, it could have saved another person protected.

Total, one of many primary causes to think about the X-Mid Professional 1 is its exceptional consolation at such a low weight. With spacious headroom and size, wonderful vestibules, and nice pockets for storage, we have been impressed at each flip.

Weight

Weighing simply 17.1 ounces with the DCF fly and silnylon ground, the X-Mid Professional 1 stands out as one of many lightest fully-featured tents obtainable. Though the DCF ground choice reduces the load additional to fifteen.5 ounces, we consider that the silnylon ground is a extra appropriate alternative for many customers, because it minimizes packed dimension (the DCF is inherently bulkier) and is obtainable at a lower cost.

One function that reduces weight greater than different shelters is that the X-Mid design solely requires 4 stakes for setup. Not like different shelters that want a minimal of six or eight stakes, the X-Mid saves weight by needing much less. In apply, we carried a complete of seven stakes in numerous sizes: 4 for the corners, one shepherd hook for the door, and two for peak man strains if it grew to become stormy.

Should you don’t hike with trekking poles, Durston Gear presents adjustable carbon fiber poles at 3.1 ounces every, however normal fixed-length carbon fiber poles would save much more weight.

Ease of Use

Trekking pole tents take some getting used to, however the X-Mid Professional 1 is among the many best to arrange and use. First, stake out a rectangle utilizing the 4 stakes, then insert the 2 trekking poles. A standout function is that once you place one trekking pole, the tent’s design ensures that the pole gained’t fall over in case you let go. This comfort simplifies the setup course of and makes it a breeze. One disadvantage of the setup is that it could possibly turn into tough when the bottom isn’t degree. This problem isn’t particular to the Professional 1; many trekking pole tents face challenges on uneven floor. Nevertheless, the truth that there are solely 4 foundational stakes means much less to handle when that scenario arises.

In our expertise, pitching trekking pole tents could be considerably of an artwork, and a few customers will discover it simpler than others. The straightforward geometry of the X-Mid each helps and hinders its efficiency at occasions. So long as that rectangle is pitched accurately, your entire construction feels strong and safe. Nevertheless, if the rectangle is misaligned, it may be difficult to find out which nook requires adjustment.

This can be a widespread problem with all trekking pole tents, however we consider the X-Mid performs higher than most on this regard. Adjusting the corners is easy because of Linelocs on every nook stake, so we usually didn’t spend a lot time reaching a great pitch. When web site house is proscribed, the X-Mid could be arrange in a “skinny pitch” mode by utilizing the height guylines as an alternative of two of the nook stakes to considerably cut back the footprint dimension, though this does require a little bit of effort. Nonetheless, we’re happy to see this feature obtainable.

A novel trick the X-Mid can carry out is that when establishing within the rain, the trekking poles could be inserted by way of the height vents. This eliminates the necessity to unzip the rain fly and retains the inside dry till you’re prepared to leap in. Moreover, this trick additionally decreases zipper utilization, which is essential within the desert the place sand can injury zipper coils.

The door zippers are clean and simple to make use of. When staked down, they’re easy to open with one hand. Waterproof #3 zippers eradicate the necessity for a rain flap. The height vents are giant and embrace a small kickstand to maintain them open. An awesome function is that they are often adjusted from the inside, so that you don’t have to step exterior within the rain to shut or open them. The doorways are additionally value mentioning; they’re spacious and permit for straightforward entry and exit.

Climate Resistance

With a fly that extends all the way in which to the bottom and a wind shedding double pyramid design, the X-Mid Professional 1 is among the extra stormworthy tents we examined. In our testing, we’ve used X-Mid tents – each professional and non-pro designs – in a wide range of stormy circumstances and have been impressed with how they dealt with storms.

Within the Swiss Alps throughout a summer season storm whereas testing the non-pro design, the X-Mid held up nicely and was the one tent, apart from a totally freestanding design, that remained standing. Whereas testing the professional design on the Pacific Crest Path, the DCF fly withstood rain and wind with out problem.

Like most tents, the X-Mid design has a particular directionality, making it stronger towards wind from sure angles. Positioning the peaks into the wind will assist, and staking down the included peak guylines in that very same route will likely be much more efficient.

One small space the place the X-Mid excels is in its resistance to splashback, which happens when rain hitting the bottom splashes again into your tent. As a result of the rainfly could be pitched snugly to the bottom, we discovered this function to be wonderful. Our inside and vestibule stayed good and dry all through rainstorms.

Sturdiness

With a DCF fly and silnylon ground, the X-Mid Professional 1 is constructed from premium supplies designed to endure many nights of use. Though we are able to’t take a look at each tent on a thru-hike, we used this one on the second half of the Pacific Crest Path and located it withstood the trials of over 1,000 miles of climbing exceptionally nicely.

There have been no rips, tears, punctures, zipper jams, or wire failures. The one signal of harm we seen occurred after we by accident arrange on a granite rock underneath the shoulder space, leading to impressions – however no punctures – within the ground material. For tons of of miles afterward, the spot confirmed no indicators of worsening.

DCF and silnylon are time-tested and sturdy supplies when handled with correct care. Ultralight tents will all the time prioritize low weight over bombproof design selections, and it’s important to make use of some of these shelters as meant.

To reinforce total sturdiness, the X-Mid makes use of hot-bonded seams, that are superior to stitched or cold-taped seams. If something does occur, Durston Gear presents a 2-year guarantee on their merchandise, and the designer is acknowledged as an energetic and engaged member of the ultralight group who personally addresses product points.

Ought to You Purchase the X-Mid Professional 1?

Few tents steadiness value, efficiency, and weight as deftly because the X-Mid Professional 1. Any important enchancment in a single class typically leads to notable drawbacks in others, giving an total impression that the Professional 1 has achieved a candy spot in tent design that ought to appeal to many customers. Throughout testing, we discovered it acquired out of our means, permitting us to benefit from the outside; each half labored easily, enabling us to spend much less time annoyed with our pitch and extra time enjoyable. 

Nevertheless, it’s not a magic best-tent-ever. For individuals who don’t require headroom, storm safety, ample size, or straightforward setup, different fashions could also be extra appropriate. Moreover, in case you want your pack beside you at evening, this isn’t the correct tent for you. Nonetheless, for many backpackers in search of the lightest weight shelter, we consider the design selections made listed below are clever and can yield advantages in the long term.

On this planet of premium DCF tents, the Professional 1 is extra inexpensive than most, making it a wonderful worth for what it presents. The inclusion of a silnylon ground to scale back prices and maintain packed dimension down is a superb choice, and we consider it’s value it for the small enhance in weight. In the end, the Professional 1 emerges as a reliable jack of all trades that excels in every class, leading to an total efficiency that leaves us excited to take it on the following journey.

What Different Ultralight Tents Ought to You Think about?

If the Durston X-Mid Professional 1 Tent is the right match, there are numerous different choices in our greatest ultralight tents information.

Zpacks Pivot Solo Overview: For an additional tent that balances weight and livability nicely, the Pivot Solo completely charmed us. The principle motive somebody would possibly think about this over the X-Mid Professional 1 is the extra ground width the design presents. Each shelters have roughly the identical sq. footage, however whereas the Professional 1 supplies ample head and foot room, the Pivot Solo shifts that barely, making it simpler to retailer a backpack at evening. We nonetheless give the sting to the Professional 1 for most individuals; we consider it balances value, weight, and efficiency a bit higher for our fashion of backpacking. Nevertheless, the Pivot Solo approaches these challenges with a barely totally different mindset which may enchantment to you. Both tent is unbelievable; you actually can’t go flawed right here.

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Overview: A superb finances king of backpacking tents supplies an alternate if the value and design of the Professional 1 don’t fit your fashion. With ample inside house  – sufficient to suit two individuals in a pinch – and high-quality supplies that ought to final a very long time, it’s straightforward to see why the Lunar Solo is so well-loved. Whereas it gained’t supply the identical headroom because the Professional 1, nor the benefits of a twin door and 4 stake setup, it’s nonetheless an excellent shelter regardless of what number of years you’ve spent on the path.

Durston X-Mid Professional 2+ Overview: The Professional 2+ retains the qualities that made the Professional 1 distinctive, however expands upon them to create a backcountry palace for 2. The 2 doorways and vestibules now make much more sense, and the huge inside house makes it our best choice when not touring solo. Though that house leads to a bigger footprint, staking and setup stay straightforward to handle.

Durston X-Mid 1: If the whole lot concerning the X-Mid Professional 1 seems to be superior aside from the value, then the common silpoly model remains to be a wonderful shelter at an excellent value, and it even comes with some benefits over the DCF model. The identical environment friendly design is at work right here, however you get a double-wall design, stronger #5 exterior zippers, and the power to fully take away the interior for stargazing mode, fly-only mode, or to dry each out individually. For these happening a thru-hike, the Professional mannequin nonetheless makes extra sense, but it surely’s straightforward to see why the common X-Mid has been so common whatever the path.