The footprint size of the tent is consistently pointed out by "influencers" as a negative. In reality it is never a problem.
I have been using the 2p for years on the east coast and have never had an issue.
As someone who is 6’ 10”. I have the Xmid pro 2 and it’s a game changer. I finally can fit without needing to curl up. I had the BA copper spur UL2 prior and it was ok but the xmid is another level.
The Mongar 2 was my first backpacking tent. Works great, I was very happy with my purchase. I wasn’t sure if I’d stick with backpacking so bought a value-priced tent. I ended up being very pleased with the quality and functionality of the tent.
I eventually went with an X-Mid Pro2 once I realized that backpacking would be a major activity for my partner and I.
Yeah it’s slightly bigger than other tents but it was never the reason I couldn’t set up somewhere. On a few Cason’s you may have to get first pick of spot for smaller campsites if you’re moving with a tramily. Sil poly floor was good for me. Highly recommend the tent.
Footprint? No. Some semi-janky pitches, but I always was comfy. Eventually I just got good at setting it up on platforms. Stakes under rocks. (here's my pitch on Killington: https://photos.thetrek.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/30102144/IMG_7615-scaled.jpg)
I had the Dyneema floor and didn't regret it, but it felt "dirty." I don't know why. I didn't get sick at all on trail though so probably just imagined.
Bonus is dyneema was super easy to wash in town. There were times late-trail when I got SUPER lazy where I'd spill coffee all over my tent floor. Bringing it to town with some dish soap and water fixed it right up each time.
I have hiked with:
REI Half Dome. Too heavy but free standing and plenty of room for two. Probably 90 miles with it.
A couple discontinued tents. About forty-fifty miles with them.
A Big Agnes Copper Spur. The 2p gets feeling cramped for two after a while. About 1,200’miles on the AT with it.
A triplex. Great tent, especially with the pole caps. Finished the AT and did a good part of the PCT with it.
XMid Pro 2. It is smaller than the XMid 2 and gets to feeling crowded after a while—which is why they brought out the 2+. Great for one person though. Did more of the PCT and part of the Oregon Coast Trail with it.
Off-set Trio. My wife and I will be back on the trail in a couple weeks with it. 43 square feet. It is a palace. Almost 2,000 miles with it, mostly on the CDT.
My XMid Pro 2 and my Triplex had the same footprint. The XMid had the skinny pitch option but I never needed to use it.
Never had trouble pitching either on the PCT.
That said, you are spot on about setting up under trees.
My wife and I just did the Lost Coast Trail which runs along the Pacific Ocean. Fog banks roll in.
We camped at the standard midpoint. Like most of the campsites in that it is next to a stream.
Nestled under a tree. Kept our side flaps open for ventilation. No condensation bothered us.
The impact of being under trees (branches 4” over our tent) is dramatic.
The trail was covered with water where it left the beach and ran though grass. Seemed like an inch of condensation there.
Most people find themselves much happier with the larger size. Not everyone, but most.
The XMid has gotten very popular so you will be hiking in a sea of them.
I own a Copper Spur 2p. For two it is just too small at 28 square feet. Not bad for a weekend but it got to feeling cramped after a while. An XMid is 32 square feet and you can feel the difference in a larger tent.
The silpoly doesn’t absorb as much water as silnylon and it handles rough weather well.
Be careful of the Pro 2p (the Durston I own). It is smaller than the standard XMid and gets to feeling cramped with two after a few months on trail.
I kept mine (instead of selling it) because it is an excellent tent and I have relatives it is perfect for.
Satisfaction surveys on long trails are interesting. It is how I got into a Copper Spur. Btw, there is a larger 3p Copper Spur and couples like it better than the 2p.
I haven’t tried it.
I wish you well with your choices. One thing that might make a difference is how far you hike when you take your trips (distance and time).
Livability for a week is different than the same for months. I found 28 square foot tents were ok in time periods under a week.
Much depends on your use. Are you driving out and camping in a campground? Basically car camping?
Do you hike in 15 miles, camp and hike out?
Do you use your tent just to sleep or do you hang out in it?
Do you share your tent?
It seems like it is just you and the dog and maybe one other person and it is out and back weekends at a campground.
For long trails, backpacking months at a time, Durston tents are good for one or two people. The Pro 2p is what I’ve owned in the past. The XMid has a good price point. The REI half dome has more interior room and is easier to set up.
For car camping and spending some time in the tent an Ozark Trails 4 person tent used for two is great (walked out to my garage to check ours). We got it at a garage sale but only use it for car camping bb
My current primary tent is for backpacking with my wife, months at a time. I love it but I would not recommend the Zpacks Trio for your use.
From what I can tell from your post weight doesn’t really matter. Interior comfort does. But without more none of us here can tell.
Finally, most online lists are trying to get you to buy so they can rake in affiliate marketing kickbacks. That results in confusing and scattershot reviews and advice.
Wish you luck.
In my experience with multiple tents, at about 1200 miles you will have zipper issues. Either you crimp the zippers back down or replace them (zpacks sells replacements and now ships their tents with a set. Durston is planning on phasing that in too).
On the Appalachian Trail it isn’t as bad but the deserts and sand are just rough.
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