Durston X-Mid Professional 1 Tent Assessment

Backside Line

For the tent that balances efficiency, value, and weight higher than another, the X-Mid Professional 1 tops our listing of the very best ultralight tents. We liked 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 loosen up or needed to set it up at evening in the course of a storm. After a whole bunch of miles, the standard has held up nicely, demonstrating nice sturdiness.

The distinctive offset pole geometry offers ample inside house, leading to a cushty expertise, notably for tall people. That is certainly one 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 first rate, it isn’t huge. This may 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 had been by no means left wanting for extra.

Though trekking pole tents could be difficult to pitch initially, we should acknowledge that the Professional 1 performs higher than most with its easy 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 really love the X-Mid Professional 1. It stored us comfy and dry for a whole bunch of miles at a value that permit us bask in a number of extra city beers alongside the way in which. Whereas it is probably not the very best tent for everybody, we consider it balances the vital features nicely for most individuals, and now we have 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 provides a spacious and cozy expertise. It is without doubt one of the greatest choices for taller people, comfortably accommodating our 5’11” tester with an opulent 20-degree quilt and a 2.5-inch pad, leaving ample head and foot room.

A major 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 follow. With a peak top 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. Nonetheless, for individuals who desire bringing their packs inside, there isn’t sufficient room subsequent to the sleeping space. Throughout our testing, we didn’t contemplate this a significant situation, as there was enough 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, large pads. If the pad is shifted to 1 aspect, it creates ample house on the other aspect for frequent 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 sometimes place our headlamp and telephone within the nearer pocket whereas utilizing the farther one to hold damp socks to dry in a single day.

The vestibules are huge. Whereas we hardly ever used each on the identical time, the pliability of having the ability to enter via both door or open each for wonderful airflow was implausible. We particularly liked that when the rain fly was rolled again, the remaining vestibule space was spacious sufficient for each our pack and sneakers, 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 had been capable of loosen up inside our tent and revel in an excellent evening’s sleep whereas having ample house for the whole lot.

Though we undoubtedly wouldn’t suggest this for normal use, we practically ended up squeezing two folks 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 state of affairs, it could have stored another person secure.

Total, one of many fundamental 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 had 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 out there. Though the DCF ground possibility 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 follow, we carried a complete of seven stakes in varied sizes: 4 for the corners, one shepherd hook for the door, and two for peak man traces if it turned stormy.

For those who don’t hike with trekking poles, Durston Gear provides 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 received’t fall over should you let go. This comfort simplifies the setup course of and makes it a breeze. One disadvantage of the setup is that it may well grow to be difficult when the bottom isn’t stage. This situation isn’t particular to the Professional 1; many trekking pole tents face challenges on uneven floor. Nonetheless, the truth that there are solely 4 foundational stakes means much less to handle when that state of affairs 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 easy geometry of the X-Mid each helps and hinders its efficiency at instances. So long as that rectangle is pitched appropriately, your complete construction feels stable and safe. Nonetheless, if the rectangle is misaligned, it may be difficult to find out which nook requires adjustment.

This can be a frequent situation with all trekking pole tents, however we consider the X-Mid performs higher than most on this regard. Adjusting the corners is straightforward due to Linelocs on every nook stake, so we sometimes didn’t spend a lot time attaining an excellent pitch. When web site house is proscribed, the X-Mid could be arrange in a “skinny pitch” mode through the use of 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. However, we’re happy to see this feature out there.

A singular trick the X-Mid can carry out is that when establishing within the rain, the trekking poles could be inserted via 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. Water resistant #3 zippers eradicate the necessity for a rain flap. The height vents are giant and embrace a small kickstand to maintain them open. A fantastic function is that they are often adjusted from the inside, so that you don’t must step exterior within the rain to shut or open them. The doorways are additionally price 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 without doubt one of 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 time storm whereas testing the non-pro design, the X-Mid held up nicely and was the one tent, except for a completely freestanding design, that remained standing. Whereas testing the professional design on the Pacific Crest Path, the DCF fly withstood rain and wind with out situation.

Like most tents, the X-Mid design has a particular directionality, making it stronger in opposition to wind from sure angles. Positioning the peaks into the wind will assist, and staking down the included peak guylines in that very same course 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 mountain climbing exceptionally nicely.

There have been no rips, tears, punctures, zipper jams, or twine failures. The one signal of injury we seen occurred after we unintentionally arrange on a granite rock below the shoulder space, leading to impressions – however no punctures – within the ground cloth. For a whole bunch 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 decisions, and it’s important to make use of all these shelters as meant.

To reinforce general 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 provides 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 stability value, efficiency, and weight as deftly because the X-Mid Professional 1. Any vital enchancment in a single class usually leads to notable drawbacks in others, giving an general 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 open air; each half labored easily, enabling us to spend much less time annoyed with our pitch and extra time enjoyable. 

Nonetheless, 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, should you want your pack beside you at evening, this isn’t the suitable tent for you. However, for many backpackers searching for the lightest weight shelter, we consider the design decisions made listed below are sensible and can yield advantages in the long term.

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

What Different Ultralight Tents Ought to You Take into account?

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

Zpacks Pivot Solo Assessment: For an additional tent that balances weight and livability nicely, the Pivot Solo completely charmed us. The principle motive somebody may contemplate this over the X-Mid Professional 1 is the extra ground width the design provides. Each shelters have roughly the identical sq. footage, however whereas the Professional 1 offers 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. Nonetheless, the Pivot Solo approaches these challenges with a barely completely different mindset which may attraction to you. Both tent is implausible; you actually can’t go incorrect right here.

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Assessment: A wonderful finances king of backpacking tents offers another if the worth and design of the Professional 1 don’t fit your fashion. With ample inside house  – sufficient to suit two folks 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 received’t supply the identical headroom because the Professional 1, nor the benefits of a twin door and 4 stake setup, it’s nonetheless an awesome shelter regardless of what number of years you’ve spent on the path.

Durston X-Mid Professional 2+ Assessment: 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 appears to be like superior apart from the worth, then the common silpoly model remains to be a wonderful shelter at an awesome 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 flexibility to utterly take away the inside 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, however it’s straightforward to see why the common X-Mid has been so in style whatever the path.