Founded in the rugged Canadian Rockies, Durston Gear crafts ultralight tents and backpacks that redefine backcountry performance. At the helm is Dan Durston, a thru-hiker with over two decades of expertise in both hiking and gear design. His hands-on approach and depth of knowledge have made Durston Gear a benchmark for quality and innovation, earning accolades and a devoted following among serious outdoor enthusiasts.
The Origins of Durston Gear
Dan’s journey into gear design began long before the inception of Durston Gear. A seasoned hiker of legendary trails like the Pacific Crest (2,650-miler) and the Great Divide Trail (700 miler), often accompanied by his equally skilled wife, T, Dan’s experience laid the foundation for the brand’s practical and authentic approach. T’s contributions extend from product development to customer service, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to real-world functionality and community focus.
With a background that includes designing for other ultralight brands and sharing his technical insights on BackpackingLight and Reddit’s r/Ultralight, Dan became a trusted voice in the ultralight community. His early innovations, including one of the first Dyneema tents in 2009, predated many DCF (Dyneema Composite Fabric) products on the market today, setting Durston Gear apart as a pioneer in ultralight design.
'First Principles' Design
Central to Durston’s ethos is a "first principles" approach to design, focusing on foundational solutions rather than piecemeal fixes. This method led to innovations like the X-Mid tent series, built on the patented "double diagonal" geometry that optimises space, minimises guylines, and keeps poles out of doorways for easier access and setup. By stripping away unnecessary features, Durston delivers high-performing products that balance weight, durability, and ease of use.
Embracing Practical Compromises
Durston Gear understands that no piece of gear can do everything. Instead of aiming for universal appeal, each product serves a well-defined purpose. For instance, the Kakwa backpacks combine lightweight design with excellent load-bearing capacity, tailored for long-distance hikers who need a durable yet minimalist pack. This practical approach resonates with outdoor enthusiasts who value reliability over frills.
Field-tested, User-driven Designs
Both Dan and T rigorously field-test their products, subjecting them to the very environments they’re meant to withstand. Dan’s extensive backcountry experience includes achieving the Fastest Known Time on the Stein Traverse (19 hours) and completing the first yo-yo of Canada’s Great Divide Trail. These adventures provide valuable insights that lead to refined, functional designs, allowing Durston Gear to address real-world challenges such as storm-proofing and ease of setup in adverse conditions.
Built to Last
Durston Gear’s products are manufactured in China with top-tier factories that produce for renowned brands like TarpTent, Big Agnes, and Black Diamond. By employing high-quality construction techniques, such as double stitching and meticulous testing, Durston ensures each product is built for durability. This dedication to quality has garnered numerous awards from respected sources, including BackpackingLight and Outdoor Gear Lab.
Signature Durston Gear: The X-Mid Tents and Kakwa Packs
Durston’s product range may be compact, but each item is purpose-driven and thoughtfully crafted. The X-Mid 1 and X-Mid 2 tents quickly became trail favourites on the Pacific Crest Trail and Appalachian Trail, praised for their lightweight construction and storm-worthiness. The newer X-Mid Pro series, with DCF fabric, pushes ultralight boundaries, while the Kakwa backpacks redefine comfort and load-carrying ability for ultralight hikers. Continuous improvement is a hallmark, with over 20 updates made in the first four years of the X-Mid series alone.
X-Mid Tent Pitching Guide
The X-Mid tents are easy to pitch but require a few key steps for optimal performance. We recommend watching the video below for a visual guide, with written instructions provided here as well.
Basic Pitch
- Stake the Rectangle: Start by staking one end, then pull out a third corner at 90 degrees, and finally, pull the last corner taut.
- Check the Shape: Ensure your rectangle is accurate (avoid a diamond shape). Adjust if necessary.
- Tighten Corners: Use the corner tensioners to pull the base tight, which helps set the poles to the correct height.
- Insert Poles: Add the two poles and extend them until the fly is tight. Note: In Pro series tents, position poles with handles up; in other models, poles go tips up.
Refer to the diagram below for more detail:
Troubleshooting Common Issues
To avoid potential issues, make adjustments before adding extra stakes. Here are two common problems and how to resolve them:
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Loose Sides:
Problem: The rectangular base was too loose when poles were added, causing the corners to pull inward.
Solution: Lower the poles to release tension on the seams, tighten the base, and then re-extend the poles.
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Loose Ridgeline or Uneven Canopy:
Problem: The base was staked in a skewed rectangle (not a true rectangle), causing looseness along the ridgeline or canopy.
Solution: Adjust the corners with the tensioners to form a proper rectangle. You may need to loosen two opposite corners and tighten the other two. Extend the poles to secure a tight setup.
Storm Pitch
For added strength in stormy conditions, follow these steps in this approximate order:
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Confirm Basic Pitch: Ensure all areas are tightly pitched; avoid using additional stakes to fix core issues.
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Add Peak Guylines: Stake these along the ridgeline or towards the door walls if the wind is broadside.
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Stake Doorways: Angle stakes to relieve zipper tension. For added stability, consider replacing door and end wall shock cords with static cords.
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Add Side Panel Guylines: Stake at the same slope angle as the roof panels to support the peaks. Avoid pulling the sides out too far.
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Reinforce the Perimeter: Add extra stakes as needed around the perimeter for additional security.
Skinny Pitch
For a compact pitch on smaller camp sites, we recommend watching this video. It explores three main methods for achieving a compact pitch, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Dan Durston himself explains how to secure the tent's peak and floor in a compact configuration, then explores different ways to manage the excess fabric.
Tent Materials Explained
Navigating outdoor gear claims can be challenging, especially when every company touts their materials as “super light” or “stormproof,” often emphasising strengths without mentioning potential weaknesses. While understandable, this makes it difficult to gauge what will perform best in real conditions. Here, we aim to provide a clear look at the materials Durston use in their tents, covering the advantages, trade-offs, and limitations so you can make informed choices.
Polyester Vs Nylon
Durston Gear tents helped lead the resurgence of lightweight polyester in outdoor gear. When they introduced the X-Mid in 2018, Durston chose polyester over nylon because, unlike nylon, polyester absorbs minimal water, doesn’t sag, and dries quickly. Nylon, by contrast, is hydrophilic, absorbing up to 100% of its weight in water, which causes swelling, sagging, and a loss of about 10% in strength when wet. This sag impacts structural rigidity, especially for trekking pole-supported tents. With over a million user nights recorded, their polyester fabrics have proven their durability, prompting even previous sceptics to adopt this material.
Despite being widely accepted as a superior choice for lightweight tents, there are nuances to understanding polyester and nylon. Many factors affect fabric strength, such as weave type, denier, and coatings, meaning not all polyesters—or nylons—are created equal. For Durston Gear, polyester offers the advantage of remaining strong and taut in wet conditions while retaining lightness and fast-drying properties.
Understanding Denier
Denier (D) is a measurement of thread thickness, essentially representing the weight in grams per 9 km of thread. Modern lightweight tents generally range from 10-30D. Durston use 15-20D polyester in most of their tents and floors, balancing lightness with resilience for long-lasting durability. For 2025, Durston Gear are introducing a high-strength 15D polyester, nearly as strong (96% as strong) as their previous 20D, but lighter.
The Role of Coatings in Fabric Strength and Waterproofing
Fabric coatings greatly influence waterproofing and durability. While traditional PU (polyester urethane) coatings weaken over time and absorb moisture, Durston Gear apply a dual-layer coating: a heavy outer silicone coat for strength and waterproofing and a thinner polyether urethane (PEU) on the inside, allowing seam taping and minimising slipperiness. This combination strengthens the fabric, while PEU provides added water resistance and durability. Many companies continue to use “sil/sil” (silicone on both sides) coatings, but Durston find their sil/PEU combination provides optimal waterproofing and a long-lasting taut pitch.
Waterproofing Over Time...
Waterproof ratings often focus on initial performance, ignoring how coatings wear down. Their sil/PEU coating maintains waterproofness longer, avoiding the quick degradation common with traditional PU coatings. Through extensive testing, Durston X-Mid fabric shows sustained performance over time, holding strong waterproofing through cycles of wear, high winds, and heavy rains—keeping your shelter dry and reliable.
In summary, their use of 15D and 20D sil/PEU polyester fabrics offer a superior balance of strength, lightness, and waterproof durability, making them well-suited to handle the rigours of the outdoors without compromising performance.
Below is a chart showing the hydrostatic head of the X-Mid’s fabric (green) as it is subjected to wear cycles compared to 4 other materials from other tent companies from independent lab testing:
Choosing your Durston Tent
Durston X-Mid 1 Solid VS. X-Mid 2 Solid Tent
When setting out on a long-distance hike or wild camp, choosing the right shelter is crucial. Durston’s X-Mid 1 Solid and X-Mid 2 Solid tents are both excellent options, especially designed for colder climates and wind-swept terrain like the rugged Scottish Highlands or the wilds of Patagonia. But which one is the perfect fit for you? Let’s break down the strengths of each model to help you find the ideal companion for your adventures.
Durston X-Mid 1 Solid Ultralight Tent
For solo hikers who need a compact, storm-worthy and double-wall shelter, the X-Mid 1 Solid is the perfect fit. Weighing just 825 g, it’s one of the lightest options for solo camping in cold, challenging conditions. It enjoys an intuitive and efficient setup, and the geometry is designed to maximise interior space despite its minimalist footprint.
The X-Mid 1 Solid is a rugged, cold-weather upgrade to Durston’s standard X-Mid 1, built to keep you going through tough conditions. Tested through snow, ice, and rain on countless wild nights, this tent proves its reliability, standing strong through it all. Designed for year-round use (but truly shining in winter), the X-Mid 1 Solid is ideal for solo winter adventures—perfect for those who seek out the thrill of the wildest conditions.
The magnetic toggles are a game-changer, and you'll likely need to fine-tune your stake placement the first time you set it up.
The X-Mid 1 Solid is perfect for solo hikers who venture into colder climates or high-wind areas and need a tent that’s easy to carry and quick to pitch. With its ultralight yet robust design, it’s ideal for backpackers who prioritise weight savings but need reliable shelter when conditions turn harsh. With its compact design, the X-Mid 1 Solid is ideal for tackling exposed routes like Sweden’s Sarek National Park or the rugged terrains of Canada’s Rogers Pass.
Durston X-Mid 2 Solid Ultralight Tent
The X-Mid 2 Solid is a standout tent for hikers who want a lightweight tent that doesn’t compromise on space, storm-worthiness, or ease of use. With a design optimised for shoulder season camping, this tent offers protection from the elements while remaining incredibly packable, weighing in at just 1035 g. The dual trekking pole design maximises headroom and floor area, making it one of the most spacious options in its weight class.
The tent’s straightforward design minimises setup hassle, so you can get out of the wind and into shelter in minutes.
Ideal for those who backpack in variable weather conditions, the X-Mid 2 Solid provides the extra space and sturdiness to handle strong winds, cold temperatures, and remote, exposed environments. Thanks to its patented geometry, it remains incredibly stable and spacious while using minimal materials, keeping your pack light without sacrificing comfort. The X-Mid 2 Solid is an all-rounder, built to tackle everything from wild camps in the Lake District to epic trips across Alaska.
If you’re camping solo, the X-Mid 1 Solid is the way to go for its lightweight efficiency and packable size. If you’re hiking with a partner or enjoy extra space, the X-Mid 2 Solid’s additional room makes a noticeable difference without much added weight.
Both tents are extremely light, but the X-Mid 1 Solid is the lighter option of course, shaving off a few more ounces for those who want to go ultralight. The X-Mid 2 Solid remains highly competitive in weight, even with added space and protection.
Both tents are designed for cold, windy conditions, but the X-Mid 2 Solid’s additional space can make it more comfortable in extended bouts of inclement weather. The X-Mid 1 Solid, while smaller, is no less capable when it comes to protection.
Durston X-Mid 1 vs X-Mid 2
When hitting the trail, especially on long hikes or in unpredictable weather, an ultralight, storm-worthy shelter is essential. Durston Gear’s X-Mid 1 and X-Mid 2 have redefined what’s possible with lightweight trekking pole tents, combining durability, innovative design, and user-friendly features. But which of these award-winning tents best suits your adventure? Here’s a guide to the X-Mid 1 and X-Mid 2, helping you decide which shelter will be your ideal trail companion.
Durston X-Mid 1 Ultralight Tent
The X-Mid 1 is designed for solo hikers who value simplicity, weight efficiency, and storm resilience. At just 795 g, this tent is incredibly light yet spacious enough to make long-distance treks comfortable. Its patented geometry achieves a remarkable balance of weight and stability, giving it the edge over other lightweight tents when it comes to storm-worthiness.
The tent features a highly reliable polyester rainfly that remains impervious to wetness, stretching, or tearing, even in the harshest storms. It can be pitched quickly and easily with just four stakes and two trekking poles. No wonder it's our top choice for a one-person tent that offers exceptional value. Thoughtful details like waterproof zippers, dual vents, dual doors, dual vestibules, and a magnetic tent flap keeper provide added comfort for your minimalist adventures. This tent is perfect for those new to ultralight backpacking and seasoned pros seeking to elevate their backcountry experience.
The X-Mid 1 is a great choice for solo backpackers who take on variable weather conditions. It's perfect for long thru-hikes or remote adventures where lightweight performance and ease of setup make a big difference at the end of a tough day. Recognised by reputable outlets like The Trek and OutdoorGearLab, it’s the top-rated solo shelter on some of the world’s most challenging trails, including the Appalachian Trail and Pacific Crest Trail.
Many ultralight tents cut weight at the expense of storm resilience, but the X-Mid 1 integrates a durable fly, peak vents, and reinforced guy-out points to handle harsh conditions. Designed to minimise complexity, this tent uses - we’ll say it again! - just two trekking poles and a simple layout to keep the setup stress-free. The unique, patented geometry maximises interior space by keeping the poles at an optimal distance from the edges, enhancing stability while providing a roomy 90-inch floor length and ample headroom.
Durston X-Mid 2 Ultralight Tent
If you’re looking to share your shelter or simply prefer more room, the X-Mid 2 is the right choice. At just 1005 g, this tent is still ultralight but offers a generous floor plan that comfortably accommodates two people without sacrificing storm protection or durability.
The X-Mid 2 is the go-to for hikers who prefer extra room or plan to hike with a partner. With an optimal weight-to-space ratio, it’s ideal for everything from thru-hikes on the Continental Divide to rugged solo treks where more interior space is desired. Its stability, simplicity, and spacious design make it one of the most popular and awarded tents in its class.
The X-Mid 2 uses a diagonal, twin-pole design to increase headroom and interior volume, creating a comfortable space for two. Unlike nylon, the X-Mid 2’s lightweight polyester fabric doesn’t sag when wet, ensuring a taut setup and consistent protection in rainy weather. With excellent wind resistance, peak vents for airflow, and reinforced guy-out points, this tent is built for exposed and unpredictable conditions.
For two hikers, the X-Mid 2 offers outstanding comfort, weight efficiency, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing it’s been built to handle nature’s challenges.
If you’re a solo trekker who values the lightest possible setup, the X-Mid 1 is your best bet. But if you often camp with a partner or prefer extra space to stow gear, the X-Mid 2 is well worth the added weight. Both tents are ultralight, but the X-Mid 1 has a slight edge for those looking to go as light as possible. With only a 200 g difference between them, though, the X-Mid 2 remains impressively lightweight for a two-person shelter. Both tents excel in windy, wet conditions, but the X-Mid 2’s added space may be more comfortable for longer stays in stormy weather. Both models are made from non-sag polyester, ensuring a taut setup that holds up in the rain.
Durston X-Mid Pro 1 Vs Pro 2 Vs Pro 2+
When it comes to ultralight tents with a focus on spaciousness, weather resilience, and simplicity, Durston Gear’s X-Mid series stands out. Durston’s flagship product, the X-Mid 1, debuted in 2018 and quickly became a favourite among backpackers and bikepackers. Following its success, Durston introduced the X-Mid 2, a two-person model, and more recently launched the X-Mid Pro lineup, crafted from Dyneema Composite Fabrics (DCF). Their premium shelters currently include the X-Mid Pro 1 and the newly announced X-Mid Pro 2 and Pro 2+.
Let’s compare the X-Mid Pro 1, X-Mid Pro 2, and X-Mid Pro 2+, which each bring unique features tailored to different kinds of backpacking adventures. Here's a breakdown to help you decide which might be the best fit for your next journey.
Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 1 Ultralight Tent
Starting at 440 g, the X-Mid Pro 1 is astonishingly light yet spacious, with options to increase durability with a silnylon floor (up to 550g). This 1P tent has ample interior volume, with 90" in length and 32" width. Taller hikers (up to 6’8”) will find it comfortable, with 50% more volume than most one-person tents. The Dyneema® fabric offers exceptional waterproofing (8,000mm) and durability without compromising weight, making it an ideal shelter for thru-hiking the PCT, Iceland’s exposed trails, or Australia’s Bibbulmun Track where lightweight storm resilience is crucial.
The dual side entry design is excellent for a one-pound tent, allowing easy access without a pole obstructing the doorway. The large mesh window/door enhances stargazing, nearly matching the experience of forgoing the rain fly in a traditional tent. The two-zipper system also facilitates effortless entry and exit. Condensation management is straightforward, as the tent's height, width, and design keep the walls away from the interior. When set up correctly, the poles remain taut, preventing any flapping of the DCF fabric. Achieving a taut rectangle is crucial when pitching this tent, as it can be challenging to adjust the pitch if the rectangle becomes skewed.
Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 2 Ultralight Tent
The X-Mid Pro 2 is perfect for backpackers or bikepackers needing ultralight, two-person accommodation with an efficient, storm-worthy design. The X-Mid 2 Pro features the same mesh inner as the standard version, but its canopy is made from Dyneema Composite—a premium fabric renowned for its outstanding tear resistance and excellent strength-to-weight ratio. Unlike woven nylon or polyester, Dyneema Composite does not absorb water, making it an ideal choice for a lightweight bikepacking tent. While it is on the pricier side, its benefits make it a remarkable option for serious outdoor enthusiasts.
The X-Mid Pro 2 brings impressive lightness at 509 g for a DCF floor, reaching only 655g for a silnylon floor with stakes. It provides ample room for two hikers with a floor width of 46" and peak height of 46" – maximising headroom and comfort for two. Built with hot-bonded seams for a stronger, more weatherproof finish compared to traditional stitching, perfect for high-wind conditions. It is a top choice for thru-hikes like the Continental Divide Trail or extended bike-packing trips across challenging environments.
One standout feature of the Durston X-Mid 2 Pro is its straightforward pitch and setup, requiring only four stakes to create a stable rectangle. With the corners secured, the integrated cord tensioners allow for easy adjustments. Durston also offers an optional Z-Flick Tent Pole Set, which replaces two trekking poles and simplifies setup. After some practice, you can achieve a proper pitch in just a few minutes.
Once pitched, the tent can be adjusted based on conditions and ventilation needs. The corners sit low for rain protection but can be loosened and the poles extended to increase airflow around the base and mesh interior. Both doors can be staked out for better zipper function and vestibule space, or left un-staked when needed. Like most single-walled DCF tents, condensation can be an issue, so keeping the doors unzipped helps with ventilation. Additionally, there are two small vents above each door, adjustable with struts and Velcro tabs for airflow control.
The X-Mid Pro 2 features a bathtub-style floor that rises a few inches before transitioning into the mesh interior, forming a parallelogram shape that positions the sleeping area diagonally. While this might seem limiting, it actually maximises interior space and weight efficiency. Durston claims the X-Mid Pro 2 packs down to 11×5” (27x12cm) in its included stuff sack. To prolong the lifespan of DCF fabrics, they recommend rolling the shelter instead of stuffing it.
Durston Gear X-Mid Pro 2+ Ultralight Tent
For couples or partners looking for ultralight comfort without compromising on room, the X-Mid Pro 2+ maintains a low weight for its size at 545 g, making it the lightest tent to fit two wide rectangular pads. With a generous floor width of 52” and 49" peak height, it offers a lot more comfort for those wanting extra elbow room. With hot-bonded seams and DCF fabric, it’s designed to withstand storms while providing an expansive interior, making it ideal for areas with unpredictable weather. Suited to both scenic trail hikes and more remote trips like Alaska’s Brooks Range, where a lightweight yet spacious tent can add considerable comfort.
Whether you’re setting out on a multi-week trail or seeking a spacious basecamp for alpine explorations, Durston Gear’s X-Mid Pro series has you covered. For the solo traveller, the X-Mid Pro 1 is hard to beat. Couples and friends can choose between the X-Mid Pro 2 or 2+ (or solo hikers preferring more room), with the 2+ providing a bit of luxury with additional space for extended stays. Each tent combines an innovative X-Mid geometry with durable, waterproof Dyneema® fabric to create a truly top-tier ultralight tent experience.
If you’re seeking one of the highest-quality, best-performing ultralight shelters on the market, the X-Mid Pro should be at the top of your list. Designed for simplicity and ease of use, this tent shines when conditions are tough, ensuring effortless setup and comfort.
The X-Mid Pro 2+ maintains the intuitive pitching style that the X-Mid tents are renowned for. Its rectangular base can be staked out with just four stakes, eliminating the need for complicated angles or measurements. The fly naturally limits pole heights, making setup a breeze.
Once pitched, usability continues with magnetic door toggles on both the fly and inner doors—an industry first. The large doorways allow easy entry without obstruction from trekking poles, as the vestibules are conveniently positioned beside the entrance, allowing for a shorter reach when closing the fly. The X-Mid Pro 2+ also features a tensioned floor that lies taut and wrinkle-free, dual doorways and vestibules, and premium zippers designed for one-handed operation.
Durston have taken extra steps to ensure quality, including tighter tolerances for panel dimensions compared to other brands. Each tent undergoes thorough inspections, with every unit pitched twice before it ships to you. This meticulous attention to detail contributes to the higher production cost of the X-Mid Pro 2+.
The spacious X-Mid Pro 2+ is the lightest tent globally that can accommodate two wide rectangular pads while remaining highly storm-worthy and user-friendly. It's the ideal choice for everything from a thru-hike on a National Scenic Trail to a traverse across Alaska's Brooks Range.
