Durston - X-Mid 1 Solid

I have an elixir 2, hubba nx and xmid 1 solid. The xmid is much better in windy conditions but it requires a good pitch. Dan has an amazing youtube video on how to pitch it, it’s pretty versatile. It’s super spacious for a 1p tent, the vestibules are huge and the inner has lots of headroom. The footprint is quite big but i haven’t found it an issue, neither has condensation. It’s replaced my hubba nx for solo trips. I ordered mine direct from Durston Gear with stakes and it came out to £320 after import fees. Their customer service is also amazing.

This is the answer. X-Mid is worth it for more space, stormworthiness and condensation management.

Holy crap that's a lot man. I have the Xmid 1 solid,i have yet to test it in really extreme weather. It might do the job for you,but i was kinda worried with the way you spoke about those high winds and snow. I was kind of getting the impression you might need something stronger. You could the Durston FB group and ask folks there if they think it could work for you. It's a great tent in my opinion and i think 2p is also good.

Are you sure? I got my x-mid solid a few years back for \~£200, it's still showing up on the Durston shop site at £205 shipped to the UK. Can't be that much more on to the continent surely? Are you on the official site? [https://durstongear.com/products/x-mid-1-solid?variant=48282912096547](https://durstongear.com/products/x-mid-1-solid?variant=48282912096547) and not the Pro (which is lighter, but far more expensive and arguably less durable). It's a solid tent, can be erected in the rain without exposing the inner, mind you'll need to buy the poles separately, I have Durstons z-flips as I use it for motorcycle camping more often than not.

The pack size is without a doubt the main negative with the Scarp. I know the struts are what give the tent its real strength but I feel like they could be foldable or simpler to remove. I’ll use my Xmid again but only on trips where weight and pack size truly matter, like one of my summer climbing trips or a multiday sprint for example.

My Xmid 1p Solid took damage to some stitching in 40-45mph gusts sadly so I’ve lost confidence in anything over 30mph. If I do anything long distance outside of rough weather it will still be my choice but I am more picky now as to when it gets used. The Scarp just breaths confidence, even if things turn nasty unexpectedly, it’s just flat out reliable.

The hem thread snapped and unravelled on my X-mid 1P Solid in some gusts nearing 40mph. It’s a great tent but it’s not a storm-worthy tent, regardless of how well you pitch it. I come from a tarp background so pitching it was quite a familiar process. However, I’d say it’s more of a 2.5-3 season tent. Anything above 30mph and I take my Scarp 1. Minus the crossing poles it only weighs 1.4kg with 4 spare pegs. It’s seen 40mph and I’m sure I could hear it belly laughing at the wind. With the crossing poles it’s seen 55mph winds and didn’t budge and still only clocked in at 2.1kg with 6 spare Easton 9” pegs. Unfortunately, it’s out of OP’s budget. However, to answer the question, I do think it’s the best all round tent available to date.

I’ve got a Helm 1, Scarp 1 and a Xmid Solid 1p so all I can do is give you my thoughts on those and why I rate them over other tents. The Helm is fantastic value for money but it’s also the least roomy for me at 6’1. It’s the worst for condensation out of the three. The Xmid is super light and spacious but is not suitable for winds above 35mph. In 40mph winds the hem stitching snapped and unravelled which I’ve had to repair. The Scarp 1 is incredible. Super light in 3 season format (1.4kg, with pegs and guys) and 2.1kg in 4 season format. Plenty of space for one, including gear. Hileberg’s are one trick ponies, whereas the Scarp is easily the most versatile tent I’ve come across. It’s probably 85-90% as a capable as a Soulo but it’s infinitely more versatile. I’ve had mine in 55mph driving winds and it just did not budge.

I have the xmid v3 solid and a tarptent notch solid. Both tents are trekking pole , so you have to consider that. Both pack down small and are great quality well made backpacking tents. The xmid has a larger footprint and is slightly more tricky to put up than the notch, but nothing is that arduous or too large most of the time. I bought the notch in great condition off ebay and the xmid direct from durston, price was less on the notch as it was used , but new is slightly similar. Both are double wall with vents and you can adjust the fly height so condensation is dependant on the conditions. Have tested the ximid out in angry conditions just this weekend with some very strong gusts and it impressed me, though I had to add two extra guy lines , so 10 pegs total. The notch can get away with 4 .The xmid has more interior space as it stays square around the perimeter whereas the notch tapers at the ends. If you can see a notch for a good price i'd consider it, its lighter , and easier to pitch , but it feels tighter inside than the xmid. For near £300 the x mid is amazing. I don't plan to sell either as I will chop and choose when to take each. The x dome was my first choice as it was free standing, but the solid inner has just became available with a price increase.

I have a storm break 2 and carried it for years in my early experiences backpacking. Wonderful tent; sturdy and easy to set up as well as being exceptionally roomy. It was on the heavier side but I've since upgraded to an Xmid 1 solid and couldn't be happier.

I have the XMid 1P 2025 - non pro. I'm pretty sure it would work for you at 6'3. The 2025 XMid 1P has more interior room than the earlier editions. Here's my write-up on it - [https://www.reddit.com/r/DurstonGearheads/comments/1juo3sx/the\_2025\_xmid\_1\_for\_taller\_hikers\_yes/](https://www.reddit.com/r/DurstonGearheads/comments/1juo3sx/the_2025_xmid_1_for_taller_hikers_yes/) LMK if you have questions.

Very true however the new 2025 models take up I think anywhere from 15-20% less space due to the higher interior height, and while it’s a smaller footprint the interior area of the Mid1 is actually bigger. Just got mine back from its first trip and it’s pretty darn close to perfect for my uses

For info, I ordered an X Mid 1 Solid in February (so it was the v2.0) direct from Durston for delivery to Scotland. Delivery took 4 days with FedEx and after VAT and import duties I saved about £45 compared to ordering in the UK.

If you order direct from Durston it will be the 2025 version which I believe is v3. Ordering from them was simple, no different than ordering from any UK shop. My tent was dispatched that day and was with me 4 days later. When it got to Stansted I was contacted by FedEx to say that I owed VAT and duties. The text had a link and I paid quickly. Overall it was an easy process.

I have the durston x mid solid and love it. It’s the easiest thing I’ve ever pitched

I got the X-Mid Solid a few months back (I got the solid version as I plan to use it in more variable conditions), and so far I really like it. It was a bit different and tricky to get a really solid pitch at first, coming from a freestanding (MSR HubbaHubba) - but once I got the hang of it, I really appreciated that it does the basics very well. And it's nice and light, packs down small. I'm taking it on the JMT in august, so I guess that will be a more rigorous test!

Hey Dan, happy holidays. I just sold my Xmid solid tent as I'm a bit frustrated pitching them on soft soil/sand. I went back using BA Tiger Wall UL3 while I'm waiting for your free standing 2p dome tent. Just want to know if 2x regular wide thermarests (64cm Width) will fit inside? Just making sure otherwise we'll continue to use our current tent perfect for 2 people. Thanks mate

Generally not ideal. A couple that might work all around are the Durston x-mid solid or Slingfin portal 2. Neither is going to be anywhere close to as cozy as a 4 season expedition tent, but should be passably stormworthy and strong against snow loading. And obviously you'll find no shortage of accounts of folks using the megamid in all conditions. But you're venturing into "knowing what you're doing" territory

You can use it all year round especially in the UK. I use a x-mid solid for most of the year on summits except for winter when I use a 4 season tent. The terra nova is a solid tent and it is knocked down from £700 to £450 and it weighs no more than your mongar. I always use a solid tent in summer because I only sleep in it and because you avoid draughts you can lighten your sleep system.

I don't know much about it but it looks ok, I have seen on you tube on an American channel and it looks ok. Terra nova do 4 season tents like the southern cross 1 or 2, bombproof and not too heavy. You can usually pick them up for £500. Or there's Nortent Vern 1 or 2 at the same price but heavier, really good reviews on YouTube. I use my x-mid all year round unless I'm expecting really bad weather then I use the Terra nova Southern cross. Hope that helps

I take my xmid solid into the mountains and it's good for most conditions. If you really want a bomb proof tent then you have to look at hilleberg soulo, terranova southern cross, big sky Chinook, nortent Vern 1 but all these cost £500 or above. Personally I don't go out in gale force winds so can't justify spending £900 on a hilleberg

The newer version was revised with a grommet for the tip, Dan said in an explainer video that it was less likely to slip and allowed for a sturdier setup. So now you need to go handles down. I think pro series still goes handle up but regular and solid are tip up. Edit: hear it direct from Dan at [ 4:22 in this video ](https://youtu.be/fOJ4BKIoKGs?si=hYzemLr8ZoBpXFw1)

Hello friends: I am planning some trips for this winter here in the Pacific northwest. Last year I relied on a Durston X-Mid Solid which was fine, but after that experience I'd prefer to get a freestanding tent to give me more pitching location options. As I am based in the pacific northwest, and we get all four seasons plus serious rain and strong winds, I have narrowed my tent search down to two tents that seem like they will do the best in continuous rain: the Durston X-Dome (Solid) and the NEMO Dragonfly OSMO. My thinking on these two is the fabrics used for their respective rainflys do not stretch when wet. Owning a Durston X-Mid, which also uses a polyester fabric on the rainfly, is kept pretty taut during rainstorms and doesn't require me to cinch down the corners. I've also used a NEMO Dagger OSMO, which has a rainfly that uses a mixed nylon-polyester fabric, that works pretty similar in my experience, and doesn't sag when wet. I've experienced tent failures and pole snaps in years past during overnight rainstorms with wind due to flapping saggy rainflys. Has anyone here yet used both a Durston X-Dome and a NEMO Dragonfly OSMO that can compare or recommend one over the other? (I've also previously used both the Sea to Summit Alto and Telos, which are fantastic tents which I highly recommend! They're just not great for serious rainstorms here, in my experience.)

For my solo shelter in 2024 I used an X-mid 1 fly that I modified by sewing on perimeter mesh. I still enjoy using it so I wanted to share why I chose this option, how I did it, and a brief “review”. Most of us who've seen copious X-mid photos should be able to visualize this, but [here are photos.](https://www.onland.us/gear-review/x-mid-perimeter-mesh) # Why: I cowboy camp often, and have an Xmid 2 for trips with partners. I use a 1p shelter for all my summer guiding in mountain ecosystems (\~30 nights), and for other trips where it's cold/rainy. Here are the other shelters I used/considered: * **Gossamer Gear The One**: I used this tent for two summers guiding in Wyoming (75 nights), and am a big fan the weight:price ratio, the simplicity of the single wall design, and the packability. I found its durability and stormworthinwss fully adequate. I stopped using it mostly because at 6’2” I needed to use the end timeouts (extra fuss) and my feet would still touch the fly. A secondary issue is the silnylon fabric does indeed sag when wet. * **Normal Xmid (with inner)**: Obviously a good option, but I am looking for my 1p shelter to save more weight over my Xmid 2 than this would. Also, I have used one and found the decrease in length due to the inner undesirable (it compresses my footbox). Buying only the fly is also cheaper. * **Tarptent Notch, Protrail, Dipole**: All great tents, but like the Normal Xmid they are heavier than I prefer. They are also all more fussy than the Xmid in one way or another. * **SMD Deschutes Plus**: Light and silpoly. I tried this but it was way too small, so I returned it. * **Xmid Pro**: Truly seems like a great tent, and I would prefer to use this if the cost felt worth it to me. The other cons of DCF wouldn't bother me too much. * **Gossamer Gear Whisper**: Lightest option. I don't actually have a strong preference for a floorless design, so if I wanted to pay for DCF it would be the Xmid Pro. * **Flat/Shaped tarp**: I love “communing with nature” so I cowboy camp extremely often. When I want a shelter, I want easy, effective protection from rain/wind/mosquitoes. What I actually want is a silpoly Xmid Pro. I like single wall shelters for my 1p, and I like integrated floors. Basically this would be like a perfected GG The One. But this isn't available and I don't want to make one. # How to: The first step is to acquire an Xmid fly. Sometimes they are available from Durston Gear on the “Spare tent parts” page, otherwise you could just modify the fly from an Xmid you already own. This is one of the easiest sewing projects one can do. It is way easier than the popular make-your-own synthetic quilt, and is very low consequence because it can be removed and the functionality of the Xmid should be uncompromised. Super fine mesh like this can be a little hard to sew, and you have to use a delicate machine. Any portable/domestic/home machine should be fine. I ordered the lightest possible possible noseeum mesh (.5osy) from Ripstop by the Roll because I wasn't very concerned about durability issues. I cut the mesh into 8" strips and then sewed each strip together end-to-end so I had at least 340" of 8" wide mesh. Then I sewed that to the base of the tent, starting from one door and leaving a extra mesh around the doors. If I did this again I would make my mesh wider than 8", maybe 12-16" would be ideal. It is nice to have plenty so it can hug the ground and you can put weight on top of it. # Review: The Xmid has enough reputation that I won't rehash it all, but for the unique use without an inner I find it amazing. I like the 1p geometry better than the 2p because the walls are steeper, which is awesome for liveability but less good for wind (just pitch it with the ridgeline in the wind direction). Inside it's really awesome how much space there is. One can choose a slender human-sized groundsheet to save weight or use a big groundsheet to have more clean space. I cook group meals while guiding and I can comfortable do that inside the shelter if needed. At 6’2” I often sleep on a large Xtherm and have a lofty 20°F bag, in which I'm not even close to touching the ends, even with an overquilt. I have used this with another person and it is remarkably comfortable. The poles can be angled towards the middle and there is adequate length and width. It would be a phenomenal 2p fastpacking shelter for short trips or any trip where you can dry out during the day, because with 2 people you will probably touch the walls a little. The mesh that I added weighs about 1oz. I also replaced all four corner guy lines with 24” cords so that I can more easily use natural anchors (highly recommended for rocky landscapes). In total my shelter weighs 21oz and packs to the size of a grapefruit. “But how is a tent without a floor good enough?” - there are many opinions out there on this. My favorite is from renowned Alaskan adventure Roman Dial, who basically said on a podcast that sleeping in a tent with a floor is for noobs. I'm not that extreme, I'm more comfortable with integrated floors, but floorless tents are fine. The first thing I'll assert is that floorless tents are fine in rain. If you are camped in a spot where water will pool, a bathtub floor won't magically make things pleasant. Tarp campers know this - just think of a floorless mid as a more protective tarp. My edition is 98% effective against flying insects and a version with a longer mesh skirt would be even better. It's not totally effective against creepy crawlies. In mountain environments this is fine. I once found a slug inside and once had a mouse come in and get stuck for 30 seconds.  In desert environments with venomous snakes and scorpions - if you're not comfortable cowboy camping, this probably isn't the shelter for you. I usually use a 6oz bivy as my only shelter in these conditions, because it usually doesn't rain. You could use a bivy inside this Xmid PM but then the weight is approaching a normal Xmid.

I have an X-Mid 1 and an X-Mid 2 Solid. In my experience, the solid is best suited for cold and windy environments where condensation is less of a problem. The standard breathes substantially better.

I’m not sure a tarp is a good suggestion for a beginner, and not all areas work well with tarps - big pressure is wayyy too high most of the year where I’m at (Texas/arkansas/oklahoma). I’m a little irrational about bugs but giant spiders hanging out on the outside of my tent mesh in December has guaranteed I’ll never sleep without a bug net. I second the Lanshan rec - you can get them on Amazon too, they just cost a little more. You might find a Durston X mid 1 in that price range used.

The XMid is probably the most common tent this year. What annoys me about the regular versions is that it's trekking pole tip up. I tend to be hard on my tips and break them easily. After wearing the tip down quite a bit, it didn't fit anymore. (This wasn't a problem for me as my partner is mucj gentler and didn't break their tip)

Xmid-1. It's great! Used it on the GR54 and it was fantastic.

An incredible trail through the French Alps. We did it in 10 days and the ease of setup and takedown of the X-mid 1 as well as packability and, incredibly, the price, was enough to make me a Durston fan for life. Like the first place I will ever look for new gear is there. I've used the X Mid in the Alps a lot and there are a ton of reviews on it that can say anything better than I can but it's a legit piece of gear and I'm happy tongive his company my business. I didn't have the inner since it was summer and at altitude, so bugs weren't an issue luckily. Lived it and will look into an X Dome as well. https://www.ultimatefrance.com/hiking/french-alps/tour-des-ecrins-gr54

The only negative with the Durston is the amount of real estate needed for a proper pitch.

Only 5 reviews is a bit sus. Id check out https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/collections/camping-tents-backpacking-tent They seem to be well liked and affordable. I almost went with theirs but decided to spend a bit more and go with theirs durston xmid 1

If you could spend a bit more this seems like a good deal. I was originally looking at this company but ended up going with the durston xmid 1 https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/collections/camping-tents-backpacking-tent/products/arches-1p-and-2p-backpacking-tent

I suspect the x-mid 1 would feel bigger but not by much, at least inside the tent, vestibule space would be considerable bigger. A 2 person would certainly give you plenty of space. I have the lanshan 2 and it's a perfectly decent tent for the price, but I think the x-mid could be worth the cost difference for the easier setup and sil poly fly material. The price difference in the US is a bit less than the EU though. Also, you're comparing a single wall tent to a double wall. IMO for your climate a double wall makes more sense.

Ultralighters may sound crazy at times but if you think about walking with a backpack every single day for five+ months, you are gonna wanna drop weight wherever you can. As others have said, so many people have completed the AT without a care in the world pertaining to weight, but if you're anything like me (smaller than the average person), then you are gonna wanna get something lighter than 5 pounds. My tent, the durston x mid 1, is 1.75 pounds

The xmid is one of the most popular trekking pole tents on the market. If you aren’t a trekking pole user, you can get adjustable poles for ~$25-35 each. There are some drawbacks to non-freestanding tents but for me the positives outweigh the negatives. The xmid 1 is 2 pounds (1000g.) internally it’s bigger than any other 1 person tent out there. The tent material is great. It’s extremely storm worthy. It’s the fastest set up and take down of any tent I’ve used. Downsides are it’s huge, tent sites can be hard to find. That’s a double edge sword. Since it’s non freestanding you either need 4 stakes or 4 large rocks. This can take some getting used to. Your poles are now used as tent poles. If you want to peak bag or day hike from a base camp, you’ll need to break down your site every day. If you have any interest in non-freestanding tents I’d highly recommend this tent.

If you have a bot more the spend the Durston Xmid 1 is incredible. You can buy the Fly and Inner separately from Canada and not pay import duties. 750g

Ok so if you order the full tent from Durston direct it go over the £135 limit. Which means you pay import tariffs (It's only around £22 for the mesh Xmid1) but you can order the inner and outer separately which gets you around the limit. I made a post about it here if you want more info. They are amazing tents so fast to put up and no guy lines to trip over. [FYI UK Buyers, Successful Duties Claim 🫡 : r/DurstonGearheads](https://www.reddit.com/r/DurstonGearheads/comments/1js70h7/fyi_uk_buyers_successful_duties_claim/)

Durston Xmid1! 750g and if you buy the inner and fly separately you don't pay duties from Canada.

If pitched correctly it is very sturdy. No poles bending as all the force goes straight down.

X Mid 1 + Z Flick poles (or trekking poles) 750grams tent. It's incredible

No they are separate and don't fit in the Xmid 1 stuff sack. Its too small! haha I carry them in my side pouch on my bag :)

Honestly is just an incredible tent. You can pitch with 4 pegs and no guylines at all. I went with the mesh inner over the solid as the fly colour is more discreet Watch this [https://youtu.be/mqRMawjBB90?si=mhkEDtksogZgTO05](https://youtu.be/mqRMawjBB90?si=mhkEDtksogZgTO05)

I picked up an X-Mid 1 when I upgraded and I can corroborate this. Trekking pole tents are honestly less hassle for me because you don't have to carry an extra set of poles, and you can pitch it however you like. Sure, it takes a tiny bit more finagling at camp, but once you get the pitch down you'll feel like a pro. I'll probably never go back to a freestanding tent just because I love the X-Mid so much! If you feel like going extra budget, 3F UL Gear makes the Lanshan 1/2, a lightweight trekking pole tent lots of folks swear by. So there are a lot of great options, like the ones the user above mentioned, that I'm sure could make you a happy camper.

I’ve used a couple of different trekking pole tents (Zpacks Duplex, Durston Xmid 1P) pretty extensively in the park and never had an issue setting up. They definitely save you weight.

This is spot on, I have a Xmid 1 bloody brilliant tent, i sold my lighter Hilleberg’s (Niak and Solo). Kept an Unna with 10mm poles for the winter if you want bomb proof there’s no better. Southern Cross would be perfect option too especially if there’s a deal

X-Mid 1 is right on your budget. Sell your Fjällräven off and you got budget to go full ul with that money :D!

I'd go for the x-mid 1. I did notice a lot of people breaking their poles on the PCT. One of mine did. But I just taped the hell out of it, and you could probably put like a splint on one if necessary if it snaps. You can also get a dedicated pole from the Durston website if you don't want to commit to two trekking poles, and it'll work as a pole for more than just the x-mid. I feel like the weight would still be under the new freestanding one coming out soon.

For the same price, you can have a X-mid 2, which is much bigger and lighter. If you want something smaller and less expensive, the X-mid 1 is also a good choice. Polyester is better than nylon (doesn't sag). Durston after sale service is top notch and it's also a canadian company

I love my nemo switch bc I love the awning, the versatility and the shades of blue. It’s great for the beach and car camping. (This tent displaced my love for my Nemo Aurora.) I love my Durston X mid 1 for backpacking.

The X-Mid (non-Pro) has the advantage of being a double-wall tent, so even if you brush against the walls, you won’t get wet. However, when it comes to height support, I find that Durston tends to overestimate. I'm 198 cm tall, and only X-Mid Pro 2+ is usable for solo use. I definitely wouldn’t go for the one-person X-Mid 1 if you're around 193 cm or taller. As for solo tents, the now-discontinued Zpacks Offset Solo was the only one that really works for me. A friend of mine, who’s 195 cm, uses the Tarptent Dipole 1 and says he can sleep comfortably in it, but considering the weight, I’d personally lean toward the Zpacks Offset Duo, X-Mid Pro 2+, or even the standard X-Mid 2 for solo use. If you want a tent for two people that can fit a tall person, get Zpacks Offset Trio.

The X-Mid (non-Pro) has the advantage of being a double-wall tent, so even if you brush against the walls, you won’t get wet. However, when it comes to height support, I find that Durston tends to overestimate. I'm 198 cm tall, and only X-Mid Pro 2+ is usable for solo use. I definitely wouldn’t go for the one-person X-Mid 1 if you're around 193 cm or taller. As for solo tents, the now-discontinued Zpacks Offset Solo was the only one that really works for me. A friend of mine, who’s 195 cm, uses the Tarptent Dipole 1 and says he can sleep comfortably in it, but considering the weight, I’d personally lean toward the Zpacks Offset Duo, X-Mid Pro 2+, or even the standard X-Mid 2 for solo use. If you want a tent for two people that can fit a tall person, get Zpacks Offset Trio.

In reading responses here OP and others should consider that this sub is US/North American-centric, has a lot of Durston fans, and occasionally displays negative bias towards Chinese products. I'm happy to correct some misinformation and give my opinion from inclement Northern Europe as I own both the X-Mid 1 (but not the solid - it wasn't available at the time) and the Lanshan 1 (the non-Pro with separate fly and inner, both 3 season mesh and 4 season solid). No affiliations to either maker. They are both great tents OP. Cost - The Lanshan range definitely has risen in price and new variants (e.g. 2024 T-door) carry a slight premium, but looking on Aliexpress today the Lanshan 1 can still be shipped to the US or Europe for around $100. That is an absolutely sensational price! The X-Mid Solid is going to cost at least two or two-and-a-half times that depending on your location. That is still a great price IMO, but if you are budget conscious let's be honest that these are not comparable outlays. This is the key factor that should then determine how you view these tents, and the Lanshan in particular, on the price-performance axes. Seam sealing - The Lanshan 1 does NOT need seam sealing. It is seamed taped from the factory. The Lanshan Pro (1 or 2) is the one that has to be seam sealed because it has double sided silicon coating. Storm worthiness - The Lanshan 1 is great in the wind and bad weather, especially pitched side on or tail into the wind. It is a half-mid and presents considerably less fabric to the wind than the X-Mid. The downside is in internal usable space but you can't have it all. Modding - The Lanshan 1 does NOT need to be modded to be usable! I'm an inveterate modder of most of my tents and gear, but other than swapping out stakes as usual, I haven't modded my Lanshan 1 at all or felt the need. Fabric - The Lanshan uses silnylon (specifically silicon coated on the outside, PU on the inside) compared to the X-Mid's silpoly (but still with PU on the inside I think to allow factory seam taping). Having got a selection of tents and tarps in both materials, I think the outdoor industry is making a much bigger deal out of silpoly vs silnylon than the in-field reality. After all, we were happily using silnylon for our tents for decades without fearing the dreaded 'sag' until another reason to upgrade came along. Silpoly's hydrophobic qualities are nice, sure, but I've found I also really value silnylon's strength and stretch under tension for taut pitches in non freestanding tents. Silpoly just doesn't feel the same. Footprint - Maybe if you factor in the spread of the guy lines on the Lanshan 1 compared to the minimal 4 point staking of the X-Mid, someone will tell me the Lanshan 1 needs more space, but I know on a practical level that finding somewhere to pitch the Lanshan 1 is much easier than the X-Mid 1. When I lay out the X-Mid 1, it still feels like a huge footprint. 2 trekking poles vs 1 - You'll need two trekking poles (or equivalent) for the X-Mid vs only 1 for the Lanshan 1. Most people carry two, but if you carry none or one, this is worth considering. I also always have a slight worry about lack of redundancy when needing two poles should I break one on trail. Admittedly, not a concern limited to my X-Mid as lots of my other shelters also use two poles. Internal space - the X-Mid 1 feels very spacious compared to the Lanshan 1. Having the longer ridge of two supporting poles helps before you even get the benefit of the diagonal arrangement. For anyone 6 foot or over, you're not going to have the best time in the Lanshan 1 and are going to need to pitch it well to keep the inner out of your face. The X-Mid 1 also has 2 huge vestibules, while the Lanshan 1 only has the one vestibule, but it is a decent usable space. The person who compared the Lanshan 1 to the GG One and made reference to condensation issues - poor comparison. The Lanshan 1 is a single trekking pole double wall half-'mid'. The GG One is a single skin, two trekking pole tent. The respondent was probably thinking of the Lanshan 2 Pro which is a closer match. Finally, I wanted to comment on the choice of solid or mesh inners, since most are recommending the OP takes the non-solid route on the grounds of better breathability leading to less condensation. Since the OP doesn't mention where they are located, a contrary view may be useful. In Northern Europe where I am based, solid inners are much more popular. They are warmer and protect better from wind and driven rain, but the other reason is simply to protect the occupant from being rained on by condensation on the fly. The usual advice to pitch high, open doors and allow plenty of ventilation is only relevant if the moisture one is trying to free is produced by inside by the tent occupant. When the air everywhere is totally saturated and the temps drop below the dew point, everything is left drenched inside and outside the tent, regardless. The fly keeps off rain and the inner keeps off condensation. This is also why a solid roof on the inner is so important here and any mesh ventilation should be at the top of the inner side panel not in the roof.

Buy once cry once. If you get the xmid you are getting one of the best trekking pole tents, if not the best, and it'll last you a long time. 

Second the X-mid 1

I run a 1p and 2p mids with netting in settings similar to u/0n_land They're definately fiddly and when bug pressure is high, you'd be suprised how much stuff you have to stack on the netting to make it work. Plenty of bugs get in the meantime. If you want a minimal shelter quiver or a good do-it-all shelter for a thru, the sewn on netting is great when you factor in the low weight and cowboy camping flexibility.

My god I can't imagine sleeping in that outdoor coffin in anything other than an emergency. Save a little more money up and get a proper tent. For reference, the one and only tent I have ever used is a Durston X mid 1, which is an absolute palace compared to that contraption.

My kids are 5 and 7. I’ve been backcountry camping with them since they were babies. I do 2-3 short backcountry trips each year with combos of one kid, both kids, and my family of four. Here are some of my thoughts.  1. My kids’ stamina and pace is the limiting factor. I keep their bags small. I have an Osprey jet 12 and jet 18 for them. They are essentially simple frameless bags around 1lb. No need for a 3lb bag with frame when they can only carry a few pounds.  2. I have a seek outside divide I usually use with them. It’s moderately light (for the volume and load carrying ability) and carries great. I’ve had it pretty loaded down sometimes.  3. My boys have Big Agnes Little Red bags. They’re synthetic and a bit bulky and heavy. Buuuuuttttt… they dry quickly if they get wet or have an accident. And my boys haven’t ever complained of being cold over probably 100+ nights camping in them.  4. I use cut down CCF z-rest style mats for them. They haven’t complained they are uncomfortable and they are pretty light.  5. I’m constantly undecided on shelters. We currently have an x-mid 1p and 2p and a heavy 4 man tent (4kg!). This year I plan to take the 2p and 1p for all four of us. 2x2p would be nice. I might get a 4p pyramid tent for all four of us and for just me and 2 kids.  6. I got my own sleep kit ultralight. It comes on every trip (as I’m on every trip) and I won’t outgrow it (unlike the kids). I’m also quite ruthless about removing my own luxury items.  7. We have a 1.3 L evernew titanium pot. I have some GSI bowls that fit inside it. Allows me to make a light modular cookset that is sturdy and safe enough for kids. I can use it for any combo of 2-4 of us.  8. Keep your food as ultralight as possible too. Bring stuff your kids will eat. I’ve had to pack out a few backpacker dehydrated meals that my kids wouldn’t eat.  9. Bring candy for motivation on the trail.  10. Remember to keep it fun! I struggle with this when I’m feeing anxious about getting a tent spot at camp. But have fun on the trail. My kids like to play hide and seek and sing songs and for me to make up stories. 

I’m in a comparable position as OP, and looking for a wind capable but light and freestanding 2P for camping with my partner. The Slingfin Portal 2 is high on my list but I’ll wait out this year to be able to compare it to the Durston X-Dome 2. I am using an X-Mid 1P and am very happy with it, and I suspect the X-Dome will be considerably cheaper than the Slingfin Portal (but who knows.. not much is known atm but the X-Dome 1+ will be revealed on October 8th).

I've actually owned both (though the Solomid XL I had was the older non offset pole version) and I don't think it makes much difference. I used both in some pretty nasty weather - both have been to Wind River Range and Alaska with me on trips and I preferred the Duomid, though the newer offset pole Solomid XL looks really nice too - I think either would do great. I mostly use an X-Mid 1P now, but it doesn't seem nearly as stout as my Duomid in high winds. I have sold the Solomid, but use the Solomid XL inner with the Duomid as a 1P shelter. Also - though I typically like the Easton stakes and use a mix of the 6" blue and 8" gold (when needed), in the soft tundra of Alaska, I've found that MSR Snow Stakes work really well - I'm not sure if Iceland has similar soft tundra that doesn't hold stakes well or not.

If you're open to non - freestanding shelters I'd recommend the MLD Trailstar for that particular trip as it's bomb proof in the wind for such a light shelter. For something a little more well rounded a small mid is great - the MLD Solomid XL or Duomid, the HMG Ultamid 2, or Locus Gear. I've got a Duomid and have used it twice in Alaska - once above the Artic Circle and in all sorts of exposed campsites. Typically I use an X-Mid 1P now, but it wouldn't be my first choice for Patagonia winds, I'd rather use my Duomid in those conditions. If you want something heavier, the Tarptent Scarp is very popular choice in the UK where they get similar type winds.

I did the same thing! I have been sewing mosquito netting on my tarps since 1983. My primary shelter is now a ZPack 7x9 tarp modified with mosquito netting sewn around the edges. I always pitch A-frame, and as a result, it is not great in windy conditions. For those conditions, I got an X-mid 1p and added the mosquito net around the edges, very similar to your modification. I also extended the corner guy lines in case I want to pitch it higher. As you noted, with this modification, you can fit two people in the 1p shelter by angling the poles to the center. With one person, there is a huge amount of space available. As I noted, my primary shelter is my 7x9 tarp because I can pitch it in non-existent campsites and it is very light. As a result, I haven't used my modified Xmid-1p much. I never completed the modification for the netting over the vents and just close those (I get plenty of ventilation through the perimeter netting). Have you added netting over the vents, and if so, how did you do it?

I've also got an X-mid and have really liked it (not dyneema version, didn't want to spend that much). I know a few folks with Zpacks that are also very happy with them. I'd say you can't go wrong with either.

Standard double wall Xmid with z flick poles (instead of trekking poles) is my setup for bike packing and kayaking (~$300 total). I’m 6’0 and it’s long enough to avoid hitting even the inner mesh. I also like having the option to swap the poles for trekking poles when hiking.

Hey, good for you! My kids are teenagers and finally able to carry gear and actually have fun on extended self powered trips. Air mattresses have become much better per ounce (also more expensive). Quilts might also be your answer for getting more coverage and more longevity out of gear. Kids outgrow sleeping bags fast, but quilts are useful forever. Tents have gotten lighter too, check out the Durston semi-frestanding tents. More than gear, I'd say the main thing is planning fun trips. Good food, friends, things to do (slingshots eventually became a big motivator for getting my kids out). Also, patience, they may/probably won't like the same things you do. I went years dragging my kids out backpacking more or less against their will until somehow the switch flipped and now they are planning thier summer trips here in march. For a few years there I just took them on canoe/car camping/rafting trips, and that was fine. Type 2 fun doesn't turn on until kids are a bit older. Do a couple of short simple trips first, before dropping a ton of $ on gear.

I think it'll depend on the storm-worthiness of these tents. I have an X-Mid which'll do great for through hiking but for rough conditions, I currently use a Terra Nova Pioneer Compact 2 (double poled) weighing in around 2.5kg, so far from ultralight but in the UK we need to be prepared to face strong winds for summit camping.

If you live somewhere damp, you can’t go wrong with the X-Mid.  If you live somewhere dry, consider the single-wall The Two from Gossamer. It’s a tad harder to set up but quite a lot lighter. 

With our doublewall tents including the X-Dome the fly can be rolled back as much as you want. You can expose a corner or two (I show this in the pitching video) or the entire interior. So the X-Dome 2 can have any amount of ventilation from fully covered to 100% inner exposed. The regular X-Mid can do this too, but the singlewall Pro version has the fly and inner attached so the versatility is less.

I got the xmid having never used another tent before other than ones my family had for car camping when I was younger. Can't say I've really found anything I dislike about it tbh. My only gripe is maybe there's not much "living space" with the inner clipped in, but tbh that isnt something that really bothers me and it can be worked around, but ive not had it out in the middle of a serious downpour yet, just odd showers here and there.

There are some pretty good clearance deals right now as the big brands are changing their lines over for spring. Big Agnes and Nemo have a few left on Amazon and REI still, I think. I snagged a ba fly Creek ul 2 for 200ish on Amazon that's going to serve as a backup/summer tent, and a 3p nemo tent (that isn't ultralight) for family trips with 2 people and dogs. If you can't find an amenable deal on sale, get an x-mid. It's the best value overall.

I’ll second the lanshan. Surprisingly good build quality for the price. I like that the 1p only requires one trekking pole to set up. I have the pro version and it’s like 650g or something… Otherwise I’d also absolutely recommend the X-Mid. Probably the best overall tent on the market and reasonably priced

bug mesh is annoying and unnecessary in the snow. xmid is fine but a true mid will offer more protection and stability

works just fine. pitch is similar to a mid, other than one more pole.

The biggest two problem of Lanshan: 1. It uses nylon 2. It’s not factory sealed, and they’ll charge you $35 if you want them to do it for you. Just go ahead with X-mid, they are not comparable at all.

Wind will push the walls in on X-Mid and it becomes very narrow.

I used the X-Mid this year and it was awesome. Highly recommend

I had one and didn't like it either, struggled with it for a couple years. Hard to get it pitched just right, it seemed to need endless adjustments to get it somewhat taught and even then mine flapped a lot in the breeze. The geometry of mine looked slightly off, I think it wasn't quite sewn correctly. I had a similar issue with condensation. I much prefer the steeper walls of the x-mid. I can also pitch it i much quicker.

I use my X-mid or just a bivy+tarp in winter. I've use these things on Volcanoes and in the cascades in winter. If its going to be windy enough that these wont work its not a storm I will be camping in. 4 season mountaineering tents are for waiting out storms when climbing Denali. Not winter backpacking.

That's a great idea.  I've used the x-mid a few times without the inner in the snow and in low-bug situations and really liked it.  I also contemplated buying the deschutes + with the bug netting some years ago.   An x-mid with a bug skirt sounds brilliant. 

Durston Gear X-Mid all the way, baby!

Look at the X-Mids. Superb value, superb tents.

2 xmids and a UL tarp is my setup for our family of four, with kids age 6 and 9, plus our 50lb dog! It works great. My kids love having their own tent (and so do mom and dad…). Hanging the tarp between the tents sounds super cool but I’m not sure you’ll always find campsites to accommodate. When it rains, we usually end up putting the tents in “porch mode” and getting them as close to the tarp as we can. Everyone in our group carries a pack, even the dog. ULA makes child size UL backpacks that adjust with them as they grow. They’re spendy but my kids love them. My 9 year old can carry his whole kit other than his food and the items we share as a family, like cookware, toiletries, water filter, and med kit. The 6 year old carries only his sleep system and clothes. I think offloading even a little weight to the kids and pets will help a lot. Plus my kids love wearing their own (lightweight) backpacks and using their own trekking poles. Makes it seem more adventurous.

Lots of X-Mids cope fine in NZ condition. Love mine, and its held up great.

The main tent that comes to mind as stronger, cheaper, and lighter that doesn't make large compromises to usability is the durston x-mid. And it still makes some compromises in that it isn't freestanding. For 3 season backpacking in Colorado/rocky mountain US the copper.spur is solid.

I’ve used a Durston X-mid and a Zpacks Duplex. These are two of the pinnacles of backpacking tents. I also use a Naturehike Cloud Up which is the best budget tent I’ve used

I loved my xmid (earlier version) on my 2022 thru. If you're hiking with trekking poles, get it. A handful of times I wished I had freestanding but not a big issue. Most people I hiked with still carried poles, but barely used them by the end, myself included. If I did it again I'd consider shipping home after the sierras/any major snow/water crossings. If I had a freestanding tent that is, I'd carry poles specifically for the xmid because it's so good. I'm not familiar with the pro, but being double walled is specifically why I bought it. Being able to use it without the inner net rules. Double walls is essential hiking in wet Appalachia where I'm at so I can use it at home too. I'd opt for the standard xmid over the pro. The weight difference isn't a big concern, but durability is. Maybe if you're good at being gentle with your gear. Similarly I'd opt for tyvek over polycro by the same reasoning, but I'm sure many will disagree. For 150ish days of use I'm glad I had the more durable option and weight was never a problem as long as your big 3 are moderately reasonable.

Well directly below your question was the right answer in another post. 😁 A Durston X-mid. Unfortunately a bit out of your price range,. Though cheaper/lighter and better designed compared to its competitors. https://preview.redd.it/04q8n421bgue1.png?width=2204&format=png&auto=webp&s=f97bf5397b034706d0032fc991044a0aa840af21

I also highly recommend this tent, I love that thing. Super easy to set up. If you dont want to spend for the "pro" the regular xmid is the same design just heavier.

We downsized the tent we take on kayak trips to save on space and a bit of weight. Our 3 person marmot is almost 8 lbs vs my Durston XMid but if I didn't also want something for backpacking a Naturehike Mongar 2 would be a good balance between size, weight and costs.

Those Stormbreaker tents are solid choices....for car camping. You don't want to carry that much weight on your back though. Durston X-Mids are excellent value. Look up the Youtube videos on how to set them up...they're not difficult so don't let the trekking pole issue scare you. Also trekking poles can be purchased for reasonable prices as well...Costco for example. Freestanding tent options are plentiful. There's a couple of things to consider, namely weight and entry style. Personally I vastly prefer dual side entry vs just a single head end door but that's a personal preference. The Naturehike Mongar 2P is well under $200, about 4lbs trail weight and is a big 2P. If you're willing to spend more you can lower the weight with similar models from MSR, Big Agnes, Nemo etc

Just buy the Mongar. It's a much better tent if you're looking at the lower price points. If you can stretch budget then the Durston XMid's better suited to backpacking given the weight savings but that doesn't sound like the issue for you in which case the 20D Mongar's a great choice.

Excellent tent and an excellent deal. I'm an Eagle Scout and I would have flipped out if my mom had ever bought me camping gear this nice. I will say, it is a "2" person tent but like most it is tight with 2 people. One person and their gear inside the tent will fit fine. For me, I much prefer ultralight tents nowadays like the Durston Xmid style, which really are around the same price and quite a lot lighter. But. For short scout trips and for a free stranding tent this cannot be beat. It's worth the $500 retail and at less than $300 it's an absolute steal. Also I'm 6'4" so the "long" version would be appreciated. What I'm trying to get at is... I'm 38 yrs old but will you adopt me and get me one too?

The correct answer is both. A 4p or 6p family camping tent when you are with friends and a smaller 2p backpacking tent (Durston X-Mid, 3F UL Gear LanShan, Naturehike Star River or CloudUP, Marmot Super Alloy etc) for color trips.

I second the Durston. If you’re hesitant to get a non-freestanding tent, don’t be. I had mine staked down in packed sand during a rainstorm that dropped 1.5”-2” per hour for 3 hours according to a ranger station nearby and it took it like a champ.

You can find big brands on sale generally between $200 and $350 depending on the tent. For cottage brands you're generally going to pay MSRP with maybe the occasional 10% discount, and they range from $250-$700 depending on materials. I kinda gauge tents by the Durston Xmid for non-free standing and use the Big Agnes Tiger Wall or similar tent for free standing. The Xmid is under $300 and the Tiger Wall is about $400 (but you can find discounts) iirc.

I bought the Pro because I hit 60 and decided to way lighten up my gear. Bought my 31 year old son the regular 2P for his birthday. I on the other hand bought a Durston Kakwa 55 pack, the X-Mid and a bunch of other much lighter replacement gear.

I am talking about the hornet Osmo…maybe not elite, not sure, returned it. I had cables and poles snap on me. After that I would never look at the half free standing style again. It’s trekking pole or free standing tents for me. The Durston X-Mid is a great tent. So is the Big Agnes copper spur. I have a 2 person for sale.not in your $400 budget though. Unless you are meaning American dollars

I’ve got 3 boys — we rock a Durston X Mid and a Big Agnes Tiger Wall ul3. I carry one tent plus bear can. My wife carries the second tent. Older boys help with cool set, etc., and they all carry their own stuff. Works great!

I've had condensation issues in it once. High humidity. Couple. The worst case you wipe it down with a pack towel and rinse it out the door once during the night and once in the morning. It's over exaggerated.

Yeah, I think 2 tents are the way to go. If your gf only goes occasionally, do you even need an UL tent? I have a Durston xmid for solo and an REI Quarter dome for the wife. When I go with her the miles are not priority and even with the heavier tent I still carry less than my wife.

100% agree with this. I went with a Durston X-Mid tent. At the time, there was only the 1-person, non-freestanding version, but there are other configurations now. All of them are excellent. My guess is that they'll be more challenging to acquire in Europe, but I think for the money they're the best tents around right now.

Set up on the X-Mid is by far the easiest of the tracking pole tents, but in reality it’s only slightly lighter than a Big Agnes Copper Spur. I know trekking pole tents are the big rage, but if you’ve never used one, there are conditions where it’s more difficult. Rocky or sandy conditions make it difficult at times.

Check out the X-mid by Durston. Two doors on it, loaded with features, ready to go out of the box. My list looked almost identical to yours and then I looked at backpackers subs and the x-mid kept popping up. It’s 30$ more than the Lanshan 1 but man is it worth every penny. You can swap out inners for winter or summer, pitch it without the inner or with the kit you can pitch the mesh inner without the fly.

The biggest backpacking tents are usually 2 people. The best backpacking tent on the market right now for beginners and experienced backpackers is the Dan Durston Xmid. Get a 1 or 2 person.

I have the copper spur and my brother has the dan durston xmid. The xmid is better. It has more room inside and it’s lighter

TNF Stormbreak 2P is a good tent. It's heavy at 5.5lbs /2.6kilos range. It's quick to set up. Utilizes clips instead of sleeves. Water-resistant bathtub floor with taped seams. It's a decent mesh-to-solid ratio, though I'm not sure why the top of the dome is solid. It's not the best design for stargazing / big open sky. You may want to expand your search and look into trekking pole tents. Trekking pole tents will offer you the most weight savings. There's a bit of a learning curve to trekking pole tents, so you will need to do practice pitches. The Lanshan Pro 2 (3 season) is affordable. You'll have to seam-seal-it yourself, but that's cheap and easy to do. Durston X-mid is a lot nicer than the Lanshan. But it's also more expensive. Alternatively, you could go straight up bushcraft with a tarp and bug net combo. Mountain Laurel Designs' Cricket Pyramid tarp is pretty neat. Though you'll definitely get rained out without a bathtub.

I'll second the X-mid. I do not use a ground sheet and it's been fine.

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

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.

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