First, thanks for the video! Second, here comes the unsolicited advice (sorry). Pitching a Durston is unique; you hang it rather than build it up from the ground. If you have too much lead on your corner guys when you pitch, you'll wind up with a curved wall (outward toward the ground) which reduces the structural integrity of the tent as you effectively put a spring in the sides. Choke the corner guys all the way in and peg out. I've even recommended using really thin stakes to get your rectangle by putting them through the corner loops that hold the guys, then placing the guy lines at angles that match the seam/slope, and then put your poles in. Note that the shortest guy will be on the highest corner. The pole lengths will almost never be the same length; you're trying to set it so your ridgeline is parallel to the horizon, and the gap at the base will be irregular (this makes for a consistent tension on the fly. I also noticed you could get your inner ridgeline higher, this also helps to give you more headroom. Setting the fly-to-ground distance higher will also give you more room (and since you're using a solid, there's no reason not to get more venting on wet days. Give it a shot and see how it works for you! As soon as you start doing it, you'll see the benefit and that it's a lot quicker. Let me know if I didn't explain that so it made sense.
@@PaulMessneryou might have mentioned it in the video, but does it work with the skinny add on tips for hiking poles? Like the ones for walking on paths and stuff. Also, I love your love of the outdoors!
I have spent a lot of nights in a Tarp Tent Rainbow trekking pole tent. I don't own it but my fellow hiker does. We have done 2 trips to Philmont (11 days backpacking) and countless backpacking trips with our Boy Scout troop. I hike with poles, so it just made sense.
Ironically I've just been thinking about this. I have a trekking pole tent and it's a tank in the wind. I feel the rigidity and thickness of the trekking poles compared to standard tent poles really makes a huge difference. Basically they ain't budging. Pitching them though correctly definitely is an art. I also recommend a decent set of pegs for the key tie out points.
They don't move until they break. The rigidity puts a lot of stress on the fabric, seams and the stakes. Also they need to be higher to get the same usable space, that means more wind exposure. So in general I wouldn't say that they support stronger wind, the exception might be pyramid ones which is a really strong design.
@@tt-of4xv I've used trekking pole tents since 2016 in all sorts of wild conditions and never has a pole snapped on me. Whereas prior to that I've had countless tent poles break 🤷♂️
I went from Force 10 to tent to Vango Banshee 200 to Lanshans, then Six Moon Designs lunar solo, then Lunar Trekker and Lunar Scout. and now I use all three, I have have had American big tents but sold them on. Nice Vid Paul.
I’ve had an X-mid 1p for just over a year and used it many times. It’s a fantastic shelter but I avoid using it in winter or high up in exposed locations. It’s probably strong enough to survive a storm but there’d be so much flapping you’d get no sleep. Another great video by the way…keep up the good work 👍👍
Interesting, perhaps the pitch wasn't perfect? I got the X-mid 1p last year and have used it in all seasons now. A few weeks ago atop a c.550m cliff edge with fairly strong breezes. You need to pitch it for stormy conditions if it's flapping all the time (Durston has a great video on all the pitch variations). Rotate pitch so that prevailing winds hit the front or rear, and also lower the fly so that the ridge line is tought. Extra guy lines for sides helps too (sorry if you already know all this).
I’ve had mine out in high and exposed places too, but know I’ve got other tents that are better suited for that type of camp. A lower profile tent that can be pitched any way relative to the wind direction and one where you can reduce the area of inner mesh to a minimum is what I feel happier with for tougher conditions. The x-mid is a cracking shelter but nothing is perfect for all camps I guess.
@@adamsawyer1689I'm a grown man and find myself often trying to explain this too family who don't wild camp, "eh another tent how many do you think you need man" I tell them that just asking that very question shows me they'll never understand unless they actually try it.
Thanks Paul again. I have a night cat 1p paid 130 euro weight is less than 1kg I changed some of the pegs for increased confidence in windy boggy conditions here in ireland. Mine fits into a hovis bread bag! done WHW Cumbria and great Glen no problem
I use a DCF Bonfus Middas 2p (pyramid) - lots of space for my 6’6” frame and rescue dog. I bought a DCF ‘cup’ for my poles - I use both of my poles, with pole extenders, in an inverted ‘V’ to maximise the space. It has two doors and I only take the inner tent if there are bugs expected. PS big thumbs up to Valley & Peak whom you mention. Great comms and top for reliable / prompt supplier.
@@wad6216 please? I bought them from WildSkye Gear. DCF Trekking Pole Cup with Lineloc - 2.8g, £7.99. He’s a great and quick supplier with a good range of DCF products. You’re most welcome. 🤗
My wife got the Xmid 1 and I was jealous so I got one. I'm a hammocker but sometimes they aren't possible. You didn't mention the waterproof zipper which is so nice, no hanging up on a storm flap!
Yep totally agree, tip up is a terrible idea - get dirty pole handles too! Even if you don’t use hiking poles, you can get lightweight poles to use with your tent instead.
Just used my durston solid for 16 days of SWCP wild camping. So easy to pitch, a couple of minutes if it is raining and you are inside. The only downside being a large footprint which meant finding clifftop pitches were slightly more difficult to find. It coped with some pretty grizzly conditions, wind and squally rain with ease, 8 pegs for windy conditions, 5 (one for door) for still conditions or slight breeze. I am sold, great space in the inner and in the vestibules 👍
I just fiinished the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way (I did both at once) in a Lanshan 2 trekking pole tent. It stood up fine, even 30mph+ winds with my mods. But not so great on hard ground or by lochs, that's the downside of a trekking pole tent, they need tension, so rocky ground means you better hope there's isn't high wind! This is why I now have a free standing tent for those scenarios....
I got my Durston Xmid 2 - the sil-polyester version not dyneema. Set it up in the garden so far - no issues yet. I'm glad your test shows the tent works well...in the field. I always take trekking poles. It would be good to see the peg out solution for rocky ground - ie using big rocks to hold it down. I think they recommend pegging the mail guy lines in line with the center seam.
Hi, did you have a chance to test your tent, maybe in windy&rainy conditions? I'm really considering this cheaper version for my mountain adventures... Thx
Once you go to a Durston, you'll never go back. I had the original version of your tent, the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo. The amount of fiddling (even after you get really good) it requires and the serious lack of headroom across the tent in the Lanshan/Lunar is miles away from the awesomeness of the Durston. Plus, just 4 stakes is all you need... and you can set them up in 'stargazer' mode, or choke down one or both vestibules for really tight spaces. FAR stronger design than the Lanshan/Lunar.
My only trekking pole tent is the Hilleberg Anaris, not the lightest (1,4 kilos) but certainly the most bomber. I mostly use freestanding tents as I am usually hiking in the Scandinavian mountains. Just picked up the Slingfin Portal 1, seems like a dream come though for me.
I used my trekking poles 30 years ago with a scavanged (and repaired) Eureka Timberline2 rainfly i found in the trash. I was a W-EMT and NEVER leave home with out them (even now) can be used as splints, repairs, hiking, and etc.
I tried them and didn’t like them. Main reason… a flat surface is more critical than with other tents. They set up very quickly ‘initially’ but if you are forced to pitch on uneven ground you end up spending as much time again ‘tinkering’ and that advantage of a quick setup time is lost. By comparison, a freestanding tent is far less reliant on being pitched on a bowling green. Not only can you pick them up and reposition them, they just hold their shape better in the first place if you end up with one corner on a bump or in a bit of a hole. I tried the trekking pole tents at home first and loved them, but then in real world use I found them far too fiddly. This would obviously be different if I was pitching on ideal ground conditions but I tend to end up trying to position myself between rocks and ruts and huge tufts of grass… so just not for me.
Would love to see a video on why you use trekking poles and your personal pros and cons. I've used them a few times and never saw any benefits, if anything they got in the way but this might just be me using them wrong. In my personal experience I've seen more people fall over and get injured using them as they were less careful with their foot placement.
Good tip re pole tips, I have had holes in xmid develop over the grommet even without poles slipping out. The webbing holds up but the outer fly wears out over the tip eventually. They should have made it handles up pitch in the first place
Zpacks making 3 person DCF Triplex Tent. I had a few trekking poles tents from Luxe Hexpeaks to Black Diamond Beta Light. Loved the simplicity and low weight, but solid in the wind. Tried them in 3 seasons above tree line in Scotland, Norway and French Alps and they performed well. Last year finally decided to go for Tarptent Stratospire LI and absolutely love it. Even used it in Norway in winter, but in calm weather in the woods. At less than a kilo with stakes it is a great tent. Mind you I always hike with trekking poles anyway, consider them essential gear. One thing as you've mentioned, this kind of tent very much relies on solid stakes. Particularly my Stratospire Li as DCF doesn't stretch, so it directly transfers wind pressure to the stake, longer guyline can somewhat help, but solid stakes are essential.
I have used a trailstar MLD for years now .. Love the damn thing and is very versatile Used in high winds where I have seen other tents rip etc.. Only time I ever use a proper tent is when camping with the family at a "camp site" ... As too the worry about the tip ripping the sheet, If you have or a friend with a 3d printer theres loads of tip protectors you can print(if not just drop me a line and happy to print and send)... I use them and they add extra functions too...
I always carry trekking poles even on short hikes. Saved me from falling on my arse in streams and bogs more times than I care to recount. Quite fancy trying out a trekking pole tent, I do like the look of some of them.
Beautiful place. The underlight makes a great looking vid. Durston, hig buck tent. Tent affords options. Not bad. Great sky. Treking pole tent has it's place, however I'll stick with freestanding for fast extreme conditions. They do have their merits. Good vid Paul Messner, doing us older fellows proud. Next time.
Nice to see you back out camping showing how to put up thr tent looked like you were getting attacked by Flys it was nice see it was not raining about tome we got some nice weather June is coming up Saturday and sometimes it is like winter again never mind stay safe and stay healthy one life enjoy blessed be
Hilleberg Anaris has become my warm weather favourite tent when I don’t want to use a self-standing one. I’m confident the tent would handle quite a bit of weather too but didn’t have the chance to try yet.
The Durston X-Mid seems to be the shelter of choice for a lot of the guys in the UK. I have a couple of trekking pole tents , the MLD Doumid and the Hilleberg Anaris which is a brilliant tent . I use both but the room in the Anaris is like a palace , especially with dog its really handy .
Great video and a thorough explanation of the X Mid and trekking pole tent in general. I have the X Mid 2 which I use for solo backpacking Great tent for most occasions Nice one Paul. ATB
Nice tent for me to check out- you have done a great job with this review, having trekking poles already and being sturdy in the wind, light weight and a popular brand with thru hikers, I think in time I have get one of these once I decide on the fabric type. Thanks again Paul , you are just the man to do a great review !🧘🏼🌱🌿🙏
I've had a trekking pole tent since 2012, I got a Tarptent Notch, then a Tarptent Protrail. I moved to hiking with poles to make hiking easier and safer and took advantage to save weight. The downside is it's not really a basecamp solution as you either have to hike without the poles (so why?) or leave the tent pegged flattened. So I did was carry a thin CF pole as both a backup and I can use it to make a larger vestibule via a tarp. So I have the Tarptent + 2 trekking poles + tarp-ponco + pole. You attach the tarpponcho to the apex. If I want to leave the tent and hike with the poles I use the 3rd pole with the fly guy wrapped around the top. I use tip-up and place the handle end on a plastic lid like you get on horlicks, and never had the tip move. PS - my Notch cost me $319.09 / £250 in 2012, shipped within California with their $21.09 tax, with their CF folding poles, 1 pole snapped, keep the other as a backup / 3rd pole.
I've only ever had trekking pole tents, although I have also used borrowed free standing tents. The main problem I hear about free standing tents is that the poles break. You won't ever get that with a trekking pole tent. My first trekking pole tent was a Litehouse One, single skin, weighed 900-odd grammes. Low cost but flapped a lot however much I fiddled with the pitching and had terrible condensation. Next was a Luxe Hexpeak, which I still have and they are still available. I got it about seven years ago and it is a great tent for one person with loads of room for storage and also excellent headroom, with the extra height given, as Paul says, by connecting two trekking poles together (you only use two of the three pole sections, so strictly it is only 4/3 the height of one pole not 6/3). It is very stable when pegged out well and I love it. Doesn't flap much in a wind as there are no large sections. However, it weighs about 1.7kg and my Durston X-mid is only around 950g. The Durston also packs down a lot smaller and it absorbs less water when wet so it dries out quicker. Overall, I'd say the Durston X-mid 1p solid is the best tent I've ever had.
Im seriously considering a trekking pole tent for my 3 season camps,my camping buddy has a durston x mid and im seriously impressed with it, its between that and the bonfus range, dcf is tempting also, thanks Paul for the info👍
Another great video Paul , I also have a Durston Xmid 2 which I have used for a few trips . I am about to set off on the Hexatrek in France and I am choosing to take the Durston , I will probably use it for 70-80 nights camping so will do a full review of it after that
I really like my Xmid and had a lot of good use from it and bought the mesh inner last month for warm weather. But I’ve gotta say I love my duo mid and trailstar more😅
I got 4 backpacks numerous sleep systems cooksets ,clothes,boots etc. 1 TENT .Xmid 2p solid. For when you absolutely positively need a do it all tent accept no substitute
6:19 Hello Paul. I enjoy following you. Three years ago you were using a Tarptent Scarpa 1 which at the time I was drooling over, and hoping to find four x £100 notes in the lanes dropped by a passing good fairy. 🙄 I have since used other sorts, but could you tell me what made you turn away from it ? Thank you.
I used mine for WHW, Great Glen Way and Rob Roy Way ~500km in some crazy weather conditions, rain, stroms etc and survived it all in Scotland. Thats says alot lol!
The MSR Front Range is a 4 person trekking pole tent, though you have to strap two poles together which I find ...interesting. You have to buy the fly and the (mesh) inner seperately.
Paul, pls should consider contacting Dursten to send you over a review sample of the 'dynema' version of the tent to give his product exposure to a UK clientele which you tap into as a USP of yours.
I'm not sure DCF tents are really necessary in the UK. Our longest traditional "thru-hike" is about a week and the pack size of a DCF tent is bigger than the same tent in polyester or nylon. For 9/10 people it wouldn't make sense and for the 1 it would they would order it regardless.
Yup, should be out pretty soon. If you're a Durston fan, getting on FB and finding the Durston Gearheads group is pretty cool. Dan frequently interacts.
Tarp tent Trekking pole handle adapter. Is there an alternative. They are cheap enough but Tarptent charge about $50 to send to the UK. Great idea/product.
I have the OneTigris Hillridge trekking pole tent which I use when bike packing or times when I am not feeling the Tarp and hooped bivvy and I really like it that it may fast become my go to shelter
Hi Paul, I don't carry trekking poles on every hike. If I do a lot of filming I hate poles. My 14 years old Tarptent Moment is about 900g ready to go. Just 2 pegs, one minute to set up and no trekking poles needed. The DCF version is about 700g. I finished with trekking pole tents years ago. Leo
every trekking pole tent should utilize poles with tip down orientation. You can dig the tip into the ground to make it more stable and you do not scratch/ wear the handles.
Alpkit do a 4-man version of their Tarpstar tent at only 1.8kg. I'm a big fan of the tarpstar 1; the vestibule is enormous - large enough for my bike when bikepacking!
X-Mid 1 or X-Mid 2 though? Only 230g difference for the Solid versions. Is the extra space worth the larger footprint requirement, and slightly higher weight?
What’s the difference between the materials you mentioned silpoly. I’ve heard of silnylon do not know what dcf is, probably expensive. What’s the advantages/disadvantages of the two silicone poly/nylon materials.
I've moved to Trekking pole tents over the past couples of years. The #1 reason is the internal height you get, I'm 6'3" and the headroom makes a 'massive' difference...esp. if you're tent-bound
@@paulcoupland4363 Got home with parcel at front door, with "parcel requires payment before delivery". im guessing driver/courier didn't bother.. luckily my front door is behind communal coded entrance, so any tom, dick or harry could have just picked it up otherwise
If someone likes the idea of the xmid or similar, it might be worth it by getting the durston's own poles or equivalent, weighing less than 200gr for the pair, brings the xmid 1p solid to 1100gr, for instance. If tent is right for the conditions, still a lightweight setup. Meaning you've got a good option to consider whether you intend on using walking poles or not.
Trekking poles are pretty cheap to replace if you break them. But regular poles are pretty expensive. My 10 y.o. soulos poles are kind of worn, more bent than they should be. Replacement is a hefty around than 200€. On most tents, replacement poles are hard to come by or unavailable altogether.
Another great video Paul… we were on the WHW the week before you and were amazed with the number of Durstons… need to get one!! 😂 Are you wearing a Lanshan btw? 😂😂
The thing with trekking pole tents is that they are stronger for the same weight than a pole tent. You can get ultralight pole tents but they tend to use very thin materials and poles. A pyramid style tent is really good in windy conditions. The only problem is pitching them, if it's a rocky terrain you're better off with a freestanding tent.
Hey Paul, random idea and i know this was a chilled out overnight camp. but one trend i spotted that helps alot of new channels show up and get people interested is interesting meals they have on their camps. I know you used to love a good steak and onions but maybe a Camping gone Gourmet might hit the algorithim. just a thought
Hi Paul, those feet for poles are a great shout. Met a guy on campsite who ripped his xmid by misplacing the tips of his poles. Could you share a link for them please?
The 2-man Durston is only a couple of hundred grams more, and means you can usually find a decent lie inside, where with a one man you are basically stuffed if not level. Yes, bigger footprint, so maybe finding a good spot to pitch might be a little harder, although I have not found this to be a problem. With carbon poles the whole 2-man set up is still under 1.5 kg, not at all bad. While definitely not a full 4 season tent, the experienced user will be fine in most situations (Glen Brittle, Skye, 40+ mph winds and it never felt too bothered, apart from the noise! But my Hillebergs - Akto and Nallo - are noise generators in a strong blow too). As to under-tent-footprints - as per Paul's video on same - why buy a nice light-ish tent then lose that advantage with a full 70D P/U footprint (which only became a 'thing' with manufacturers' own versions this side of the millennium change)? Mind you, the 20D floor in the Durstons seems like underkill, and mainly a way to be able to promote the very low weight. I use Plastazote, closed cell sheet foam, 2 mm for summer, 3 mm in winter. It is bulky and needs folding and strapping on the outside of the pack, but the extra insulation plus floor protection is worth it. It is very lightweight, can be cut to shape if wanted, and is available in various densities. I have a piece I first used in the 1990s, and it is still in fair nick, although I have recently bought some new 1 x 2 m sheets. This won't cover the width of an average 1.2 m wide 2 man jobby, but nobody sits or sleeps on the outer 100 mm of a tent's floor. Lastly, on footprints, who needs it in the vestibule? Sit a stove on it, lean next to the stove, watch your dinner cover the footprint. Open the tent in wet weather and you have a wet vestibule. Forget the 'There will be less condensation' (sorry Bo Hilleberg, but I have never once seen a difference, with vs without) story, enjoy the grass in your porch.
if you want to be able to pitch the pegs properly (which is absolutely negessary) and to be sure to have your non symetrical inner tent where you really want to have it, than it is often times a big hassle to pitch this tent!
Can I ask a question my friend. If I pay RUclips for ad free viewing, do you still get revenue from that portion of your production? Do we have to watch your great stuff with commercials? TY
Hi Paul of all the review s you do i had to keep going back on this one , and i love your review but , where did you get this tent ?how much was it ?what is the exact name is there a slightly better one ? .if its lightweight to carry I need a tent this , two doorways adjustable Hight for hotter or colder days as a first tent for me this fits the bill , and what company did you get the shoes for the trekking polls ? to fit the tent ? if its good in the wind ish and good waterproofing is there anything you didn't like about the one in this very vlog . sorry ill slow down now very very interested in this one just don't tell the wife lol
The UK sounds ten years behind me 😅 I've had trekking pole tents and trail runners for 12 odd years or more for pole tents like MLD and 20 years for runners I had a Vasque runner 20 years ago and wet feet. I've been copying Chris Townsend for over two decades on this stuff 😊 my channel just too small to fully expose these things good job we got popular channels like yours to finally show this stuff off 😊
was just about to mention the same Tony. Good win for your mate though, eh... If you spend time getting used to setting up the MLD then it's far superior for the UK conditions. I use the OOOworks inner which is great and the carbon pole you recommended! I see Durston x mid is very popular in the states and increasingly on our shores. I certainly will not be trading my Duomid for one.
@@jameswolf8599 yeah he scored on that one it's a fab specimen than Paul had . My friend was sitting up in porch covered and loads of space so much nicer than x mid which granted is popular here it has its followers and they obviously love it 😀 but holy moses it's no duomid lol or no MLD anything lol
@@jameswolf8599 the carbon pole is a real bonus. The old ookworks inners that goes back I even have a vid with Sean back in the day not sure he's in it much lol interesting trip though
WIN a FULL WILD CAMPING SETUP. Enter here at www.messner.co.uk
First, thanks for the video! Second, here comes the unsolicited advice (sorry). Pitching a Durston is unique; you hang it rather than build it up from the ground. If you have too much lead on your corner guys when you pitch, you'll wind up with a curved wall (outward toward the ground) which reduces the structural integrity of the tent as you effectively put a spring in the sides. Choke the corner guys all the way in and peg out. I've even recommended using really thin stakes to get your rectangle by putting them through the corner loops that hold the guys, then placing the guy lines at angles that match the seam/slope, and then put your poles in. Note that the shortest guy will be on the highest corner. The pole lengths will almost never be the same length; you're trying to set it so your ridgeline is parallel to the horizon, and the gap at the base will be irregular (this makes for a consistent tension on the fly. I also noticed you could get your inner ridgeline higher, this also helps to give you more headroom. Setting the fly-to-ground distance higher will also give you more room (and since you're using a solid, there's no reason not to get more venting on wet days.
Give it a shot and see how it works for you! As soon as you start doing it, you'll see the benefit and that it's a lot quicker. Let me know if I didn't explain that so it made sense.
Love my Durston X-Mid, more than happy with it. Those little shoes for the pole handles are an excellent idea.
I just don’t trust pole tips up. It’s living on the edge 😂
@@PaulMessner same mate, makes me nervous! 😬
@@PaulMessneryou might have mentioned it in the video, but does it work with the skinny add on tips for hiking poles? Like the ones for walking on paths and stuff. Also, I love your love of the outdoors!
@@PaulMessner Do you have a link for where you got the shoes from?
Love the look of those moors. The Pennines are such a beautiful place.
I have spent a lot of nights in a Tarp Tent Rainbow trekking pole tent. I don't own it but my fellow hiker does. We have done 2 trips to Philmont (11 days backpacking) and countless backpacking trips with our Boy Scout troop. I hike with poles, so it just made sense.
Lovely to hear a curlew at 16:31, even if it did interrupt your summary a bit! 😂
Ironically I've just been thinking about this. I have a trekking pole tent and it's a tank in the wind. I feel the rigidity and thickness of the trekking poles compared to standard tent poles really makes a huge difference. Basically they ain't budging. Pitching them though correctly definitely is an art. I also recommend a decent set of pegs for the key tie out points.
Which one mate?
yes which pegs?
Lanshan 2 Pro and MSR Groundhogs
They don't move until they break. The rigidity puts a lot of stress on the fabric, seams and the stakes. Also they need to be higher to get the same usable space, that means more wind exposure. So in general I wouldn't say that they support stronger wind, the exception might be pyramid ones which is a really strong design.
@@tt-of4xv I've used trekking pole tents since 2016 in all sorts of wild conditions and never has a pole snapped on me. Whereas prior to that I've had countless tent poles break 🤷♂️
I went from Force 10 to tent to Vango Banshee 200 to Lanshans, then Six Moon Designs lunar solo, then Lunar Trekker and Lunar Scout. and now I use all three, I have have had American big tents but sold them on. Nice Vid Paul.
I’ve had an X-mid 1p for just over a year and used it many times. It’s a fantastic shelter but I avoid using it in winter or high up in exposed locations. It’s probably strong enough to survive a storm but there’d be so much flapping you’d get no sleep. Another great video by the way…keep up the good work 👍👍
Interesting, perhaps the pitch wasn't perfect? I got the X-mid 1p last year and have used it in all seasons now. A few weeks ago atop a c.550m cliff edge with fairly strong breezes. You need to pitch it for stormy conditions if it's flapping all the time (Durston has a great video on all the pitch variations). Rotate pitch so that prevailing winds hit the front or rear, and also lower the fly so that the ridge line is tought. Extra guy lines for sides helps too (sorry if you already know all this).
I’ve had mine out in high and exposed places too, but know I’ve got other tents that are better suited for that type of camp. A lower profile tent that can be pitched any way relative to the wind direction and one where you can reduce the area of inner mesh to a minimum is what I feel happier with for tougher conditions. The x-mid is a cracking shelter but nothing is perfect for all camps I guess.
@@adamsawyer1689hi Adam, what do you use for winter camps?
@@callisallen9358 usuallu a Terra Nova Laser Compact AS or a Quasar if I'm feeling energetic enough to carry the extra couple of kilos.
@@adamsawyer1689I'm a grown man and find myself often trying to explain this too family who don't wild camp, "eh another tent how many do you think you need man" I tell them that just asking that very question shows me they'll never understand unless they actually try it.
Thanks Paul again. I have a night cat 1p paid 130 euro weight is less than 1kg I changed some of the pegs for increased confidence in windy boggy conditions here in ireland. Mine fits into a hovis bread bag! done WHW Cumbria and great Glen no problem
I use a DCF Bonfus Middas 2p (pyramid) - lots of space for my 6’6” frame and rescue dog. I bought a DCF ‘cup’ for my poles - I use both of my poles, with pole extenders, in an inverted ‘V’ to maximise the space. It has two doors and I only take the inner tent if there are bugs expected.
PS big thumbs up to Valley & Peak whom you mention. Great comms and top for reliable / prompt supplier.
where did you get the DCF cups
@@wad6216 please?
I bought them from WildSkye Gear.
DCF Trekking Pole Cup with
Lineloc - 2.8g, £7.99.
He’s a great and quick supplier with a good range of DCF products.
You’re most welcome. 🤗
@@wad6216 I must have missed the word ‘please’.
From WildSkye Gear. Excellent supplier and some good kit.
My wife got the Xmid 1 and I was jealous so I got one. I'm a hammocker but sometimes they aren't possible. You didn't mention the waterproof zipper which is so nice, no hanging up on a storm flap!
Yep totally agree, tip up is a terrible idea - get dirty pole handles too! Even if you don’t use hiking poles, you can get lightweight poles to use with your tent instead.
Just used my durston solid for 16 days of SWCP wild camping. So easy to pitch, a couple of minutes if it is raining and you are inside. The only downside being a large footprint which meant finding clifftop pitches were slightly more difficult to find. It coped with some pretty grizzly conditions, wind and squally rain with ease, 8 pegs for windy conditions, 5 (one for door) for still conditions or slight breeze. I am sold, great space in the inner and in the vestibules 👍
The double edge sword! Large footprint can make it harder to find a pitch. On the other hand, it gives you acres of space.
@@ipedros7 worth it in my view, if I had been in my much smaller previous tent I would have been miserable when twice the rain set in for a few hours
@@sobobwas6871 same here. Rate mine the same, so much so that I got the durston poles for when I don't want to carry walking poles.
I just fiinished the West Highland Way and Great Glen Way (I did both at once) in a Lanshan 2 trekking pole tent. It stood up fine, even 30mph+ winds with my mods. But not so great on hard ground or by lochs, that's the downside of a trekking pole tent, they need tension, so rocky ground means you better hope there's isn't high wind!
This is why I now have a free standing tent for those scenarios....
I got my Durston Xmid 2 - the sil-polyester version not dyneema. Set it up in the garden so far - no issues yet. I'm glad your test shows the tent works well...in the field. I always take trekking poles. It would be good to see the peg out solution for rocky ground - ie using big rocks to hold it down.
I think they recommend pegging the mail guy lines in line with the center seam.
Hi, did you have a chance to test your tent, maybe in windy&rainy conditions? I'm really considering this cheaper version for my mountain adventures... Thx
I had the Xmid DCF, by the time you add up all the pegs, poles and guys it was over 1100g. Tarptent Double Rainbow li much better at 800g.
Check out the Durston Z Flick poles for trekking pole tents....
I've had my Lanshan ($120 US) for about 3 yrs now... absolutely love it. Heavy rains, no problem tho I haven't been caught in strong winds yet.
Once you go to a Durston, you'll never go back. I had the original version of your tent, the Six Moon Designs Lunar Solo. The amount of fiddling (even after you get really good) it requires and the serious lack of headroom across the tent in the Lanshan/Lunar is miles away from the awesomeness of the Durston. Plus, just 4 stakes is all you need... and you can set them up in 'stargazer' mode, or choke down one or both vestibules for really tight spaces. FAR stronger design than the Lanshan/Lunar.
My only trekking pole tent is the Hilleberg Anaris, not the lightest (1,4 kilos) but certainly the most bomber. I mostly use freestanding tents as I am usually hiking in the Scandinavian mountains. Just picked up the Slingfin Portal 1, seems like a dream come though for me.
I've read great reviews on the Slingfin!
I used my trekking poles 30 years ago with a scavanged (and repaired) Eureka Timberline2 rainfly i found in the trash. I was a W-EMT and NEVER leave home with out them (even now) can be used as splints, repairs, hiking, and etc.
I tried them and didn’t like them.
Main reason… a flat surface is more critical than with other tents.
They set up very quickly ‘initially’ but if you are forced to pitch on uneven ground you end up spending as much time again ‘tinkering’ and that advantage of a quick setup time is lost.
By comparison, a freestanding tent is far less reliant on being pitched on a bowling green. Not only can you pick them up and reposition them, they just hold their shape better in the first place if you end up with one corner on a bump or in a bit of a hole. I tried the trekking pole tents at home first and loved them, but then in real world use I found them far too fiddly. This would obviously be different if I was pitching on ideal ground conditions but I tend to end up trying to position myself between rocks and ruts and huge tufts of grass… so just not for me.
Would love to see a video on why you use trekking poles and your personal pros and cons. I've used them a few times and never saw any benefits, if anything they got in the way but this might just be me using them wrong. In my personal experience I've seen more people fall over and get injured using them as they were less careful with their foot placement.
Good tip re pole tips, I have had holes in xmid develop over the grommet even without poles slipping out. The webbing holds up but the outer fly wears out over the tip eventually. They should have made it handles up pitch in the first place
I think it's pretty simple if you use trekking poles then get a trekking pole tent. If you don't get one with poles
Zpacks making 3 person DCF Triplex Tent. I had a few trekking poles tents from Luxe Hexpeaks to Black Diamond Beta Light. Loved the simplicity and low weight, but solid in the wind. Tried them in 3 seasons above tree line in Scotland, Norway and French Alps and they performed well. Last year finally decided to go for Tarptent Stratospire LI and absolutely love it. Even used it in Norway in winter, but in calm weather in the woods. At less than a kilo with stakes it is a great tent. Mind you I always hike with trekking poles anyway, consider them essential gear. One thing as you've mentioned, this kind of tent very much relies on solid stakes. Particularly my Stratospire Li as DCF doesn't stretch, so it directly transfers wind pressure to the stake, longer guyline can somewhat help, but solid stakes are essential.
I’ve only tried one dcf tent and I found the same. The lack of stretch makes pitching more of a challenge
Golite shan gri la tents were pretty good. I used the 1 for quite a few nights. Great little tent.
I have used a trailstar MLD for years now .. Love the damn thing and is very versatile Used in high winds where I have seen other tents rip etc.. Only time I ever use a proper tent is when camping with the family at a "camp site" ... As too the worry about the tip ripping the sheet, If you have or a friend with a 3d printer theres loads of tip protectors you can print(if not just drop me a line and happy to print and send)... I use them and they add extra functions too...
I've been pondering this type if tent for a while. Your video has been super helpful. Thanks!
I got the X Mid 2 Solid when it first came out and it’s been superb! 😊
I always carry trekking poles even on short hikes. Saved me from falling on my arse in streams and bogs more times than I care to recount. Quite fancy trying out a trekking pole tent, I do like the look of some of them.
Beautiful place. The underlight makes a great looking vid. Durston, hig buck tent. Tent affords options. Not bad. Great sky. Treking pole tent has it's place, however I'll stick with freestanding for fast extreme conditions. They do have their merits. Good vid Paul Messner, doing us older fellows proud. Next time.
Nice to see you back out camping showing how to put up thr tent looked like you were getting attacked by Flys it was nice see it was not raining about tome we got some nice weather June is coming up Saturday and sometimes it is like winter again never mind stay safe and stay healthy one life enjoy blessed be
Hilleberg Anaris has become my warm weather favourite tent when I don’t want to use a self-standing one. I’m confident the tent would handle quite a bit of weather too but didn’t have the chance to try yet.
The Durston X-Mid seems to be the shelter of choice for a lot of the guys in the UK. I have a couple of trekking pole tents , the MLD Doumid and the Hilleberg Anaris which is a brilliant tent . I use both but the room in the Anaris is like a palace , especially with dog its really handy .
Great video and a thorough explanation of the X Mid and trekking pole tent in general. I have the X Mid 2 which I use for solo backpacking Great tent for most occasions Nice one Paul. ATB
Nice tent for me to check out- you have done a great job with this review, having trekking poles already and being sturdy in the wind, light weight and a popular brand with thru hikers, I think in time I have get one of these once I decide on the fabric type. Thanks again Paul , you are just the man to do a great review !🧘🏼🌱🌿🙏
I've had a trekking pole tent since 2012, I got a Tarptent Notch, then a Tarptent Protrail.
I moved to hiking with poles to make hiking easier and safer and took advantage to save weight.
The downside is it's not really a basecamp solution as you either have to hike without the poles (so why?) or leave the tent pegged flattened.
So I did was carry a thin CF pole as both a backup and I can use it to make a larger vestibule via a tarp. So I have the Tarptent + 2 trekking poles + tarp-ponco + pole. You attach the tarpponcho to the apex. If I want to leave the tent and hike with the poles I use the 3rd pole with the fly guy wrapped around the top.
I use tip-up and place the handle end on a plastic lid like you get on horlicks, and never had the tip move.
PS - my Notch cost me $319.09 / £250 in 2012, shipped within California with their $21.09 tax, with their CF folding poles, 1 pole snapped, keep the other as a backup / 3rd pole.
I've only ever had trekking pole tents, although I have also used borrowed free standing tents. The main problem I hear about free standing tents is that the poles break. You won't ever get that with a trekking pole tent. My first trekking pole tent was a Litehouse One, single skin, weighed 900-odd grammes. Low cost but flapped a lot however much I fiddled with the pitching and had terrible condensation.
Next was a Luxe Hexpeak, which I still have and they are still available. I got it about seven years ago and it is a great tent for one person with loads of room for storage and also excellent headroom, with the extra height given, as Paul says, by connecting two trekking poles together (you only use two of the three pole sections, so strictly it is only 4/3 the height of one pole not 6/3). It is very stable when pegged out well and I love it. Doesn't flap much in a wind as there are no large sections. However, it weighs about 1.7kg and my Durston X-mid is only around 950g. The Durston also packs down a lot smaller and it absorbs less water when wet so it dries out quicker. Overall, I'd say the Durston X-mid 1p solid is the best tent I've ever had.
Im seriously considering a trekking pole tent for my 3 season camps,my camping buddy has a durston x mid and im seriously impressed with it, its between that and the bonfus range, dcf is tempting also, thanks Paul for the info👍
Another great video Paul , I also have a Durston Xmid 2 which I have used for a few trips . I am about to set off on the Hexatrek in France and I am choosing to take the Durston , I will probably use it for 70-80 nights camping so will do a full review of it after that
I really like my Xmid and had a lot of good use from it and bought the mesh inner last month for warm weather. But I’ve gotta say I love my duo mid and trailstar more😅
I got 4 backpacks numerous sleep systems cooksets ,clothes,boots etc. 1 TENT .Xmid 2p solid. For when you absolutely positively need a do it all tent accept no substitute
Ditto, except my backpack and shoe collection is borderline hoarding...🤣
🤣
Pauls fault for all the stoves
Alpkit Tarpstar 2. Belter of a tent
6:19 Hello Paul. I enjoy following you. Three years ago you were using a Tarptent Scarpa 1 which at the time I was drooling over, and hoping to find four x £100 notes in the lanes dropped by a passing good fairy. 🙄 I have since used other sorts, but could you tell me what made you turn away from it ? Thank you.
Love the video as ideas go. Do you remember an old tv call "Dice Man" ? For an idea for future shows. Alton towers could be one of the options.
the vango heddon looks good for the price.
At my old age im using trecking poles all the Time now. So one of these is handy.
I used mine for WHW, Great Glen Way and Rob Roy Way ~500km in some crazy weather conditions, rain, stroms etc and survived it all in Scotland. Thats says alot lol!
The MSR Front Range is a 4 person trekking pole tent, though you have to strap two poles together which I find ...interesting. You have to buy the fly and the (mesh) inner seperately.
Paul, pls should consider contacting Dursten to send you over a review sample of the 'dynema' version of the tent to give his product exposure to a UK clientele which you tap into as a USP of yours.
I'm not sure DCF tents are really necessary in the UK. Our longest traditional "thru-hike" is about a week and the pack size of a DCF tent is bigger than the same tent in polyester or nylon. For 9/10 people it wouldn't make sense and for the 1 it would they would order it regardless.
Three person four person
MLD Duomid XL and Supermid 😉
on durston website it says they're making a free standing version with poles with the same inner sideways design, called the x dome
Yup, should be out pretty soon. If you're a Durston fan, getting on FB and finding the Durston Gearheads group is pretty cool. Dan frequently interacts.
Tarp tent Trekking pole handle adapter. Is there an alternative. They are cheap enough but Tarptent charge about $50 to send to the UK. Great idea/product.
I have the OneTigris Hillridge trekking pole tent which I use when bike packing or times when I am not feeling the Tarp and hooped bivvy and I really like it that it may fast become my go to shelter
Hi Paul, I don't carry trekking poles on every hike. If I do a lot of filming I hate poles. My 14 years old Tarptent Moment is about 900g ready to go. Just 2 pegs, one minute to set up and no trekking poles needed. The DCF version is about 700g. I finished with trekking pole tents years ago. Leo
every trekking pole tent should utilize poles with tip down orientation. You can dig the tip into the ground to make it more stable and you do not scratch/ wear the handles.
FYI Durston’s Pro series tents use tips down orientation.
Thanks
Wow thanks so much for this Geoff.
I believe ZPacks currently make two 3 person trekking pole shelters.
You're correct. They have the Triplex in two different versions (zippers and non-zippers) and an "offset" version.
Zpacks triplex is a 3p version of the duplex. Recently got the xmid solid too, havent taken it out yet but it looks fantastic
Wonderful video Paul, thanks for sharing... Although you gotta stop doing such solid reviews, my mrs is getting pissed I keep needing something new 🤣
very timely, as i had my eye on this tent
Bought my first trekking pole tent about 4 years ago and now I have two.
Alpkit do a 4-man version of their Tarpstar tent at only 1.8kg. I'm a big fan of the tarpstar 1; the vestibule is enormous - large enough for my bike when bikepacking!
done the west highland way in the xmid (non solid) last september - was absolutely fine. doing it again in october!
Reckon you'd need the solid one at all in the UK? Can't decide whether the extra cost for the solid is necessary!
@@jamicar_ solid is nice for the uk.
X-Mid 1 or X-Mid 2 though? Only 230g difference for the Solid versions. Is the extra space worth the larger footprint requirement, and slightly higher weight?
I've got the 2 solid, it's huge, especially for the weight.
What’s the difference between the materials you mentioned silpoly. I’ve heard of silnylon do not know what dcf is, probably expensive. What’s the advantages/disadvantages of the two silicone poly/nylon materials.
Would you name the inflator you used at 20:17? Thanks for showing me some where I'd like to be.
shrsl.com/4i6r8 I have discount code PAULM15 if that helps at all.
Thanks boss.
I've moved to Trekking pole tents over the past couples of years. The #1 reason is the internal height you get, I'm 6'3" and the headroom makes a 'massive' difference...esp. if you're tent-bound
here in new york i have 2 river country trekker 2 tents, love them.
Have the Pro 2+ and can't fault it, especially as I didn't get collared with import tax :-) and will be using on Cumbria Way in July
How did you escape the import tax?
+1 on the "how did you escape the tax?". Which product category did you pick?
@@paulcoupland4363 Got home with parcel at front door, with "parcel requires payment before delivery". im guessing driver/courier didn't bother.. luckily my front door is behind communal coded entrance, so any tom, dick or harry could have just picked it up otherwise
@paulmessner What is the waterproof poncho that you are wearing at the end of this video?
Whats the hoodie youre wearing in this? Looks like alpha direct fleece but I don't recognise the brand. Thanks
Very good and informative video Paul, well done mate
Can you recommend a pop up tent for 4pax
Really nice video,do u have any regrets not getting the 2p?i currently have the 2p lanshan and i d like to upgrade to xmid 1 or 2.I hike solo.Thank u
Hey Paul! Do you have a link to those little shoes you use for the trekking poles? Can’t seem to find them at Tarptent. They’re brilliant
Love your vibe man..
I used to put a Josh stick in my tent they smell nice, but midges dont like the smoke.
If someone likes the idea of the xmid or similar, it might be worth it by getting the durston's own poles or equivalent, weighing less than 200gr for the pair, brings the xmid 1p solid to 1100gr, for instance. If tent is right for the conditions, still a lightweight setup. Meaning you've got a good option to consider whether you intend on using walking poles or not.
Great spot was there a few times in the hilleberg 🤫😀
Trekking poles are pretty cheap to replace if you break them. But regular poles are pretty expensive.
My 10 y.o. soulos poles are kind of worn, more bent than they should be. Replacement is a hefty around than 200€.
On most tents, replacement poles are hard to come by or unavailable altogether.
So lucky to see your beautiful videos!
I have the lanshan 2 !!, when I can actually make the decision to get the x-mid 1or 2 ?????, I will get the x-mid ( not pro ).....
Where do you get the tarp tent pole shoes from? Can't Google for them, nothing pops up.
Another great video Paul… we were on the WHW the week before you and were amazed with the number of Durstons… need to get one!! 😂
Are you wearing a Lanshan btw? 😂😂
Lanshan 2 is the goat nothing like it in terms of weight and fookin banginess for the price
Another great video Paul.
The thing with trekking pole tents is that they are stronger for the same weight than a pole tent. You can get ultralight pole tents but they tend to use very thin materials and poles. A pyramid style tent is really good in windy conditions. The only problem is pitching them, if it's a rocky terrain you're better off with a freestanding tent.
Nice little camp in the 'Special place' ;) All the best Mr Jiggs
Fantastic video Paul. TY
Hey Paul, random idea and i know this was a chilled out overnight camp. but one trend i spotted that helps alot of new channels show up and get people interested is interesting meals they have on their camps.
I know you used to love a good steak and onions but maybe a Camping gone Gourmet might hit the algorithim. just a thought
Hi Paul, those feet for poles are a great shout. Met a guy on campsite who ripped his xmid by misplacing the tips of his poles. Could you share a link for them please?
Don’t have the exact link but it’s from tarptent.com
The 2-man Durston is only a couple of hundred grams more, and means you can usually find a decent lie inside, where with a one man you are basically stuffed if not level. Yes, bigger footprint, so maybe finding a good spot to pitch might be a little harder, although I have not found this to be a problem. With carbon poles the whole 2-man set up is still under 1.5 kg, not at all bad. While definitely not a full 4 season tent, the experienced user will be fine in most situations (Glen Brittle, Skye, 40+ mph winds and it never felt too bothered, apart from the noise! But my Hillebergs - Akto and Nallo - are noise generators in a strong blow too). As to under-tent-footprints - as per Paul's video on same - why buy a nice light-ish tent then lose that advantage with a full 70D P/U footprint (which only became a 'thing' with manufacturers' own versions this side of the millennium change)? Mind you, the 20D floor in the Durstons seems like underkill, and mainly a way to be able to promote the very low weight. I use Plastazote, closed cell sheet foam, 2 mm for summer, 3 mm in winter. It is bulky and needs folding and strapping on the outside of the pack, but the extra insulation plus floor protection is worth it. It is very lightweight, can be cut to shape if wanted, and is available in various densities. I have a piece I first used in the 1990s, and it is still in fair nick, although I have recently bought some new 1 x 2 m sheets. This won't cover the width of an average 1.2 m wide 2 man jobby, but nobody sits or sleeps on the outer 100 mm of a tent's floor. Lastly, on footprints, who needs it in the vestibule? Sit a stove on it, lean next to the stove, watch your dinner cover the footprint. Open the tent in wet weather and you have a wet vestibule. Forget the 'There will be less condensation' (sorry Bo Hilleberg, but I have never once seen a difference, with vs without) story, enjoy the grass in your porch.
Cracking video paul appreciated as always all the best marra 🏕⛰️
if you want to be able to pitch the pegs properly (which is absolutely negessary) and to be sure to have your non symetrical inner tent where you really want to have it, than it is often times a big hassle to pitch this tent!
Can I ask a question my friend. If I pay RUclips for ad free viewing, do you still get revenue from that portion of your production? Do we have to watch your great stuff with commercials? TY
Hi Paul of all the review s you do i had to keep going back on this one , and i love your review but , where did you get this tent ?how much was it ?what is the exact name is there a slightly better one ? .if its lightweight to carry I need a tent this , two doorways adjustable Hight for hotter or colder days as a first tent for me this fits the bill , and what company did you get the shoes for the trekking polls ? to fit the tent ? if its good in the wind ish and good waterproofing is there anything you didn't like about the one in this very vlog . sorry ill slow down now very very interested in this one just don't tell the wife lol
Anyone have experience of the X-Mid in solid vs non-solid version, and know if the non-solid is sufficient for UK use?
The UK sounds ten years behind me 😅 I've had trekking pole tents and trail runners for 12 odd years or more for pole tents like MLD and 20 years for runners I had a Vasque runner 20 years ago and wet feet. I've been copying Chris Townsend for over two decades on this stuff 😊 my channel just too small to fully expose these things good job we got popular channels like yours to finally show this stuff off 😊
Ahead of your time mate. 😂
10 years behind whom?
was just about to mention the same Tony. Good win for your mate though, eh... If you spend time getting used to setting up the MLD then it's far superior for the UK conditions. I use the OOOworks inner which is great and the carbon pole you recommended! I see Durston x mid is very popular in the states and increasingly on our shores. I certainly will not be trading my Duomid for one.
@@jameswolf8599 yeah he scored on that one it's a fab specimen than Paul had . My friend was sitting up in porch covered and loads of space so much nicer than x mid which granted is popular here it has its followers and they obviously love it 😀 but holy moses it's no duomid lol or no MLD anything lol
@@jameswolf8599 the carbon pole is a real bonus. The old ookworks inners that goes back I even have a vid with Sean back in the day not sure he's in it much lol interesting trip though