Which Backpacking Tent is BETTER? - Durston X-Mid VS Zpacks Offset

Which Tent is BETTER? The Durston X-Mid Pro 1 or the Zpacks Offset Solo?

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[durstongear]

Thanks for putting this together. I appreciate the balanced video and kind words.

[rudy]

I have the Xmid pro and had to have a repair due to a freak accident in a storm. Dan’s support was second to none. He stands behind his products and I’ll probably never get another shelter, unless it’s a Durston 😊.

[richardmatthews]

I am glad both companies are in the market. The competition will make everyone better.

[RayHikes]

7:00 there's a way to pitch the Durston where it takes up way less room, look for dan's video where he talks about the "skinny pitch". With the proper guylines, tent footprint can be reduced to almost the footprint of the floor. Takes a bit more effort than the standard pitch but saves a ton of room.

[bertnerny]

Even if you’re solo it’s nice to have dual vestibules because you can choose which direction your head is in and still be able to have access to entering or exiting in which ever direction is most clear.

[travisbard]

I have a durston xmid 1 silpoly tent. I LOVE it so far. I cannot afford dynema, and the weight difference is not enough to worry about. This tent was a budget friendly game changer for me. I spent a night that dipped to 29 degrees in a valley, next to a stream. I had ice on the inner mesh where my nose and mouth were close to it but really very minimal ice from condensation on the tent walls themselves. Sure, single wall tents will have condensation, but it was pretty minimal in this tent. The next night it was 45 degrees and not one drop of condensation. It is a really good tent. One of my best investments.

[almashburn]

I went with the X-Mid 2 pro +. Same setup, longer guy lines, enough room for two 25 inch pads (in a pinch), and unfortunately an even larger footprint. For me, the large size is worth it, because I don't sleep in my tent, I live in it. I do trail work, and need room for wet clothes and other things that I don't want to sleep on top of. Plus, it's only 4 ounces more than the Pro 1.

[MattVHulst]

If I'm looking at having to set up a tent in hurry, I'm going to value the versatility of being able to set it up in smaller spaces due to footprint size way more than not having to deal with an extra small pole. The x mid just feels odd to me having such a big footprint and such a narrow interior. Always enjoy your videos good sir. Glad to see you back making content more often.

[EricTheDane]

Love my Durston Pro2... so much. The pitch is SO easy. So much room, even for 2 people.

[fuzzybuddywizard]

I bought the Altaplex on your sage advice, two years ago. It has worked flawlessly. Thanks Darwin!

[erick]

I’m a plex solo guy …. No ground cloth… easy set up lite weight…. SIMPLICITY I LOVE in my tent … Great video 🍺

[Andy-Mesa]

Dual vestibules allows for cross ventilation, which is *major* when you want to reduce condensation or keep your tent cool. You also don't have to concern yourself with which way you need to set up the tent, and having two vestibules is twice as good as one.

Last week I camped in the Olympics next to a big river, in 88% humidity. I set up the tent with the sides high off the ground and it was bone dry in the morning. It's anecdotal either way, but with the proper set up I've seen no enclosed tent do better with condensation.

[hikingmovie]

Loved my Durston tent on my AT thru hike.

[trailtramper]

I love the dual vestibule on the xmid1pro. It’s one of the reasons I bought this tent. So Dan, if you’re watching, hope you don’t change the design! It’s great to be able to open both sides of tent for airflow and views, even if it’s raining.

[michelstronguin]

Thank you Darwin for this review! For me the X-Mid Pro 2 with DCF floor is the best IMO, has the internal width room so I can fit my pack in it, and it weighs practically the same as the pro 1 I had with woven floor. Easy switch.

[LynxOutdoors]

I used the Xmid Pro 1 for a CDT through hike this past summer and it worked great for me. I'm with you on the poles/struts as well. I really don't like having to deal with them and they make storing things more annoying. It's certainly preference, but for me I prefer the Durston for its 4 staked corner pitch, quality construction, and costing $200 less. There are some trick/tip videos on Durston's website about its "skinny" pitch, where you can fit it in smaller spaces by pitching it with the vestibules tucked in. I saw on a forum that there might be a double wall DCF Xmid and that has my attention as I love the versatility of just tarp to cook under in the rain and just mesh for star gazing and max breathability.

[theartofbackpacking]

Hey Darwin, it’s Ferrari! It’s always a pleasure to see you and remember our now distant in time PCT Thru hike!
Talking about the video…Have you ever considered to use a stick instead of carrying that extra carbon pole?
I always do that to extend my headroom in both the duplex and the altaplex! It makes just way more sense for me to use something I can easily find on trail instead of carrying a specific pole…
I wish you a beautiful spring and summer and still waiting for you to come here in the Dolomites! 🤗

[KevinSmith-wrsy]

Darwin you haven't lost your gear testing touch! Always the best out there.

[PapaBoiOutdoors]

I am in complete agreement with you Darwin! I use the Plex Solo and love the ease of set up. I can pitch this thing almost anywhere, it is light, and I love the rainbow door. Thanks for the awesome detailed review of these two tents.

[TheTdwilson]

It’s great to have you back! Thank-you for the excellent content.