Durston X-Mid 1P Solid Second Time Around

Durston X-Mid 1P Solid Upgrades and Hacks

[nathgibs]

Respect an old man in a young man's game

[SarahOutdoors]

That's a clever idea putting that little bolt in the end of your pole handle, I don't even have the tent yet and was already thinking if there was someway I could put something on the handle of my poles to fit that hole. That bolt in the handle is a great idea I shall be doing that

[Archie-tdox]

There's 2 reasons why I put handles up for my poles: 1. It seems counterintuitive to put your handles on the ground. I like to keep them clean.
2. The pole pick ends go nicely into the stabilizer tie on the ground next to the tub, and acts as a good anchor point. Another great video! Thx

[nickwinter]

Thanks - that was really interesting. Glad you are giving the X-Mid a second look. I finally managed to use my X-Mid 1p solid for the first time a few weeks ago, in Scotland. (Only had it since Christmas...)

It performed really well, the wind was gusty but the tent was fine and I had plenty of room in the inner plus the two large porches. Only problem was I couldn't find a flat pitch. Or, rather, it was flat in the sense of being a plane surface but it was very slightly inclined, so I pitched the tent so my head would be "uphill".

I always seem to have teething problems with any new gear, this time it wasn't the tent itself but the groundsheet. I have a Tyvek groundsheet for just the reasons you say; problem was it is slippery. When I got into the tent, the inner started sliding downhill like a toboggan on ice. As the outer was fixed to the ground, something had to give and it was the inner attachment points, where the line pulled out from the uphill D clips. Luckily, they didn't actually break.

Having already got into my sleeping bag I was a bit reluctant to get out again and take the tent down to remove the groundsheet, but I managed to slide the groundsheet out from under the inner and things were OK then, except I inevitably woke up at the downhill end of the tent. At least the inner stayed put on the grass.

So I'm not sure about Tyvek as a groundsheet unless you are on an almost perfectly horizontal surface and that's not always easy. Any groundsheet with a grippier surface though would probably be heavier.

[alangauld]

I’m interested in this tent so pleased to see the review. Like you I much prefer double walled tents and solid walls. In Scotland it doesn’t get dark till midnight in summer and solid walls help you sleep as well as being warmer in winter. As for Dyneema I also don’t like the see through nature (or its price!) but silpoly has the non-sag advantage with only minor weight penalty. Thanks again.

[yemrot]

Tarptent sells a pair of trekking pole handle adapters for $4 that makes the pitch handles up. Find them under tent components. I used them on my Notch LI. Thanks for the great review.

[lovedogsontheloose]

I have the Pro 2 version and am loving it so far. Works well with the dogs, and has been very impressive in West Texas wind even with only 4 stakes. Absolutely brilliant design. What I’m kinda hoping for in the near future is a double wall version like the solid except with a DCF fly to keep it lighter. I would love to have the option to set it up “fly only” sometimes. Great video as always.

[Dantecid]

As I have said before I have this same tent and love it. I am going to experiment with those handle inserts.

[shaggyterrell]

Amazon has silicone and magnetic cable clips that work great to keep that door held in multiple spots. Super easy and super light!

[WHITE]

It's interesting that you find the X-Mid 1P "really big on the inside." I bought one late last year and when I set it up earlier this year, I realized that I should have bought the 2P version. I don't see how it would be possible to fit my pack inside the tent with me.

I used a Lanshan 2-person tent when I took my Scouts to Philmont in 2021 and wanted to lighten my load for the Colorado Trial this year late August through September, so I bought the Durston. Now I need to decide if I want to spring for the Durston X-Mid 2 or just use the Lanshan tent I already have. They weigh about the same by the time you include the stakes and ground cloth, and they are similar in size.

I used the Lanshan tent this past weekend during a Scout camp out and it rained. The Lanshan tent is sil-nylon so it "absorbs" the water and stretches, and it also seems to take a longer time to dry. It's my understanding that the sil-poly material of the Durstons does not have that same issue, so I am leaning towards buying the X-Mid 2.

Thanks for another great video and I hope to run into you on the Colorado Trail!

[gabeah]

Love your videos sir, you're a straight shooter, and I've learned a ton from your experience. One thought on the duel zippers for vestibule venting -since you have the fastex buckle at the bottom, does that allow you to zip open from the bottom with the buckle clipped to get the venting you're looking for? Keep smil'n.

[lifewithglee]

Great video, do you think if you were Motorcycling and not walking much you'd opt for the X-mid 2?

[Pasequale]

you are a quite cool guy even at your age. I am looking for more of your videos :) i have subscribef your channel!

I still can t decide between the 1 vs the 2 p version 😬 Is it possible with some creativity to put in the 1p version a pair of shoes or a backpack?

[rossmac]

What height do you set your poles to… terrific review by the way and thanks for posting

[bruceleckie]

You don’t need 2 way zippers on the door. That’s what the buckle is for. You do the buckle up then unzip the door fully. That allows for more airflow.

[leonardoutside]

I suppose you could open the zipper and clip or stake the bottom of the door for ventilation as a workaround for the double zippers on the door.

[shanelyon]

Thanks for another thurough review! Just wondering how you feel the solid does in the summer? Does it still ventilate well? Not too hot?

[hanskirk-hiking]

Great video - what's the name of that Montbell shirt you have on

[skippyonatrail]

I’ve got the gen 2 version of xmid solid and love it. What are you using for the ground sheet in this video ? Where do I pick one up?

[bobbafett]

Just use your rubber pads for tips to help protect.