Durston - X-Mid 2

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.

I also camp in the Cdn shield (Nopiming) out of our kayaks and we recently switched to the XMid 2. You can get poles from Costco that are under $50 (they were on sale recently for $38) and will work well for what you need them to do. Also note that the old Copper tent's floor is tapered so you can't use two 25" pads. That may not matter for you but it's something they addressed in the new version which is why the old one is now on sale. The XMid is much larger inside. If you do buy the Copper Spur, GearTrade might be cheaper as you'll only pay GST and not provincial tax. [https://geartrade.ca/products/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul-2?variant=44376691245351](https://geartrade.ca/products/big-agnes-copper-spur-hv-ul-2?variant=44376691245351)

I just got an X-Mid 2P that’ll be used solo and for my wife and I

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.

Obviously a great option and what I also use but they said free standing is a must. I’d suggest they watch a video on how easy the X mid is to put up though before swearing off trekking pole tents.

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

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 was also between some of these tents for backpacking with my 70lb husky mix. I ended up ordering the x-mid 2, but since it won't come until March, I might still order the tiger wall if I see a smoking deal from Amazon or REI (anywhere i can return it, really). I considered the tarptent stratospire 2, the tiger wall, the nemo hornet osmo 2, and the durston. I picked the durston because it had the largest floor print of my chosen options, seemed easy to pitch, and the trekking poles seemed to be in a place where my clumsy mutt won't knock them down. Since it's very unlikely I'll have human backpacking companions, the low weight and no poles of trekking pole tents was really appealing. If you have another person along, I would give the big agnes or a nemo tent more consideration.

I ended up with an xmid2 for me and my large dog. The larger footprint was a selling point, though i did very seriously consider the lunar solo... I just can't help but worry I would end up sleeping next to 80lbs of wet dog with no space to keep the wet off of my quilt. (I would still consider it as a solo shelter, or if I wanted to backpack with my chi mix instead) The 2025 iteration of the xmid is a more stealthy dark olive, though, so it'll hide a bit better than the previous aqua versions. I also heavily considered the stratospire 2 from tarptent, but I think it's out of stock and it will largely share the cons of the xmid2.

My normal 2 was like $320 new, after tax. Less than half the price and double walled. I can deal with almost 1 extra pound for that.

If you use trekking poles then how about the Durston X-Mid 2? It's well within budget, weighs like a third of what your Vango does, pitches both all in one & fly first and has bags of space. Sure its listed as a 2 person vs your current 3 person tent but I would wager when you factor in the two huge vestibules the Durston will have very competitive livable space compared to the Banshee. And a shed load more headroom to boot. And if you are not using trekking poles...start! They are like a cheat code. (or order Durston's Z-flick poles and still be well within budget)

Happy to help. We also have had reviews on the North Face Wawona, REI Wonderland, Marmot Torreya, Nemo Wagon top, MSR Habitude and Sierra Designs Nomad series here on this subreddit in the past. Might be worth a read. The Limestone 6p is absolutely going to be your best bang for the buck right now. Real DAC aluminum poles, SilPoly construction and a lifetime warranty for under $200 is quite a bargain. The other thing to consider is if you only want to car camp or if you also want to backpack. If you want to backpack as well you will need to decide if you want to sacrifice tent space for pack size and weight. Of course you can just buy both types of tents as the budget allows. I use the Durston X-Mid 2p as my backpacking shelter. Can easily fit someone your height due to the trapezoid floor design. Then the Marmot Halo 6p and 4p are my car camping tents.

Lots of options here. If it has to be free standing and you want something UL then I would probably recommend getting a 3P UL tent such as the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 3p or the Marmot Super Alloy 3p. These can fit two 25" wide sleeping pads side by side and will have a small amount of room for gear. Most 2p UL tents have tapered floors and cannot comfortably fit two backpackers side by side. If you want a bit more room you can go to the Marmot Tungsten UL 3p, Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 3p or the Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL 3p. Weights on these tents are a little bit over 4 lbs If you want a budget option the Naturehike CloudUP 3p would be a good choice for 2 backpackers if the single door was not an issue. If you want more room, but it will be heavier, the Mongar 2p is also a good choice, I would avoid the REI half dome due to weight and REI's sub-par 1 year warranty. MSR, Marmot etc have a lifetime warranty and can get you parts after the sale. REI does not repair gear and does not sell parts for tents. A trekking pole shelter, like the Durston X-Mid 2p, isn't that hard to setup with 4 stakes and two trekking poles. I can get mine up in 2 or 3 minutes. Trekking pole tents will save allot of pack size and will cut weight; which are important for backpacking. You will more than likely be carrying trekking poles anyway and this will cut weight in your pack on the trail. Trekking pole shelters have much smaller pack sizes (usually) than free standing tents. Most UL backpacking tents are going to be 20 denier fabrics. This is perfectly fine for most conditions. You can usually buy a footprint from the manufacturer to protect the floor from dirt, rocks and sticks. Otherwise if you want to increase durability you are going to increase weight and pack size. To protect any tent better you should be using high quality tent stakes and should be guying out the tent properly in crappy or windy weather. For example The Durston X-Mid 2p is a 20 denier 2 person tent that can fit two 25" wide sleeping pads side by side and weighs around 37oz all in for a MSRP of $279. The Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 3p also has 20 denier fabrics, is a free standing tent and weighs 4lbs 10oz and costs a MSRP of $499 and a sale price of $399. The standard Meteor 3p can be had for a much cheaper for $185 right now, weighs 5lbs 6oz and uses 68D fabrics for the tent fly. The Marmot Super Alloy 3p weights a bit over 3lbs, is on sale for $280 through SunnySports, has 20 denier fabrics. At the premium end the trekking pole shelter will be a better value for the money i you don't mind practicing pitching the tent a couple times in your back yard. YMMV and everyone has personal preferences. I own the mesh and solid versions of the Durston X-Mid 2p and the Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 3p. I used to own the Meteor 4p. I have used the Super Alloy, Copper Spur HV UL, Naurehike Mongar and Cloud UP and Marmot Tungsten (but not Tungsten UL) tents.

I would take the X-Mid any day over the other options. At slightly over 2lbs you get a double walled tent with 2 large vestibules that can comfortably sleep 2 people, 2 independent doors and tons of head room. It is an absolute palace for 1 person and due to the large vestibules and dual doors is totally doable for 2. The other huge selling point of the X-Mid (and most other trekking pole tents) is that it will fit inside your pack; you will not have to lash the tent to the outside of your pack.you will get a larger, roomier tent with less weight than a free standing tent for the same or even less money. Dan has a pitching video for the X-Mid. It's literally 4 tent stakes and two trekking poles and it's up. Stake each corner one at a time on each corner, then put the trekking poles in and adjust the height. I personally use 8 stakes as I guy out my X-Mid and stake out additional loops for more stability. https://youtu.be/fOJ4BKIoKGs?si=nxhAy1tyJzsOSgwF The big thing with many of the 2p backpacking tents is you cannot fit two 25" wide pads side by side. You can on the X-Mid and the Tungsten UL 2p. To cut weight many tents manufacturers taper the floor to cut grams but that IMO results in a lousy sleeping situation. The big problem with a tapered floor is you will be limited to two 20" wide pads. 20" is very little room to sprawl out and is not great for side sleeping. I have fallen off many 20" wide pads before on trips and I will never ever go back to them, it's miserable. If you are set on a free standing tent the Super Alloy and Tiger Wall are great but you really would want the 3p model. The 2p models are tapered floors and will be cramped for two people. The Super Alloy 3p is on sale at Sunnysports for $280; Tiger Wall is a bit more at $350 or so. The advantage of the Super Alloy and Tiger Wall will be a much smaller pack size than say the Copper Spur HV UL 3p or Tungsten UL 2p or 3p. The Tungsten UL and the Sierra Designs Meteor Lite are great tents if you want a lighter weight full size tent. Since the floor is not tapered you can fit two 25" wide pads side by side. Weighs almost 2lbs heavier than the X-Mid though. The Tungsten UL 2p is currently on sale for quite an awesome bargain price for $227 direct at Marmot's site. Use a cashback site like Activejunky to save a few more bucks. I would skip the Aurura and the Salt Creek 2p. The Aurora is pretty heavy and has large pack sizes. The Salt Creek is interesting with the 3 door design but without getting the 3p model you can't fit two 25" wide pads since it also has a tapered floor. The Half Dome is a quality tent with a terrible warranty and after sales support. TBF you might not ever have a problem with it, but if you do REI cannot assist you at all since their support and warranty ends after 1 year. No matter what tent you get I recommend getting aftermarket tent stakes and guyline. The stakes that come with most of these tents are not great - including the Durston. I find the Paria Outdoor Products Needle stakes are a great UL stake at .33oz with lots of holding power and compatibility with various soil types. Additional guyline is always a good idea so you can guy out your tent fully. Lawson Equipment Iron wire is super strong, easy to see at night and reasonably priced. https://www.pariaoutdoorproducts.com/products/needle-stakes-10-pack https://www.lawsonequipment.com/products/ironwire-high-strength-accessory-cord

Family camping style tent (Marmot Halo, Big Agnes Bunk House, MSR Habiscape etc) Crawl in camping tent (Marmot Tungsten, Sierra Designs Meteor etc). Backpacking tent - preferably trekking poles (Durston X-Mid 2p, Marmot Super Alloy, Zpacks Duplex etc)

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.

The Paria and the Marmot are both excellent shelters. They however are going to have large pack sizes and will weigh a decent amount. The Tungsten will take up the entire length of an average pack so you will have to lash it to the outside of your pack. The REI Half Dome is a good tent with a crap warranty. 1 year, REI doesn't sell parts and they don't repair gear. While you may not mind carrying a 6 or 7 lb tent 10 miles it will eventually wear on you and will get harder as you age. I would probably recommend getting the Sierra Designs Meteor Lite 3p as a good budget middle of the road tent. Weighs 2-3 lbs less than the Marmot, smaller pack size and can very comfortably fit two plus gear. Sierra Designs has it direct for $275 with the MEMORIALDAY coupon code. This is for the previous blue and yellow version; the 2024 model has more muted colors but costs $125 more. You can use Activejunky.com cashback to save a few more bucks. https://sierradesigns.com/meteor-lite-3-prior-year/ https://sierradesigns.com/meteor-lite-3-person-tent/ Another great option is the Durston X-Mid 2p. This, unlike many 2p tents, can actually fit 2 25" pads side by side and has huge vestibules for storing plenty of gear. Under 3lbs and easily fits into your pack. If you don't use trekking poles you can use aftermarket support poles like the Durston Zflicks. https://durstongear.com/products/x-mid-2-tent-ultralight-backpacking

Honestly, it's plenty big for 2 adults. Two 25" mats fit easily and head room by the poles is great. Not that bad on the low sides either. My main problem in the mountains has always been finding a big enough spot to put it. The footprint under the fly is huge for a two-person. Often have to get creative to get a stormworthy pitch. Getting the perfect pitch can be tricky, but getting one that's good enough isn't usually too hard. As far as other options, the tarptent triple rainbow might be worth a look as well. I Believe the double rainbow can accommodate two wide mattresses, but it gets narrow towards the top. I've personally preferred the triple over the big Agnes because it uses more durable fabric. I had a copper spur for two seasons and had to patch the floor multiple times.

The Xmid 2 is certainly a nice tent. I have one that I use with my dog (a use case where I do think double-wall is more important). But The Two is still much lighter and I think the better choice. Although with the Xmid, you have the option to leave the inner at home and hike with just the fly. You could do that in order to gain some experience with a tarp that has no floor or bug netting. But even the Xmid fly alone is about the weight of The Two.

Dope, I've been wanting to do this with my xmid2 for a while. So you did nothing special to the doors other than cut excess mesh and let it overlap itself? I had more complicated solutions in mind, involving a longer skirt that slopes inward toward the interior, some kind of tensioning system, and magnets or something at the doors. Maybe that's all overkill. Could you share the Roman Dial podcast?

Yea, an early Drop version from my Dark Ages. Don't worry, it's my car camper, or what I backpack with when I have both a +1 and a dog. I agree that the thing is pretty dang heavy. Hence why I want the perimeter netting. But thanks for keeping me honest old buddy

The Xmid2 will handle weather just fine, as long as there aren't very strong winds. If you aren't on exposed mountain saddles or ridges, you should be fine. It's a great tent at a great price.

You're not asking stupid questions, sorry my initial reply was rude. >there are some 3 person tents, which are as wide and heavy as 2 person tents Only if you compare to heavy 2-person tents >Additionally, I thought buying a 2 person tent for solo hiking is now accepted by many through hikers Only if they aren't ultralight > isn't 900g per person considered ultra light? Depends who you ask I guess, but IMO definitely not. Unless I'm winter camping or mountaineering, I'm not carrying any shelter over 425 grams, and ideally below 300 grams. I would just get an [Xmid 2p](https://durstongear.com/products/x-mid-2-tent-ultralight-backpacking). Pretty sure getting it shipped to Europe will still be under your budget. It is 1 kg. Or, the [Phreeranger 2](https://www.trekkertent.com/home/products/18-phreeranger-2.html), also \~1kg, ships from the UK, just barely over your budget. Or the [Stealth 2](https://www.trekkertent.com/home/home/7-stealth-2.html) for 820g. The [PyraOmm Duo](https://liteway.equipment/shelters/pyraomm-duo/pyraomm-duo-tarp) is 485g, 259 €, ships from Ukraine (you would have no inner though). The [3P version](https://liteway.equipment/shelters/pyraomm-plus/pyraomm-plus-tarp) is 600g. This website is UK-based and should ship to you: [https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/two-person-tents/](https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/two-person-tents/) They have some good options available right now, including the Gossamer Gear The Two (684 g) and Nemo Hornet OSMO 2P (964 g). You may also find this forum useful: [https://www.ultraleicht-trekking.com/forum/](https://www.ultraleicht-trekking.com/forum/)

For a 2P tent, I’d say that if you prioritize space, the MSR Elixir 2 or REI Co-op Half Dome SL 2+. If you're looking for ultralight tents, the Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2 or Durston X-Mid 2. And if you prefer a non-freestanding design, the Tarptent Moment DW may do it. Others I personally vouch for are either the NEMO Dagger OSMO 2 or MSR Elixir 2 which are both ultralight and very durable. Ive used both of them and they’re great. the MSR Elixir 2 also has the reputation for being “bomb proof” because of how good the material and build is. For gear suggestions, hope you already have a headlamp and some sort of water filtration system! It could help - [50 Hiking and Camping Gears](https://alaskanarrows.com/5o-best-hiking-and-camping-gears/) Also, get a tent repair kit and have it in your backpack just in case, you’ll thank yourself later if you have a small rip in your tent and water starts leaking in, other than that, cheers and hope you have fun mate

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.

The xmid is easy to set up. I just got a tiger wall UL1 and it takes me longer to put up than the xmid. If you want a two person shelter that’s lighter you can check out the Gossamer Gear The Two. You lose floor space and double walls though. That’s kinda the tradeoff you’ll find most often.

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.

The xmid is the best shelter I’ve ever used

My partner and I just finished our 2024 thru with our durston xmid 2P (standard, double wall version, not the Pro). It served us very well. We had been concerned before the hike about the footprint of the tent being on the larger side and thus impacting tentsite choice - but in reality this didn’t really impact us much. And if you go for the 1p, I don’t think that would be a concern for you at all. Obvious advantage of the Pro is the weight savings. But significant advantage to the double wall version is improved performance with respect to condensation, and of course price! Set up is very easy even with the standard x-mid - just leave the inner clipped into the outer and essentially it’s the same set up in terms of process and time as the pro version. In our anecdotal experience (our own and also chatting to people who owned the Pro versions of the tents) durability seemed a bit better with the standard, double wall version vs the dyneema Pro. X-mids were definitely the most popular trekking pole tent on the PCT this year as far as we could tell.

I will second this. They are an amazing tent for the money. It's very easy to set up once you've done it a few times. One of the nicest things about this tent is how small it packs. It seems quite durable as well but I always use a tyvec groundsheet just to be safe.

It's perfectly sized for my wife and I. We're not necessarily short either and I've never once thought, hmm I need more room. It's been mentioned already and I'll say it again...the footprint is larger then a freestanding 2p tent. I'm not sure how it compares to other trekking pole shelters in that area though. That was one thing that surprised me but by now I'm totally used to it and don't mind it.

I'd recommend the x mid 2 or 3 from durston equipment. Great value trekking pole tents. I love mine!

Durston X-Mid 2. Light. Roomy. Two entrances. And, easiest set up. I'm in mine and snoring while my partner is still setting up her tarp.

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.

This gets a bit complicated. The X-Mid Pro 2+ has the largest fly, since the base is the same as the regular X-Mid 2 (both 85" x 100") but it is slightly taller (49 vs 48" in the Pro 2+). So the Pro 2+ feels the most spacious partly because the fly is slightly larger but mostly because it is a singlewall in some areas, so you have the space right out to the fly instead of the inner walls. The floor length is spec'd slightly shorter, but really what matters for length are the fly walls because that is what you would hit if you are too long. And the fly walls are almost identical shape. So I would consider the X-Mid 2 and X-Mid Pro 2+ basically the identical size except the Pro version feels larger since it's partially singlewall. Then the X-Mid Pro 2 (non-plus) is smaller for sure.

The regular X-Mid has always been tips up, and the Pros have always been handles up. The main reasons for that is that a doublewall tent (regular series) doesn't have a natural pocket for the handle, so the lightest option is a grommet for the tip, whereas the Pro series are singlewall/hybrid tents so the inner wall connecting to the fly creates a natural pocket that we use to go handles up. You can go handles up without adapters in the regular X-Mid too, but it doesn't have that wall there to positively stop the handle from sliding around. It works normally but in high winds the greater security of a grommet or an adapter can be nice.

We’ll be announcing an update to the X-Mid 2 in a week or so. The 2025 model is now lighter.

I am 6'3", have both and used them a bunch (when I take people hiking they get the Lanshan and I get the xmid). The Lanshan is terrific- like some have said, you will need to seam seal. But I have found it can be even roomier than the xmid as long as you use the two side wall guyouts. There is a technique where you take a stick, wrap the guyout around it near the top and then continue to the ground and into a stake. This pulls out those sidewalls and makes it seem so much bigger, especially for head room. That being said, my original silpoly xmid2p is a near perfect tent and the one I use on most trips. My only gripe is the large footprint can sometimes be problematic in heavily wooded or uneven terrain. I believe the Lanshan is silnylon, so based on your climate I would go with an xmid. It won't sag in heavy rain and won't absorb water if you have to pack it up slightly wet.

Durston X-MID 2P gives me that little extra room inside when by myself.

I have used it in the rain and the snow. It did not sag and drys quickly. Besides the learning curve of setting up a trapezoid tent, it has been the best tent that I have owned. It is so light and small when packed.

My Durston X-MID 2 is amazing. It is very light and I have used it in 4 seasons. It is made really well and the community that helps out with things on that tent on social media is like a cult. It is scary but cool. I even bought that light weight pole kit that they sell so that I could setup my tent and still use my trekking poles with camp setup.

I will stick with my X-MId 2 that you can get for $269.

I just wrapped up an 8 day trip doing sections of the Colorado Trail using the Durston X-Mid 2 and have overwhelmingly positive things to say about that tent. The magnetic door toggles are genius, set up is a breeze (especially once you understand the square you need to make and the order of operations around which sides to stake down first), the vestibules that it creates are functional, plenty of room, etc. No concerns with it during the one rainstorm we experienced. We did, however, struggle a little initially with the groundsheet and making sure it was on correctly and then getting everything packed back in the stuff sack. But it only took us a couple nights to figure the few quirks out and then it was smooth sailing. 10/10 from me!

My top 5 recos would be that you go for either: - REI Co-op Trail Hut 2 - Big Agnes C Bar 2 - Nemo Hornet 2P - Durston X-Mid 2 - ALPS Mountaineering Lynx 2 All lightweight, 3 season and packable but you can also try [11 Best 2-Persons Tent for Camping and Backpacking](https://alaskanarrows.com/11-best-2-person-tent-camping-and-backpacking/) for other options in that $350 price range. Your options are pretty good too and I’d second the Trail Hut anytime too! Hope this helps out a little.

I actually have both the Tiger Wall 3p and the X-Mid 2p, and use both regularly. If you use trekking poles, the X-Mid is the pick. If you don't the Tiger Wall is the pick. I like the vestibules on the X-Mid a bit more, but appreciate the semi-freestanding nature of the Tiger Wall. Both are storm worthy. All that said: for me, the deciding factor is the trekking poles.

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!

Any of those options would be great. Only recommendation I can make against those that would save you a little weight and money would be a Durston X-Mid 2. The caveat with this one is that you need trekking poles and stakes to set it up but it's extremely easy to set up and take down.

If you use trekking poles, I’ve been more than happy with my Durston X-Mid 2. It’s super easy to pitch, as long as you know how to do it. Just stake the four corners, tighten, then raise your poles. It’s extremely versatile with different ways to set up the fly or omit it completely. The drawbacks are you’ll need a larger place to set it up and it’s not free standing so there is that learning curve. [Here](https://www.reddit.com/r/Ultralight/comments/jbd9ji/nemo_hornet_or_xmid_durston/?rdt=42386) is a good thread comparing it with the Nemo and you can find other comparisons out there as well. Also it’s much cheaper than your range coming in at $280 then its about $50 for a groundsheet

I use my Durstan X-Mid 2 as a solo. Way too many critters and crawlers in TX to leave my gear out in the vestibule and not expect to find a scorpion in my backpack. For actual 2p I have a 3p REI half dome. Split the weight between two bags and all set!

I’ve been looking for a lightweight (not necessarily ultralight) two person tent. I’ve been leaning toward a freestanding like the Copper Spur or a Nemo. I realized that both the Copper Spur and Nemo’s (Dragonfly or Hornet) taper at the foot. I use a long/wide sleeping pad (25” wide), so the pad of a second person would overlap, unless both of the pads are regular 20”. I’m 6’ and 215lbs, a side sleeper and roll around a lot, so the wide pad is helpful. I was about to order the Copper Spur during the REI sale, but pulled back because of the tapering. I would like to stay in the low $300 range and in the low 2lbs for weight. I love my REI half dome 2P, but it’s over 5lbs. The only thing I found that seems to meet these criteria is the Durston X-Mid 2P. It is 52x92, 2lb 4oz and $280 plus $43 for the footprint (the 2P pro is a bit overkill for me and north of $650). I usually backpack with poles anyway, so am now leaning this direction. Anything else out there folks suggest that is both wide, lightweight and relatively affordable?

That’s the direction I think I am going to take. But the X-Mid 2P, not the Pro. I’m not on the trail enough to justify the cost of the Pro. But the regular seems to be reasonably priced and hits my other needs, especially width.

Interesting. Just looked at it and it’s on sale for $450 (regularly $600). 3lbs 4oz. But Durston might still be my unicorn hitting all three weight/price/sqft specs.

For sleeping pads: Air Temp (C) | 10 | -1 | -4 | -12 | -18 | -26 :--|:--|:--|:--|:--|:--|:-- Air Temp (F) | 50 | 30 | 25 | 10 | 0 | -15 Min R-Value | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 Your pad is more important than your sleeping bag/quilt in my opinion. The ground is a giant heat sink that your sleeping bag does nothing to protect against. Plan for 10°C below what the forecast predicts. Had a number of trips where I was a day or 2 in when an unexpected cold front moved in. Hiking at higher elevations makes this even more important. Now, despite what I just said above, I'm a very warm sleeper so I'll use a 30°F/-1°C (with that rating being between the comfort and lower limit rating according to the manufacturer) down to 20°F/-6.6°C. If it gets colder than that, I start putting clothes on, starting with a base layer and socks. I prefer trekking pole tents for weight savings over freestanding tents. Slight learning curve to trekking pole tents, so definitely practice before going on a trip if you go this route. Currently, I'm use a Durston X-mid 2. Speaking of, I like to use a 2 person tent even though I solo. 1 person backpacking tents tend to be too small. I don't care for hammocks for only one reason. I sometimes hike in areas where hammock setups won't work. Tents offer me more flexibility.

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

I recommend the durston xmid 2 but its not freestanding

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.

The durston x-mid is probably the best design I've seen yet. I may sell my HMG Ultamid and convert to Durston soon.

A-frames are still around, but that design specifically has been overtaken by dual-peak pyramid style designs like Durston X-Mid 2 because they are better in handling windy wet weather and provide better headroom. Most of the regular A-Frames also changed a bit, as head/toe placement is now along the walls rather than ends (see Gossamer Gear the Two or Hilleberg Anaris for examples). Are you looking for one for car camping or backpacking?

You should totally look into the Dan Durston X-Mid 2. The non-Dynema version is very worth the money and the design of the tent is exceptional.

Honestly, the Durston X-Mid 2 is truly amazing. I don't have one but my backpacking partner does so I've slept in it a bunch. It is MAGICALLY roomy, so much bigger than my almost 6-lb 2-p tent. It is very light. After you set it up the first time, it's easy and fast to set up afterwards (though it might not be perfect every time, but that's fine unless it's really bad weather). We did have some issues with wind and strong rain but that was okay once we added guylines. We also sleep side by side, hasn't bothered whoever happens to be in the shorter side much.

Excellent choice, Patagonia! Message me if you have questions or want recommendations. I have done 6 trips backpacking in Argentina. On tents, I will second the Durston X-Mid 2. No need for a 3 person tent when you have two vestibules that will hold/cover your backpacks. The Durston is a low cost tent for its weight, the double wall version breathes well, and the tent is durable. If you want a really wind-proof, storm-proof tent, the Moonlight 2 from The Tent Lab is a great tent. Freestanding, instead of using trekking poles like the Durston.

I own the Xmid two (non-pro) and I had a Lanshan 2 Pro. I've tried sleeping two adults and a dog in the Xmid. I would not recommend it. The dog is going to be sleeping on your mat and if they are wet your sleeping bag will be soaked through in no time.

The Xmid, hands down. I like the double wall design way better and the SylPoly holds less water and pitches taughter than the SylNylon. It's also a more comfortable space for two adults, the inner tent gives you a little extra protection from condensation which is nice when you are stuck in a downpour ...

I have the solid only because they were sold out of the mesh when I needed mine. I would have bought the mesh if I had the choice, I only use a solid inner if it's below -5 C.

I have the Xmid2 (cheapest one) and it's SO easy and fits both me and my husband great. I actually picked up a Copper Spur for another trip where I was afraid my XMid would be too big and found it such a pain to set up compared to the XMid.

I love my Durston XMid 2. It fits me and my husband comfortably, and I backpacked with it last week and got some unexpected snow, so it was great to have the extra space inside for my gear so it stayed dry since everyone in my party had their own tent. For UL tents, it’s one of the cheapest. Only downside is you need trekking poles as it’s not freestanding.

I have the Durston X-Mid 2 and love it. As long as you get a good tight square staked out, it goes up easy and sturdy. It needs a fairly large space to set up, but the ability to take out the mesh without taking down the fly is also nice. Plenty of room.

You won’t be getting any lighter than the XMID2 without spending a few hundred more dollars to save a few ounces. Ultralight gear has exponentially diminishing returns past a certain pricepoint. Xmid is extremely easy to set up; I taught a 9 year old how to set it up with basic instructions, no intervention. >>> being older, generally out of shape, less practiced Best thing you can do besides buying lighter gear is to train your body. A few overnights on free weekends (even if you’re hiking in just 3-5 miles) can help you dial in your equipment, prepare your body, and learn its needs in the outdoors. Happy trails & your kid is lucky :) PS in my experience, kids in the wilderness take on the mentality you have toward it, and if you show seriousness and respect to the outdoors, they’ll do the same. Hunger takes a back seat when I explain the tent and equipment has to be set up before dinner. Maybe I’ve been lucky with the children my friends have brought along on our trips, they’re resilient lil fellas.

Check out the Durston 2x Mid. It is 1lb lighter, 6 inches longer in floor length, and you save an extra 1-2 lbs because it pitches with your trekking poles (which you should carry on multiday hikes, anyway). Vetted by many long distance backpackers having survived 100+ nights in the outdoors—wind, rain or shine. There is a slight learning curve with pitching it but after few set ups, it becomes intuitive. Yes thats a great price for a (typically) 400-500$ MSRP tent. There is a diminishing return pricepoint for gear and for tents its around 300$, so keep that in mind.

"3FULGear" and "Naturehike" have all the tents you need If the big brands are too expensive. Well proven and reviewed tents between $120-$250.. I personally wouldn't pay an extra $200-$300 for weight savings if it's solely for bikepacking. But if you also hike a lot then the Xmid is absolutely worth it. (I'd get the Xmid 2 personally though) If you ride flat handlebars most 1.5kg - 2kg tents will be perfect in a handlebar cradle/bag. But you could also stuff the tent fabric and just strap the poles to them, or to the frame somewhere.. (SOME SUGGESTIONS) NATUREHIKE: (comes with inner tent, rainfly, poles, pegs, footprint and bags for each) 1- Cloud up 2 (super quality for the price, used, loved, and reviewed all over the world, also beat several high-end tents in YT wind tests. +Seam sealed, and includes footprint. (Con: the walls form a triangle because it doesn't have a cross pole so it doesn't have as much shoulder room) 2- Mongar 2 (a replica of the MSR hubba hubba which is a superb tent, very spacious and super easy to set up and take down. No color coding needed because it is symmetric. It also comes with a footprint and is seam sealed (maybe a con: this has an all mesh inner tent so it's best for warmer months) 3FULGEAR: (comes with the same things as naturehike, but might even be a tad better quality, no proof though) 1- Floating Cloud 2 (this is another replica of the MSR hubba hubba, but here you can choose a 4 season inner with less mesh and more fabric, also has more neutral colors than the Mongar2) 2- Lanshan 1-2 (this is the most popular budget trekking pole tent which means it is ultralight but it doesn't come with poles.) (Con: like most trekking pole tents it is not seam sealed)

I have an Xmid2 regular and I like it. If at least one of you has a regular length pad, there should be room for the dog at one end. It will be tight. Steven at MyLifeOutdoors really likes the newest iteration of the X-mid Pro 2+ so that could be an option for you. See his review here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TXticloH-s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0TXticloH-s) 19.2 oz / 545 g (DCF floor $779 available soon) 21.5 oz / 610 g (Silnylon floor $669 available now) I have an Xmid Pro 1 and the transparency is not really a problem for me. I prefer to camp away from other humans in all cases when possible.

For a big man plus GF (depending on her size) you might want to think about 3 person. For you two plus a dog you absolutely need 3 person. I have the xmid 2 regular and it's pretty big especially if you do it without the inner it's very spacious, but that may not be feasible where you are in terms of bugs etc. But I haven't tried or looked closely at more expensive tents on your list. You can also just go with a very large tarp.

Another vote for a Durston Xmid 2. I got one and have taken it out twice with my dog and it’s been great. I did a lot of research before getting it and the free-standing tents just can’t compare in $-weight ratios. I also looked at the Tarptent Stratospire 2, and the Six Moons Design lunar solo (for me and a dog) and I’m really glad I got a double wall tent. The xmid is really easy to pitch, takes less than 5 minutes. It’s my first trekking pole shelter and it feels really stable once it’s up - I’m never worried about my dog knocking a pole over or anything.

I also use a Xmid 2 with a dog. I like chilling on warm evenings with both vestibules rolled back, but net zipped closed. Lots of space for me and the dog and gear.

I got a Xmid 2 for me and my medium size dog too. I also considered the lunar solo and was looking at the 1p Stratospire. I haven’t had issues with the footprint being big, but that might just be luck/locality. I’m glad I got a double wall tent - the condensation from a panting dog+regular environmental concerns is intense even in a double wall. I do use it when I’m solo (and it’s overkill), but have considered picking up a one person tent for the weight savings.

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 have two tents, both two person. One is for "campsite" camping (car camping) the other is for backpacking. Backpacking tent: Durston X-Mid 2P (2.6 lbs), trekking pole tent. Campsite Tent: REI Passage 2 (5.6 lbs), freestanding tent.

Love this tent

I like where your head’s at for the free standing options. My first thought was the BA copper spur bike packing variant. I’d take a look at the durston xmid 2p (non dcf) and add a set of his poles. Think they are called z flick? Considerable weight/space savings.

The 1 isn't big enough with a dog. But the 2 is bothersome for the PCT due to its footprint.  Get the Pro1 for the PCT and a regular Xmid 2 after.

Having used both...i honestly prefer the standard model. Its cheaper and i like the net wall being sepperate. Save yourself so money. The Xmid 2 is an amazing tent.

Im surprised this hasnt shown up yet... The Xmid-2 is an absolute amazing light weight tent. Its one of the most popular tents out there for a reason.

Get an Xmid-2. The extra room is amazing

I have the non solid, non pro version. For 250$ you really can't beat it in a backpacking tent

Love my X-Mid 2P, absolutely no regrets. Less than ten minutes to set-up, and super roomy. Vestibules are huge, and easy to modify the pitch for more ventilation, slopes, etc.

I use a Tarptent Rainbow which is kind of a 1+ tent with my St Bernard, and that's about as tight as I'd be willing to go. I also have a triplex but obviously that's plenty (and too much) room/footprint for a lot of sites. I think a 2 person is the right size, especially if they get wet and you don't want them snuggling your nice down quilt and would lean towards the xmid 2 for that reason, and it has double doors so they can get in and out without stepping on your inflatable pad. A good dog trick is to put their pad in first, then give them their "go to your bed" command, and then set your stuff up. I find doing it in this order he doesn't try to step on or steal my pad.

I'd opt either for the Xmid or a Lanshan2 (a cheaper version of the GG but actually better built IMHO).

Depends on the dog but my 6kg hiking buddy is an idiot with single walls. He ends up wet in the morning as he has no awareness of the condensation on the tent walls and then proceeds to shake it off. Sounds like you’ve pretty much decided on the x-mid 2. Again, depends on the dog but if mine can see something out the mesh he wants to get to he will run at it forgetting it’s there or paw it. A solid interior stops him from doing this.

https://durstongear.com/products/x-mid-2-tent-ultralight-backpacking Weighs just 1085g (+2*80g if you don’t have hiking poles)

They are great! My friends are always impressed with mine.

I have an x-mid 2 and had my dog in it a few times without issues. Get the stargazing kit and you can use it without an outer on summer days.

I have an xmid but probably wouldn't buy knowing what I do now. The giant footprint of the tarp will be a huge liability when trying to share a small established campsite with climbing partners, and the non-freestanding design, while storm worthy, makes pitching trickier anywhere there isn't the usual packed dirt for a campsite (snow, vegetation, rocks, etc.)

This. I repurpose the peak guylines, quick release tied to the inner's upper buckle, cinch wrapped around my upside down pole tip in the middle and then tied to a stake. No need to carry any extra weight to enjoy stargaze mode.

🧡🧡 x-mid 2. It packs light and small and has a remarkably discreet footprint. And it's tough enough that a big dog doing dog things won't shred it to pieces.

I like the roominess of my X-mid 2. It is a well designed tent, perhaps the others are too. That's all I can offer.

Can’t comment on the others, but I use the xmid-2 with my 35 pound dog and it’s fantastic. Plenty of room even with my non-ultralight setup (25” sleeping mat).

XMid2 is a good shout, space for two large dudes is space enough for one moderately sized person and a hefty doggo. Personally I would make (or buy I guess) some little paw booties to stop the claws wearing out the floor, I’d also have whatever the dog sleeps on double up as a towel so I can rub the bugger down and shake it out before bedtime to minimise the amount of crud that ends up in the tent. The issues are space (easily sorted), damage and crud. With a bit of planning and even a tad of myog you can solve it all pretty well.

Because you haven't actually bought your tent yet, I'd recommend that you try to do some research first. Durston Tents are not obscure/hard to find anymore like they are a few years ago. If you live within a reasonable distance of any population center, it's likely you can find individuals that own the various models of Durston tent for you to try out. Your major concern - because of your height - is that they'd be long enough. By default you've chosen probably the biggest possible configuration - the 2 Pro +. I'd encourage you to find people who have these tents that would be willing to allow you to lay down inside of them to see if it truly does require the largest possible configuration to make you comfortable. I say this as an owner of a 1 Pro, a 2 Pro, and a standard 2P. The 1 pro is surprisingly roomy and longer than you might think. It also weighs 125 grams less than the 2 Pro +, and can fit in smaller footprint areas (which is sometimes a concern.) Other stuff: * If you REALLY feel like you need a groundsheet, consider polycro instead of the Durston groundsheet. It weighs about a third of the weight and is a small fraction of the cost * Consider using your tent stuffsack stuffed with whatever clothing you are not wearing to bed as your pillow * 135 grams for your 750 ML pot is heavy. A Toaks 750, with handles and lid (both of which are unnecessary) is 100 grams. And the mesh bag for it could be replaced by a ranger band. * I recommend splitting the fuel canister into the empty can weight (100 grams) and the fuel weight (110 grams). The fuel weight can be marked as a consumable. * Your S2S sponge and detergent seems excessively heavy. You can likely cut a small chunk off of a sponge in your house, acquire a Litesmith container, and take a fraction of the detergent. I'm not familiar with that specific detergent, but Dr. Bruhners is a concentrate, meaning you could get bye with even less of it. I personally carry a 10ml Litesmith bottle and 10 ml of Dr. Bruhners for a total weigh total weight of 14 grams. And my sponge is a chunk of a scotchbrite sponge that weighs 3 grams. * Consider a McDonald's McFlurry spoon (5 grams) vs the 18 gram titanium version * Consider an Rovy Von flashlight for 18 grams vs. your headlamp's 80 grams. * I'd list out each and every item in your first aid kit with weights for each one. You should rationalize exactly what you NEED for each item. 120 gram FAK might be overkill depending on what's inside. And that's not even counting the "medics" line item you've got. * A couple things to think about with respect to emergencies in the backcountry: First they are very rare events. Second, you have the rest of your gear with you, so the need for a space blanket, when you've already got a quilt and shelter, is dubious. Third, there's often not much you can do about them. Stabilization and evacuation are your best bet for anything beyond basic cuts and scrapes. Which brings me to a concern: you have cables listed for your Garmin, but haven't listed a Garmin. * 460 grams in camp clothes seems excessive, and again, is all bundled together under one opaque heading. LIst each item separately so it can be evaluated individually. If those items aren't made of Alpha Direct, that would be one easy way to cut the weight. And I'd make your camp clothes the same garments as your "hiking merinos." It's unlikely you'd be hiking in those garments every day. You may start out in those garments, but will likely change out of them after a few minutes and you begin to warm up. They should serve double duty as your sleep clothes * 416 grams for a par of conversion pants is excessive. My $30 ones from Academy (Magellan) are 307 grams, *and that includes the belt.* * If you're not familiar with Litesmith, you should check them out. They have all sorts of trinkets to cut your weight. For instance, they have lighter versions of several of your listed items: Lip balm, tooth brush, bottles for repackaging liquids, etc. For example, I 'd repackage both your sunscreen and bug repellant and cut those weights by two thirds. * I see you have hiking *boots* listed, as well as camp sandles/slippers. If you're old school and refuse to try trail runners, OK. Otherwise, I'd recommend you try them out. Trail runners are generally comfortable enough that s separate pair of camp shoes is unnecessary. One of the nice things about PackWizard is that you have a ready-made database of other folks packing lists that you can study, and a tabulation of everybody's base weight. If you haven't taken the opportunity to use that resource, I encourage you to do so. Every individual has their own cost/benefit/comfort balance they need to strike. I encourage you to study PackWizard and see what stuff other folks used to accomplish the same tasks you have. Some will be expensive and not meet your cost/benefit/comfort balance, but some will be cheap and easy (like the Litesmith stuff.) Good luck

Lanshan 2 is a perfectly decent tent for the price point, I have no complaints about mine other than the typical trade offs that style of trekking pole tent has, but the durston X-mid 2 is not much more and is probably a better value.

I have a Durston X-Mid 2P, and I really enjoy it. It's very spacious, but it packs down light and small. It was well worth the money. 

This is my favorite tent. https://durstongear.com/products/x-mid-2-tent-ultralight-backpacking

Xmid 2 is perfect for camping with a dog as well , plenty of ventilation if needed too

I have an xmid 2 as well as the scarp1 ...personally I prefer the xmid for the space and space saved in my pack , that said if it is looking windy or that I'm gonna be tent bound all night I'll take the scarp ( sounds odd I know but I can get the scarp cosier ) I'm awaiting delivery of an xdome though which may be the best of both worlds( lighter and smaller pack than the scarp and stronger than the xmid )

Yeah you're not getting the scarp any shorter than those struts... no issue in the winter with my 65l but a squeeze in summer with a 36. I used the xmid2 on a 4 night trip to Skye and it was great, held up to the wind better than I expected and was great to have to space to stretch out and do my personal admin. But if it's looking rough or cold the scarp wins everytime

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.

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.

I've used my Xmid 2p with two adults comfortably. Fits your price range.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

We had to pitch our xmid 2P with gusts arround 19m/s which was pretty terrifying, but I definetly learned that it can hold much more than I would have expected. I think with good ground conditions for stakes it is still doing fine in wind but I would never choose to sleep in it when conditions are like that. I am pretty happy with it still but it was a bit of a bummer to realise I did not think of this downside when choosing a hiking pole tend. Good luck finding another good tend might check in to see what to get next.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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. 

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.

Durston Gear X-Mid all the way, baby!

The Xmid is pretty easy to set up by all accounts, and the only way you can get something lighter is to 1. spend a *lot* more and get a Dyneema tent such as the xmid pro or the zpacks duplex, or 2. use a tarp, which isn't good for bugs.

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

The Nemo is however more expensive then a much roomier X-Mid 2p. Which also pitches in around 3 mins with outer on. So ideal for random and often wet UK weather. Packs into my 5L cargo pack too \[just\]. Not freestanding though which was the \[minor\] compromise I made.

I only used Durston but it is not free standing (the one I used) and in very windy Utah wild areas and by the California beach winds, it was untouchable. But I have used a hammer and stronger stakes than the ones they offer (the lightweight ones bend). I have XMidPro2 and 2+ (but it is one piece), here is the two part - XMid 2 - they updated it even more, not much more heavier than the pro2, but again they use trekking poles and I used rocks on the flaps during very heavy storms. Lol. I don't know how to use the storm lines yet. They send them with tent but I never learned how to use it. Though, at 300 price tag and below 2.5 pounds and the space inside, you may wanna check, got my comment removed for link, so had to remove the link. For hammer in hard soils, I used MSR mountaineering one, the link doesn't go through, sorry!

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?

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.

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.

Yes, that's very true; I thought about it myself. However, the XMid 2P has a larger footprint and sometimes I tent in small spaces so I decided to go with the 1P over the 2P. But I did seriously think about the 2P!

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.

I’m 6’3”. My wife and I recently used the X-mid 2P (non-pro) on our thru-hike of the Laugavegur and Fimmvörðuháls trails in Iceland. I never had issues with my feet touching the sides (even with the crazy wind we encountered). You can stick your pack liner or rain jacket at the end of your bag/quilt if you’re worried about wetting out your foot box. As others have said, the skinny pitch is super easy to do.

The terrain variability is always tricky with trekking pole tents, but packing a variety of stakes (e.g., 6” and 7” groundhogs, Easton 8” nails, titanium hooks) and knowing things like how to double stake (e.g., using the titaniums with a groundhog at one point), big rock / little rock, and how to bury an anchor stake can make a big difference in bad weather. As far as the X-mid goes, I never felt like the poles were at risk of collapsing when properly staked out. Granted, I used our longer tent stakes for the peaks to help prevent this.

Depends on what you like to do, for car camping I have a Coleman 6 man & for backpacking I have a 2 person Xmid from durston. I’ve never had any issue with either, the Coleman was about 1/3rd the price of the xmid and it comes in very handy when a friend or two wants to tag along on a weekend

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.

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.

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.

The xmid 2 (not pro) is roomy enough for me (5'3) my partner (6') and our kid (3' I think?). Approx 350 lbs all up in there. It's snug with the 3 of us. If we were to just use the fly, it would be very spacious.

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

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.

Have Durston xmid2 - the product is unbeatable at this price point and they struck the ideal value proposition for UL gear. Sure, a few extra hundred dollars might get you 1oz lighter from a premium brand, but it's not usually as good in terms of practicality.  Durston hit the exact point of maximizing quality, features, and weight before diminishing returns on price

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)

For me the difference between the one entrance at the head end to two entrances (one on each side) would be the big selling point. I’ve hiked with a naturehike tent once, while sharing the tent. And found that one entrance to be a dealbreaker for me, while I’ve shared tents with two side entrances no problem as that allows you that little bit of freedom to comfortably exit without bothering the other person. Might be less important when it’s your partner, but I know it really matters for me. So I would definitely think the upgrade to a xmid 2 is worth the price even if it’s not that much weight (already significant enough with the v3 I’d say).

WFIW, I really like my helm 2. I'm 6'3 and it's fine for me size wise. I also use an xmid2. Different tents for different jobs.

Hey Dan. It’s a great tent, no question. I have the v2 (and a Kakwa 55, not that that matters). I just don’t see it as a great fit for OP’s use case spending extended time in the tent. Xmid2 would be the better fit. 

I'd second this. I had my Xmid 2 solid out in the cairngorms last summer. Winds we hit were pretty consistent at 30mph through. The tent outer deforms a little and it does flap, but inside I was fine. I only bought mine a year ago so I'm still getting used to how I should guy it out in those conditions. Size would be perfect for you though - myself and my partner have been out in it several times with our kit and our collie. If you're only occasionally trekking out in those conditions the xmid could be a good call

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’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

Buy once, cry once. I'd go for the x-mid 2. It is a super solid and useable tent which can't be said for many on that list.

X-Mid 2. Ridiculously good value (even being the most expensive on the list) and lighter than the other options. I got the Pro 2 for the AT later this year and the amount of room, ease of setup etc. is awesome, though the Pro is... not cheap. It hurt... but it won't hurt my back!

If we're talking about ease of setup, I want to throw something out that's not freestanding. I'm no Durston Gear evangelist, but the XMid 2P is fucking dead simple to set up. The inner/outer stay together always, so just stake it out in a rectangle, and pop it up with the [poles](https://durstongear.com/products/z-flick-tent-pole). Stake out the fly's doors and you're done. So simple, and the setup is perfect almost every time. Easier to setup than EVERY other tent/shelter I've used. Loads easier than any other pyramid or tarp-like shelter. Medium spacious for a 2P tent (which means still cramped, but not obnoxious). As you probably know sometimes ground conditions can be a PITA for non-freestanding. But I would still prefer a well-staked non-freestanding tent in a storm.

Being a shortie with a shortie partner is always surreal when reading this sub and other ultralight resources. "A 2 person is really a 1 person tent" "for me personally the X-Mid 2 is simply unusable for two people with position head to head" meanwhile me and my partner both fit into a X-Mid Pro **1** lmao

X-Mid 2 footprint is 7.67 feet/2.34m long and 52"/132cm wide. It can fit two wide large 25" x 77" rectangular pads. Please explain to me how this is only meant for dwarfs.

I've not heard a single report of anyone having a problem with *any* 15D floor treated appropriately.

The X-Mid 2 is fine for me to fit a large and a regular S2S inflatable pad head-to-head and not touch the pads against each other or jammed into a corner of the tent. Yes, the person on the side with the more sloped wall is not going to have a ton of headroom, but you're not even close to actually touching the tent wall if you're positioned properly. This is with a pillow and sleeping on the back. Not that it'll matter anyways once you put your sleep mask on 🤷

Starting with a lighter pack is great. Also, where/when you're camping, how long, budget, etc.  Maybe a sling/fanny/bag for the kids to carry their water bottle and snacks. If you're carrying all the gear, it might be lighter/easier to do a double pad, like the exped duo large (3r/5r) -- you can sometimes find them cheap (saw one at REI for ~$80 once). I think that'd fit in a x-mid 2, which is a great tent that can be found for ~$200 shipped usually. Things seem really on the cusp if you'd be able to fit everyone on that pad, in that tent, but once you step up cost/weight gets much higher (3p tent + 3 pads). And in the long run, you could also have the kids use/split the tent while you upgrade to another solo setup (the tent/pad weigh about 2lbs each, so once they can sleep more alone, they'd be able to handle the weight). You can also fairly easily MYOG a couple apex quilts that snaps in the middle to make a big double quilt, for way cheaper than anything you'd buy.

I love my Durston Xmid 2p it’s roomy and super lightweight and not a bad price.

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

pioneer a 1.5 person tent, i found the helm 2 too tight for 2 and personally i think it is overrated, saggy inner and unless you are under 6 foot too short either side of the centre. I have a hubbahubba clone and we find it fine for 2. Our main tent is an X-Mid 2 and that appears to tick all your boxes. Easily best 2 person tent we have used.

All those tents are water resistant. What’s the point of having a tent otherwise? Both the X-Mid and the Stratospire are not freestanding. The idea that the Stratospire is more complicated to pitch is a myth in my eyes. I’ve owned both. I still own the Stratospire, just because I favor some aspects of it over the X-Mid. They both are great tents for what they are. Why is freestanding so important to you? And if you don’t plan to be out in bad weather why not just use a (large) tarp, just in case weather is worse than expected? [Edit] Some more words on X-Mid vs Stratospire. The Stratospire has a larger footprint, especially the 2p version. That could be something to consider since in the alps sometimes you might want to squeeze into smaller places. The Stratospire on the other hand has much larger vestibules.

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.

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. 

Checkout r/ultralight. They have the best recommendations for lightweight tents. Duston 2 is great if you want a trekking pole tent. A cheaper option is the Paria Aches which I personally like a lot. For free standing i have enjoyed my naturehike vik but it does condensate a good amount so a double wall might work better for you like the Paria Zion 2 person.

The Stratospire and X mid 2 are your best bet - just get a couple of CCF pads to protect the floor.

I have two X-mid 2 to accommodate the fam and it is excellent! Recommendation - buy the [Tarp Tent Pole Adapters](https://www.tarptent.com/product/trekking-pole-handle-adapter/). When putting my poles handle down, pack rats ate my handles. These allow you to put the tips down.

Own the pro 2 and xmid2. Both are really big tents, and great tents. You'll be able to sit up easily and get changed in both. They have big footprints. So keeping hold of your lanshan 1 is a good shout. The xmid2 has two advantages. The fabric does not sag and the walls by the feet and head are steeper. At 6ft, you'll just about be fine with the lanshan. I'm a bit taller and if the ground is sloped (so im sliding down the floor) and rain has caused the fabric to sag, then the my footbox or head could touch the fabric. This isn't an issue with the xmid. There is a bonus advantage in that the xmid2 is easier to pitch (needs less stakes) The lanshans advantage is the price. At your height both are viable, but the nonsag fabric of the xmid is a huge plus in rainy climates that you'll be hiking in.

Hi all, First ever post on Reddit, so bear with me. :) I'm looking for advice on tents. I currently have the Lanshan 1 (3 season). It's my first ever light weight tent and I bought it because it's relatively cheap (EU, €150/$165) and I wasn't sure how much I was actually gonna use it (new to multi-day hiking). I've used it for a few short trips over the past year and I like it: easy to set up, weight etc. The thing is that I (will) use the tent in bad weather. I'm based in the Netherlands (rains a lot) and plan on hiking the West Highland Way (Scotland, 96 miles/154 km) en Kungsleden (Swedish Lapland, 273 miles/450 km) this year. I'm not a 'hike all day, go straight to bed' person and prefer to wait out really bad weather in my tent. For just sleeping, the lanshan 1 is fine. But when spending more time inside in bad weather, it’s too small. I can’t comfortably sit up straight without touching the inner. Also, because the open space between floor and vestibules is quite high, my bag (mariposa 60) only stays dry if I keep it in the middle of the vestibule. Having only 1 vestibule, this is a bit annoying going in and out (especially in the middle of the night when it’s raining). So I’m thinking of upgrading to a new tent. Things to consider: - Will use the tent for 1p and I'm 6 feet tall. I use a wide rectangular sleeping pad ((I keep falling of mummy shaped pads) my pad is 183 x 65 cm / 72 x 25.6 in). - Tent will be used in humid/wet/stormy climate like Swedish Lapland and Scotland. - I always hike with poles, so free standing doesn't really make sense for me. - Tarp not an option, I don't like mosquito's and mud/water inside :) - I like the idea of two doors/vestibules: more storage space, my stuff not begin in the way when getting in and out and the option to open both vestibules when chilling inside. - Budget: I don't mind spending a bit of money since I will use it quite a lot, but a tent like the Bonfus 2p just feels like too much (€700/$760) compared to the lanshan and durston tents. I'm based in the EU and many cheaper US options are not so cheap over here. I'm now considering the - 3 season Lanshan PRO 2 (price in EU: €230/$250 & 1060 gr/37 oz) - Durston x mid 1 (price in EU: €345/$377 & 795gr/25 oz) - Durston x mid 2 (price in EU: €395/$429 & 880 g/31 oz). Wondering if people can say something about spaciousnes of these tents when spending some time inside? Can you sit up comfortably etc? Advice on other tents/options also very welcome! :) EDIT: Hi everyone! Thank you so much for sharing your experiences and ideas, really appreciate it! I decided to go for the x mid 2 and while looking for EU vendors, I found a second hand x mid pro 2 on an online marketplace in my country. So I now have the extra space of the 2p for less weight than the regular 1p (although I am spending more than initially planned tho, oh well). I expect the condensation will be manageable since I’ll be sleeping alone in the 2p and won’t touch the walls. We’ll see :) thanks again!

Thanks! I decided to go for the x mid 2 :)

Thank you! Great points. The sagging fabric of the Lanshan is a bit annoying, especially when hiding out from the rain and I feel the tent becoming smaller and keep reorganizing my stuff so nothing touches the inner. Decided to go for the xmid 2! I’m keeping the Lanshan 1, nice to have an extra option.

Its not as easy/roomy to fit two people side by side without one person having a tent wall in their face. Not my video but a good example [https://youtu.be/2l8Hqb8zYD4?si=dSYSbnOw6OY-KNu0](https://youtu.be/2l8Hqb8zYD4?si=dSYSbnOw6OY-KNu0)

I had an XMID 2p on my AT thru hike this year— but I hiked with several Big Agnes users who were very happy with their tents. I think you’ll be fine. You may even enjoy the versatility of a freestanding tent out west— it sounded to me like the PCT and CDT often presented rockier campsites that problematize tarps and trekking pole tents. Chat, please correct me if I’m wrong.

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.

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 have used a Durston XMid 2p in Yosemite for years. I also took it in the JMT last year. I have no issues setting up on granite slabs. There has always been a plethora of rocks around for the big rock/Little Rock method. I would leave the freestanding tent at home.

I've pitched my x mid 2 in pretty windy conditions and been fine, maybe you need to work a little on your pitch, the guy lines from the top are pretty crucial, I'd say 6 stakes are about the minimum to have wind resistance with more added as needed

Usually yea, if wind is really bad ill add stakes at the doors, (the loops next to the zippers on the portion of the vestibule that doesn't open.) My way of doing it is Stake out the rectangle, make sure it's really a rectangle (as opposed to a rhombus) and tight, then put in the poles, make sure they are not too tall. Then stake out the guys slightly in front of the long side of the tent but not perpendicular (closer to the corner) Then stake out the doors if needed. Make sure everything's still tight. That's enough 95% of the time. If not then add more stakes on the prevailing wind side. Imo the guy lines are more crucial than the zipper points, they pull directly on the top of the poles and keep them taunt.

Check out the Durston X mid 1p and 2p. Fantastic tents. Get one before the tariffs kick in!

Love my xmid. I was new to backpacking and tried a semi freestanding Sea To Summit Alto for a few years. X mid is way easier to pitch. X mid has huge very usable vestibules. 2 is huge, I'm going to save up for a 1 pro to make it easier to find places to pitch.

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

The Lanshan 2 Pro is pretty compelling for the price. I don't like the peak vent design, but otherwise I really prefer it over the GG2. It comes in cheaper and lighter than the XMid 2, but the XMid is much more livable and better built and more stormworthy.

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.

XMid2—buy once, cry once. If not, the Lanshan 2 (not the pro version) comes seam-sealed from the factory. If not, the Gossamer 2.

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 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.

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

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

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.