Durston X-Mid Professional 1 Tent Evaluate

Backside Line

For the tent that balances efficiency, worth, and weight higher than some other, the X-Mid Professional 1 tops our listing of the perfect ultralight tents. We beloved the easy setup, glorious size, and storm-worthy design that made us assured irrespective 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 wished to calm down or needed to set it up at night time in the midst of a storm. After a whole lot of miles, the standard has held up nicely, demonstrating nice sturdiness.

The distinctive offset pole geometry offers ample inside area, leading to a snug expertise, significantly for tall people. That is one in all our favourite shelters for these over 6’0”, and we discovered we had loads of headroom each sitting and mendacity down. One downside 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 night time, though we discovered that storing them on the head or foot finish labored nicely. General, the remainder of the options contributed to a considerate and comfy expertise. Glorious zippers and doorways, nice pockets, and well-designed vestibules ensured we have been by no means left wanting for extra.

Though trekking pole tents might be difficult 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.

General, we really love the X-Mid Professional 1. It saved us comfy and dry for a whole lot of miles at a worth that allow us take pleasure in a couple of extra city beers alongside the way in which. Whereas it is probably not the perfect tent for everybody, we consider it balances the necessary facets nicely for most individuals, and now we have no hesitation in recommending it wholeheartedly.condensation drip out.

Consolation

Whereas some ultralight tents for one particular person really feel little greater than a bivy, the X-Mid Professional 1 presents a spacious and comfy expertise. It is among 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 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 revealed 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 observe. 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 want bringing their packs inside, there isn’t sufficient room subsequent to the sleeping space. Throughout our testing, we didn’t take into account this a significant concern, as there was ample area on the head or foot finish to retailer a pack successfully. T

he inside dimensions of 32 inches by 90 inches simply accommodate lengthy, vast pads. If the pad is shifted to 1 aspect, it creates ample area 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 area whereas remaining accessible throughout sleep. We usually 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 flexibleness of having the ability to enter by way of both door or open each for glorious airflow was incredible. 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 night time, we have been in a position to calm down inside our tent and luxuriate in night time’s sleep whereas having ample area for all the things.

Though we positively wouldn’t suggest this for normal use, we practically ended up squeezing two individuals into the inside on a very stormy night time, 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 might have saved another person protected.

General, one of many principal causes to contemplate the X-Mid Professional 1 is its outstanding consolation at such a low weight. With spacious headroom and size, glorious 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 flooring, the X-Mid Professional 1 stands out as one of many lightest fully-featured tents accessible. Though the DCF flooring possibility reduces the burden additional to fifteen.5 ounces, we consider that the silnylon flooring is a extra appropriate selection for many customers, because it minimizes packed measurement (the DCF is inherently bulkier) and is obtainable at a lower cost.

One characteristic 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 observe, 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.

In case you don’t hike with trekking poles, Durston Gear presents adjustable carbon fiber poles at 3.1 ounces every, however customary 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 characteristic is that if you place one trekking pole, the tent’s design ensures that the pole received’t fall over in the event you let go. This comfort simplifies the setup course of and makes it a breeze. One downside of the setup is that it might turn into difficult when the bottom isn’t stage. This concern 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 state of affairs arises.

In our expertise, pitching trekking pole tents might 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 stable and safe. Nevertheless, if the rectangle is misaligned, it may be difficult to find out which nook requires adjustment.

It is a widespread concern 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 pitch. When website area is proscribed, the X-Mid might 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 scale back the footprint measurement, though this does require a little bit of effort. Nonetheless, we’re happy to see this selection accessible.

A novel trick the X-Mid can carry out is that when organising within the rain, the trekking poles might 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 harm 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 get rid of the necessity for a rain flap. The height vents are giant and embody a small kickstand to maintain them open. An important characteristic is that they are often adjusted from the inside, so that you don’t have to step outdoors within the rain to shut or open them. The doorways are additionally value mentioning; they’re spacious and permit for simple 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 situations 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, 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 concern.

Like most tents, the X-Mid design has a selected 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 probably 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 might be pitched snugly to the bottom, we discovered this characteristic to be glorious. Our inside and vestibule stayed good and dry all through rainstorms.

Sturdiness

With a DCF fly and silnylon flooring, the X-Mid Professional 1 is constructed from premium supplies designed to endure many nights of use. Though we will’t check 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 wire failures. The one signal of harm we seen occurred once we unintentionally arrange on a granite rock underneath the shoulder space, leading to impressions – however no punctures – within the flooring material. For a whole lot 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 at all times prioritize low weight over bombproof design selections, and it’s important to make use of most of these shelters as supposed.

To boost 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 presents a 2-year guarantee on their merchandise, and the designer is acknowledged as an energetic and engaged member of the ultralight neighborhood who personally addresses product points.

Ought to You Purchase the X-Mid Professional 1?

Few tents stability worth, efficiency, and weight as deftly because the X-Mid Professional 1. Any vital enchancment in a single class typically 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 received out of our method, 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. 

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 the event you want your pack beside you at night time, 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 here are clever and can yield advantages in the long term.

On this planet of premium DCF tents, the Professional 1 is extra reasonably priced than most, making it a superb worth for what it presents. The inclusion of a silnylon flooring to scale back prices and hold packed measurement down is a superb possibility, and we consider it’s value it for the small improve in weight. Finally, 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 subsequent 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 various different choices in our greatest ultralight tents information.

Zpacks Pivot Solo Evaluate: For one more tent that balances weight and livability nicely, the Pivot Solo completely charmed us. The principle motive somebody would possibly take into account this over the X-Mid Professional 1 is the extra flooring width the design presents. 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 night time. We nonetheless give the sting to the Professional 1 for most individuals; we consider it balances worth, weight, and efficiency a bit higher for our fashion of backpacking. Nevertheless, the Pivot Solo approaches these challenges with a barely completely different mindset that may enchantment to you. Both tent is incredible; you actually can’t go incorrect right here.

Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo Evaluate: A superb funds king of backpacking tents offers an alternate if the worth and design of the Professional 1 don’t fit your fashion. With ample inside area  – 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 received’t provide the identical headroom because the Professional 1, nor the benefits of a twin door and 4 stake setup, it’s nonetheless a fantastic shelter irrespective of what number of years you’ve spent on the path.

Durston X-Mid Professional 2+ Evaluate: 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 area makes it our best choice when not touring solo. Though that area leads to a bigger footprint, staking and setup stay straightforward to handle.

Durston X-Mid 1: If all the things concerning the X-Mid Professional 1 appears superior apart from the worth, then the common silpoly model remains to be a superb shelter at a fantastic worth, 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 occurring a thru-hike, the Professional mannequin nonetheless makes extra sense, nevertheless it’s straightforward to see why the common X-Mid has been so well-liked whatever the path.