Drop + Dan Durston X-Mid Double Walled Backpacking Tent

Last updated: April 20, 2021


You'll get plenty of space for sleeping and relaxing in this pole shelter, which can be supported by the same trekking poles you're using for hiking. This simple design means you can save space in your backpack while still ensuring you have a place to sleep at night. Setup is a breeze, thanks to a design that lets you just insert the poles into the grommet and adjust until it's taut.

Drop + Dan Durston X-Mid Double Walled Backpacking Tent

We looked at the top Backpacking Tents and dug through the reviews from some of the most popular review sites. Through this analysis, we've determined the best Backpacking Tent you should buy.

Product Details

Key Takeaway: This shelter sets up using just a couple of trekking poles to keep things simple.

In our analysis of 17 expert reviews, the Drop + Dan Durston X-Mid Double Walled Backpacking Tent placed 4th when we looked at the top 7 products in the category. For the full ranking, see below.

From The Manufacturer

ULTIMATE ULTRALIGHT TENT: Designed to be the best double-wall solo shelter supported by trekking poles (NOT INCLUDED). All told, it’s simpler, roomier, and more functional than its competitors—and at just 28 ounces, it’s lighter, too. SPACIOUS TREKKING POLE SHELTER: The X-Mid offers a generous living space with dual doors and an easy setup using four stakes, no guylines, and interior ridgeline pocket provides handy internal storage. Dual vestibules provide easy access and gear space. SIMPLE PITCH: Pitching the X-Mid is similar to pitching a single-pole mid tent. There’s no guesswork with pole locations or pole lengths, because the fly naturally limits the length of the poles. Simply insert them into the grommets and extend until taut. INNOVATIVE DESIGN: Innovative design with a diagonal inner inside a rectangular-based fly. This allows the poles to be moved inwards without interfering with doors and living space, eliminating vertical, wind-catching walls and the need for peak guyouts. STORM WORTHY MATERIALS: The tent is made of 20d 420T 100-percent polyester with a 2000mm sil/PU coating. Tested under extreme lab conditions simulating 1.5 months of continuous high winds and heavy rains, the fabric still came out above 1500mm. MADE FOR THRU HIKERS: Tent pitches fly first so inner stays dry even during setup in the rain, inner is fully protected from falling rain during entry and exit, Packs into a short 12″ x 5″ package that stores horizontally inside a pack, fully seam taped DAN DURSTON: the X-Mid is the brainchild of Dan Durston, experienced thru-hiker and established member of the ultralight community. Carefully crafted and designed for real trail conditions with an emphasis on simplicity and durability. NITTY GRITTY: Fly Weight 18oz, Inner weight 9.9oz. Fly Dimensions 67 x 100 x 46in., Inner peak height 43in. Floor Dimensions 28 x 86in, 16.8 sq. ft. Packed Size 12 x 5in. Trekking Poles Required for Setup NOT INCLUDED. Sport type: Outdoor Lifestyle. Care instructions: Hand Wash.

Expert Reviews


What reviewers liked

What sets it aside from the competition is a winning combination of low cost, low weight, a ton of livable area and great condensation control.

What reviewers didn't like

One of the only downsides to the design of the tent is the large sidewalls, a necessity for the doors. On these large walls, there is no tie-out (guy line) in the middle.
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