DURSTON GEAR
The X-Mid line represents the pinnacle of ultralight tent design. These tents are designed from the first principles of geometry combined with extensive field experience to deliver a shelter that really works when you need it to: Simple to pitch, ultralight, stormworthy, spacious and premium quality in both materials and craftsmanship.
What the Community Has Said
The X-Mid was among the most popular tents in our thru-hiking survey this year and also got a strong vote of support from the comments section last time we published this list, earning it the title of Fan Favorite. It’s easy to see why.
The Trek![]()
The Best Thru-Hiking Tents of 2022
“Exceptionally high quality. Field performance was outstanding…an excellent size-to-weight ratio for a dual-pole, double-wall, two-person tent….Overall, it has simply been a joy to use.”
Backpacking Light![]()
Highly Recommended
The X-Mid 1P is a double-wall trekking pole tent for one person that is simple to set up, well made, and quite affordable. Weighing under 28 oz, it's also quite lightweight and a really great deal for backpackers who want to reduce their gear weight.
Section Hiker![]()
One of 10 Best Backpacking Tents
It’s easy to see why the X-Mid a fan favorite. It’s reasonably lightweight, simple to pitch, and has plenty of space, including two doors and vestibules—a luxurious touch for a one-person shelter.
The Trek![]()
Best Backpacking Tents of 2021
This is a well-designed tent made by someone who has hiked a lot of miles. It’s well-engineered for livable space, relatively easy to pitch, and the double-wall design is a key factor in reducing condensation. We love the ease of use with the two doors and vestibules.
Adventure Alan![]()
Top Pick 2021
The Durston X-Mid 1P combines the luxuries of a double-wall tent and the simplicity of a traditional tarp, making it one of our favorite shelters that we've tested to date.
The Gear Lab![]()
Labeled as a Best Buy
The Durston X-Mid 2 is one of the most hyped products in the ultralight backpacking world, and it lives up to, and maybe even surpasses, that hype.
I RUN FAR![]()
Best Ultralight Tents of 2022
The Durston Gear Kakwa 40 Backpack is a small-volume pack capable of carrying heavier loads. The Durston Kakwa 40 offers a light but strong internal frame that can support heavier loads.
Backpacking Light![]()
2022 Members Choice Awards
FUNDAMENTAL DESIGN PHILOSOPHY
Durston Gear is grounded in four core philosophies: First Principles Design, Coherent Design, Field Validation, and Quality.
Getting to know
Dan Durston
Dan has been a hiker and adventurer for nearly 20 years. He has amassed hundreds of nights in the outdoors and written thousands of technical gear posts in ultralight online communities like BackpackingLight.com and r/Ultralight. Never content with the status quo, Dan has been building his own gear for over a decade, including building a tent with DCF way back in 2009 before most other companies working with DCF even existed.
