The Durston X-Mid 1 is an ultralight backpacking tent designed for solo adventurers seeking a balance between weight, space, and weather protection. This review dives into the key features and performance of this three-season shelter, examining its ease of setup, interior space, weather resistance, and overall value. We’ll explore the pros and cons, considering the materials, design choices, and real-world usage in various conditions to help you determine if the Durston X-Mid 1 is the right ultralight tent for your backpacking needs.Arriving in a compact package, the X-Mid 1 requires only trekking poles (sold separately) for setup. This review covers the straightforward pitching process, assesses the tent's spaciousness and well-designed features like multiple pockets and strategically placed vents, and evaluates its performance in varying weather conditions. We’ll also discuss the durability of the included stakes and the overall value proposition compared to other ultralight backpacking tents on the market.
Pros And Cons
- Lightweight
- Two-pole semi-free-standing design
- Exceptional stability and weather resistance
- Double-wall construction
- Spacious interior
- Generous vestibule space for gear storage
- High-quality materials (silnylon)
- Easy setup
- Two doors and two vestibules for convenience and ventilation
- Good balance between weight, performance, and livability
- Exceptional price point
- Waterproof YKK zippers
- Clips to connect vestibules
- Guy ropes on vestibules to reduce strain on zippers
- One-handed zipper operation possible with guy ropes
- Velcroed vents for weather protection
- Reinforced vents with silnylon seals for airflow
- Double-stitched construction
- Integrated magnets to hold vestibule doors open
- L-shaped zippers for easy access
- Inside pockets
- Large vestibule space
- Bucket floor made of silnylon
- Good breathability
- Requires separate purchase of trekking poles
- May require replacement of included tent pegs for hard ground
- Condensation can be an issue in extremely humid conditions
- May let water in vents during rugged storms (according to other reviews)
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Unboxing and Contents
The Durston X-Mid 1 arrives in a compact rectangular box, containing just the tent itself. No additional accessories are included; you'll need to purchase trekking poles separately. Durston offers their own trekking poles, but you can also use compatible poles from other brands. Consider purchasing a groundsheet as well, though it's not essential.
The tent utilizes two trekking poles for support. The included stakes are four larger pegs with cord and several smaller ones. I recommend upgrading the smaller pegs for better durability and visibility.
Tent Setup and Features
Setting up the Durston X-Mid 1 is straightforward. The inner and outer tents can be pitched together or separately. The poles are inverted for setup, inserted into the tent sleeves, and secured with adjustable straps.
The tent boasts waterproof YKK zippers on both vestibules, and guy ropes on the bottom of the vestibules help to reduce strain on the zippers. Well-placed velcro vents allow for ventilation and weather protection.
Space and Livability
Despite its ultralight design, the Durston X-Mid 1 offers surprisingly spacious interior and vestibule areas. There is ample room for a sleeping pad and gear. The vestibules provide sheltered storage space for backpacks and other items.
The tent features several internal mesh pockets for organizing small items. A thoughtful design element is the placement of pockets near the top of the tent, perfect for holding phones or other devices when relaxing inside.
Performance and Weather Resistance
The Durston X-Mid 1 is designed as a three-season tent, offering excellent protection in various weather conditions. While generally weather resistant, some reviews report water ingress in extreme storms, particularly through the vents.
The double-wall construction with a bathtub floor provides good protection from moisture. The tent's design prevents the inner tent from touching the rainfly, allowing for better airflow and preventing condensation build-up, though some condensation can still occur in very humid conditions.
Final Verdict
The Durston X-Mid 1 is a well-designed and well-priced ultralight backpacking tent. Its ease of setup, spacious interior, and thoughtful features make it a strong contender for solo adventurers. While not completely storm-proof in the most extreme conditions, it provides excellent performance in typical backpacking scenarios.
The price point is highly competitive for a tent of this quality and weight. While some minor improvements could be made, overall the tent’s pros significantly outweigh its cons, making it a worthwhile purchase for those seeking a reliable and lightweight shelter.