Durston - X-Mid 2

How wonderful! It’s much easier at that age as it basically gets them used to it before they have a say in it 😂 I’ve put some recommendations below but let me know if I can give you more; clothes, tips etc Sleeping bags - highly recommend either the Morrison outdoors or mount store bags. We have used both and they’ve been invaluable in comfort & warmth for our little mainly due to the full sack layout, so they’re constantly covering your child. They are pricy, but they last a good amount of time to justify in my opinion. I’d go the Morrisons over mount though as they have options for bigger bags for older ages too, and they’re bigger sized so last longer. If they’re out of your price range, even say from fb or vinted, you can get good normal child sized ones like the vango atlas but bare in mind they are probably too big for your child’s age, they likely won’t keep him as warm and they pack down pretty large. But a good option non the less! Sleeping mats - the one thing I’d recommend not going cheap on tbh, your child will always need a sleeping mat so you’re as well buying to last rather than what fits now. You can get half sized ones (vango aotrom short, also have used) which are fine but usually aren’t highly r rated. I just got my daughter the same as what I had at the time, the vango aotrom thermo, and she never complained and slept perfectly. We’ve now upgraded but she still has her own full sized one. You can get double mats which I know a lot of American parents use, but I’ve never used to be able to give my opinion on. The ones I’ve heard of are are klymit double and big Agnes double. Tents - really a mindfield and total personal preference if I’m honest. I’ve had 5 different wild camping tents before I happily settled on the x mid 2 for my daughter and I. You might prefer a dome over a tunnel, or a trekking pole over a standard pole so recommendations are always hard. The only thing I’d recommend is don’t go for a 4 man like you’ve said in other comments due to considering another child, it likely won’t be enough room for the weight of a 4 man. Opt for 2 good 2 man’s, one for each parent and child. I could go into a lot more detail but I don’t want to overload you without asking first?! I have (shameless plug) written this basic starter wild camping with childs guide if it’s any use. It at least has a gear list! https://www.annahardie.co.uk/wildcampingwithkidschecklist/

I bought the Durston X-mid 2(the trekking pole one not the dome) and have been very satisfied with it. Its tricky to learn the setup but the quality is good so I would assume the X-dome would be just as nice without the trekking pole rigamarole. Only complaint would be that the website claims you shouldnt need a ground tarp but a few small holes appeared in mine after some use. I dont see this as a durston thing though. Shouldve just listened to my gut and brought the $10 walmart tarp.

I’ve used both and I don’t like the A-frame design or the nylon fabric on the GG One. The Durston tents have more useable space and better materials IMO. If those trade-offs work for you then the One is a great tent and very light and inexpensive comparatively. I’m 6’4” so that’s definitely a factor for me.

This would be my choice too. It’s reasonably priced, well supported by the company, and a bomber tent. I’ve had the x-mid 2 for five years and it has never let me down.

If you can stretch the budget just a llittle or do some sales hunting, consider the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 OR MSR Hubba Hubba NX 2 OR Durston X-Mid 2. [11 Best 2-Persons Tent for Camping and Backpacking](https://alaskanarrows.com/11-best-2-person-tent-camping-and-backpacking/) can help with the others. They’re are all 3-season tents with better fabrics, stronger pole architecture, roomier vestibules and more thoughtful details (doors, vents, zips) than budget models. They’ll be heavier and cost more than the Cloud-Up versions but they’re way more durable and comfortable long term, take it from me, I’ve gone on countless trips with various types of tents so yeah! If $300 is a hard cap, watch for sales or used tents online, you’ll find something!

For less than $200, the Lanshan 2 or the pro 2 is a good option. It's popular as a budget trekking pole tent. If you don't already have poles, I use $30 cascade aluminum trekking poles from amazon and they're solid and reasonably light if I'm carrying them instead of using them. For a little more money, I really like my Durston Xmid 2, but it's \~$260.

That’s a long lead time! It’s a solid tent tho, I’m really happy with mine. You could check r/ulgeartrade - I feel like I see someone selling a xmid every week.

I love my Xmid 2. I use it in humid places and the desert. It’s not hard to stake out with big rock small rock, just make sure you have the extra cordage before you leave, the stock guys are too short for that method. I do find the footprint kinda big, and I’d probably get the 1p if I was doing it again since I haven’t actually shared it with another person since getting it. If you’re looking at single wall tents, you might like the six moons design lunar solo or Tarptent options.

I just spent a night that was 15°, sleeting, and windy. Did it in a zpacks Altaplex. The weight savings over my Durston X-mid was not worth it. If I had to have one tent it would be the x-mid.

Single wall was not ideal due to the frozen condensation. The lack of space in the vestibule was seriously missed. I can’t prove this but I swear the sleet was louder hitting the zpacks 🤣 Sont get me wrong, I love my Altaplex but I think the x-mid is more versatile and a better design

Durston X-Mid 2 has been great and their service/Dan provides immeasurable value.

You don't need a 3 person tent, you need a Durston X-mid 2. It's SO SPACIOUS for a 2-p tent. Our sleeping pads don't touch each other's, and there's room at the foot of the tent for our clothes and my camera and anything else we want to bring inside. Big vestibules, and very lightweight.  It's a hiking pole tent, so you do need poles.

Dusrton x-dome which by default has tent poles OR a Durston x-mid and buy a set of Durston z-flick poles if you don't want trekking poles. I use a Durston x-mid 2 for back packing and kayak camping. I just bring the z-flicks when I'm in the kayak as they are smaller and less stabby than trekking poles when I'm putting them in dry bags.

If you are Canadian and want to support a Canadian company buy a durston gear tent. Depending on your budget for two people I would go with the x mid 2 or the x mid 2+ pro. The floor on the 2+ pro allows for two wide pads. If you don't care about the Canadian aspect of it look at the tarptent stratospire models or the new mesospire models. Z packs also makes good light tents but I have always felt their two person tents are a little small for two people.

I own an X-mid 2 and don’t think you could keep two people’s stuff inside the inner comfortably. I usually pull clothes and electronics in but leave the bag, shoes etc in the vestibules.