Durston - X-Dome 1+

I’m your height, solo woman doing a NOBO LASH in April. I just got the Durston XDome +1. It’s 35 oz and has enough room for my pack/gear in rainy weather. My usual tent is a BA Copper Spur UL2 at a little over 3 lbs and it’s great but has a larger footprint and is bulkier than what I want for 5-6 weeks on trail. People get hung up on UL but hike your own hike and if you like your tent, take it!

This new Durston tent is freestanding! I don't have the patience for setting up the trekking pole tents.

The first run of the X-Dome 2 probably is going to sell out fairly fast, but it won't be 3 minutes. That was during peak covid. I expect it'll last at least a day. The X-Dome 1+ a few months ago was about 2 days. One nice thing with the trekking pole implementation on the X-Dome is that the poles aren't simply vertical supports (which helps with snow loads) but they are counter balanced (angled against each other) so they are more stable for side to side forces like high winds too, and they directly support the sidewalls from deflection. Our video explains how this helps more. For Europe taxes, most of the tax is VAT which applies on any tent (purchased locally or abroad) and the difference is mostly that you pay it separately when buying abroad instead of it being included in a higher price. Europe also has a 12% duty on tents, which is similar where it applies to most tents and the difference is usually just whether it is included in a higher price or charged separately.

*"I was quite stoked about the X Dome 1+....unfortunately, I've seen a few reports on YouTube about snapped frames"* I think there is some misinformation going around on this, as aside from some glue issues on the aluminum inserts, the tent is working very well for an ultralight tent (e.g. we haven't seen a single report of a broken carbon tube aside when the tent is used properly). Most of the issues that people have had was from a production gluing issue at Easton. Easton has had some glue issues in their production process that has affected quite a few tent brands. If the glue is not properly applied, the aluminum inserts can slide out of position. If it slides all the way out then it needs to be reinstalled or the pole set can't be assembled. In one or two cases, the insert slid most of the way out of the way out so it was barely inserted in the tube and then it did split the end of the tube. Absolutely this is a serious issue, but it is a solveable production issue and not a fundamental weakness in the tent. We are 100% standing behind this and sending all the first batch owners a new pole set with improved gluing. In the last two months I have worked with Easton to improve their gluing process so it is much improved now with more glue and better spreading for a far better bond. This updated process will benefit our tents and tents from all brands using Easton. We are building those replacement pole sets now and will send them out to all current owners soon when they are ready. Aside from those glue issues, we are seeing good results with the pole sets. Lots of reports of the tent being used in verified 35-47 mph winds (60-75 km/hr). I don't want to oversell the tent because it is not a 4-season tent and not as sturdy as a Hilleberg, but I do think it offers high performance *for an ultralight freestanding tent* (e.g. I don't think another doublewall freestanding tent under 1kg could hold up to more but a 2kg tent certainly can). Aside from the glue issues, the only pole set breaks we have seen are from user error. I can think of one break that was due to an improperly applied oversized sleeve, and two breaks that were due to high winds when the tent was only partly assembled. In a video yesterday that you may have seen they mention the poles breaking, but the backstory is that the conditions were very severe and it was hit with a wind gust while the poleset was only partly assembled which ending up breaking an aluminum joint. For severe conditions there is greater skill requirements so you would want to be strategic in when/how/where you set it up and you would want the optional trekking pole supports installed. In this case, they had only one trekking pole and no guylines installed when they were hit by a big gust on the other side. It broke on the non-supported side (which they did not manually support while it was in that vulnerable state). Ways to avoid this would be solving it by adding weight (a stronger tent) or solving it with skill (e.g. waiting for a lull in the storm, finding a more sheltered site, manually supporting the tent while it is partly assemble, less vulnerable pitching sequence). I do want to be clear that is not as strong as a Hilleberg Soulo (which weighs twice as much) so it may not be the right tent if you want something with similar limits to the Soulo. The X-Dome certainly has lower limits than a 2kg Hilleberg and more skill is required if you are pushing those limits (e.g. pitching sequence, using guylines, site selection), but I do think it is working very well for what it is (an ultralight freestanding tent around 1kg). If you want a no-brainer good tent in severe conditions then a Hilleberg is great, whereas if you are willing to apply skill/technique to mitigate lower limits, then you can often save quite a bit of weight with the X-Dome.

Glad you're liking the tent. Yeah it's a palace :) Regarding the inner zippers, I have come to prefer a 90 degree corner (like the X-Mid Pro) over a curve because it is two actions instead of potentially one, but it will operate smoother without a curve and the curves are the largest contributor to zipper wear so it lasts longer, plus you always know exactly where the sliders are (instead of having to hunt for them in the dark). There is potentially a hole, but the sliders should close very close together (lots of tents do this) and there is the flap to cover. From here, adding the third zipper to open the small side of the door gives more options to access the vestibule but also doesn't need to be used (you could even take the cord off the slider if you don't think you'll use it). I am looking at color coding the cords so it is easier to identify the right one. Having the inner able to clip to both the fly and poles (for an inner only pitch) does leave those extra connections in the normal mode. It They are about 1.5g each, so it is about 20g on the tent. If they weren't attached then each one would be a separate part, so there would be \~10 little parts to keep track of. Glad the weight looks good. It seems like the first batch is slightly lighter than spec. That 1040g for a 'typical setup' is assuming 4 of the smaller stakes, so your 1085g with the 4 larger ones (16g ea) also included, should give about 1021g for just the 'typical setup or about 975-980g for just the tent.

FWIW, I am going to add a 'bikepacking' poleset in the spring that will pack to 12", so it will be able to pack horizontally with that.

Glad you're liking it. I am going to start color coding the 3 way interior zipper pulls (which is also an easy retrofit). What else would you like color coded? So the inner goes the right way?

The tent itself is quite compact, but the poles are a normal length around 18 inches. We are going to have a shorter bikepacking pole set in the spring that will be about 12 inches.

We are saving that spec for the launch, but 2P tents are typically 20 to 30% heavier than a one person tent, so somewhere in that range is a good guess

Yes they’ll fit

Yes it can pitch inner only to stargaze. We have a pic here: https://durstongear.com/products/x-dome-1-plus-ultralight-backpacking-tent The groundsheet is not required, but it is available for added protection

The X-Dome 2 is silpoly (vs DCF) and doublewall (vs singlewall) and more spacious, so it won't be as light. The X-Dome 1+ is about the same weight, but obviously the 2P version will weigh more.

We haven't seen an X-Dome 1+ break when it is assembled properly. The only "fails" are either improper assembly, or from a glue issue with the pole inserts. The most popular 'fail' video was someone who didn't do up all the clips on the poles - leaving the poles untensioned. This allowed the pole sections to disconnect, so there was essentially no structure to the pole set. They also tried to use the trekking pole supports but installed them wrong. With both of those issues together, the tent had almost no structure. This person did not realize this, so the tent was blamed but the actual cause was that the normal structure was not in place. Aside from that, there are a few videos that had breaks from a glue issue where the metal insert slid out of position leaving the pole was unsupported. That is a serious issue, which is why we worked with Easton to improve their glue process and then sent improved poles to everyone. With proper assembly, the tent is working very well. Ultimately it is a backpacking tent and not a mountaineering tent for severe conditions, so at some point it would break, but we've seen lots of reports of it handling verified 30-50 mph winds.

ive had the same finding regarding the short-side of the inner 'floating' when pitched indoors and staking the corners with a desk chair and other random objects :) I couldn't really get the inner tensioned as id like because there is no mechanism to tension it, but I do wonder if there is an optimal way to 'deflect' the poles (maybe splay the skeleton outwards, stake, then tighten the fly?). This is my first freestanding tent & unfortunately it's pouring rain in my location so fiddling to optimize will have to wait a while... One other finding was that the cross-bar being on top or below greatly affected how the inner pitched for me at lower fly tensions (it seemed better-tensioned with the cross-bar on the bottom). I think it's a case of the skeleton being allowed to splay more versus pulled more vertically & hence tighter? I couldn't get the inner not to be saggy & the fly is a little higher than I expected, so hopefully this is also solved with proper staking edit: if you have some findings at some point regarding the inner cord tension, please share!

I am now using the durston X dome 1. I really like it is still lightweight but you have a bit more room then in other tents.

Two friends? Two lovers? If it’s two friends then I’d never share a tent. Used to be the norm but now that tents have gotten so light, there’s no sacrifice bringing your own, and you get all the benefits. Sleep for me is wayyyy better when I’m solo or just with my wife than a friend. If you get a couple of solo durston x dome tents I think you’ll be happy.

If you want to go with the tents, I would increase the budget a bit and take the Durston XDome 1+ from the spring batch.

Thank you for this invaluable information. Next time I will gladly ignore the OP's post and tell him that tents are passé. Jokes aside. OP has stated that weight limit is 3-4 lbs, what gets us even into the Hubba region. OP mentions that the shelter (even explicitely mentioning tent as an option) has to work fine in wet and humid conditions and must protect against bugs, especially mosquitos. Canadian Durston's X-Dome, albeit slightly above the price limit (at least for you 'muricans, screw EU taxes and customs), sounds like the optimal freestanding tent for given set of requirements. If the ground isn't too rocky and the shelter doesn't have to be free-standing, sure trekking pole tents may offer lower weight for the same price. All kinds of bivies and light tarp setups will offer much smaller living space. While it is no concern for the sleeping, it will be miserable to do anything else in the clouds of mosquitos / midges. And finally, it's just a suggestion. Following right after an 'if' clause. If you have better idea, feel free to suggest better tent instead of writing non-nonsubstantive comments.

That is a very good tent. I had one. It's just me, but I like the extra room. Since you need a 2P tent, what you have is one of the best choices out there, and the weight isn't bad. The only reason I got rid of my UL2 was because the X-Dome 1+ came out. I'm still awaiting mine in April. Both tents are freestanding, which I wanted. The X-Dome 1+ is smaller and lighter, but it has more room than most one person tents. The extra room is why I've always use a 2P tent.

It's a great tent. I got one when REI had their aniversery sale. It was 30% off. Changing to the X-Dome 1+ because of less weight, and because it has more room than most 1P tents. I only went 2P for the extra room.

I have the hornet osmo elite 1p and its a good tent. However it really depends on how tall you are. I'm 6'3 and pretty broad shouldered. I find it find width wise and the vestibule is able to hold all my gear just fine. What I don't like is the length. I find my sleeping bag is touching the wall at the end which is a single wall at the point as the rain fly doesn't cover that area., so my quilt foot box can be damp or wet in the morning. I ended up buying an X-Dome 1p+ and will see how that works for me. If I like it then I'll be offloading the hornet.

Folks, I'm planning another round in Hornstrandir this year. Since I'm going alone this time, I need a new tent, the duplex is too heavy. Based on the initial marketing and impressions, I was quite stoked about the X Dome 1+. Unprecedented storm worthiness, 3+ seasons, that should do it! Also, not all sites allowed for great pegging (scnr). Boggy or very rocky ground posed their own challenges. So freestanding sounded nice. Now, unfortunately, I've seen a few reports on YouTube about snapped frames. That's not optimal when you're two days' walk away from the next ferry that comes twice per week. I am fine with paying premium for gear, but I don't want to end up having to explain my equipment choices to eyerolling SAR folks 😂 I'm sure it's a great tent (I might want anyway for less demanding hikes, not sure yet), but it might need an upgraded frame set to actually meet those promises? I've seen plenty of Akto tents around last year, but I admit the weight is a bit sad. Plus, at 195cm, I'm quite tall and the tent is very low. That's obviously better then no shelter, but I wonder if I can do better?

Got mine yesterday. My yard is a mud pit currently so I set it up inside the house. I've been backpacking for close to 30 years now and have had every and all types of tents (including Dan's v1 X-Mid) and so far think this is the most well designed tent I've ever seen. I have concerns over the delicate poles but time will tell and I would have baked some colors coding into the fabric to make the setup easier in high stress situations. Those are my only critiques . Thank you Dan I absolutely love it! Can't wait to put it to use.

Just got mine and looking forward to taking it out on the North Yorkshire Moors tomorrow. My other freestanding tent is a 1.7kg Hilleberg Niak (also a 1+, or 1.5 person, tent), so at just a smidge over 1kg the X-Dome offers considerable weight savings :-)

I know there are a few official reviews kicking about, but I just got mine this week so I think that more and more of us "normies" will also be getting theirs and setting it up for the first time and comparing it to what we already have (in my case X-Mid 1p) so this is the spot to share your thoughts or for others on the fence to ask questions. Thoughts: - 1095g as shipped with 8 stakes (compared to 1040g listed weight with 4 stakes) so seems accurate to spec. - Freestanding! No more agonizing over getting the right angles to avoid the roots/rocks/dips and finding out you were off by a few degrees after everything is setup, just pick it up and adjust before staking out. I know this is obvious and the main reason the tent was created, but it is HUGE! - Magnets! Coming from tents that don't have these, these are amazing. Immediately change an annoying process into something so simple. - Pockets! Tons of space, more than I need - Triple Zipper? Not sure I'm onboard with the separate triple zipper when compared to the combined double zipper of the X-Mids. Very cool to open everything up (fly and inner) and get a giant rain proof verandah, but it's not really a feature that will get a ton of use from me. Requiring two separate zips to open / close and having a bug sized gap where all three zippers meet when closed is not ideal. - Which way to lay? Inside feels absolutely palatial size wise compared to the 1p but even though it is very obviously asymmetrical but I didn't expect to not have a clear winner. Feet in the skinny is fine, lot's of space, close to pockets, but very far away from your backpack or anything outside, especially as with the new zippers you always have to open from the same spot. Head in the skinny makes it feel a bit more constricted when laying down, like the X-Mid 1p, but you get access to anything outside easy, especially with that third zipper, and when you sit up then the functional space in front of you is the wide which is great. I think head in the taper feels like that is the design, but for me there wasn't a clear winner. - Permanent Stargazer Connections? After some initial confusion with how to attach the inner once the fly is setup, I realized that the connection points on the inner include both regular female connection point and a big loop with a male connection point on it for "stargazing mode" (loop it around the poles and then back into the regular female point). These seem to add a lot of material/weight, and just kind of look ugly just resting on the roof mesh of your inner when not in use (likely 90% of the time for me). Might have been better as a separate add-on to remove weight/cost (or included but not permanently attached) Overall quite happy and can't wait to get it into the field. None of the above things are deal breakers, but I missed thinking about these things until I had it setup so figured would be good to share so others know what they are getting into.

Do you think you might slightly widen the narrow end to make both ends feel a bit more natural to place your head in for the June mesh inner batch? Also seen some users wanting their 30inch pads (Exped megamat, BA etc) to fit, in fact I would love to take my Exped Megamat 10W for a car camp in this tent. I also see that narrow end corner with cord pulling oddly to the 4th corner, never looks that neat in videos. I would love to see a bit of the vestibule space deleted for a slightly larger narrow end (which would then make it a more natural head end) and also support an inner only pitch on nicer nights with more 'head' end room (if ground dictated laying that direction) as there is no covered vestibule, just the pole of the 4th corner 'floating'.

Nice Dan! Thanks, it really is looking like a super sweet tent.

I set mine up and found 2 issues that I am sure can be resolved via a better pitch (I'm all ears): 1. When going outer-only, the tent loses tension when the door is unzipped and topples toward the door-side. 2. My inner is a little off the ground at the short end (too tight). Despite this, it is almost too-loosely attached to the stake point. I loved how easy it was to set up outer-first, love the magnetic toggles, and love the space. I'm sure my 2 issues will be resolved with some changes to the pitch.

Thanks for the fast/thorough answers here. Very interesting to hear about the relationship between the crossbar & the corners. I'll try out these adjustments! Even as a longtime dome tent user this one feels like a huge step forward.

I contacted Durston support and they said that actually staking the tent out (impossible in my basement ofc) will help to properly tension the fly and prevent the imbalances.

This is the context needed to get you actionable information. Most "hiking" (backpacking) tents are designed to be lightweight, and therefore keep the wind and rain off of you (and bugs out if you go that non tarp route). That means you should be primarily relying on your sleep system to stay warm. Cool is something that is typically not considered in a backpacking tent, though you get that with a mesh house style. Like with most backpacking stuff you are going to find you pay more, to carry less. I am not familiar with Kathmandu (like you posted) personally. But I think it would do the job you are asking it. It's close to 4lbs and will take up 7L of space in your pack. The weight is not "bad" per say for that price, and the 7L depends on if you plan to strap it to a pack or put it inside, and of course how much other stuff you are taking. Hiking its likely fine. Regular camping it may be a bit cramped. The NH Cloud Up 2 is going give you more room, and appears taller. That could be an advantage but I think their Up 1 (single person tent) is on par weight-wise with the Kat, so its likely going to be bulkier and heavier (assume 40% without doing any research). Again, bigger tent so how you choose to carry it and what your backpack style is have a say. Being able to fully sit up in a tent is pretty nice. Just by looking the NH option provides that to you while the Kat... it may depend, but these are "at a glance" observations. I bet you can find reviews for any option you are looking at online. Just need to know what to pay attention to (dimensions, weight, were people stow it, how many stakes and poles, is it delicate or rugged, etc.) I used a Durston (XMID 1+) for long distance backpacking. Your choices are free-standing, where the Durston (I use) needs trekking poles to work, but its much lighter (so more $), but fits in a 50L pack with all my stuff and I maintain a "close to" ultralight base weight (pack in more food, more days on the trail). On another note Yosemite is a great choice for coming to the US, make sure you do your research into the National Park system. but the time of year will be cooler, and not so many tourists in RVs and such (kids still on school here for the most part). I have only been to DV when it was mid-winter (no camping or backpacking, just driving through), and have plans to move to AUS later this year or next, but have not done any research on backpacking there, let alone with my current load-out. Its a work assignment (3-5 years) near Canberra, so I can pretty much take my gear for weekends and holidays (shipping not taking on a plane). Good luck and enjoy!

I got my Super Alloy 3p for $200 the last time Marmot put it on sale. The tent color is a bit obnoxious, but it is super light and works well for my son and I. Marmot should be starting their Black Friday sale any day now. The Durston X-Dome is a free standing tent, the X-Mid is a trekking pole shelter. Of all the trekking pole shelters out there it is about the easier to setup with only 4 stakes and two trekking poles needed to pitch it. Going with a 25" wide pads makes a big difference for comfort. Thicker pads (3" of more) also help quite a bit especially for side sleepers.

The Durston x-dome would be perfect with a child that age

That is a great overnighter, but is too big, heavy, and bulky for someone of your size to through-hike with. Look into a Durston--either an X-Mid 1 if you are comfortable using a trekking pole tent, or the new X-Dome if you prefer the simplicity of a freestanding tent. Each costs less than a couple of the chiropractor appointments that you will be able to avoid.

Durston X-dome has treated me well

Also tarptent arcdome and durston x-dome.

Of the two you've linked the Indie is the better tent - has more space and headroom. The Ranger is a coffin - might as well get a bivybag. Some other options: [Macpac Sololight](https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-sololight-1-person-tent-v3/121720.html?dwvar_121720_color=Citronelle%2FWoodbine&dwvar_121720_clearance=no) [Macpac Microlight](https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-microlight-1-person-tent/114084.html?dwvar_114084_color=Kiwi&dwvar_114084_clearance=no) [Macpac Duolight](https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-duolight-2-person-tent-v3/121721.html?dwvar_121721_color=Citronelle%2FWoodbine&dwvar_121721_clearance=no) On Aliexpress, search for 3F UL gear lanshan 1 pro or 2 pro [The Durston X-Mid 1 and 2 ](https://durstongear.com/pages/tents)are great tents but need trekking poles or sticks for for support. A 3mx3m square flat tarp is what I use when the sandflies/mosquitoes aren't bad.

Of the two you've linked the Indie is the better tent - has more space and headroom. The Ranger is a coffin - might as well get a bivybag. Some other options: [Macpac Sololight](https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-sololight-1-person-tent-v3/121720.html?dwvar_121720_color=Citronelle%2FWoodbine&dwvar_121720_clearance=no) [Macpac Microlight](https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-microlight-1-person-tent/114084.html?dwvar_114084_color=Kiwi&dwvar_114084_clearance=no) [Macpac Duolight](https://www.macpac.co.nz/macpac-duolight-2-person-tent-v3/121721.html?dwvar_121721_color=Citronelle%2FWoodbine&dwvar_121721_clearance=no) On Aliexpress, search for 3F UL gear lanshan 1 pro or 2 pro [The Durston X-Mid 1 and 2 ](https://durstongear.com/pages/tents)are great tents but need trekking poles or sticks for for support. A 3mx3m square flat tarp is what I use when the sandflies/mosquitoes aren't bad.

If you're spending that much get a Durston X-Dome. They make thoughtful, light gear.

I've used the X-Mid 1 for 4 years, 2000+ miles. It would be a good, light weight choice for under $300.

Thanks to everybody for all the suggestions , much appreciated ! I’ll be going with the Durston X-Mid as I already own a pair of trekking poles and I believe it best suits what I’m aiming for

Thanks for the variety , the durston and lunar solo really look like what I’m looking for in a tent I’ll look into them more

This is the one I'm stalking. Waiting for a short pole update some time next year, but I know not everyone cares about/prefers that so you'd be good to go on that front. Love that: * It sets up fly first without needing to buy/pack a footprint (& can even store the inner pre-attached to genuinely set the whole thing up without having to crawl around inside the fly) * It's big enough to store some stuff inside the tent alongside a 25" pad (ha, and/or dog), though there's a true full 2p coming with vestibules on both sides etc if that's preferable. * The vestibule doesn't block the door * It's got a strip of draft panel between the floor & mesh that doesn't obstruct views from the door. * It's got 42" of headroom height and is relatively spacious while still fitting easily at crowded sites/tent platforms * It has magnetic tie backs to open the fly & vestibule up but also a hangover on top so that the inner remains relatively protected from rain when it's open/being opened. * It's made of a material that doesn't sag in the rain * It's got a pleasant semi-stealthy moss green colour * It's fairly priced for its light weight & quality, especially relative to a lot of bikepacking tents out there rn. But still waiting on those shorter poles for me (Durston's said maybe some time in 2025 - per his replies in the comments here - https://bikepacking.com/news/durston-x-dome-1-tent-pre-order/ - but no guarantees when. )