That Tent Question

[Moff]

Been pontificating over tent options (current setup: Tarp & Bivi bag not that they've see light of night for quiet a while) and keep on going around in circles....

Got a couple of trips (hopefully) coming up where a more enclosed shelter would be beneficial (for everyone else) as will be staying on campsites. A tent would also be a bit nicer in the less that pleasant weather we are often given.
Started looking at Lanshan's and Luna Solo's etc, then contemplated twin skin solo tents, but then a 2-person option might be nicer.....!

Like the idea of light (up to 1kg and a touch), compact and not mega money..... just get a Luna Solo style, right?
But what about freestanding, that could be good..... Nemo Dragonfly, MSR Hubba Hubba (Bikepack versions) etc.....
Then I'm planning to do an OMM and I'd love to get my daughter out (though that may a few tears off yet)......so Nemo Dragonfly 2p, Hubba Hubba 2p, Nordisk Telemark 2.2LW....now were getting expensive!!!

Too many dilemmas...thoughts?

and yes I did do a search, but too many results yields no search.

[Bearbonesnorm]

What's - not too expensive? That'll always be the bug-bear when trying to satisfy the other criteria.

[Al]

I bought a lanshan pro ages ago with a view to getting a Luna solo if I liked it. I never got one, very happy with the lanshan.
It pretty light, well made and didn't cost a fortune. I like the fact it's quick to set up and offers lots of space and respite from slugs and midges. Not as adaptable as the tarp and bag setup, but seems like less faff to me.

[Boab]

I have a Lanshan 1 Pro, it's a condensation generator; I really wanted a Lunar Solo, but the opportunity was too good to pass up. I like the look of the SMD Skyscape Trekker 1P, but the lure of a Dyneema tent is quite high...

You might be interested in reading this though - https://theradavist.com/durston-x-mid-1p-tent-review/

[redefined_cycles]

I'd just look at getting a Dan Durston imported from the US/Canada website. It's super easy these days and I'm sure you'll be super impressed. Under 1kg for 2 people and a touch under £400 all in.

[redefined_cycles]

Oh... and it's 2 skin AFAIR.

[Moff]

What's - not too expensive? That'll always be the bug-bear when trying to satisfy the other criteria.

Of course one persons mega money is another persons pocket money.

Yep, should have quantified that bit… up to £350, maybe more if I can justify multipurpose use over a good number of years.

[yourguitarhero]

Very happy with my Durston x-mid 1.

Never had condensation issues.

Twin pole set up is nicer than a single central pole - better angles at the edges so your head/feet don't touch the ends. Easier to get in and out of too.

Very well made tent too, lots of nice touches and seemingly good QC.

The z-flick poles are worth getting too, they pack down very small so are good for on the bike.

[Alpinum]

Regarding Durston X-Mid:

We've used ours on about 25 nights and the zips are already failing. Not the easy fix failure, but the one where you actually have to replace the whole thing since it's fraying along the full length.
The mesh fabric is showing use much faster than any other mesh I ever experienced.

Just spotted this on the last trip and will stop to recommend them.

There's some poor quality materials in use.

[The Cumbrian]

If you're looking at freestanding options, I've recently got a Kuiu Mountain Star and I'm very impressed with it so far. It's snug (but possible) for two, palatial for one and didn't move at all during a recent windy summit camp. It goes up fly first or all at once and of course they're on sale now for over a hundred pounds less than what I paid...

https://www.kuiu.com/products/mountains ... r3EALw_wcB

[Teaman]

Regarding Durston X-Mid:

We've used ours on about 25 nights and the zips are already failing. Not the easy fix failure, but the one where you actually have to replace the whole thing since it's fraying along the full length.
The mesh fabric is showing use much faster than any other mesh I ever experienced.

Just spotted this on the last trip and will stop to recommend them.

There's some poor quality materials in use.

In light of the problems you’ve had with your Durston, have you taken that up with Durston and have you had any response? (I think I read that they are normally excellent with their customer service/feedack). Do you think you were just unlucky and got a duff one? I recently came across a keen hiker using a Durston in the Highlands and got to have a chat with him about it. He was raving about it and said it was now his go to tent and he didn’t even use his Hiilberg anymore! Said it had held up incredibly well in some proper stormy weather, loved the space and how light it was etc. His only negative was that he had an extra big delivery charge as the courier charges extra for the highlands and don’t treat it as the UK mainland even though he was only near Fort William

Anyone any idea on how easy it would be to purchase one whilst in America and bring it back? As they only sell direct, it looks like it would have to be sent to an American address and then picked up from there.

[BridlewayBimbler]

Regarding Durston X-Mid:

We've used ours on about 25 nights and the zips are already failing. Not the easy fix failure, but the one where you actually have to replace the whole thing since it's fraying along the full length.
The mesh fabric is showing use much faster than any other mesh I ever experienced.

Just spotted this on the last trip and will stop to recommend them.

There's some poor quality materials in use.

That's a bit concerning considering it's a premium product!

[riderdown]

I bought one these. https://www.sportpursuit.com/catalog/pr ... id/2679553

Weight is genuine

It's a copy of an MSR or something

Out of stock but one might pop up on fleabay

[ootini]

I love my SMD Skyscape Scout

https://ultralightoutdoorgear.co.uk/sky ... solo-tent/

[Alpinum]

Regarding Durston X-Mid:

We've used ours on about 25 nights and the zips are already failing. Not the easy fix failure, but the one where you actually have to replace the whole thing since it's fraying along the full length.
The mesh fabric is showing use much faster than any other mesh I ever experienced.

Just spotted this on the last trip and will stop to recommend them.

There's some poor quality materials in use.

That's a bit concerning considering it's a premium product!

Who says it's premium? I think it's cheap(ish) and this is reflected also by the price (compared to other small brands with same fabrics).

[yourguitarhero]

Yes, I would say it's midrange in price. A lot of the value is in the design. And a chunk of the cost is in postage and import duties.
Probably equivalent to the Alpkit Tarpstar (£180) in cost but I think it is a better tent (at £186 before shipping/taxes)

The Z-Flick poles you can get with it are very good for bikepacking. They pack down much smaller than even the more compact hiking poles (I have 4 piece hiking poles and there is a noticeable difference for packing on your bike)

[rudedog]

No idea if this a a good tent but £150 seems very cheap for a sub 900g tent :

https://www.millets.co.uk/19611429/oex- ... --19611429

Looks like a clone if the old vango helium ultra light

[faustus]

Seen a couple of video reviews of this, and it looks decent value - though like many of the others, you pay extra for a footprint/proper groundsheet. I saw it in my local Go Outdoors and it seems pretty decent...certainly good value. Had a little poke around, and the inner groundsheet is very thin, so the footprint is probably a must. Not so keen on the colour personally.

I've also been looking into 'That Tent' question a fair bit lately, and have been going round in circles a bit. It's not easy finding the right balance of compromises for your needs with ultralight tents, and you have to look closely at designs, sizes, and if poles/footprint whatever are included. Can easily add £30-£50+ to the equation...Not much mention of the Alpkit Tarpstar 1, any experiences anyone? In 1 person inner configuration it looks like a decent amount of space, again needs a pole and potentially footprint/groundsheet. Read a few pros/cons but any experiences?

[Lazarus]

Trekker stealth
Like mine but put it in the small.tent / big(huge) bivvy category
Has withstood some pretty poor weather and kept me dry and (just) enough room.to get changed inside / pack up.
Wish it was a tad higher for easy in and out but they are all a compromise .
Its about 800g all in with peg and poles (.carbon from stu)

[BridlewayBimbler]

Regarding Durston X-Mid:

We've used ours on about 25 nights and the zips are already failing. Not the easy fix failure, but the one where you actually have to replace the whole thing since it's fraying along the full length.
The mesh fabric is showing use much faster than any other mesh I ever experienced.

Just spotted this on the last trip and will stop to recommend them.

There's some poor quality materials in use.

That's a bit concerning considering it's a premium product!

Who says it's premium? I think it's cheap(ish) and this is reflected also by the price (compared to other small brands with same fabrics).

Clearly you and I have vastly different views on what is 'cheapish '?
Everyone seems to rave about Durston tents in various forum. I would like to think spending over 300quid on a tent would mean the zips weren't made of chocolate?

[Alpinum]

Regarding Durston X-Mid:

We've used ours on about 25 nights and the zips are already failing. Not the easy fix failure, but the one where you actually have to replace the whole thing since it's fraying along the full length.
The mesh fabric is showing use much faster than any other mesh I ever experienced.

Just spotted this on the last trip and will stop to recommend them.

There's some poor quality materials in use.

That's a bit concerning considering it's a premium product!

Who says it's premium? I think it's cheap(ish) and this is reflected also by the price (compared to other small brands with same fabrics).

Clearly you and I have vastly different views on what is 'cheapish '?
Everyone seems to rave about Durston tents in various forum. I would like to think spending over 300quid on a tent would mean the zips weren't made of chocolate?

There have alao been complaints - that's what I also see, next to all the "it's so great! I've used it 5x ans it was vaguely exciting!" (I felt similar about it for the first few nights out).
By cheap I'm comparing it to what I regard as premium products (although one of my favourite tents ever was cheap) and then off course the build quality is rather cheap, or at least was for the first two generations.
I've contacted them stating the issues I've had and suggested options how I see easiest to deal with them. They need order numbers and photos which I wasn't able to provide, since I've been travelling a bit (with a different tent ). But will be home tomorrow and see how it goes.

[JackT]

Appears as thought Valley and Peak are now a Durston stockist for the UK.

https://valleyandpeak.co.uk/collections/durston-gear

But there's quite a price uplift on the US RRP, though this may equalise with duty, VAT and shipping from the US.

The XMids do look good (I've not got one so only going on what others have said). And Dan Durston himself comes across as very responsive and helpful on various camping forums and on FB. If Valley and Peak are an official UK stockist that might help expedite any quality control issues / warrantee claims.

But still, expensive. And not good to hear that about the zips and the mesh. I picked up a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 on a half price sale at Sigma Sport a while ago. It's an impressively spacious tent for the weight, but the materials do seem gossamer thin. I sometimes wonder if things have just gone too far on the lightweight materials, with 15D and 10D fairly commonplace when not so long ago 40D was considered light.

I keep returning to my Terra Nova Laser Comp when a one-person tent is required. A shade under 1kg and though cosy to say the least for a six-footer, not claustrophobically so. You can just about cook in the vestibule. Pitches fly first, or all-in-one, which are both regarded as assets for UK conditions. Can also be pitched fly only. They come up fairly often secondhand on eBay and other classifieds, often for a shade over £100. There's a 2 person model too, but fewer of those on the 2nd hand market.

[whitestone]

I picked up a Big Agnes Copper Spur HV UL2 on a half price sale at Sigma Sport a while ago. It's an impressively spacious tent for the weight, but the materials do seem gossamer thin. I sometimes wonder if things have just gone too far on the lightweight materials, with 15D and 10D fairly commonplace when not so long ago 40D was considered light.

We've got that model, had it about four years now, no problems so far after maybe 30+ nights of use. We got the footprint as well which does give a bit more protection to the groundsheet. Big downside is pitching inner first.

[Dave Barter]

I’ve got a Big Agnes Fly Creek which I really rate. I used it hiking the Cape Wrath Trail in some horrific weather and it held up. Definitely needs the footprint as the base is way too flimsy and it has to be put up inner first which is pants in bad weather. Not enough to make me look elsewhere though. I had a Gatewood cape before this but never got on with it

[yourguitarhero]

I did 4 weeks in the Pyrenees with mine on a n off road motorbike this summer, probably slept in it for 20 nights or so.
No issues with the zips or anything like that.

Mine is around 18 months old I think? Bought from Kasivo in Canada.
I'm not sure what version that makes it, but QC seems fine from my small sample perspective.

They do seem to be an iterative design with small changes being made from user feedback