Durston X-Mid 1 Review

I tested the Durston X-Mid 1 and this is my verdict.

January 15, 2025
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The Durston X-Mid 1 is a relative newcomer to the tent market that has exploded in popularity amongst thru hikers. 

Product Overview

Durston X-Mid 1

Price: $234.00

durston-x-mid-1-product-image
Pros

✅ Affordable price

✅ Quick and easy to pitch

✅ Only 4 stakes required

✅ Doublewall

✅ Sag free polyester material

Fly first pitch

✅ Dual doors

✅ Large vestibules

Cons

❌ Footprint feels larger than other 1p tents

❌ Not the lightest (but a DCF version is available)

Can take some attention to get a taught pitch

KEY SPECS

  • Weight: 28 ounces
  • Floor length: 90 inches
  • Floor width: 32 inches
  • Floor area: 20 square feet
  • Peak height: 46 inches
  • Vestibule area: 11.5 square feet each
  • Canopy and floor fabric: 20D Sil/PE Polyester 3500mm HH

The tent features a unique design that uses 2 trekking poles and only requires 4 stakes. It’s a stormworthy tent with a roomy interior, large vestibules, and a low price tag. All in all it's easy to see why the X-Mid 1 can be found everywhere on long trails these days.

To see reviews on other ultralight tents, check out our Best Ultralight Tents post.

Similar Products: Gossamer Gear The One, Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL2, Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo, Nemo Hornet

Performance Test Results

How I Tested:

I tested this tent in a variety of conditions and climates including sections of the Continental Divide Trail in Montana and Colorado, the Wind River High Route in Wyoming, the Pacific Crest Trail in Oregon, and the Grand Canyon. It has encountered variable weather conditions and performed well in regards to stormworthiness, comfort and durability.

Durston X-Mid 1 Tent: Tested across diverse terrains.

Design

The Durston X-Mid 1 is an innovative tent with an exciting design. The X-Mid is a relative newcomer to the tent scene, designed by Canadian Dan Durston and first launched in 2018.

Over the past few years this tent has exploded in popularity, with it now being one the most commonly seen tents on trails like the PCT, CDT and AT. The affordable price combined with the unique design and abundance of thoughtful features make it one of the best options out there.

Innovative design, unbeatable value – Durston X-Mid 1.

Material

The X-Mid 1 is constructed with 20D Sil/PE Polyester 3500mm HH fabric. In addition to being durable and highly waterproof, the polyester won’t absorb water and sag like nylon does. The tent’s doublewall design and dual peak vents keep condensation at bay, and the fly first pitch ensures that the inner won’t get wet when pitching in the rain.

The shape and angle (50-55º) of the tent’s panels are ideal for shedding both wind and snow, and the fly extends low to the ground to block drafts and prevent splashes. Perhaps the only downside is the weight - the fly and inner weigh in at 28 ounces.

While this really isn’t that heavy, some ultralight backpackers may balk at a nearly 2 pound tent. Thankfully for them Durston also offers the X-Mid in a Pro version, featuring a hybrid/singlewall design and Dyneema fabric. The Pro version weighs in at just under a pound, but also costs nearly 3 times as much.

Durston X-Mid 1: Weather-ready design with durability, comfort, and performance.

Adjustability

The thoughtful and unique design is what sets the Durston X-Mid apart from the competition. It uses 2 adjustable trekking poles (or Z-Flick tent poles, sold separately) to setup, which are offset from center. This offset design keeps the poles out of the way of the doors, and provides for a long diagonal ridgeline. The ridgeline runs almost the entire length of the tent, providing great headroom throughout the sleeping area (which also runs at a diagonal between the poles).

The unique design allows for dual doors and dual vestibules. The vestibules are quite large and any gear placed within will not block the doorways. Some other thoughtful small features that add to the livability and enjoyment of the tent include magnetic door toggles, 2 convenient interior pockets located overhead, and zippers that are operable with one hand.

The X-Mid 1 is easy to pitch, and requires only 4 tent stakes. To get a good pitch you must stake out the tent in a perfect rectangle, and make sure all four sides are taught. Then simply insert a trekking pole, extend, and repeat on the other side. Pitching the X-Mid is quick and easy, but it can also be easy to get a sloppy pitch if you’re not careful. If the tent isn’t staked out with all sides square and taught, you’ll end up with a sagging ridgeline or a side of the tent that is loose.

While only 4 stakes are necessary most of the time, there are optional peak and side panel guyouts as well as 8 additional stake points around the base of the tent for when conditions are extreme.

For comfort, convenience, and easy setup: Durston X-Mid 1.

Comfort and Space

In addition to easily withstanding any inclement weather I’ve encountered during my testing, I’ve found the X-Mid 1 to be very livable and comfortable. At 6’4” in height, I struggle to fit into many tents. The X-Mid 1 has just enough space for me to sleep and sit up comfortably. Lying on my back (with a 3” thick NeoAir underneath) the tops of my toes will push just slightly into the mesh. I don’t have a problem with this. Hikers taller than 6’4” will likely find their head also pushing into the mesh and may want to consider either the 2 person model, or X-Mid Pro for more room.

The Durston X-Mid 1 offers comfort and livability, even for tall hikers.

Variations and Versions

In addition to the standard X-Mid model, Durston also makes a few different versions including the X-Mid Solid (where much of the inner mesh is replaced with a solid fabric for better wind and splash protection) and the X-Mid Pro (which features a hybrid/singlewall design with Dyneema fabric for a considerably lighter tent). A 2 person tent is also available in all of these variations.



For different needs and weights, Durston X-Mid 1 offers multiple versions and variations.

Conclusion

To conclude, the Durston X-Mid 1 is a great choice for thru hikers looking for a comfortable and stromworthy tent that won’t break the bank. Chances are you’ll fall in love with it as so many others already have.

Perfect choice for thru-hikers seeking comfort, stormworthiness, and great value: Durston X-Mid 1.

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Mike Windsor photo

About Mike Windsor

Mike is a thru-hiker with 8,000+ miles under his belt as of 2023. If not on trail you might find him at home in Oregon, exploring in his Chevy Campervan, or enjoying his newfound love of skiing

somewhere out west. Check him out on YouTube.

About Greenbelly

After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail, Chris Cage created Greenbelly to provide fast, filling and balanced meals to backpackers. Chris also wrote How to Hike the Appalachian Trail.

Stoveless Backpacking Meals
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