It has been reported by several backpacking gurus that the Durston X-Mid Pro 2 may be the best tent ever. After researching, I truly believed that this could be the best tent for my Appalachian Trail Thru-Hike beginning in 2024. So, in a fevered pitch, I pressed “purchase”. And like a good steak, after receiving the tent, I let it rest most of the summer.
Now that I will head out on an overnight trip, I finally have a chance to use the tent and decided to do a first impressions video.
Some background. I shot this video without editing to show how someone without a full understanding of how the tent is set up can do it. The full pitching took about 6 1/2 minutes. I know what you are thinking, Dan Durston set his up in about a minute on the website.
Yeah, but because I set it up without too much support, I was able to see where I had troubles and will fix them over the next several pitches. I will then be a pro like Dan.
Check out my first impressions and first pitch video on YouTube here.
With all that said, I am providing my first impressions on the DURSTON X-MID PRO 2 – An ultralight two-person tent that I will use on my AT Thru Hike in 2024. And at the end provide my recommendations of who this tent is best for.
Let’s get started.
First up: the Price
This tent retails for $679 US dollars, but remember to add in about $100 to ship from Canada. So for me, it arrived at my door with a total cost of over $800.
You need to keep in mind that Durston Gear is a small company and because it is located in Canada will have longer lead times and as mentioned above a big shipping cost to the States. So, I give it a pass on the shipping, but I wish it didn’t have to be so. I guess I was just so enamored by the tent that I just had to have it!
So, what are the key features and benefits of this tent?
For my thru-hike, I was looking for an ultralight tent that is easy to set up, compact to fit in my
backpack, and most of all waterproof. The AT is a very wet trail so I want to be prepared.
Ultralight at 20-Ounces
Yes, this is an ultralight tent coming in at 20 ounces. As an older backpacker with lots of wear and tear on my back, this will help me keep my back healthy. If you are an older hiker, I would recommend going as light as you can afford.
Quick and Easy Setup
I’m including my very first tent set up in my backyard. I literally took the tent out and set it up in about 6 minutes. I didn’t edit this video and kept the tape rolling. I would suggest setting it up and breaking it down several times so you can work out your bugs and get the setup locked in.
Waterproof Dyneema Composite Fiber (DCF)
This tent is made from DCF so it is super waterproof. And the way that you pitch the tent protects the floor of the tent from getting wet. I will say that if you set it up in a windy rainstorm, this may not always be the case.
Inside Room/ Headroom
The tent is listed as having a floor that is 48 by 90 inches, and the height is 46 inches when properly set up. I am only 5 foot 4 so this is plenty of room for me to sleep, keep my pack inside, and also sit up and be comfortable for extended time in the tent. If it is too rainy to leave the tent, I feel this is a roomy space for one person, me. As a 2-person tent, it cost me about $80 bucks and about 4 ounces more than the X-Mid Pro 1.
Ventilation
This tent does have some vents but I will have to sleep in it in different conditions to see how well they work. I expect to keep a door open as much as possible. I don’t know what to expect going from cold mountains in the spring to humid and rainy conditions as summer gets here.
Poles That Don’t Block the Doors
I like the poles offset. It makes sense to get into and out of the tent more easily. However, I have seen other tents and people are able to work around the poles without too much difficulty. I will keep my backpack in the tent with me so not worrying about extra space in the vestibule for that.
Easily Adjustable.
I found that after I put the tent up…albeit without a proper understanding, I was able to make easy adjustments at the corner. I did have trouble with my own pole. Make sure that you have flip-lock adjustable poles, the twist kind doesn’t work so well.
Interior Pocket
I just watched a video by Aron Goss on YouTube and he uses his interior pocket to put the tent bag. I think this is genius. I will probably use it for my phone/ electronics too. Basically, it’s good to have.
Pros and Cons Of The Durston X-Mid Pro 2
The Pros
- The weight, it is super lightweight at 20 ounces
- The compact-ness as it is smaller than my sleeping bag
- Quick set up especially when it’s cold or raining.
- Waterproof Dyneema or DCF
The Cons
- Trekking pole tent – if the pole gets bent/broken
- Trekking pole tent – will have to try this in windy conditions
- Very thin materials, will have to battle test it out in the conditions on the AT
- Had trouble getting the poles to the correct spots and height. I will need more practice
Final Thoughts On The Durston X-Mid Pro 2
I find that the price is okay for me, I am an older hiker who wants to have the lightest gear I can afford. My body isn’t what it used to be so the ultralight weight is perfect for me.
I am happy with the ease of setup. This video showed me setting it up, unedited for about 6 minutes. I learned a whole bunch with that first setup and how to improve. I will be heading out in a couple of weeks to test it out in the White Mountains of NH. Unsure where right now.
Finally, I like how compact the tent is. I am thinking of using a 40L pack on the trail so the smaller the better. I may have to go with a 55L for the early spring/late winter conditions in March in Georgia and North Carolina
Recommendation: Who Is This Tent For? Who Is It Not For?
I would recommend this for any ultralight backpacker, especially an older hiker. For three main reasons, 1. Ultralight, and 2. Waterproof, and 3. Compact!
I would not recommend this for someone who isn’t going to benefit from an ultralight tent. I.e. a weekend warrior or someone who only does short weekend trips or a weeklong trip once per year.
If you would like to follow me in video form check out my YouTube channel at @daveabbett.