Thanks for putting this together. I appreciate the balanced video and kind words.

7:00 there's a way to pitch the Durston where it takes up way less room, look for dan's video where he talks about the "skinny pitch". With the proper guylines, tent footprint can be reduced to almost the footprint of the floor. Takes a bit more effort than the standard pitch but saves a ton of room.

I have the Xmid pro and had to have a repair due to a freak accident in a storm. Dan’s support was second to none. He stands behind his products and I’ll probably never get another shelter, unless it’s a Durston 😊.

I am glad both companies are in the market. The competition will make everyone better.

Even if you’re solo it’s nice to have dual vestibules because you can choose which direction your head is in and still be able to have access to entering or exiting in which ever direction is most clear.

I have a durston xmid 1 silpoly tent. I LOVE it so far. I cannot afford dynema, and the weight difference is not enough to worry about. This tent was a budget friendly game changer for me. I spent a night that dipped to 29 degrees in a valley, next to a stream. I had ice on the inner mesh where my nose and mouth were close to it but really very minimal ice from condensation on the tent walls themselves. Sure, single wall tents will have condensation, but it was pretty minimal in this tent. The next night it was 45 degrees and not one drop of condensation. It is a really good tent. One of my best investments.

I am in complete agreement with you Darwin! I use the Plex Solo and love the ease of set up. I can pitch this thing almost anywhere, it is light, and I love the rainbow door. Thanks for the awesome detailed review of these two tents.

I bought the Altaplex on your sage advice, two years ago. It has worked flawlessly. Thanks Darwin!

So, I have an X-mid 2. Love it, but it does require more space for pitching. Great for weekend backpacking trips with my boyfriend. Because of the large footprint, i decided to try the offset solo for my AT section hikes. I value peak height and also enough internal room to store my gear. I SO wanted to love this tent, but I have had trouble getting a good pitch I feel confident in if there’s bad weather. So I recently bought a used tarptent double rainbow li. I was hesitant because of the extra weight, but wow, is it so much easier to pitch! So much space inside too! Totally worth the extra weight, IMO. I went with the double because the single has a solid wall on one side and I was afraid it would turn into an oven in the summer with no cross breeze. I’m excited to try it out!

Loved my Durston tent on my AT thru hike.

It’s great to have you back! Thank-you for the excellent content.

Dual vestibules allows for cross ventilation, which is *major* when you want to reduce condensation or keep your tent cool. You also don't have to concern yourself with which way you need to set up the tent, and having two vestibules is twice as good as one. Last week I camped in the Olympics next to a big river, in 88% humidity. I set up the tent with the sides high off the ground and it was bone dry in the morning. It's anecdotal either way, but with the proper set up I've seen no enclosed tent do better with condensation.

Hey Darwin, it’s Ferrari! It’s always a pleasure to see you and remember our now distant in time PCT Thru hike! Talking about the video…Have you ever considered to use a stick instead of carrying that extra carbon pole? I always do that to extend my headroom in both the duplex and the altaplex! It makes just way more sense for me to use something I can easily find on trail instead of carrying a specific pole… I wish you a beautiful spring and summer and still waiting for you to come here in the Dolomites! 🤗

I’m a plex solo guy …. No ground cloth… easy set up lite weight…. SIMPLICITY I LOVE in my tent … Great video 🍺

If I'm looking at having to set up a tent in hurry, I'm going to value the versatility of being able to set it up in smaller spaces due to footprint size way more than not having to deal with an extra small pole. The x mid just feels odd to me having such a big footprint and such a narrow interior. Always enjoy your videos good sir. Glad to see you back making content more often.

You still got it dude! Glad you’re back / love your reviews 🎉 Altaplex is my favorite too!

Bought the xmid. I've set it up twice. The first time took 10 minutes. The 2nd, today took 5 minutes after a six pack. I laid down inside and had a ton of room. I'm 6'3. Still ample space for gear. So, with air mattress, pillow inflation and throwing out the quilt, 10 minutes.

Hey Darwin, your videos are great and very informative! Been watching them for years and I like how you never rag out another company. You are always fair when you are comparing different products. I have bought lots of gear solely on your advice. Thanks for all your great videos!

Sponsored! Well done bro. I can’t believe it, yet happy for you as well.

Thank you Darwin for this review! For me the X-Mid Pro 2 with DCF floor is the best IMO, has the internal width room so I can fit my pack in it, and it weighs practically the same as the pro 1 I had with woven floor. Easy switch.

i've seen both of these on trail and i agree that the Altaplex still reigns supreme over both of these new tents.

Darwin you haven't lost your gear testing touch! Always the best out there.

Very thoughtful review Darwin! You are clearly a trusted source. TY

I used the Xmid Pro 1 for a CDT through hike this past summer and it worked great for me. I'm with you on the poles/struts as well. I really don't like having to deal with them and they make storing things more annoying. It's certainly preference, but for me I prefer the Durston for its 4 staked corner pitch, quality construction, and costing $200 less. There are some trick/tip videos on Durston's website about its "skinny" pitch, where you can fit it in smaller spaces by pitching it with the vestibules tucked in. I saw on a forum that there might be a double wall DCF Xmid and that has my attention as I love the versatility of just tarp to cook under in the rain and just mesh for star gazing and max breathability.

Zpacks did a rare thing with the offset series- they took a long list of customer feedback and requests and nailed the design- in a really short time frame. I’ve owned three Altaplexes and there’s also an additional pole issue- in this case it really improves interior space. Many commenters have mentioned the main reasons for dual vestibules, but in addition to those it’s nice to have an entry door and another to pee out of. The L-doors are awesome in heavy mosquito areas because you can get in/out or move items in and out very easily with a very small vertical or horizontal opening. You also don’t end up stepping on your mesh all the time. I usually hang both my gravity sawyer/cnoc filter system and my pack from my trekking pole straps with a little plastic carabiner- now I can hang my pack out the back door and filter water out my front door where I also make my coffee. I agree that there’s a little loss in view, but you also get a view out the other side which is awesome if you setup facing the sunset- now you get the sunrise. Much respect but I hope you give the offset a longer trial because zpacks really did something special here and I’d hate to see people go another way because of your review.

I went with the X-Mid 2 pro +. Same setup, longer guy lines, enough room for two 25 inch pads (in a pinch), and unfortunately an even larger footprint. For me, the large size is worth it, because I don't sleep in my tent, I live in it. I do trail work, and need room for wet clothes and other things that I don't want to sleep on top of. Plus, it's only 4 ounces more than the Pro 1.

Excellent review, thank you for taking the time to do an indepth review of both of these tents. Currently Im using the X mid Pro 2, but for future hikes Im going for the Plex Solo for its simplicity and small foot print. I agree with your thoughts on the extra pole on the Offset, I would probably break it or lose it at some point, so that is enough of an issue to not purchase it.

13:00 Hi Darwin. My shelter for several years has been a tarp and condensation also occurs under the tarp. So these are some myths that you can avoid condensation in tents thanks to additional holes, vents and other inventions. Concentration also occurs under the tarp - arranged in a gable roof shape.

Simplicity is the king 👍.

Good point about personal preference of having your pack in your sleeping area vs the vestibules. I'm one who doesn't want extra stuff in my sleeping area so I really like the X-Mid because the vestibules are huge. It's great that we have choices now to accommodate different styles of camping.

So nice to see you again! Hope all is well!

Thank you Darwin for the wonderful review! However, according to Dan Durston, it is said that the door could be opened with both panels. It might require an additional stake at the center of the side wall to establish. I do really enjoy my Durston tent with it's simplicity of setting up, and am looking forward to try Zpacks solo for the rainbow review you mentioned.

Very good insight on both tents.

Great video and fair discussion of the pros and cons of each. The first time I saw the Offset, my immediate reaction was that the extra pole with associated guy lines was a straight up kludgy feature that I wouldn't want to have to deal with for all the same reasons you mentioned.

Good one, Darwin. Close competitors, both look good. Thanks for the thoughtful review.

I would like the Durston in DCF to be a double-walled tent like the X-MID 1 so that I can set up the inner tent individually

I don't want my head or footbox touching a wet surface. Durston for me.

I was looking for a new one person tent and wound up going with the new Duplex Lite. Its only 40" wide which is super narrow for 2 but really roomy for one. I added the end poles that they use on the Offset series and the little fabric cups they put on the pull out guylines on the Offset series as well. Makes a great, very roomy and very light, one person tent.

I got the Durston from drop a few years ago when my friend worked for the ultralight department before they shut it down, So stoked i was able to while it was up.

I have been using the pro 1 for a year now after using the zpacks plex. Both great tents, but the pro1 with more room is my go-to tent. Just used the pro 1 in crossing the Tramuntana mountains of Mallorca.

You make a really great point about the taller single-door setup. I currently have the X-Mid Pro, as I tend to want to stay in one place once I have hiked out to where I want to stay. For that purpose, I tend to prefer double doors to be able to see out both sides and regulate changing winds. But to be fair, I love lying down in my tent and therefore sitting height (while it needs to be tall enough) does not really matter to me all that much.

I bought an X-mid 1 many years ago because it was compact and lightweight. It is also roomy and spacious for a 1p. I still use it for solo bikepacking! It was half the cost of DCF and well worth every penny.

I have two Durston X-Mids and LOVE both!

So happy your back and you found new motivation. Any thoughts on the best Ultra light free standing tents?

Exactly! Imagine the x-mid with 1 vestibule and a triangle interior space that would accommodate your pack. That’d be amazing!

Great video, Darwin. Thanks for putting so much thought into the comparison and presenting it in an unbiased manner. This comes at a perfect time as I was considering purchasing a new tent to replace my Altaplex....it's getting tired after my PCT, CT, and TRT hikes. I was gifted a Durston X-Mid (poly-sil) and love the design and simplicity, and the larger vestibule area. That tent will certainly serve its purpose for the right trips. However, I think I'm going to stick to the tried and true Altaplex....and buy another one for my longer adventures! Thanks again. ~Meat Grinder

I now have a Zpacks Duplex that is about 8+ years old. Lots of good nights in it. I'm thinking of the Altaplex but the weight difference is negligible. A great video and IF I were in the market for a tent, and these were the two choices, I'd lean towards the Durston X-Mid Pro for the simple reason that offset design is interesting. But I'm not running out to buy either. I have a permit to SOBO the JMT beginning in late July and will take the Zpack like I did last September when I was on it. Thanks again for your reviews and keep up the good works.

Great video, neither for me but the thought process is really useful. Thanks Darwin

i am going to get a durston tent, haven't decided which one yet. their geometry makes me happy.

Had a durston about 6 years ago as one of the firsts om massdrop. Loved the idea of trying new ways of tentmaking, but boy did I hate the narrow-ness!! Had to stay in a day because of torrential rains... and almost went crazy. Since then a ZPacks duplex. little more weight but..... am I HAPPY.

Durston vestibule space was great when cooking for 3 days due to crazy spring rain north of Superior. Cook in one. Enter/exit through the other.

I have the Durston and love it 😊

I like more interior room, so I’ve been thinking about the Offset Pro Duo. Zpacks customer service did me right several years ago, so I’m pretty loyal to them.

Recently used the Durston X Mid 1 on the AZ Trail. Got hit with a downpour and really appreciated the ease and speed of set up. The double wall performed well. Only suggestion was to use a more substantial ground tarp to keep the tub dry. Had an issue with the point of the pole going thru the roof during set up. The hooks are tough to use when it's cold and rainy too. Overall I was dry and comfortable compared to my hiking buddy in a dynema one wall with a thinner footprint. It's a good 3 season tent.

I live in Colorado and several times have pitched in narrow spots. So I’ll be sticking with my old, smaller footprint Zpacks Solplex. I like that it’s wider than many 1-person tents, because like you, I prefer to keep my stuff in my tent. I do sometimes use a stick under my end guy lines (similar to what the offset does with that pole). It’s not something I have to do and if I’m setting up in the dark, I sometimes skip it. But it’s a nice little hack and I don’t have to carry anything extra. My husband has an old Zpacks plexamid. He prefers it over the Solplex, which is great since I prefer the Solplex. 😂 We got them both used and a bundle deal. Both DCF floors are still holding strong.

ALWAYS a pleasure.

Well done review due to your clarity of why you like what you like. To answer your question: neither one for me. I have the Tarptent Dipole 1 LI. The interior space is fantastic. The views and ventilation is fantastic. Being able to open all 4 sides is a unique feature that I value. Yes it has the two struts but the fold in half, stay with the tent and allow the tent to be packed horizontally in my pack. Darwin would take points off for not sitting in the open door as he’s accustomed to (L shaped mesh door). For the reasons mentioned against the review criteria and my personal preference I’m sticking with the Dipole.

I'm waiting for the X MID PRO 2 PLUS to be delivered. probably overkill for one person, we'll see.

Awesome! My tip on the Durston. @Darwin, you should actually compair the Durston X-Mid PRO 2p to that Zpack. The X-Mid PRO 2p are a one person tent and it doesn't way that mutch more then the 1p and its at the same if not just under that zpack tent in weight. I used that Durston X-Mid PRO 2p on the pct last year and had no problem fitting it at campsites. But yeah, the only downside compaired to the tents in your video are a larger footprint. But with the footprint mentioned, I would always recommend the X-Mid PRO 2p (Dyneema) instead because I also prefer having my stuff inside the tent

very nice review of both tents .

Flat tarp and bivy is my go to in any situation that doesn’t involve truly heinous storms or insane insect clouds. Once you nail down a few useful ways to pitch it it’s easy and most of all versatile and by far the easiest for dealing with those awkward camping spots. For trips where I don’t feel comfortable tarping, I have an X-mid. If you have to have a tent, the value of Durston’s tents is fantastic. I know over the course of years and many nights out a 200 dollar difference is not much, but I only have one day to convince my wife to release the funds, so…

I love two basic designs for tents, a pyramid with one pole (including designs like the Altaplex) and dual pole freestanding like the Samaya you tested earlier. That doesn't mean that I don't see the point of a dual vestibule tent, but not for thruhiking where you spend very little time in the tent except when sleeping. To me the dual vestibule is for wet/cold weather when you want to keep wet gear on one side and cook in the other vestibule or maybe dig out a pit in the snow on one side. Those are conditions though where neither of the tents here would be favorites - I'd want a double wall design and maybe also better wind resistance (don't know how these tents handle high wind). I do see the point of the vestibules if you can buy only one tent for everything but don't expect to do any winter camping.

Both look like great tents for one, and maybe a pup. I'm still liking the Altaplex that your review from several years ago sold me on for a one person, one pole tent.

I sold my Pro 1 for that same 'coffin' reason. (I'm 6'2") I went back to a z-packs, this time a Duplex light - saved some weight and gained 8" of width. Definitely worthwhile at 423g. I find in ideal conditions the X-Mid pictures well but in anything slightly not perfect, the zpacks pitches better every time. (Also I see there is a plex solo lite now.)

Nice review. I personally prefer the screen door setup of the Durston x-mid compared to his old tent. Especially when you have loads of pesky flying insects. You only want to open it just enough to get in or out quickly and it works better if the screen door falls behind you to somewhat block entry to those insects until you turn around and zip it shut.

currently testing the meadowphysics abode after using the plex solo and the xmid pro 1 it's quite a bit more minimalistic lol. Like you, I really prefer single poles shelter for solo use. I hate to carry a second pole as I prefer to hike with one pole. I like the rainbow doors used by zpacks. Even though so many people are crying about it online, it seems that most people like it. Now with the abode, no door at all it taking bit of getting used to. Great video mate, happy that you are back with reviews. You're the one that got me into the ul hiking rabbit hole haha!

You mentioned it at the beginning but should have also been put at the end that the z packs is also $200 more expensive! However fantastic detailed video!! Loved it!!

I love the dual vestibule on the xmid1pro. It’s one of the reasons I bought this tent. So Dan, if you’re watching, hope you don’t change the design! It’s great to be able to open both sides of tent for airflow and views, even if it’s raining.

Saw you at The Black Crowes show! Good to know you like some good ole rock’n’roll

I have the. Mid 1 (not pro) and I love it. I don’t usually like 1 person but it feels very roomy and comfortable. It poured rain the first day of my last hike and it was so easy to set up in the rain without the inside getting wet. The only downside is as a Canadian the exchange, shipping and duty made the $240 American (I think) about $500 Canadian. But it was well worth the price.

i'm the same way but with the Nemo Hornet osmo 2p. god I love that tent to the moon and back. on nights when its not rainy I just leave the rainfly in the bag and the mesh tent feels like a bug free cowboy camp. i can watch the stars while I crash out. and its pretty dang light for a tent with poles.

I’ll stick with my Altaplex. Love this tent. Easy to set up and roomy and light. I have a Durston tent but prefer Zpacks tents. Great review, Darwin.

I have Zack’s duplex w flex poles for versatility reasons. It allowed me to purchase 1 tent that could check all the boxes for all needs. I love my all DCF tent. With that said I also am curious about the Durston. I’m a tech nut that likes the weeds of the why behind products & Dan has put a lot of thought into them. I am also 5’8 and want my gear inside the tent. I enjoyed your assessment of both-thanks! Maybe I’ll try a Durston on my 2025 retirement thru party (hike) on the AT.

That’s was a great video, looks like both are really good tents. But I’m going to keep using my Altraplex

I’ve just bought myself the silpoly xmid1 as a trial. If I love it I’ll probs upgrade to the dcf version in the future! Always used single pole tents. And my main issue I’ve found is the internal length, the big thing that sold the xmid to me is the internal length, I shouldn’t get any moisture transfer due to how long it is! Plus I love its set up, it looks great for setting up on uneven surfaces! And it’s pretty solid from what I’ve seen from others too! If I were to buy a zpacks it certainly wouldn’t be the offset however I’d love a plex solo or a altaplex. In fact I almost bought one over my xmid!

I own 2 Durstans. I'm very happy with them. I do like 2 vestibules because I enjoy ridgeline trips. I can watch a sunset out one side then sunrise out the other. As far as size I've been experimenting with a narrow pitch by folding in one vestibule. I've also pitched with a bush inside my vestibule. Ambiance.

The 3 factors you mention make a ton of sense, but for many I think there's a 4th: price. I'm also 6'2" and not in the least claustrophobic. So the Durston for me would be the big winner in my case. On price, a $200 difference isn't a deal breaker, but as someone older, paying over $700 for a one person tent just seems wrong. So it makes me happy to see some competition with the big Z. That's actually a 5th factor as far as I'm concerned. Lower prices promote innovation. Can't wait for the 10 oz tent that beats both of them, lol.

Saving for a Durston mid 2

I have an OG X-Mid 1P, and I'm short, so there's room inside for my gear if I want. 😂 I can't afford DCF tents, so I'll stick with the double wall sil-poly. I also have an X-Mid 2P, which I got after I adopted a dog. There's more space for the 2 of us, and the minimal added weight is worth it. Durston gear is affordabel, well made, and just make sense.

xmid 1 for me

Great video and thoughtful review. I'm a little surprised that a build quality comparison was not included. My X-Mid Pro 1 has Lexus like quality while my Zpacks tents from 5+ years ago were sloppy with stitch lines that looked like a young child sewed them. Maybe Zpacks quality has improved since then and are on par with others now?

Wonder what your thoughts are on a comparison between the packs offset and the altaplex that you like so much.

I've got the Zpacks Altaplex (older version) and still love it. I've also got the Durston X-Mid Pro 2 (second iteration) and love it! With that being said, I have different uses for each one. I do different things in life other than just hike. Like Motorcycle travel, and have 2 different kinds of motorcycles. A Dual sport and an adventure bike. Last year I took the Durston tent with me to California from N.Y. and a couple of years ago, same trip, Zpacks tent. They both were fantastic and set up so effortlessly but YES the Durston takes up much more room. I also Tour on my bicycle and I kinda like the Durston better for this for some reason. I think it's the interior room because like you Darwin, I like keeping my gear inside. But I absolutely love the headroom in the Zpacks Altaplex tent. I'm only 5' 5" and I can kneel inside it, get dressed much easier and the inside length is superior. But the setup on the Zpacks is more finicky. and the Durston goes right up with ease. My results, I wouldn't get rid of either one. It would be very boring if everything were the same. Great video and thanks again for entertaining us on UKposts, only don't leave us again. I can't take it. LOL

The bias in this video for Zplex stinks. Darwin seemed like he had to make up stuff to gripe about the Durston lol. I hiked the entire AT with the Durston XMid Pro 2 - and it was perfect. Zero complaints - nothing Darwin mentions here was ever an issue. I had zero issues of any kind with it on trail. I never had a problem finding a spot to pitch the Durston. In fact, using lines, I could pitch the tent between trees and rocks - without needing to anchor either vestibule - which drastically reduces its footprint - the footprint is reduced to only the rectangle you are sleeping in. Griping about the vestibule: dude, you need adequate sized vestibules to shed rain as far away from the tub as much as possible. And the slope of the vestibule helps deflect very high winds. You are griping about a crucial intentional design feature of the Durston. And I always want two vestibules because I never need to worry about whether two people can use it well in bad conditions you need rain to shed far away from the tub or you are standing in water every time you get into or out of your tent. 2023 ATers know the record busting rainfall we had in Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine - with flooding everywhere - EXCEPT inside my Durston. And in those conditions, I needed that vestibule size for my drenched pack, shoes, clothes, etc. Plus, I could easily cook my dinner - in a pouring rain - under one of the vestibules - without having to constantly shift wet gear around to make room. I cooked in one vestibule - and had wet gear in the other vestibule. And I used whichever vestibule wasn't holding my wet gear as my exit/entry. Condensation: the Durston did fantastic. If you camp anywhere near water - it doesn't matter which tent you use, or if you're in the desert, you'll wake up with wet walls. Even if there was a bit of condensation in the Durston, it dries out incredibly incredibly fast. And yes, the vestibule and huge size of the all-mesh walls allows for max ventilation. The ventilation on this tent is fantastic. Doorway size and view: dude, this tent provides the largest unobstructed wide open view of any tent I have seen (and yes, I got to see a ton of different tents on the AT, and hoped in then to get a feel for their size and ease of use. You can certainly set up the Durston to not even use the vestibules, with both flaps folded away. And when it came to his final assessment - yes, the Durston wins, hands down - but without ANY of the contrived negatives thrown in. The tent was so incredibly easy to pitch - quickly and securely. And I'm STILL using the Durston - it did an entire AT thru hike, and it's still in great shape. Given the benefits of the Durston and it's features - the only factor that might make me switch to a different tent at this point would be if it could significantly weigh less than a Durston - by a lot. I've seen single-pole tents and they all had a more complex pitch than the Durston, and were way too small for me (6'). If you're taking two trekking poles, might as well use them both on the tent, and have way more space than you need, instead of carrying almost the exact same weight, but being cramped and miserable.

• The point about the Pro1 needing only one vestibule is a good one. Incorporating one of the vestibules into the tent floor netting space would be a good move. Less coffin like and a spot to bring your pack into. • I’ve owned an Altaplex, still got the Duplex (more than one) and have been trying out the Pro 2 for nearly 2 years now. A similar sort of comparison to yours. Zpacks vs Dan. I spend allot of time hiking in the Tasmanian highlands. It's mountainous, rocky, cold and very wet. Temperate rain-forest. Beautiful. The thin 15denier 1.3 oz/sqrd nylon floor in the Pro made the tent much wetter than the Duplex. Nylon chemically absorbs water (feels dank) and takes allot longer to dry than DCF . Sil Nylon was very noisy under an xlite. You’ll notice that I’m using the past tense. I hated the nylon so much that I cut it off, and sewed in a DCF floor. Used I oz/sqrd DCF that, like the duplex, doesn't need a groundsheet. Very pleased with the outcome. DCF feels nicer than slick sil nylon. Drier , textured. Slightly lighter . • Dan Durston has since introduced a DCF floor. Unfortunately this is a 0.75oz.sqrd DCF that certainly will also need a groundsheet. Heavier. The Zpacks Poncho groundsheet would serve well. I use that poncho over top of my very breathable rain jacket and pants. It's near impossible to wet through with this combo and the poncho rides on the backpack, not me, so great airflow. You couldn't use it on its own, except in warm weather. • I put on longer guys. About a meter of 1.2mm spectra per corner. Much easier setting up on rocky ground or platforms. • I've found that I can hook back the bottom half of the doors (to the trekking pole straps) and zip it about down half way to get much more ventilation without letting the rain in. • So which is better? Zpacks or DD ? Depends. The Pro has a big footprint. Although you can skinny pitch it, its still bigger than the Duplex. You can open both doors if you skinny pitch/peg it and use the top guy attachment. The Pro gets more condensation than the duplex but you can do the door trick to help with that. You can do the ventilation door trick more easily with the duplex. The Duplex gets more splashback than the pro, but you can pitch the Duplex lower to counter that. I have a Duplex in a heavier Roof DCF option (Camo 0.62oz/sqyd) and it has proven to be very durable as a roof material, for a minor weight increase. I also got a 0.75oz/sqyd roof Duplex. That will last even longer. I did have a 0.55 oz/sqyd DCF Duplex that aged much much faster. The 0.55 oz/sqyd PRO is starting to show some creep on the bottom of the panels. No one other than Zpacks offers the more durable 0.75 oz/sqyd DCF roof. The Duplex has a free standing option that works well, but I never use it. They are equally good. It just depends on your particular needs. photos.app.goo.gl/HYAnUDwnA7DYDM5i8 • I had an Altaplex for short while. Because I use 2 trekking poles and the Altaplex needs 2 more pegs and either a pole jack or long trekking pole the effective weight difference was less than 50grams. A big loss of interior space compared to the Duplex. Not much of a different footprint with all the pegs. The bathtub length is the same as the duplex and since I prop the ends the Altaplex was a big loss of interior space and more condensation. It wasn't for me. The Duplex is so easy to pitch.

I have the x-mid pro 2 and love it, but for one person tents I've started using the tarptent protrail li instead because I like how much internal width I get for a one person tent and the ease of setup.

I'm not quite ready to go to an ultralight trekking pole tent so I don't have a say in this debate. I will say however, I am very keen on the X-dome, Durston's not-yet-announced freestanding tent. Z-pack tents have been around for a long time but they just seem way too expensive whereas Durston seems much more competitively priced.

THanks for the video Darwin. Most of us with X-Mids replace the tiny guylines with longer lines. They tend to get beat up anyway. I put 18" ones on mine and it was a great mod. Thanks again for a great video and honest assessment.

Love my xmid 1P. Light, quick to setup, simple, useable, sturdy and reasonably priced.

I have an OG X-Mid 1 that I got on the second Massdrop drop I believe back before he was selling them directly. It's still a pretty solid little tent.

What would do it for me is the sonic welded seams over the taped 👌

Hi Darwin. Dan Durston has a video that shows you how to minimize the footprint on his tents. Check it out. I have the X Mid 2 and I love it.

I like the dual vestibules. I have my food and cook system in one and the rest of the gear in the other one. Or have a dry and a wet one.

I miss info about the hot seams on the Durston versus the taped seams from Zpacks.

I'm with you on the dual vestibule thing. Not necessary for what I am looking for. Both of these look like great tents. I wonder if the Duplex Lite would hold its own better than the offset solo due to not having the extra pole to deal with. I only hike with one trekking pole so my next shelter will probably be a Plex Solo Lite or the HMG Mid 1. Similar debate with those. The simplicity of slapping down the HMG Mid 1 with just 4 stakes in a rectangle and being done with it VS. the slightly more fiddly setup of a hex shaped tent. But then the weight difference is not really a minor thing between the two. Probably talk myself in and out of each one a half dozen times before I make the decision.

Hey Darwin have you ever considered hiking the Heyduke Trail.

You make watching gear reviews enjoyable.

I desperately wanted the XMid Pro 1 to work for me, but the width was just a dealbreaker. I stuck with the XMid Pro 2 and hope Durston makes a one person version just a bit bigger. The difference in manufacturing quality is vast. Zpack tents always look like they were stitched together by kids to me - rushed, loose threads, seam gaps, curling edges, etc.

Two vestibules for me every time! The wind changes direction overnight! And I put the gear I don't use in the rear vestibule and cook/live in the front one. But short guylines are a bummer, I'd be swapping those out pretty quick. Also, I don't like single-skin tents - too much condensation, too much daylight in summer and too cold! So I'm saving up for a solid-inner Sil-poly Durston... Oh yes, and it's a lot less expensive too, although it doubles the weight!

Probably in the vast minority but have scaled everything else down - lightweight pack, quilt, keep gear to a minimum, don't over carry food or water but have stuck solidly with a freestanding tent - just can't make the switch to a trekking pole tent (probably just a mental block, or maybe the Scottish weather) but love being able to pick up and move a tent around, feels more stable and solid and just (for me) feels like it's a lot more comfortable. So as much as saving one kg would be nice - and I'm constantly tempted - I'm going to stick with my Hubba Hubba for the moment. But interesting review!! : )