I stumbled across the X-Mid while searching for a tent to begin backpacking that was quality and wouldn't break my back or spirits on a 200-mile trek. Durston delivered and ever since I have always added his comanies gear. Enter the X-Mid Pro 2, at just over a pound, it's practically weightless. But here's the kicker—it's actually comfortable. Like, sit-up-straight, stretch-your-legs comfortable. Not that sardine-can nonsense most ultralight shelters offer. Trust me, I've suffered through enough cramped nights to know the difference. Want to hear why this shelter might actually be worth the hype?
Ultralight tents usually come with ultralight compromises. Not for me so far with the X-Mid Pro 2. I've tested many shelters over the years, and this one's different. Really different. With the new version coming in at just 17.9 ounces with the DCF floor (or 19.9 if you choose Silnylon woven as I did), it delivers an astonishing amount of livable space.
Let's talk about that space. The rectangular 90 x 52 inch floor easily fits two wide sleeping pads. No awkward tapering or tight quarters here. The 49-inch peak height means most individuals can sit up comfortably. Having a diagonal ridgeline? Pure genius.
The diagonal ridgeline creates headroom exactly where you need it—no more hunching like a cave troll during trailside wardrobe changes.
Setup is stupid simple. Four stakes minimum, five if you choose to pin a door. Rectangular footprint. No protractor required to measure weird angles. The twin offset poles naturally limit to the correct height, and you can pitch this thing in under two minutes once you've practiced.
The DCF construction is impervious to rain and snow. It's insanely waterproof (8,000mm rating) and doesn't sag when wet like silnylon. The tent features hot-bonded seams that significantly enhance durability and waterproofing compared to traditional stitching. Having huge angled sides ensures the rain or snow outside just sluffs off onto the ground without issue and the same peaked walls keep condensation falling to the outside, not on your face. Those fancy YKK AquaGuard zippers on the fly? They keep water where it belongs – outside.
And those magnetic door toggles? Pure satisfaction when they snap together. Also amazing on cold as hell days where your fingers just cant work for ties.
Weather performance is solid. The full coverage fly extends low, blocking drafts and rain splatter. Large adjustable vents manage condensation effectively. The consistently moderate slope panels handle wind and snow loads without drama. No flapping of fabric to keep you awake all night in all but the worst winds.
Dual doors and vestibules mean no crawling over your tent partner for midnight bathroom breaks. Each person gets their own entrance and gear storage. Civilization in the wilderness.
At $739 for DCF floor, or $639 for woven it's not cheap. But for DCF, that's competitive. Most similar tents cost more and weigh more. Absurd, right? You're getting premium materials, thoughtful design, and a 2-year warranty.
Bottom line: the X-Mid Pro 2 delivers luxury without the weight penalty. It's a tent for people who hate compromising but still count ounces. The patented geometry just works. Period.
Durston Gear
Try finding another sub-20-ounce tent with this much usable space. I'll wait.
