Hot on the heels of the X-Dome 1+ release, Durston has ducked back into the workshop, fine-tuning its already-slim tents to shed a few more ounces. Among a gaggle of tents, the X-Mid 2 stands out in particular. Durston has managed to trim X-Mid’s weight from the 2.4 lb (1.1 kg) of the original 2019 model to 1.9 lbs (880 g) in its 2025 iteration. A drop of 0.5 lbs won’t mean something had it been a camper trailer or a mobile home, but every ounce counts when trekking high up the mountain with a tent.
When I first heard of the significant weight drop, I was skeptical. I’ve been burned before by gear that sounds great on paper but sags in the wild. But after digging into what makes this tent tick, I’m convinced there’s something special here. Case in point: its weight. The tent weighs less than 2 lbs. The low weight however doesn’t imply that Durston wants you to compromise on interior space or the ruggedness it offers. Most ultralight tents get their low weight by shrinking down or cutting back-thinner fabrics, less space, flimsier storm resistance. The X-Mid 2 does the opposite. Instead of sacrificing, it leans on a clever design that squeezes every ounce of efficiency out of its materials.
As per the makers, “The X-Mid 2 saves weight through efficient design such as a trekking pole structure that is both stronger and lighter than traditional tent poles, and a geometry that maximizes the volume possible from the fabric area. In doing so, the X-Mid 2 achieves its low weight while also being a robust shelter for tough conditions.”
New Atlas further explains, “Duston uses two trekking poles that are set up to the sides of the left- and right-side doorways, providing clear ingress/egress and better space management for the two vestibules. Magnetic fly door toggles make it easier to open and close the fly doors with one hand.” Another secret for supreme weight loss lies in the material choice. Durston relies on a combination of ultralight 15D sil-polyester fabric, narrow seams, and narrow seam tape to shave weight without sacrificing overall space or performance.
Let’s get down to the most important aspect, which is the weather. Though I recommend everyone to check for the weather before hiking or camping up the mountain, chances are some Gen Z’s are still going to go against the grain. Understandably so, with the adrenaline rush they have, compared to my age. But with X-Mid 2 handy, no matter how much the wind howls or rain pelts. You are in safe hands. Well, I am not the one saying so; it’s what the company claims.
The X-Mid 2 features a double-wall design to keep condensation at bay, a full-coverage fly that hugs low to block drafts and splatter, and a fly-first pitch so the inner stays dry when you’re setting in a downpour. On top of that, the polyester fabric doesn’t sag or soak up water like nylon, and you’ve got large, adjustable vents, beefy waterproof coatings, factory-sealed seams, and doorways that keep rain out even when unzipped. I’ve yet to find another tent that checks every box like this.
Another USP of the tent is its shape. “Other tents have flatter roof panels that catch snow and flatter sidewalls that catch the wind, while the X-Mid 2 puts every panel at a balanced 50-55 degrees to deliver strong all-around performance,” claim the makers. Boasting features like that, I believe the tent is ready for gusts in Alaska’s Brooks Range or a snowy night on the Tour de Mont Blanc. I’ve seen tents buckle under less; this one’s built to take it.
Last but not the least, it is easy to pitch. If you scour Reddit, you will realize that the common problem an amateur camper deals with is pitching the tent. But when it comes to X-Mid 2, pitching isn’t a hassle. All you have to do is push four stakes in the ground, and that’s it. No mandatory guylines, no weird angles, or fiddly struts! I can’t even dare to compare the process with traditional pole tents that feel like a puzzle. Anyway, once the tent’s up, it offers big doorways free of pole obstacles, roomy vestibules that don’t block your way, and a lot of zippers for storing gear.
Also Read: Xenonest is a Two-Story Tent Best-Suited for Bigger Families
Calling something a 2-person tent is a bold claim when most barely fit one comfortably. The X-Mid 2 backs it up. The tent offers a 52-inch wide floor and a 92-inch length. This is big enough for two people. Not to mention, the diagonal ridgeline boosts plenty of headroom and lets you spread out, while dual 11.5 sq ft vestibules keep packs and boots close but out of the way.
This isn’t some mass-produced knockoff you would see on Kickstarter. The X-Mid 2 comes from a factory with nearly 70 years of tent-making pedigree, and it shows. For the time being, the tent is priced at just $280, half the price of the Elite 2 by ROMR Gear.
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